Where to Turn for Help for Older Persons: A Guide for Action on Behalf of an Older PersonAnswers the most frequently asked questions or issues in the most significant life areas. Assists in finding help when faced with an urgent situation regarding an elderly family member, friend of neighbor. Covers: finances (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid), health (nursing care, day care, HMOs), community services (depression, transportation), food (diet, shopping assistance), legal issues (living wills, "right to die" statutes), death and dying (making a will), shelter (retirement communities, home repair). Directory of state agencies on aging. |
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accessory apartment Adult Services Agency on Aging agency to help apply for Medicare apply for Social Area Agency assistance attorney-in-fact available to older Call Commission on Aging communities offer death benefits decision disabled Division Echo Housing Elderly Affairs Exemption and/or Deferrals factor in remaining family members Federal Fraser Fisk Health Maintenance Organization health services helps pay home delivered meals home health home improvement information and referral inpatient issues Item(s legal device limited income living arrangements long term Medicaid programs medical equipment medical services Medicare benefits mental health munities offer Need help Need more informa Nursing Home Ombudsman Office on Aging Older Americans Act older person lives page 37 patient persons over 65 physician Power of Attorney rangements Respite Care right to die Security Income SSI services are available Shared housing Social Security office social worker Supplemental Security Income telephone number term care facilities ticipate tion Veterans
Popular passages
Page 25 - ... attorney-in-fact" the authority to act on his or her behalf. The attorney-in-fact is authorized to handle banking and real estate, incur expenses, pay bills and handle a wide variety of legal affairs for a specified period of time. The Power of Attorney can continue indefinitely during the lifetime of the principal so long as that person is competent and capable of granting power of attorney. If the principal becomes comatose or mentally incompetent, the Power of Attorney automatically expires...
Page 10 - HEALTH Older persons and their families need to take an active role in selecting the most suitable facility and service to meet the needs of the older persons.* 2. Health/Psychiatric Services Good mental health is an important factor in remaining independent for as long as possible. Mental health care and diagnostic services may be obtained through private means such as psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Other mental health professionals, such as psychiatric nurses and social workers provide help...
Page 27 - ISSUES tion of property and if appropriate, how that property is to be used after a person dies. Information about burial or cremation can also be included. A will designates an individual or individuals to serve as the executor(s) responsible for carrying out the instructions of the will. Generally, a will makes it easier to settle affairs more quickly and with less legal expense. 5. The "Right to Die": Living Wills Public attention is increasingly focused on "right to die" issues as advancing medical...
Page 12 - However, in some cases when family supports are either not available or needs exceed what families can provide, it becomes necessary for the older person to move into a nursing home. Different nursing homes offer different levels of care. The types of nursing homes include: A. A Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)-is a nursing home which provides 24 hour-a-day nursing services for a person who has serious health care needs but does not require the intense level of care provided in a hospital. Rehabilitation...
Page 25 - Such services are designed to safeguard the rights and interests of older persons, to protect them from harm, to protect the property of older persons and to provide advice and counsel to older persons and their families in dealing with financial and business concerns. Many communities have a Bar Association which makes referrals to practicing attorneys. Some legal issues that older persons and their families may be interested in could include: 1 . Power of Attorney This is a legal device which permits...
Page 26 - Guardianship or conservatorship is a legal mechanism by which the court declares a person incompetent and appoints a guardian. The court transfers the responsibility for managing financial affairs, living arrangements, and medical care decisions to the guardian.* 4.
Page 16 - Ombudsman responsible for investigating and resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities.
Page 25 - ... family—and can help you or a family member make wise decisions. LEGAL DEFINITIONS Many communities offer legal services. For those elderly who are unable to manage their own affairs appropriately, legal and/or protective services may be needed. Such services are designed to safeguard the rights and interests of older persons, to protect them from harm, to protect the property of older persons, and to provide advice and counsel to older persons and their families in dealing with financial and...
Page 11 - Medicare benefits and patients' rights is provided in the Finances section under Medicare. (See page 2.)* 4. Hospice Hospice programs provide support and care for terminally ill persons and their families in the last stages of disease. These services, which include pain relief, symptom management and supportive services, are provided in the home with arrangements for inpatient care when needed.* 5. Nursing Home Care Most older persons continue to live independently throughout all or most of their...
Page 33 - Elderly Shared Housing in the United States Joyce Mantell and Mary Gildea Shared Housing is a living arrangement in which two or more unrelated people share a home or apartment to their mutual advantage. Each person has a private bedroom and shares common areas such as the kitchen and the living, dining, and sitting rooms. Shared housing for the elderly has had a rich and significant role in our housing past and, if recent trends continue...