Prescription Drug Prices Up Again In 2020

A table with many different types of pills on it.


The increase in price of the brand name drugs most widely used by senior citizens was up 2.9% in 2020.  Although the increase is lower than the last couple of years, it’s still more than double the rate of inflation (currently at 1.3%) and some drugs remain exorbitantly and out of the range of affordability for many seniors.  USA Today recently ran a story on Lynn Carfuto, who has chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a disease which is treatable but with a drug that costs $14K per month.  The drug has seen an 82% price increase since its release in 2013.  She can only afford it due to receiving grants from non-profits.  It’s a very sad case when you have a disease which is treatable but the price is so far out of reach.

 

https://www.pressreader.com/usa/usa-today-us-edition/20210610/282153589220534

Monterey, CA Elder Abuse Alert Related To Roku Devices

A nurse is helping an elderly woman to get out of her wheelchair.


There was a story in USA Today about a woman who fell for the latest scam and lost $190.  While setting up her new Roku device, a message flashed on the TV screen telling her to call an 800 number to activate service.  When she called the 800 number, they offered her a lifetime full service plan for about $190, which she signed up for.  Months later, the person that she had spoke to on the 800 number called her and threatened her if she didn’t give another $190.  At this point she realized it was a scam.  How her smart TV was infiltrated with software having her call scammers remains a mystery.  However, scammers continue to target those on the Monterey Peninsula since areas like Carmel, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach have a much higher net worth than the average household.  Be on the lookout!

https://www.freep.com/story/money/personal-finance/susan-tompor/2021/03/31/roku-activation-setup-tech-support-scam/6996289002/

Carmel, CA Exercise Is Critical For Those With Early Onset Alzheimer’s

A purple background with the alzheimer 's association logo.


We have written repeatedly on our blog about the importance of proper nutrition, social interaction and exercise is key to keeping the mind and body healthy for seniors.  A new study from Arizona State University Edison College of Nursing and Health Innovation had participants either ride a stationary bike or do stretching exercise for six months.  Those who took part in the regular exercise program had significantly less memory loss than those who don’t follow a particular exercise regimen.  The results were published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease.

President Biden Fires Head Of Social Security Administration

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


In a rare move, a senior government official, Andrew Saul—the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, was asked to resign by the President of the United States and refused.  As a result, President Biden, after receiving advice from White House Counsel that he could legally remove him, fired him.  Saul had a contract to serve a six-year term expiring in January of 2025 which only allowed for his termination for “neglect of duty†or malfeasance in office.â€Â  However, the Supreme Court recently ruled requiring cause for removal of a federal employee was unconstitutional.  Perhaps preparing for a legal battle with Saul, The White House issued a scathing press release which said, “Since taking office, Commissioner Saul has undermined and politicized Social Security disability benefits, terminated the agency’s telework policy that was utilized by up to 25% of the agency’s workforce, not repaired SSA’s relationships with relevant federal employee unions including in the context of COVID-19 workplace safety planning, reduced due process protections for benefits appeals hearings, and taken other actions that run contrary to the mission of the agency and the president’s policy agenda.â€Â  President Biden also called for the resignation of the agency’s deputy commissioner David Black, who submitted his resignation.  Kilolo Kijakazi, the Social Security Administration’s deputy commissioner for retirement and disability policy, will serve as acting commissioner.

 

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/people/2021/07/biden-fires-saul-as-ssa-commissioner/

Monterey, CA Financial Elder Abuse Hit Record During Pandemic

A pile of money sitting next to stacks of cash.


An FBI report said that Americans were victimized by cybercriminals at a record rate last year, a result of so many people being stuck at home and in front of their consumers.  Total consumer losses to online thieves in 2020 surpassed $4.2 billion, with almost half of that amount lost to those over 50 years old.  Unfortunately, since there is so much wealth in Monterey County—in Carmel, Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach in particular—seniors here are disproportionately targeted.  Be suspicious anytime someone you don’t know calls or emails you. (AARP Bulletin May 21, P6).

Pre-Diabetes Doesn’t Always Develop Into Full Blown Diabetes

Three older women are holding pink dumbbells.


A recent study which was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine which studied 3,400 older Americans with prediabetes found that only 8% developed diabetes over the next six years.  “We found that, in older adults, prediabetes was not a robust predictor of progression to diabetes,†says lead study author Mary Rooney, a postdoctoral fellow at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 47% of Americans over the age of 65 had blood sugar levels that are higher than normal (AARP Bulletin April 21, page 4)

Pebble Beach, CA Tips For Warding Off Dementia And Alzheimer’s Disease

A woman and an older man sitting next to each other.


Everyone wants to keep their brains working in full order as long as possible, and the key can be healthy living, getting the proper amount of exercise and social interaction.  The latter is easier said than done given the massive spreading of coronavirus.  Although board games can be fun, with COVID-19 many seniors are turning to video games.  According to an AARP survey, 44% of adults over the age of 50 played video games in 2019 versus 38% in 2016.  That’s 10 million more older gamers!  About a quarter of gamers play multiuser games, which can increase social interaction which will hopefully ward off early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.  Regular readers of my blog know that both my father and grandmother had this terrible disease when they passed away.  There are great people at our local chapter of Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan’s Ranch.  They also have a 24-hour hotline if you need support at 800-272-3900.

Carmel, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available Certified Nursing Assistant CNA Designation A Plus

A man in a wheelchair with a woman wearing gloves.


Carmel, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available Certified Nursing Assistant CNA Designation A Plus (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Valley, Castroville, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside and Soledad

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County.   We are currently looking for qualified caregivers.

Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey is seeking compassionate, mature and dependable caregivers who want to improve the lives of our elderly Clients by providing in-home, non-medical care.  Our services include:

Caring companionship

Meal preparation

Incidental transportation

Running errands

Light housekeeping

Medication reminders

Monitoring of safety while bathing

Information and referral services

Other services that improve the safety, security and quality of life of seniors.

If you believe you would make an exceptional Home Care Aide, we would love to hear from you!  We prefer those with experience helping the elderly, disabled and others with mobility problems.  Having cared for those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s is a plus.  To work for us, you must have excellent references, a clear criminal record, a good driving record, and an insured reliable vehicle.  To apply, please visit our website www.fhcofm.com, click on home care aides, then careers where you can fill out an application online.  We have immediate openings all over Monterey County.

Salinas, CA Guide To Social Security Survivor’s Benefits

A blue and white logo of the social security administration.


 

After the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to deal with bills, insurance, and Social Security.  Of the 5.7 million people awarded Social Security benefits in 2019, 886K were survivors of deceased workers.  In total there were 3.9 million widows and widowers receiving benefits in 2019.  You should report to the Monterey County Social Security office when a spouse dies.  Their number is 1-800-772-1213.  Unfortunately, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.  The calculation is that if your deceased spouse was taking Social Security, your benefit will be the greater of your benefit or your spouse’s benefit.  If you are not yet collecting Social Security and you’re at least 60, the best way to maximize your benefits are to collect the survivors benefit at your current age and then switch to retirement benefits starting at age 70.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/retirement/2021/01/20/social-security-covid-understanding-how-survivors-benefits-work/4221795001/

Pacific Grove, CA Join CHOMP’s Exercise Smart For Diabetes Management Class

A large fountain in the middle of an indoor area.


Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, CHOMP, has a number of helpful classes, with one focusing on how to exercise to keep your Diabetes under control.  Learn how exercise can aid in diabetes management and get tips for safe, effective exercise.  The information you receive will include an overview of diabetes and special considerations for exercise for those with diabetes.  To register, go to www.chomp.org/classes.