Monterey, CA Elder Abuse Alert : Pandemic Related Scams Hit Seniors Hard : By Derek Baine

A close up of many viruses on a red background


The Federal Trade Commission recently unveiled an unpleasant statistic. We all know that millions of people died from COVID-19, however, it also resulted an opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of the fear this created.  This resulted  in older Americans losing $600 million to scams in 2020, much of it fueled by pandemic-related schemes, according to federal officials.  Losses in many top categories topped 2019, according to the FTC, with online shopping scams up 129%, business imposter fraud up 88% and romance scams +66%.  Among the losses of those 60 and older, $104 million came from 26,518 complaints tied directly to COVID-19 scams (Source AARP Bulletin, November 2021 Issue, page 4).

Choose Medicare Advantage Plans Carefully

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Once per year, Medicare recipients have a chance to change their Medicare Advantage policy, and they also have the chance to buy a Medigap insurance policy anytime between October 15 and December 7.  But choose carefully.  Although Medicare Advantage policy benefits are pretty transparent, switching to a Medicap policy does carry significant risks.  In most states, Medigap insurers can turn you down due to preexisting conditions, or charge you more based on your health or age.  Don’t cancel your Medicare Advantage policy in favor or a Medigap policy until you fully understand the financial implications.

Medicare Advantage Plans Gain In Popularity : By Derek Baine

Three older women are holding pink dumbbells.


There are so many things that aren’t covered by Medicare that seniors are increasingly opting in for supplemental coverage, which are marketed under the Medicare Advantage moniker.  Debuting 25 years ago, 42% of Medicare recipients now subscribe to a Medicare Advantage plan, up from just 13% in 2005.  Dental, vision, and even gym memberships and transportation to doctors appointments are included in some Medicare Advantage plans.  Check coverage closely!

Castroville, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available

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Castroville, CA Home Care Aide (HCA) Senior Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Jobs Available (Also Aromas, Big Sur, Carmel, Carmel-by-the-sea, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley, Corral-de-Tierra, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Prunedale, Salinas, Seaside, Soledad & Watsonville

We have developed a reputation for having the best caregivers (Home Care Aides or Senior Companions) in Monterey County over the past decade and have recently expanded into Santa Cruz 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.

High Blood Pressure? Watch Your Prescription Medications!

A woman looking out of the window at her home.


Nearly half of all Americans about 3 out of 4 people aged 60 and older have high blood pressure.  Unfortunately, 19% of people with hypertension are currently taking one or more medications that increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.  Many of these are over-the-counter drugs.  For instance, Ibuprofen and naproxen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.  The list of dangerous drugs is long, and includes products for cough, colds and flu, decongestants, weight-loss stimulants, antacids and even some herbal medicines and dietary supplements.  We always recommend a “bag approach,†which includes putting all of your medications (including over-the-counter drugs) in a bag for your doctor to examine.

Big Boost In Social Security A Mixed Blessing

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Many seniors have been elated to read in the paper that their Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in their Social Security Payments is likely to rise more than 6% come January.  However, before you get too excited, news just broke that inflation in the U.S. hit a 31 year high in October at 6.2%.  “It increasingly appears that the COLA for 2022 will be the highest paid since 1983 when it was 7.4%,†Mary Johnson, Social Security policy analyst for the Senior Citizens League, told AARP Bulletin (October, 2021 P4).  The increase in 22021 was only 1.3% and over the past 10 years it has increased by 1.7%.  Let’s hope inflation rates decline next year!

Patient Death In New Alzheimer’s Drug Aduhelm

A doctor and patient looking at a book


There was much excitement when the FDA approved a new drug called Aduhelm to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease.  Although there was some debate over its efficacy, the fact that there have been no new drugs brought to market to treat this horrible disease in decades had some filled with hope.  However, Biogen Inc., the pharmaceutical company who makes the drug, admitted this week that there was one death linked to Aduhelm.  The company announced that a 75-year old who took the drug was hospitalized and diagnosed with swelling in the brain before dying.  It’s unclear that the brain swelling was linked to the drug, however, there is sure to be an investigation due to the fact that brain swelling, also known as ARIA-E, was cited as one of the most common side effects during testing of the drug.

 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/biogen-investigates-death-of-aduhelm-patient-11636479862

CVS To Start Hiring Physicians

A cvs pharmacy store front with the door ajar.


CVS Health Corp. announced it is going to fulfill its ambition of becoming a major provider of healthcare services by hiring physicians who will work at in-store clinics.  CVS acquired insurance giant Aetna in 2018 and said that now it will focus its M&A activity on growing its in-store doctor’s offices.  “We really believe that we need to kind of push into primary care, so we can influence the overall cost of care,†Karen Lynch, the CEO of CVS Health Corp., told The Wall Street Journal.

 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/cvs-health-posts-higher-revenue-as-customers-seek-covid-19-tests-vaccines-11635939627

 

Highway Deaths Up, But Not For Seniors

An older woman with a gray hair sitting in front of trees.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had expected deaths to decline because the number of miles driven by Americans was down 13.2% in 2020, but that turned out not to be the case.  There were 38,680 traffic fatalities last year, up 7.2% last year, the biggest rate of increase since 2007.  However, those 65 and older saw a 9% decline in traffic fatalities, due in large part to seniors staying at home more due to COVID-19.