If you are reluctant to go to a salon, there might be reasons to go that you haven’t thought about before. Bradley Studnicka, hairdresser and stylist, has a few ideas and tips for seniors that are worried about the costs as well.
One obvious reason that a trip to the salon can be worthwhile is that it’s a great way to socialize. Creating new friendships and being out and about is a great way to stay active. Also a trip to the salon is very interactive. Having a regular hairstylist is building a relationship. They want to get to know you so they can offer advice on style based on who you are, not just what you look like.
Another obvious reason is that a new hairstyle or salon service can make you look nicer and younger which can improve self-esteem.
If you are concerned about costs, check out different salons that may have some promotions or coupons available. You can also talk to your stylist about setting up a monthly discount as a returning customer versus cost per visit. Also, groups rates are sometimes available so talk to your friends and make it a fun, monthly outing!
Salons don’t just cut hair. They can offer waxing, tanning, massages, and other beauty and health-related services. Shampoos can be a great way to revitalize your hair, and skin treatments can help your skin stay healthier and younger looking. Eyebrow waxing is a cheap way to change your look too.
Studnicka also said that there have been advances in hair coloring that can completely eliminate and cover grey and white hairs well and also are not damaging to sensitive skin.
Many continuing care retirement communities have salons, so check into what they have to offer!
Post by Kate Valdovinos.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Senior Corps Offers Help Where It’s Needed
Senior Corps (www.seniorcorps.gov) has many great opportunities for people over 55 to get involved with their community.
One program is called Senior Companions which connects volunteers with people with disabilities or that need help with day-to-day tasks.
They also have a program called RSVP that matches the volunteer’s professional skills with an organization that could use them. For instance, Senior Corps may ask a retired nurse to give immunizations at a local non-profit shelter or ask a retired builder to offer their services with a non-profit housing project.
Another great program that Senior Corps has is the Foster Grandparent Program. Volunteers are connected with young children in school that have a difficult time learning. The volunteer is matched with a student based on their needs.
I watched a video about the Foster Godparent Program and it was very inspiring. It showed three volunteers talking about their experience in the Foster Godparent Program with one of the children they are teaching.
One man said that there is a 40% drop-out rate for middle school children in his area and this program is saving lives because it keeps kids in school. If children are taught the basics of reading, it makes future schoolwork possible. The video also interviewed a teacher who said that she is thrilled to have volunteers in the class because they offer her students one-on-one coaching that is sometimes not possible when there are 30 kids in class. To watch the video, click here: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/fg.asp.
To get in contact with Senior Corps:
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Information from www.seniorcorps.gov.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
One program is called Senior Companions which connects volunteers with people with disabilities or that need help with day-to-day tasks.
They also have a program called RSVP that matches the volunteer’s professional skills with an organization that could use them. For instance, Senior Corps may ask a retired nurse to give immunizations at a local non-profit shelter or ask a retired builder to offer their services with a non-profit housing project.
Another great program that Senior Corps has is the Foster Grandparent Program. Volunteers are connected with young children in school that have a difficult time learning. The volunteer is matched with a student based on their needs.
I watched a video about the Foster Godparent Program and it was very inspiring. It showed three volunteers talking about their experience in the Foster Godparent Program with one of the children they are teaching.
One man said that there is a 40% drop-out rate for middle school children in his area and this program is saving lives because it keeps kids in school. If children are taught the basics of reading, it makes future schoolwork possible. The video also interviewed a teacher who said that she is thrilled to have volunteers in the class because they offer her students one-on-one coaching that is sometimes not possible when there are 30 kids in class. To watch the video, click here: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/fg.asp.
To get in contact with Senior Corps:
- Call: (202) 606-5000
- Write to: Senior Corps
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20525 - E-mail: egrantshelp@cns.gov
- Visit: http://www.getinvolved.gov/ and click on the program you wish to participate in to the right of the screen (RSVP, Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions).
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Information from www.seniorcorps.gov.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Great Volunteer Organization in Greater Portland
Need some inspiration to get involved in your community?
www.handsonportland.org connects volunteers with people in need of help in the greater Portland, Oregon area. You can help someone build their house, tutor a child, drive seniors to the movies, care for an abandoned pet, build a hiking trail, paint someone’s house, or any other thing. They seem very open to suggestions as well.
The website is really easy to use. There is a calendar so you can search what’s going on by dates, which can also be filtered by your age, what you want to do, who you want to work with, or your capabilities. You can also search through what is available by your location and be contacted when more opportunities come to your area.
Through their contact page, you can call them or e-mail to let them know if you need help with something or would like to volunteer.
What a great organization! Even if you’re not in the Portland area, this organization is a great idea. If there isn’t something like this in your area, use this as an inspiration!
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Volunteer website: www.handsonportland.org.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
www.handsonportland.org connects volunteers with people in need of help in the greater Portland, Oregon area. You can help someone build their house, tutor a child, drive seniors to the movies, care for an abandoned pet, build a hiking trail, paint someone’s house, or any other thing. They seem very open to suggestions as well.
The website is really easy to use. There is a calendar so you can search what’s going on by dates, which can also be filtered by your age, what you want to do, who you want to work with, or your capabilities. You can also search through what is available by your location and be contacted when more opportunities come to your area.
Through their contact page, you can call them or e-mail to let them know if you need help with something or would like to volunteer.
What a great organization! Even if you’re not in the Portland area, this organization is a great idea. If there isn’t something like this in your area, use this as an inspiration!
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Volunteer website: www.handsonportland.org.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
A New Option For Independent Living
The housing market isn’t a good place for anyone to be right now. That’s why LeCesse Development Corp. had to think of something to do with its $300,000 Villa Grande condos in Sarasota, Florida.
LeCesse Development Corp. decided to cater to the growing population of baby boomers and is making Villa Grande rental apartments for people over 62. They are also not charging an entry fee, which is very common in many continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). To offset the price, health care will not be available on site, but many seniors have insurance that covers what they need.
I think this is a great option for many seniors. Villa Grande offers more independence from nursing homes or CCRCs. It meets the needs of seniors, but residents still need to be self-reliant. It’s a great happy-medium between being dependent on staff for most tasks and living alone without help.
Some great perks of Villa Grande are:
Villa Grande is expected to be open next summer. To contact LeCesse Development Corp., call (407) 645-5575 or e-mail them at information@lecesse.com.
Post by Kate Valdovinos.
Information about Villa Grande http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100823/ARTICLE/8231014/2413/BUSINESS?p=1&tc=pg.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
LeCesse Development Corp. decided to cater to the growing population of baby boomers and is making Villa Grande rental apartments for people over 62. They are also not charging an entry fee, which is very common in many continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). To offset the price, health care will not be available on site, but many seniors have insurance that covers what they need.
I think this is a great option for many seniors. Villa Grande offers more independence from nursing homes or CCRCs. It meets the needs of seniors, but residents still need to be self-reliant. It’s a great happy-medium between being dependent on staff for most tasks and living alone without help.
Some great perks of Villa Grande are:
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center with full-time director on staff
- Full spa
- Beauty salon
- No entrance fee
- Near golf course and shopping
- 900 square-feet one-bedroom apartments
- 1,600 square-feet two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments
- Resident camaraderie with other similarly-aged people
- Continental breakfast served daily
- Transportation available to residents
- 8,000 square foot club house
Villa Grande is expected to be open next summer. To contact LeCesse Development Corp., call (407) 645-5575 or e-mail them at information@lecesse.com.
Post by Kate Valdovinos.
Information about Villa Grande http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100823/ARTICLE/8231014/2413/BUSINESS?p=1&tc=pg.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
Monday, August 23, 2010
Health Reform Confusion
It’s easy to get confused by health reform and programs that have been new and changing these days. It’s a fact that many people don’t know much about what’s going on, or know very little, and that’s not exactly the fault of American citizens, either. There’s so much information which changes constantly, so keeping track is really a full-time job.
Here are some things that I’ve read from NPR about what’s going on. At the bottom, I’ve included a link to a ‘Straight Talk’ website which has links to click on how health reform is affecting different types of patients and their insurance.
“Straight Talk” information: http://www.ncoa.org/public-policy/health-care-reform/straight-talk-for-seniors-on.html
Post by Kate Valdovinos.
NPR websites: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/07/26/128778642/seniors-still-in-the-dark-on-new-health-law and http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/05/27/127221108/medicare-checks-for-drug-doughnut-hole-are.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
Here are some things that I’ve read from NPR about what’s going on. At the bottom, I’ve included a link to a ‘Straight Talk’ website which has links to click on how health reform is affecting different types of patients and their insurance.
- The new health laws don’t decrease what doctors make from Medicare.
- Younger Americans have more opportunities for coverage.
- There are many more options for long-term care insurance. (Check out the previous blog on CLASS).
- There are some rebate benefits for medications.
- Billing histories will be monitored so there will be a decrease in forms to fill out or phone calls to make.
“Straight Talk” information: http://www.ncoa.org/public-policy/health-care-reform/straight-talk-for-seniors-on.html
Post by Kate Valdovinos.
NPR websites: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/07/26/128778642/seniors-still-in-the-dark-on-new-health-law and http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/05/27/127221108/medicare-checks-for-drug-doughnut-hole-are.
About SilverCensus:
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD developments & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
Sunday, August 22, 2010
New Program to Prepare for Disabilities – CLASS
I just read about a federally-funded program that will begin in 2012 that working adults can sign up for that will help them stay in their homes if they are disabled. It’s called CLASS, or Community Living Assistance Services and Support Act, and “will take only the approval of the patient’s own doctor to get most claims approved.”
There is so much frustration that comes with getting money from insurance companies as we age. There are a ton of loopholes and papers and waiting on the phone just to get information which sometimes leads to a denial letter. Insurance companies have been known to take advantage of seniors in this position.
CLASS was created to prevent all that from happening. The National Counsil on Aging said that about 10 million Americans need some sort of long-term assistance to help them with day-to-day functions. The benefits of CLASS address that growing number.
It is said that premiums will be between $50 and $75 per month, but they could go up if not enough people sign up for CLASS. So don’t forget! Mark your calendar and keep CLASS in mind!
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Information from http://bit.ly/aflyYD.
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD housing & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
There is so much frustration that comes with getting money from insurance companies as we age. There are a ton of loopholes and papers and waiting on the phone just to get information which sometimes leads to a denial letter. Insurance companies have been known to take advantage of seniors in this position.
CLASS was created to prevent all that from happening. The National Counsil on Aging said that about 10 million Americans need some sort of long-term assistance to help them with day-to-day functions. The benefits of CLASS address that growing number.
It is said that premiums will be between $50 and $75 per month, but they could go up if not enough people sign up for CLASS. So don’t forget! Mark your calendar and keep CLASS in mind!
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Information from http://bit.ly/aflyYD.
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD housing & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
Unused Veterans Benefits
I read recently that only 105,000 veterans are using benefits that an estimated 2.3 million could be using. Some who qualify can get up to $2,000 or more per month.
There are strict rules, however, many veterans or their family members fall into the category.
Some people aren’t finding out about the benefits they could be getting until they just happen to talk to someone else who knows about the benefits. In the article I read, one woman didn’t know about the benefits her father could have been getting until he was 93.
If you a veteran, their spouse or child, my advice is setting up a meeting with someone at the VA. You can go online to www.va.gov and click the ‘Locations’ icon then select ‘Regional Benefits Offices’ or call 1-800-827-1000 and they could help you find the number or office you need.
In the meantime, research everything you can about what you could possibly be eligible for. Make sure you have social security numbers of those involved including dates of when the veteran was in the service. Having a good background for what benefits are available and how they work will save a whole bunch of time and hassle when you go in for a meeting. I also recommend getting a binder and notebook specifically for the veterans benefits. Keep everything together as organized as possible and be willing to learn. There are a lot of stipulations and rules, but there are also a lot of benefits that many veterans and their families aren’t taking advantage of!
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Originial post about unused veterans benefits: http://bit.ly/bZE1LS.
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD housing & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
There are strict rules, however, many veterans or their family members fall into the category.
Some people aren’t finding out about the benefits they could be getting until they just happen to talk to someone else who knows about the benefits. In the article I read, one woman didn’t know about the benefits her father could have been getting until he was 93.
If you a veteran, their spouse or child, my advice is setting up a meeting with someone at the VA. You can go online to www.va.gov and click the ‘Locations’ icon then select ‘Regional Benefits Offices’ or call 1-800-827-1000 and they could help you find the number or office you need.
In the meantime, research everything you can about what you could possibly be eligible for. Make sure you have social security numbers of those involved including dates of when the veteran was in the service. Having a good background for what benefits are available and how they work will save a whole bunch of time and hassle when you go in for a meeting. I also recommend getting a binder and notebook specifically for the veterans benefits. Keep everything together as organized as possible and be willing to learn. There are a lot of stipulations and rules, but there are also a lot of benefits that many veterans and their families aren’t taking advantage of!
Post by Kate Valdovinos. Originial post about unused veterans benefits: http://bit.ly/bZE1LS.
SilverCensus is an unbiased senior living and health services resource where consumers are educated on options, facilities & rights. Our services are completely free for seniors and their caregivers as well as Hospital Case Managers & Social Workers who are committed to proper discharge. Clients include assisted living residences, rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing homes, home health care agencies, HUD housing & independent living communities. We also provide free VA assistance for Veterans and their spouses. Our Care Managers are standing by 24/7 at 888-776-1311 or through the web at: SilverCensus.com
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