Columns
July 2010
Elder Angle
Remembering for a Lifetime
By Jeff Whitley, Elder OptionsAs we age, we all experience some level of forgetfulness. More than half of all adults 50 or older note some degree of memory changes, and 85 percent of older adults report a difficulty... Read More
December 2009
Elder Angle
Care-giving: A Labor of Love
Recent reports estimate almost 1.5 million Floridians serve as a caregiver to another in some capacity, with almost half of these acting as the primary caregiver. Of these caregivers, approximately 68 percent are elders... Read More
November 2009
Elder Angle
VA Health Care Benefits
In honor of Veteran's Day, this month's Elder Angle will focus on a question posed to one of Elder Options' I&R specialists:Question: I am a 77-year-old Korean War Veteran. My neighbor was telling me I... Read More
October 2009
Elder Angle
Have You Had Your 2010 Part D Plan Check-up?
By Mary Lee Tanca, SHINE Area CoordinatorIt's almost that time of year again, November 15th - December 31st, better known as the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare Part D. It's time to find out if your... Read More
September 2009
Elder Angle
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud
According to Federal Trade Commission, an estimated 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information, such as your Social Security number,... Read More
August 2009
Elder Angle
Planning for the Future: Qualified Income Trusts
The Qualified Income Trust (QIT) offers Seniors who need long-term care like nursing home service but are precluded from Medicaid because of income the opportunity to become eligible by placing money into a special bank... Read More
July 2009
Elder Angle
Planning for the Future: Qualified Income Trusts
The Qualified Income Trust (QIT) offers Seniors who need long-term care like nursing home service but are precluded from Medicaid because of income the opportunity to become eligible by placing money into a special bank... Read More
June 2009
Elder Angle
Help Prevent Elder Abuse
Early in 2008, "The Power to Prevent Elder Abuse is in Your Hands" campaign was launched by the State of Florida. It's designed to increase awareness of the mistreatment of older Floridians with the hope... Read More
March 2009
Elder Angle
Saving Money with Medicaid
In the current economic climate, Florida's Seniors should look for ways to save money wherever possible. For certain Seniors on Medicare, there may be a way to save almost $100 every month.Medicaid has several... Read More
February 2009
Elder Angle
February is American Heart Month
Contributed by the staff at Mid-Florida Agency on AgingFebruary has been proclaimed National Heart Month. The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors... Read More
January 2009
Elder Angle
Food for Thought
While many people start the New Year with New Year's resolutions to try to lose weight and eat healthier, many others are trying to figure out how to pay for the food they need to survive. Everyone knows and is... Read More
December 2008
Elder Angle
Preventing Consumer Fraud during the Holidays
While Seniors are preparing to be with family members for fun and food during the holiday season, this time of year also brings with it an increased risk of consumer fraud and identity theft. According to the Federal... Read More
November 2008
Elder Angle
Health Care for Florida’s Senior Veterans
In 2006, it was estimated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that there were nearly 1.8 million veterans in Florida, 58 percent of them age 65 and older. With the increasing costs of medical care for Seniors,... Read More
October 2008
Elder Angle
Quick guide to Medicare Part D annual enrollment period
As the holiday season approaches, so does the time to review your current prescription drug coverage. During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, you have the option to join or change Medicare prescription drug plans... Read More
September 2008
Elder Angle
Fall Prevention
Approximately 33 percent of people aged 65 and older fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury, resulting in hip fractures, head injuries, hospitalization, nursing home placement and even death, among... Read More
August 2008
Elder Angle
The Fountain of Youth — Exercise and a Healthy Diet
Almost 500 years ago, not so very far from here, Ponce de Leon searched in vain for the Fountain of Youth. And while he was unsuccessful in his endeavor, we have come to realize that the Fountain of Youth is based in... Read More
July 2008
Elder Angle
Special-needs shelters
Hurricane preparation is the focus of Florida citizens from June to November. Each county has a plan for assisting residents with special needs during disasters, including special-needs shelters.To be eligible for a... Read More
June 2008
Elder Angle
Help Prevent Elder Abuse
Early in 2008, “The Power to Prevent Elder Abuse is in Your Hands” campaign was launched by the State of Florida. It’s designed to increase awareness of elder abuse among Floridians with the hope of... Read More
May 2008
Elder Angle
National Women’s Health Week
Contributed by the staff at Mid-Florida Agency on AgingIt’s that time of year again, the time to celebrate being a woman, and to celebrate this wonderful feeling you must participate in this year’s 9th... Read More
April 2008
Elder Angle
Programs Available to Assist Seniors
Good health is important to everyone. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can get stressful and expensive. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care... Read More
February 2008
Elder Angle
Do you know where to call for help?
Are you a Senior looking for resources to help you with your rent, utility bill, or prescription? Do you need help understanding Medicare or choosing a Medigap or Medicare HMO insurance policy? Are you a caregiver for... Read More
December 2007
Elder Angle
Give Something to the Community
December is the month of giving. We give gifts to family and friends during the holiday season, so why not give to your community. The Senior Corps is an excellent way to get involved in volunteerism and a... Read More
November 2007
Elder Angle
This Month, Support a Caregiver
November is National Family Caregiver Month and the theme is “Believe in Yourself, Protect Your Health, Reach Out for Help, and Speak Up for Your Rights.” National Family Caregiver Month is a time to... Read More
October 2007
Elder Angle
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment — What you Need to Know
The open enrollment period for Medicare beneficiaries to change their Medicare (Part D) drug plan is Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. Your existing plan may or may not be the best to meet your needs in 2008. Be sure to read... Read More
September 2007
Elder Angle
Preventing Financial Exploitation of Seniors
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, more than five million Seniors are victims of financial abuse each year. Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of another person’s resources for... Read More
