Boston Area Detectives are reporting several crimes against the elderly, and remind all residents to use care in allowing unsolicited workers in their homes. They recommend calling the local police to verify the identity of anyone seeking access to their homes. In one incident, 3 white males entered a home stating they were from the…
Elderly Invisible to Justice System?
An elderly woman spent several days in jail for a suspended license (which wasn’t correct it had been reinstated) and even though she could have been released without bail. The justice system simply didn’t see her. This is an example of the disdain with which the elderly are often treated in our society. We should…
Elder-Friendly Amendments in Latest Health Bill
At a session that ended at 2:18 a.m. on Friday, October 2, the Senate Finance Committee completed its markup to health reform, the America’s Healthy Future Act. The bill contains some recently added amendments that are of great interest to elders. The bill now includes an amendment offered by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) that “would…
Knee Surgery OK for Octogenarians
Knee replacement surgery can improve the quality of life even for very elderly patients, according to a study presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The study found that patients in their 80s can benefit both physically and socially from knee replacement surgery, also called total knee arthroplasty (TKA), once…
Anti-Psychotic drugs still being given to elders despite warnings
There are several drugs, that are too commonly prescribed, that pose a risk of deadly side effects for older people. Zyprexa, Resperidol and Seroquel, among others, were developed to treat severe psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. These drugs all bear the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “black box” warning label. This warning label says that…
Medicaid Part B Premiums Unchanged for 2009
Medicare’s monthly Part-B premium will be unchanged at $96.40 next year for most of the 44 million beneficiaries in the U.S. health insurance program for the elderly and disabled. This is the first time in eight years the rate won’t rise. Medicare fees will stay the same partly because the program’s reserves have increased, according…
Baby Talk for Elders is a “No no”
The International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease was recently held in Chicago. New studies and information were revealed about the disease. There are some new treatments that show promise in research and that may be available for use within the next few years. The conference also focused on the best treatment practices for those suffering from…
NAELA moving to Washington, DC
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has announced to its members that the Board has decided to move its headquarters to Washington, DC from its current location in Arizona. NAELA has over 5000 attorney members from all over the country who are the leaders in Elder Law and Special Needs representation. The Academy was…
Alzheimer’s Disease and Statin Drugs
New research says that taking cholesterol-lowering (statin) drugs, offers no protection against Alzheimer’s disease as opposed to earlier reports which indicated otherwise. The January 16, 2008, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology reports on a study that found no relationship between statin use and Alzheimer’s disease. 929 people…