The other day I was in my car listening to the radio. On came the song "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd. When I was in high-school, I became a fan of Pink Floyd and had friends who were huge fans of the band and "Wish You Were Here" is probably my favorite Pink Floyd tune. I saw them in concert at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island in 1989 - 14 years after that track was released.
When the song ended, I turned to another station and heard "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.
Nirvana released their album Nevermind in 1991, which included the iconic, "Stairway to Heaven" of my generation - "Smells Like Teen Spirit." I thought about it, and I realized that even though "Smells Like Teen Spirit" seemed more current; seemed more modern it was actually now a 19-year-old song. Which of course made "Wish You Were Here" at 35 year old song and all of this made me feel rather--older than I thought I was.
So when I ran across this little nugget in the Wall Street Journal, it made me wonder how some of our clients might feel if I started advertising our homecare services to the sounds of Frank Sinatra...or Chuck Barry...or, Pink Floyd?
The songs you loved when you were 23 may someday be used to sell you retirement care. Researchers have homed in on that age as the likeliest time when music that triggers life-long nostalgia is heard. People who watched the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show at 23 are now turning 70, and a Florida care home is using images of the one-time youth sensation as part of a nostalgia-based ad campaign.
The good feelings nostalgia generates are a potent tool for marketers, and, execs at the care home say, help improve life for seniors with little short-term memory. The care home runs a pop-culture program taking residents back to their youth. "They might not remember what they had for lunch, but they can sing along with Sinatra and know all the words," the facility's director of sales tells the Wall Street Journal.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Social Security’s Online Services Take Top Three Spots in Customer Satisfaction Survey
Sticking with our theme of Senior Citizens on the Net, this recent survey taken from SeniorJournal.com shows the Social Security website being used and well-received by Seniors throughout the country.
The Social Security Administration’s online services, heavily used by senior citizens for matters dealing with Social Security and Medicare, have been recognized as the “best in government” and exceed top private sector sites in customer satisfaction, according to a news release.
In the latest results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator and benefit application remain in the top spots, each with a score of 90, and the Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs application placed third with a score of 87.
“Online services are vital to good public service and I am pleased that Social Security continues to provide the best in both government and the private sector,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security.
“The Internet provides the public with the ability to conduct business at their convenience and at their own pace, without the need to take leave from work, travel to a field office, and wait to meet with an agency representative. It also reduces the time spent by our employees processing claims and frees them up to spend more time handling complex cases.”
Social Security’s three top-rated online services also meet or exceed the private sector’s highest score, which was recorded by Netflix, with a score of 87. The ACSI notes that this shows “that government sites can satisfy visitors just as well as, or even better than, private-sector sites.”
The ACSI is the only uniform, national, cross-industry measure of satisfaction with the quality of goods and services available in the U.S. According to ACSI, “Any website, whether in the private or public sector, that scores an average of 80 or higher can be considered superior in meeting site visitors’ needs and expectations.” Social Security’s Business Services Online, with a score of 82, also meets this superior threshold.
To view all of Social Security’s online services, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
The Social Security Administration’s online services, heavily used by senior citizens for matters dealing with Social Security and Medicare, have been recognized as the “best in government” and exceed top private sector sites in customer satisfaction, according to a news release.
In the latest results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator and benefit application remain in the top spots, each with a score of 90, and the Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs application placed third with a score of 87.
“Online services are vital to good public service and I am pleased that Social Security continues to provide the best in both government and the private sector,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security.
“The Internet provides the public with the ability to conduct business at their convenience and at their own pace, without the need to take leave from work, travel to a field office, and wait to meet with an agency representative. It also reduces the time spent by our employees processing claims and frees them up to spend more time handling complex cases.”
Social Security’s three top-rated online services also meet or exceed the private sector’s highest score, which was recorded by Netflix, with a score of 87. The ACSI notes that this shows “that government sites can satisfy visitors just as well as, or even better than, private-sector sites.”
The ACSI is the only uniform, national, cross-industry measure of satisfaction with the quality of goods and services available in the U.S. According to ACSI, “Any website, whether in the private or public sector, that scores an average of 80 or higher can be considered superior in meeting site visitors’ needs and expectations.” Social Security’s Business Services Online, with a score of 82, also meets this superior threshold.
To view all of Social Security’s online services, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Social Networking Offers Many Benefits for Seniors
Seniors are increasingly turning to social networks for companionship and support. Social networking provides opportunities for seniors to meet new people, stay in touch with family and friends and support their hobbies and interests. Facebook was the third most popular online destination for people 65 or older in November 2009, compared to the forty-fifth most popular destination in 2008, according to The Nielsen Company.
The most popular social networking site is Facebook, which is used by 90 percent of senior social media users, according to a recent eMarketer study. However, experts from aging, healthcare and senior services have joined together with social media experts to create interactive sites connecting seniors through common interests, such as Eons and Vibrant Nation.
“Social media is giving seniors a voice and an outlet to communicate without limitations,” said Doug Dickstein, president of Right at Home in Los Angeles, a provider of in-home care throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. “It is not only bridging the generational gap with their grandchildren and younger generations of their families, but allowing them to create new social groups at a stage in their life when it is often difficult to do so.”
Benefits of Social Networks
The benefits of social networks are similar to the benefits of real-world groups of friends and families. About one-third of people 75 and older live alone, according to a 2009 study from AARP. Many seniors feel a sense of isolation, and social networking is an easy solution to find companions with shared likes and interests through groups, discussion boards, polls and relevant articles. Topics ranging from gardening to travel to volunteer opportunities are engaging seniors.
Social networking is a great option for seniors with limited mobility, as it can be done independently from the comfort of their own homes. They also may deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone. The Internet offers methods of communication that work for almost everyone. They can independently view photos of their grandchildren, follow their family’s activities and reconnect with old friends. Many sites also feature engaging and stimulating brain games to keep aging minds young and vital.
As seniors age, they often reach out for support for life challenges and health issues. Many social networking sites feature discussion boards and groups focused on health, aging and fitness. The encouraged open communication can help combat depression and provide a support group without leaving the home.
Tips for Getting Started
Social networking can help seniors stay connected like never before. But many may feel apprehensive about embracing the growing technology. They may ask themselves “How do I know where to begin?” or “Why should I join in?” Seniors may want an introduction to the basics of Internet use. Many community centers and organizations offer introductory classes to help seniors feel more comfortable while venturing out into social networking spaces. Also, social networking has a language of its own. There are many online resources available for seniors to become familiar with terms including “status update,” “wall” and “pokes,” including this recent article from AARP.
Seniors must also decide which type of community to join. Some, like Eons, are more interest-focused, while others, like Facebook, offer the opportunity to connect online with family and close friends. Most sites are free and require only an email address and password. Once an account is setup, seniors can add to their profile, express themselves and interact with people all over the world.
However, every age group has vulnerabilities online and seniors are no exception. It is important to be aware of hackers, scammers and identity theft. By getting to know the privacy settings on the site being used, seniors can control who can and can’t see the information they are sharing. Seniors should also be aware of emails from friends selling products and services or requesting money. If it doesn’t sound right, their friend’s account may have been hacked without them realizing it. This recent article from Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, offers 10 ways for seniors to stay safe online.
Social networking provides seniors with a sense of purpose. They can feel empowered by making new connections and staying involved in society without having to rely on their loved ones for transportation or assistance. Seniors can easily enjoy the benefits and discover the joy of connecting with others online.
The most popular social networking site is Facebook, which is used by 90 percent of senior social media users, according to a recent eMarketer study. However, experts from aging, healthcare and senior services have joined together with social media experts to create interactive sites connecting seniors through common interests, such as Eons and Vibrant Nation.
“Social media is giving seniors a voice and an outlet to communicate without limitations,” said Doug Dickstein, president of Right at Home in Los Angeles, a provider of in-home care throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. “It is not only bridging the generational gap with their grandchildren and younger generations of their families, but allowing them to create new social groups at a stage in their life when it is often difficult to do so.”
Benefits of Social Networks
The benefits of social networks are similar to the benefits of real-world groups of friends and families. About one-third of people 75 and older live alone, according to a 2009 study from AARP. Many seniors feel a sense of isolation, and social networking is an easy solution to find companions with shared likes and interests through groups, discussion boards, polls and relevant articles. Topics ranging from gardening to travel to volunteer opportunities are engaging seniors.
Social networking is a great option for seniors with limited mobility, as it can be done independently from the comfort of their own homes. They also may deal with hearing problems which make it challenging to talk on the phone. The Internet offers methods of communication that work for almost everyone. They can independently view photos of their grandchildren, follow their family’s activities and reconnect with old friends. Many sites also feature engaging and stimulating brain games to keep aging minds young and vital.
As seniors age, they often reach out for support for life challenges and health issues. Many social networking sites feature discussion boards and groups focused on health, aging and fitness. The encouraged open communication can help combat depression and provide a support group without leaving the home.
Tips for Getting Started
Social networking can help seniors stay connected like never before. But many may feel apprehensive about embracing the growing technology. They may ask themselves “How do I know where to begin?” or “Why should I join in?” Seniors may want an introduction to the basics of Internet use. Many community centers and organizations offer introductory classes to help seniors feel more comfortable while venturing out into social networking spaces. Also, social networking has a language of its own. There are many online resources available for seniors to become familiar with terms including “status update,” “wall” and “pokes,” including this recent article from AARP.
Seniors must also decide which type of community to join. Some, like Eons, are more interest-focused, while others, like Facebook, offer the opportunity to connect online with family and close friends. Most sites are free and require only an email address and password. Once an account is setup, seniors can add to their profile, express themselves and interact with people all over the world.
However, every age group has vulnerabilities online and seniors are no exception. It is important to be aware of hackers, scammers and identity theft. By getting to know the privacy settings on the site being used, seniors can control who can and can’t see the information they are sharing. Seniors should also be aware of emails from friends selling products and services or requesting money. If it doesn’t sound right, their friend’s account may have been hacked without them realizing it. This recent article from Right at Home’s free adult caregiving eNewsletter, Caring Right at Home, offers 10 ways for seniors to stay safe online.
Social networking provides seniors with a sense of purpose. They can feel empowered by making new connections and staying involved in society without having to rely on their loved ones for transportation or assistance. Seniors can easily enjoy the benefits and discover the joy of connecting with others online.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Older Americans Month 2010 Promotion Theme: ‘Age Strong! Live Long!’
"May is Older Americans Month - a tradition dating back to 1963 to honor the legacies and ongoing contributions of older Americans and support them as they enter the next stage in life,” according to a news release prepared by the Administration on Aging for local media as part of the effort to encourage communities nationwide to celebrate this month with special activities and events.
This year’s Older Americans Month theme - “Age Strong! Live Long!” - recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations, according to the AOA news release.
“They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans,” adds the news release.
“These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.
“Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history - America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.
“While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.
“In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services.
“Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.
“The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly.
"Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting http://www.eldercare.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116 to find out what you can do to strengthen services for older Americans, this month and all year round.”
History of Older Americans Month
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.
Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."
President Jimmy Carter decided in 1980 that what was once called Senior Citizens Month, should be called "Older Americans Month," which has become the tradition.
Historically, Older Americans Month has been promoted as a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country.
Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.
excerpted from SeniorJournal.com
This year’s Older Americans Month theme - “Age Strong! Live Long!” - recognizes the diversity and vitality of today’s older Americans who span three generations, according to the AOA news release.
“They have lived through wars and hard times, as well as periods of unprecedented prosperity. They pioneered new technologies in medicine, communications, and industry while spearheading a cultural revolution that won equal rights for minorities, women, and disabled Americans,” adds the news release.
“These remarkable achievements demonstrate the strength and character of older Americans, and underscore the debt of gratitude we owe to the generations that have given our society so much. But the contributions of older Americans are not only in the past.
“Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomer generation—the largest in our nation’s history - America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.
“While keeping the growing population of older Americans healthy and active will increase the demand for senior services, what is remarkable is the extent to which older Americans themselves are supporting each other. As the new generations of seniors become better educated and more financially secure than their predecessors, they are spending more time making significant contributions in their communities through civic and volunteer opportunities.
“In fact, older Americans are a core component of service delivery to seniors—embodying and modeling the drive to Age Strong! Live Long! They volunteer at group meal sites and deliver food to homebound seniors; they act as escorts and provide transportation for older adults who cannot drive; they help seniors with home repair, shopping and errands; and they provide vital counseling, information and referral services.
“Their energy and commitment reminds all Americans—not just senior citizens and their caregivers—to do their part to enhance the quality of life for older generations.
“The annual commemoration of Older Americans Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of older citizens and join them in providing services and support that empower the elderly.
"Americans of all ages and backgrounds can volunteer with programs that improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, offer food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social activities and community engagement, and more.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging by visiting http://www.eldercare.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116 to find out what you can do to strengthen services for older Americans, this month and all year round.”
History of Older Americans Month
When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.
Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."
President Jimmy Carter decided in 1980 that what was once called Senior Citizens Month, should be called "Older Americans Month," which has become the tradition.
Historically, Older Americans Month has been promoted as a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country.
Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.
excerpted from SeniorJournal.com
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Health care reform bill 101: What does it mean for seniors?
The recently signed Health Care Reform Bill has many people thinking. Some people are excited about what it may mean to their ability to access health services; others are scared about what benefits might be taken away. This overview posted back in March by the Christian Science Monitor offers an overview of what Seniors might expect.
Many senior citizens worry about the effect that the health care reform bill may have on them. After all, they generally use the health care system more than do younger people. And those living on fixed incomes may have little leeway in their budgets to help if their health costs rise.
Would the healthcare reform legislation that President Obama plans to sign into law on Tuesday affect seniors in any direct way?
The short answer is “yes.”
Healthcare 101: What the bill means to you
The longer answer is that some seniors may lose Medicare benefits they now enjoy. Many others will gain from an enhancement of Medicare’s prescription-drug program.
Here are some specifics on these changes:
Medicare cuts
Under the healthcare reform bill, government payments to Medicare Advantage – plans that are run by private insurers such as Humana and are an alternative to traditional Medicare – will be cut by $132 billion over 10 years. (Those plans currently get somewhat more per person from the government than traditional Medicare does.)
Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra benefits that seniors in traditional Medicare don’t get. It is possible that these extras will be dropped as Medicare Advantage plans feel a budget squeeze.
In most areas of the United States, this reduction will be phased in over three years, beginning in 2011, although in some places it will take longer.
The bill does not contain cuts to traditional Medicare benefits. However, Medicare payments for home healthcare would be reduced by $40 billion between now and 2019. And certain payments to hospitals would be cut by $22 billion over that same period.
Medicare enhancements
The bill would bolster the existing Medicare prescription-drug benefit by addressing part of its “doughnut hole” problem.
Right now, after a senior has spent $2,700 on drugs in a year, coverage stops until that same person has spent $6,154 on drugs, when it starts up again.
Hence the “doughnut hole” nickname.
Beginning in 2010, people who fall into this hole will get $250 from the government to help. Thereafter, according to the bill, the US will gradually increase the percentage of drug costs it pays within this gap. By 2020, the US will pay 75 percent of senior drug costs between $2,700 and $6,154.
Medicare will also begin to pick up the tab for annual wellness visits.
Medicare payment advisory board
Healthcare reform legislation also establishes what it terms an Independent Payment Advisory Board, made up of 15 members, that would submit legislative proposals to reduce per capita Medicare spending if that spending grows too fast.
“Too fast” is defined as exceeding the growth rate of Consumer Price Index measures for a five-year period that ends in 2013.
If that happens, beginning in 2014, this board will submit proposals to Congress and the president for consideration.
Some critics have charged that this board will be the leading edge of Medicare reductions. Legislative wording in the healthcare reform bill prohibits the board from submitting any idea that would ration care, raise taxes, or change benefits.
Many senior citizens worry about the effect that the health care reform bill may have on them. After all, they generally use the health care system more than do younger people. And those living on fixed incomes may have little leeway in their budgets to help if their health costs rise.
Would the healthcare reform legislation that President Obama plans to sign into law on Tuesday affect seniors in any direct way?
The short answer is “yes.”
Healthcare 101: What the bill means to you
The longer answer is that some seniors may lose Medicare benefits they now enjoy. Many others will gain from an enhancement of Medicare’s prescription-drug program.
Here are some specifics on these changes:
Medicare cuts
Under the healthcare reform bill, government payments to Medicare Advantage – plans that are run by private insurers such as Humana and are an alternative to traditional Medicare – will be cut by $132 billion over 10 years. (Those plans currently get somewhat more per person from the government than traditional Medicare does.)
Medicare Advantage plans often offer extra benefits that seniors in traditional Medicare don’t get. It is possible that these extras will be dropped as Medicare Advantage plans feel a budget squeeze.
In most areas of the United States, this reduction will be phased in over three years, beginning in 2011, although in some places it will take longer.
The bill does not contain cuts to traditional Medicare benefits. However, Medicare payments for home healthcare would be reduced by $40 billion between now and 2019. And certain payments to hospitals would be cut by $22 billion over that same period.
Medicare enhancements
The bill would bolster the existing Medicare prescription-drug benefit by addressing part of its “doughnut hole” problem.
Right now, after a senior has spent $2,700 on drugs in a year, coverage stops until that same person has spent $6,154 on drugs, when it starts up again.
Hence the “doughnut hole” nickname.
Beginning in 2010, people who fall into this hole will get $250 from the government to help. Thereafter, according to the bill, the US will gradually increase the percentage of drug costs it pays within this gap. By 2020, the US will pay 75 percent of senior drug costs between $2,700 and $6,154.
Medicare will also begin to pick up the tab for annual wellness visits.
Medicare payment advisory board
Healthcare reform legislation also establishes what it terms an Independent Payment Advisory Board, made up of 15 members, that would submit legislative proposals to reduce per capita Medicare spending if that spending grows too fast.
“Too fast” is defined as exceeding the growth rate of Consumer Price Index measures for a five-year period that ends in 2013.
If that happens, beginning in 2014, this board will submit proposals to Congress and the president for consideration.
Some critics have charged that this board will be the leading edge of Medicare reductions. Legislative wording in the healthcare reform bill prohibits the board from submitting any idea that would ration care, raise taxes, or change benefits.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Caregiver of the Month - Susan P.
The Right at Home caregiver of the month for this past April was Susan P.
Susan becomes the first Right at Home caregiver to win the Caregiver of the Month award a second time.
Susan has been working four (4) different cases for Right at Home in the Glendale & Atwater Village areas and is one of the longest tenured employees at Right at Home.
In the past month, Susan not only continued her diligent work but also actually helped get a client to return to Right at Home after a brief break and her excellence even had them increase the amount of hours they wanted her to work.
Congratulations Susan!
Susan becomes the first Right at Home caregiver to win the Caregiver of the Month award a second time.
Susan has been working four (4) different cases for Right at Home in the Glendale & Atwater Village areas and is one of the longest tenured employees at Right at Home.
In the past month, Susan not only continued her diligent work but also actually helped get a client to return to Right at Home after a brief break and her excellence even had them increase the amount of hours they wanted her to work.
Congratulations Susan!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Happy Cinco de Mayo from Right at Home
While it's true that May 5th has very little resonance in Mexico, it's still celebrated here stateside - especially in beautiful Los Angeles.
So Right at Home would like to wish everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo!
So Right at Home would like to wish everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo!
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