The Later in Life Planning Show
by Patrick Cawley
The Middle Class faces specific threats in the later years of life. Long-term care expenses will attack and consume your savings. Know your threats and build a shield.
Podcast episodes
Season 1
SCAMS!
The phone rings and the caller claims to be from your pharmacy. The caller needs you to verify information so that your prescriptions can be filled. A flashing red message appears on your computer screen warning you about a virus and telling you to call a number for "tech support." You call and the helpful person offers to fix the computer problem if you allow them remote access. You answer some fun quizzes on social media, providing the name of your dog and your favorite vacation destination. These words just happen to be in the passwords to your bank accounts.Scams against older adults are a multi-billion dollar industry. Scammers prey on a range of powerful emotions. Knowing their tricks is how to defeat them. On this episode, Dave Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General describes the staggering creativity of scammers so that you can protect yourself.
Watch for Cuts and Scrapes!
Cuts, abrasions, punctures, skin tears, burns, blisters -- wounds can take many forms. There is a normal process that the body goes through to heal a wound. As we age, the process breaks down. This is especially true for people with diabetes, poor nutrition, or a smoking habit. If wounds are not monitored and treated appropriately, the consequences can be severe. On this episode, Shawna Souder, a nurse and certified wound care specialist, explains what to watch for and when to seek treatment from a health care professional.
Eating for Health and Longevity
So much of estate planning and elder law is about planning for incapacity and preserving a person's hard-earned savings from the high cost of long-term care. Many chronic diseases that lead to incapacity and the need for long-term care can be prevented with good nutrition. Whether it's calcium for bone health, protein for muscle mass, or fiber to control blood sugar, nutrition is a critically important part of planning for a long and independent life. In this episode, Charlotte Scheid, a dietitian with the Giant Company, explains how to make good nutrition a constant part of your lifestyle.
Skilled Health Care at Home
Imagine an older adult who sustains an injury and has surgery. That adult has different options when it comes to recovering and regaining full function. There are skilled nursing facilities that offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing care, and other skilled care. But people tend to want to stay at home. Home health care is often a great option. Jessica Zepp from Residential Home Health explains what home health care involves and how it is paid for. https://www.residentialhealthcaregroup.com/For free education about preparing for the costs and challenges of the later years of life, use the Workshops tab at https://keystoneelderlaw.com/.
Talk Away the Dark
Older adults often face a series of challenges all at once: financial struggles, loss of independence and self-sufficiency, grief and loss, chronic illness or pain. This may explain why the rate of deaths by suicide is especially high among older people. When it comes to despair in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is a way out. It starts with spotting the risk factors or warning signs. There are communication strategies to help someone find connection and purpose. In this episode, Lauren Marshall, a volunteer advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, shares insights to better equip family members and friends to be a lifeline for a struggling loved one.