Age does not shield someone from mental illness. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five adults over the age of 55 experiences a mental health condition. While this can include an array of different ailments, one of the most prevalent issues is depression.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Since 1987, when President Ronald Reagan designated the month Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, March has been a time to spotlight people across America with intellectual disabilities. President Reagan said that we should join together to give these fellow citizens “both encouragement and the opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
What is a Medicare Set-Aside Account?
Anyone that has been involved in a personal injury or workers’ compensation settlement may have heard the term “Medicare Set-Aside Account.” These accounts, often referred to as MSAs, are one of the many seemingly arcane practices associated with Medicare. They are also important.
Caring for vulnerable Coloradans during the new coronavirus pandemic
At the time of this writing, COVID-19 is just taking off in the United States. Of particular concern to all of us is the safety of our elders and people with disabilities, who are likely more susceptible to developing more serious symptoms from the new virus.
Aging while at home and the need to plan ahead
Most older Americans do not want to leave their homes. A national survey by the AARP found 75% of people age 50 and above want to age in place – meaning remain in their house and a part of their community throughout their golden years. It makes sense. The home is comfortable and familiar, offering real privacy.
Researchers link air pollution and memory problems in new study
That the Trump administration has gutted federal environmental protections – such as by declining to enforce the Clean Air Act – is well known and widely reported in the media. Between 2016 and 2018, fine particulate pollution went up 5.5% – the equivalent of causing 9,700 premature deaths in 2018 alone, according to Rolling Stone, citing a recent National Bureau of Economic Research study.
Can cognitive screening help in the fight against dementia?
Cognitive decline among older U.S. adults is increasingly a concern. According to the CDC, about 5.8 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. That number is expected to balloon, and quickly. The agency predicts that by 2060, the number of these cases could reach about 14 million.
Investment in home enhancement can help some with autism
Many of our clients have legal responsibility for the financial circumstances of adults with intellectual disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, dementia or other medical conditions causing developmental disabilities or mental incapacity. These clients may wear the hats of parents, conservators, or representative payees for recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
