New Medicare Enrolling Dates

www.Medicare.gov/find-a-plan

The period for enrolling or changing your Medicare Supplement plan is Oct. 15 through Dec.7, 2011.
This is several weeks earlier then past years enrollment periods.  Compare plans on the webside listed
above.  If  you need assistance with making an unbiased decision contact your state Insurance Dept.
for guidelines.

Travel Companions for Frail Seniors

Flying Companions Company President Doug Ianneli pairs older adults with
trained travel companions.  Senior travel companion services offer assistance
for everything from  boarding flights, checking into hotels and escorts for rail
and car travel. Additional  information on Flying Companions.com

Dementia Related to Hearing Loss ?

From:  Frank R Lin, MD, PhD  assistant professor division of otology, neurotology and skull base surgery,
 at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore.
Hearing loss raised the risk of dementia.  A recent study that tracked more than 600 adults for
approximately 12 years found that every 10 decibels of hearing loss made participants 20%
more likely to develop cognitive problems associated with dementia and Alzheimer's.
Researchers are trying to determine whether hearing decline is actually a cause of dementia
or a symptom.        Publsihed in Bottom Line Personal  Sept.  2011

Alzheimer's Helpline for Families

The Alzheimer's Association has a consultation program to help family members navigate
through complex situations. To speak with a care consultant call the toll free number-
1-800-272-3900.  The helpline is available 24/7.

Help from Alzheimers Assoc Consultants

The Alzheimer's Association has a consultants program to help families navigate the complex situations
that arise in caring and coping for family members with a vareity of dementia behaviors. To speak with a care consultant call the toll free, 24/7 helpling number 800-272-3900.

Aging in Place-- helpful info

Are you trying to assist your elderly relatives with "the move decision?"

Safety, nutrition, socialization, handling financial affairs, medicattion magement and transportation are the most important issues to address.

Look to the National Aging in Place Council for help:  http://www.aginginplace.org/.

Or call Jacke' Dollar--515-223-0014-- for the names of  local Geriatric Care Manager's in your part of the country.

Palliative Care Guide Available Online

This guide will assist families who are coping with relatives who have a dementia and are very ill.
"Encouraging Comfort Care: A Guide for Families of People with Dementia Living in Care Facilities."   Get it onlilne at www.alzheimers-illinois.org/pti/comfort_care_guide.asp

Reduce confusion for people with dementia.

If you have family members with any form of memory loss put name and relationship labels on all of the pictures around their house. This will make them feel more comfortable.  Even if they do not recognize the person in the picture they will read the name and know their relationship to them.