All seniors who prepare and file their own taxes should be aware of any tax deductions they may be able to include. Tax deductions lower the amount of tax owed to the government, which may mean seniors could get more money in their returns. This is why it is important for seniors to be aware of any possible deduction they can include when filing. The list below contains some overlooked deductions that could
apply to seniors.

1. There are many deductions related to medical care. Expenses for medical transportation, including tolls mileage and parking can be deducted. Medical aids such as crutches and orthopedic shoes are also deductible as long as they are prescribed. Hearing aids, contact lenses and eye glasses are eligible for a deduction.

2. If you are a senior who is still working, any costs that are associated with education to improve your skills at your job may be tax deductible. Subscriptions to journals and newspapers related to the job are deductible.

3. There are also deductions for union dues, expenses pertaining to job-seeking services and cell phone bills that are required for a business. Self-employed individuals can deduct half of the self-employment taxes paid throughout the year. Self-employed premiums for health insurance are deductible.

4. There are some deductions for contributions to charities. There are also deductions for any mileage costs while travelling to a charitable activity.

Source: eldercareabcblog.com

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Medical care is expensive for American seniors who have a limited income. Even those who have public or private health insurance find themselves having to pay out of pocket for routine screenings, medications and doctors visits. Every penny counts when it comes to saving money on healthcare and seniors can do so by following these tips:

1. Do some research into your health – researching health issues could help seniors reduce the time spent at the doctor’s offices. However, internet resources and books used for self-diagnosis should not replace a doctor’s care; they can however help seniors stay on the right track with diagnostics and care and keep costs lower

2. Avoid the emergency room – charges are higher at hospital emergency rooms. If you experience something that requires medical attention that isn’t an emergency, ask for an immediate doctor’s appointment or go to a walk-in clinic

3. Look for free or low-cost medical care options – during featured health months (like Breast Cancer Awareness month) or seasons where there’s an increase of certain health issues; look for free or low-cost clinics. Breast cancer screenings, flu shots, and even basic diagnostic tests like blood pressure and more are offered in different communities

4. Ask for second and even third opinions – just because one doctor mentions that surgery, or a specific, expensive medication is a requirement doesn’t mean that any senior needs to take it to heart. Ask for additional opinions if you’re uncertain

5. Never be afraid to ask – when it comes to medications, procedures and any element of medical care, ask how much it costs, ask if prices are negotiable, and don’t hesitate to shop around

Via: aipm.net

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As people enter retirement, they find that they are forced to live on a fixed income. For those that enjoy traveling, that could mean the end to annual vacations. There is a way for seniors to continue to travel without the worry of expenses. A home exchange is the perfect solution for any senior homeowner. The exchange is when one homeowner trades their home with another. Each homeowner then travels to the other home to spend their vacation. This mutual agreement allows for affordable and safe travel. The benefits to senior home exchanges are highlighted below.

1. Travel becomes affordable. This is an important aspect for seniors living on a fixed income.

2. A home is much more comfortable than a hotel room.

3. Location choices. Since you will be exchanging your own home for another, you have the opportunity to travel to anywhere.

4. Eliminate other travel costs. Some home exchanges also include a vehicle, so the need for a rental car is eliminated.

5. The process is simple. The internet has many sites for seniors who are looking to exchange a home.

Source: transitionsabroad.com

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A senior’s release from the hospital can be an exciting time, but for families, it’s when the hard work really begins to help with their recovery process and ensure that they receive the best care possible. There are a few things that families can do in order to help the transition from hospital to home:

1. Don’t expect too much – release from the hospital doesn’t mean that a senior has recovered; there will be lots of hard work at home for many seniors

2. Ask questions – understand the senior’s diagnosis and their future prognosis. Take notes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions

3. Talk to a hospital discharge planner – a discharge planner can help families determine if a senior will require home care or nursing care after they leave the hospital. They can also advise families on additional supplies and equipment needed

4. Make sure you’re prepared at home – before the senior goes home, purchase any necessary safety equipment; hire a care provider, and make sure you have medications on hand

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – get the contact information of hospital staff who provided care to your loved one, and don’t be afraid to contact them with any questions or concerns after your senior has left the hospital

Via: Caring.com

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To honor family caregivers, there is a petition to create a stamp which will pay tribute to those who make daily sacrifices to care for a loved one. This petition will bring awareness to the public, offering them information regarding just how great family caregivers are. Many people are not aware of what actually goes into being a caregiver. There are many sacrifices that are made, including:

• An estimated out of pocket expense of $5,531 per year which include travel and transportation, medical care co-payments, food and household goods

• These additional expenses result in the cutting of leisure activities, personal savings, vacations and putting off home improvements

• More than a third of caregivers use their own savings to provide for their loved one

• Almost half of current caregivers have had to quit their job in order to keep up with caregiving responsibilities

• The annual estimated expense is much higher for long-distance caregivers

• These expenses increase levels of stress and can have an effect on the over-all health of the caregiver

• The financial burden that comes along with being a caregiver can have serious emotional effects

Sources:

www.caregiving.org

stanford.wellsphere.com

Trusted Home Care for seniors and elderly living in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Please call us for more information at 1-760-469-4441.

The Medicare Advantage program provides seniors with services above and beyond what is offered under the basic plan. It’s a private plan paid by Medicare that can supplement medical costs for seniors, and also provides different coverage that varies from the traditional plan – so seniors may find more coverage for some expenses like long-term care, or less coverage for other health treatment options. Like with Medicare, some seniors who use the Medicare Advantage plan may find themselves limited to certain healthcare providers approved under the program, but generally, it offers increased flexibility.

But, unfortunately, with Medicare cuts a real possibility, the Medicare Advantage program might be first on the chopping block. One of Coachella Valley’s key people in senior care, Dr. Mark Hoffing, Medical Director of Desert Oasis Healthcare is taking this up on Capitol Hill, fearing the well-being of his patients and clients who rely upon this program. Recently, a number of staff and patients from this senior care facility made their voices heard, in request of a program that won’t leave them high and dry, without access to adequate care due to cost.

How would a cut of the Medicare Advantage program affect you? Join in the fight Palm Springs seniors, and make your voices heard too!

Via: My Desert

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