In this Issue

In the News

Impaired Thinking Increases Risk of Falling

According to new research, walking requires more thought than you might think, and cognitive decline can make the travel that much harder. Read More

Assisted Living and Home Care Costs on the Rise

Older Americans in need of care face sharp increases in the cost of assisted living quarters and home health aides, according to a survey of 9,000 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care providers conducted earlier this year. Read More

Be Careful of Investment Scams Aimed at Seniors

The Securities and Exchange Commission has launched a nationwide program to work with local regulators to combat what it sees as a rising wave of fraudulent investment scams being pitched to older Americans. Read More

New PBS Special on Navigating the Medicare Drug Benefit

To help Californians navigate the complex new Medicare drug benefit, KQED has produced for California Public Television the program Medicare Forum: Making Sense of Part D. The show is available online and will air on all 14 of the state's public television stations. Read More

In the Spotlight

New California Coalition for Caregivers

There is a new coalition in California that works to empower family caregivers and to advocate and educate on behalf of all caregivers statewide. Read More

Policy Update

Transitional Coverage Under Medicare Drug Benefit Expires

Enrollees in Medicare's new drug program could be experiencing another wave of problems, after the March 31 expiration of special protections that have allowed beneficiaries to stay on their existing medication regimens, even if their new plans don't cover their drugs. Read More

Claiming a Parent as a Dependent for Tax Purposes

As we close another busy tax season, caregivers are advised to plan ahead for next year. An article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer offers tips for claiming a parent as a dependent to receive federal tax savings. Read More

How Secure Is Women's Retirement Income?

The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging recently held a hearing on retirement income disparity for women. Read More

On the Calendar

Information on events throughout California of interest to caregivers and their families. Read More

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