October 9 is Ageism Awareness Day. Prejudice against older adults is so widespread we often inflict it upon ourselves without even thinking about it. See what you can do to counteract this way of thinking.

September 16 is National Stepfamily Day. This month we look at the issues of blended families when you consider how to divide up the estate fairly between the “new” spouse, first-union children, and any subsequent children born from the new marriage.

If you are thinking of writing a memoir, consider a different approach, one that recounts how you came to hold the values you believe are important in life. Rather than a chronological recounting, it provides a view of you through the lens of the wisdom you have gathered and the lessons learned.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Next after that is early detection! Learn about key screening tests that Medicare covers to help you catch problems before they go into full bloom.

Much as your kids mean well, do you worry they are going to step in and start making decisions about your life? You’re not alone! Rather than distance yourself from them, consider strategies to address their concerns while also maintaining your independence.

Most people are surprised to learn that Medicare pays for only a limited amount of the daily care you are likely to need in your lifetime (about 14%).

Medicare covers only services delivered by medically trained professionals. That means you need to have savings or insurance and rely on a collection of local programs. Or family and friends who may be able to pitch in with labor or funds.

Allowing a stranger into your home can leave you feeling quite vulnerable. It’s important that you trust the individual and the company that does the background checks, verifies training, and puts together the schedule.

You also need to interview each company to find out pricing and minimum number of hours, and to see if they have independent quality ratings.

Choosing an assisted living community, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), or a memory care facility is a big decision. You want to get unbiased recommendations for a good match from the start.

Your elder care support team will include friends and family, health care providers, and professional advisors. An Aging Life Care Manager can help you select wisely and coordinate these services effectively.

How you pay for care at home depends on whether the service is by medically trained staff or by nonmedical caregivers. Also, what you can mix and match in terms of community programs and help from friends and family.

Medicare pays only for care in the home that requires the skills of a nurse, nursing assistant, physical therapist, or other medically trained professionals.

Accidents by their very nature are unplanned. That doesn’t mean you need to be unprepared for a fall or a serious incident (e.g., a heart attack or stroke).

Those who are prepared and have a professional advocate, such as an Aging Life Care Manager, are more likely to get the care and the outcomes they desire. Plus, they can recuperate in a setting most in line with their personal needs and preferences.

Imagine your life as a movie. If you are the director, an Aging Life Care™ Manager is your production manager.

He or she is a deeply knowledgeable guide (usually a nurse, social worker, or allied professional) who finds you high-quality help, arranges care “locations,” and advises you about needed services.

Aging Life Care Managers are part of a national organization with training requirements, codes of ethics, and a nationwide network of experienced colleagues in case you need to move to a different part of the country.

In your elderhood, it may be that your best, most affordable option is a group care setting. Learn the difference between assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing (rehab), a nursing home, and a continuing care community (aka life plan community).

Support is available for those who wish to stay at home. However, one-on-one care is expensive. And it’s not always easy to find caregivers. Community services can sometimes be patched together.

To stay at home, it helps to have a knowledgeable person check in periodically who knows eligibility requirements and can supervise and coordinate all the players.