Senior’s Resources for Living Healthier and Living Longer

Seniors in today's world have access to the finest health care and social services in history and they are maintaining their independence longer than ever before. The golden years are shining brighter as senior health care takes center stage in the medical profession. This trend will continue to grow as the baby boomers reach their senior years and make increasing demands on the senior health care system.

While senior health concerns such as Alzheimer's, osteoporosis, arthritis and heart disease continue to be problematic, new research is being conducted every day that offers viable solutions and hope for seniors of today and of tomorrow. As more and more boomers reach senior status there is little question that America's social, economic and senior health care delivery systems will see dramatic, unprecedented change.

Senior health facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living, and acute care centers have expanded their services, with many offering a more holistic approach to senior care. Medicare continues to change to meet the increasing needs of seniors as evidenced by the recently implemented Medicare drug plan. Although the plan can be difficult to understand, there are many senior centers, pharmacies and agencies that can help explain the plan to seniors.span>

Additional Services Medicare Provides

Hospital Insurance - This Medicare option is provided automatically to seniors who are 65 or older who are eligible to receive Social Security.

Skilled Nursing Facility Care - Covered by Medicare Part A only if it follows within 30 days of a senior's hospitalization of three or more days, and is certified as medically necessary. Medicare does not generally pay for long-term care in a nursing facility, and the number of Skilled Nursing Facility Days for senior medical care is 100 days, with a Medicare co-payment required for days 21 to 100.

Home Health Agency Care - Can be furnished by Medicare for a home health agency at the senior's home. Medicare Part A may also pay for some senior medical equipment and medical supplies.

Hospice Care - Provided by Medicare to terminally ill seniors who have a life expectancy of six months or less and who choose to forego standard medical treatment.

Inpatient Hospital Care - Includes coverage of the costs for most senior hospital services including operating room, intensive care, laboratory tests, inpatient prescription drugs, X-Rays and rehabilitation, long-term hospitalization, meals, semi private room, and other senior medical services.

With the advances in technology seniors and their caregivers have more options than ever before including senior home care, assisted living and, for many seniors, the coveted dream of living independently.