September 1, 2006, was my first day of retirement. After sixty-four and a half years I was able to retire from the working world. Over forty-five years of employment and I am able to enjoy the leisure life of not having to work. The road was long and sometimes bumpy. My road may be entirely different than the road young workers will have to take to reach the age when they can retire. This is an article about my road. My experience may help some young person avoid the pitfalls and mistakes I made on my road to retirement.
To begin with I graduated from high school in June of 1960. I thought high school was enough and elected to search for employment after graduation instead of continuing with education. This was my first mistake. Back in 1960 just a high school education was the minimum amount of education you needed. Today the minimum education is much higher. You will have many years to be able to work so get as much education as possible. Higher education opens many doors that are slammed shut with just a high school diploma.
One thing I did right was get the credit situation resolved. As soon as I started to work I applied for a credit account with a major department store and a gas company. They both awarded me a small account. This was before Visa and Master Card. To date I still have a stellar credit rating. One must remember to stay way below the allowed credit limit. Also, a monthly payment is very important. The preferred amount is the balance due, not the minimum amount allowed. Credit card interest is a gigantic black hole and too many young credit card holders fall into it and spend years climbing out. My credit rating has allowed me to purchase houses, cars, and many toys the American consumer enjoys.
I should have done more planning. It is difficult to think about retirement when you are young. I did not set money aside for retirement. I was planning on retiring with a company pension program, Social Security and a savings account. Many young people I talk to state that they have not made any retirement plans. They are concerned about paying daily bills and setting nothing aside. The forty years of working goes faster than you think. And before you know it your planning years are over and one must accept the conditions of the time.
I am sixty-eight and it will be four years in September since I retired. I have lived and worked in Denver Colorado most of my life. Many my age was under the dream that they could work for an employer and they would have a large retirement fund. Today that is usually a dream. Many companies are eliminating this benefit. My last employer froze their pension program in 2001. This means it is just a matter of time when the company can be free of all obligations from this pension program. My pension payment is very small from this company, much less than I anticipated when I was young. I must say I did not realize I was saving for retirement. I was fortunate to have real estate investment appreciate substantially. Selling this property allowed me to retire. I guess I was investing for retirement and didn’t realize it.
Since my wife and I retired our budget has basically stayed the same. The biggest lifestyle change we made was paying off all of our credit obligations. We do not intend to buy anything on credit again. Credit worked fine when working, however, credit does not have a place in our retired lifestyle. All credit cards are paid in full each month.
Retirement finances haven’t gone exactly as planned. When I retired I expected to enjoy income from interest, dividends and capital gains. With the recession these sources have basically dried up. Fortunately I did not have all my eggs in one basket. We didn’t plan on losing a substantial amount in investments and the home value decrease. We are still able to enjoy retirement but not as much as anticipated.
http://investmentarbitrationreporter.org/
July 11 2011 | retirement | No Comments »
Let’s say you are getting a bit older in your years, you’ve been saving some money in retirement, but haven’t been paying too much attention to it. The big day finally comes around and you get the gold watch, a retirement party, and the like. You get to go home and spend more time with your family, and do all of the fund grandparent things such as spoiling your children’s children. Soon after you retire you take a look at your finances, and begin to realize that you won’t entirely have enough money to make it the rest of your life without some cutbacks. What do you do?
One thing you should consider is looking for a different job. Find one that’s not as strenuous as the one you had, even if it doesn’t pay quite as much. If you can find something that pays comparative to your previous job, you can prevent dipping into your IRA for a few years. This will also enable you to save more money while you still have the ability to work. If you can find a job that gives you health insurance, this is definitely a plus for the job, and you can postpone taking social security, so that when you do take it in a couple of years, you can get bigger payments from them.
If for whatever reason you can’t work a full time job or it would be very difficult to do so, try to at least work on a part-time basis. It might reduce your social security income if you work while retirement, but it’s still better than not working at all. In essence, if you cannot afford to retire fully, you need to find a way to keep working, even if it is on a part time basis.
Fortunately, there are a lot of advantages to working after you retire. You have the ability to get out of your home more and have a reason to get up in the morning. Most people retire without having something to retire to, and find themselves bored rather quickly. If you keep moving and working, you are more likely to live longer and have better health because you get more exercise.
If for whatever reason you are unable to work past your retirement (this does not mean unwilling) you will have to find a way to reduce your expenses. Perhaps sell your home and move to an affordable apartment, cut out any vacations you have planning. Just cut anywhere you can.
http://governmentretirement.com/
July 11 2011 | financial | No Comments »
America is getting older. People over age sixty-five represented 12.9% of the U.S. population in 2009 according to the Administration on Aging, and that number is expected to increase dramatically. Seniors will make up nineteen percent of the population by 2030. While these dramatic changes are coming, they don’t tell the whole story. An increase in the senior portion of our population affects the lives of many. At some point in their lives, most adults will need to care for an elderly member of their family. Planning ahead is becoming even more important as people live longer and the rates of Alzheimer’s and Dementia go up. Although it is a difficult topic to broach, what to do when parents aren’t able to make important health, financial, or day-to-day decisions for themselves is a topic that every adult should consider.
The New York Times recently published an article about financial problems caused by Alzheimer’s. According to the article, one of the first things that a senior with a progressing case of Alzheimer’s can lose control over is managing financial affairs. As a result, an Alzheimer’s patient can face financial ruin due to simple mismanagement of financial affairs, or even worse, be victimized by a con artist who takes their hard-earned money and runs. The adult child may live in another city or state, further complicating matters. In addition, it makes take some time before the parent’s mental decline is uncovered from the initial onset of the disease. Many of these negative scenarios can be avoided if the senior has a trusted advisor to consult with.
The key is to get involved as early as possible. Even if your parent has always been an expert at financial planning, diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia can quickly change things. Here are some tips on preventing a bad situation:
1. Talk to your parent(s). Find out if any plans have been made for how to manage their affairs if they become disabled or mentally incompetent. If not, help them set up a plan (see items #2 and #3 below).
2. Ask your parent(s) to prepare the legal documents required to communicate their end of life wishes. First of all, each parent should have a will. A will helps survivors distribute the parent’s assets after death. In addition, each parent should have a living will, which specifies end of life health care wishes. Getting these directions in writing allows a parent to communicate and detail their preferences which can reduce the stress of decision making for family members.
3. Discuss who can help with the creation of a power of attorney and financial decision making. A power of attorney is a document where the principal (the aging parent) authorizes an agent (another person) to act on their behalf in a variety of financial situations. A power of attorney document will remain in effect even if the agent becomes incompetent if it is made durable. Make certain that the appointed agent is trustworthy and has the parent’s best interests at heart. If the agent is not trustworthy, it’s like “a license to steal” according to Mark Lachs, MD (from his article about cognitive problems and elder abuse).
4. Of critical importance, stay in touch with your parents. You should treat them like children, but if their general well-being and financial health are important to you, stay involved so you can assist if things start to go wrong. The sooner you know about an issue, the sooner you can help fix it.
5. You can create legal documents for your parents, such as a living will or power of attorney, online at companies like Rocket Lawyer. The sooner you create important estate planning documents for your loved ones, the better.
http://climaat.net/
July 11 2011 | family | No Comments »
You start investing for retirement the first time you buy shares in a mutual fund, stock, a real estate property or other investment regardless of how old you are. Investing for retirement simply means investing your money in such a way so that you get the best return possible over the long term, so that when you do retire, the money that you need to live on will be there.
Government programs such as Social Security, (as well as many company pension and retirement plans), simply will not provide enough money for you (and your spouse, if married) to live on once retired. It’s important to start now to make plans and set in motion those investment strategies that will provide the means for you to live comfortably and without financial fear and anxiety once you have retired.
Retirement Goal: To have enough passive income from all sources, including social security, employer and retirement pensions, as well as your own investments, so that you do not have to keep working, (unless, of course, you want to!)
When you retire, you want to have the financial means to enjoy those things you have always wanted to do, but did not have the time for while working. What would those things be for you? Painting? Travel? Restoring old cars? Learning a musical instrument? Continuing your education? Or perhaps even starting a second or new career or business? Live your life fully, now, each day, but also plan ahead and invest wisely so that when you do retire, financial worries and concerns will not be an unwelcome part of your life experience.
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is an essential part of personal financial planning. The sooner you take the time to think through and implement your best investment strategy for retirement, the better off you will be, and the more time you will have to allow your retirement funds to grow. In order for you to plan effectively for your retirement, and invest accordingly, you will need to make the following determinations:
1. How long will it be before I plan on retiring?
2. How much money will I need to live on (how much money will my spouse and I need), in order to maintain my (our) current standard-of-living once I retire? (As a general rule of thumb, you will need approximately 70% of your current annual working salary in order to live at, or reasonably close to, your current standard-of-living, when you retire. 70% is not written in stone, but it will give you a number to work with. Some people can live comfortably on less, some need more.)
3. How much money will I need to save and invest, starting now, and at what interest rate, so that the accumulated funds will generate the necessary income I need once I retire? (For help in determining the specific amounts you need, see my article, Your Investment Money: The Value of Compound Interest, Associated Content.)
Sources of retirement income to consider when making your determinations would include: social security, employer-based pension and retirement plans, and also personal savings and individual retirement accounts that you have set up. In order to supplement your income once you retire, you will need to find those investments that will provide the needed additional income. Such investments would include fixed-income securities, such as bonds, or bond mutual funds, annuities, and/or other investments specifically designed for retirement income. However, before you retire, invest in those financial products that are going to build your assets.
Prior to actually retiring, the types of investments you should be considering would include such things as stocks and stock mutual funds - growth-oriented investments. Again, the sooner you start your retirement investing program, the more time you will have to allow your funds to grow. That’s why it’s so important to start investing now for retirement, regardless of age, or the current career stage or position you find yourself in.
Make use of auto-savings and investment plans, either at your place of employment, or from your own financial savings and investment accounts. Better yet, use both! You can arrange to have money deducted from your payroll check and deposited to a tax-deferred account such as an IRA or 401k plan at your place of work, and you can set up an auto-savings or investment account through your bank, savings, or brokerage account. (See my article, Starting a Savings and Investment Program, Associated Content, for help and information in setting up your own auto-savings or auto-investment plan.)
IRA’s and 401k Plans
Individual retirement accounts (IRA’s) and 401k plans are traditional retirement plan accounts whereby earned income can be set aside, tax-deferred, and this is the primary benefit and attraction of such accounts. As with other types of investments, the point to remember is to invest, and then leave the funds alone. (If you withdraw early from these types of accounts, you will have to pay a penalty to the IRS.)
IRA accounts can be set up through banks, savings and loans, credit unions, mutual funds, and numerous investment/brokerage firms. The types of investments that will build a retirement fund most effectively, providing you invest early enough, are growth-oriented stocks and stock mutual funds, and you can invest in these types of products through an IRA.
A 401k plan is a savings plan offered through your employer whereby a portion of your salary is automatically deducted and deposited or set aside for your retirement. Earnings from your 401k plan, such as interest, dividends, and capital gains, accrue on a tax-deferred basis, as with an IRA.
Take advantage of both of these types of plans. They can play an integral part in the success of your retirement planning strategy.
For your own peace of mind, start your retirement planning and investing now, regardless of your age, stage of life, or current income level, so that you can provide for yourself and those who depend on you, and then, enjoy yourself, enjoy your family and friends. Enjoy and live life to the fullest.
http://healthywealth.us/
July 11 2011 | investing | No Comments »
Whether you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s, you need to think about how you want to live when you retire. If you don’t plan soon enough, you’ll find yourself working well into your 70s. Start now - no matter what your age - to ensure your future will be filled with a well-deserved, relaxed lifestyle, not punching a time clock.
Individual Retirement Account. Yes, you need one of these whether it’s a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, you must have some system of regularly setting aside money each month. Set up an automatic payment with your bank so that a set amount - even $25 - is taken from your account each month and deposited in your IRA. You may not notice the funds each month, but they will add up over time and if you’re young enough, time is your friend when it comes to retirement planning.
Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan
Maybe your employer offers a plan that you can join after a year or more with the company. If this is an option, you will be wise to join. Many employers will match your contribution or even contribute a greater matching amount than you contribute. This is free money toward your retirement - don’t pass it up. Your contributions to your retirement plan could even be taken out of your paycheck before your taxes are calculated, which is another bonus.
Meet with a Financial Advisor
You don’t have to be a millionaire to benefit from the advice of a financial advisor. Find someone you can trust who will show you how to develop a diversified portfolio of investments so that you will get the best returns given the time you have to invest.
Make the Best Use of Time
If you’re young and just starting out in your career, you have the benefit of time. Compounding interest will be your best friend as you establish your retirement accounts and watch them grow. The older you are and the less time you have, the more you’ll have to contribute.
An Employer Sponsored Plan May Not Be Enough
Just because you’ve set up a retirement account through your employer and are benefiting from the generous matching contributions, you’ll need to make sure this account will be enough for you and your family when you’re ready to retire. It is likely that you will need to maintain an IRA in addition to any employer sponsored account you or your spouse may have. You can find a retirement calculator online to help estimate your future needs.
A Non-Working Spouse Needs an IRA
If you are a woman who is not employed outside the home, you can be eligible to open your own IRA. Talk to your financial advisor about your future needs and look at your combined retirement accounts to see if this is a prudent option for you.
Other Investments
You can save for retirement in other ways by learning to invest in stocks, for example. With discount online stock purchase plans, it is easy for nearly anyone to participate in the stock market. Do your research and buy stocks in companies you can hold for the long-term and reinvest all your dividends. Many of these plans can also be set up for automatic stock purchases once you are in the program.
Retirement should be a time of leisure after a life-time of hard work and diligent efforts to earn money and support the family. Don’t get caught in the trap of having to work well into your 70s because you didn’t do any retirement planning. You’ll sleep better at night knowing that you and your family will be comfortable and able to travel, enjoy your grandchildren and pay for healthcare expenses.
http://governmentretirement.com/
July 11 2011 | investing | No Comments »
Planning for retirement is necessary. Contrary to popular belief, Social Security was never intended to provide full time income or maintain a lifestyle after retirement. Although many different retirement plans exist, the most common mistakes are made over and over again by Americans planning for retirement. Avoid these mistakes and set a more solid foundation for those retirement years.
1. Expect inflation. Inflation affects prices today and will tomorrow. Most financial analysts expect inflation to increase over the next two to three decades. The cost of living will increase accordingly to double or triple current rates. Inflation will impact finances, especially for those on a fixed income. Pre-planning to allow for inflation rates can protect seniors by providing an adequate supply of money to foot the bills despite rising inflation costs. By putting away two to three times more than needed for the current economy, a secure future can be assured.
2. Don’t count on investment returns allow to cover financial needs. Many people believe that if they build a substantial nest egg and then can live off the dividends or interest payments. This theory is sometimes sound but it depends on the investments. Today’s stock market is precarious and can destroy a carefully planned financial foundation with a single market fluctuation. If investing, do it in real property or sound investments that are not as related to economical surges or downfalls. And, it’s wise to remember that investments, dividends, and interest payments may provide a financial foundtaion but dealing with them can create headaches for the heirs.
3. Remember risks when gathering assets. Age makes a difference when determining what assets (stocks, bonds, and cash) should play a role in a personal portfolio. Workers in their thirties can handle more risk than workers in their fifties or sixties. Invest with wisdom and remember the risk factor. Losing or diminishing the value of assets at the threshhold of retirment can prove disasterous to many senior citizens.
4. Think about taxes. Remember that while investing in tax deferred programs such as IRA’s or 401K plans only defers the tax until retirement. When the funds are withdrawn from either plan, accumulated funds are subject to tax so figure the tax into planning or the size of the expected nest egg may be smaller than expected.
5. Be realistic about retirement spending. Many soon-to-be retirees believe that their expenses will be minimal after retirement but this is not always the case. Some statistics show that many recent retirees spend up to 85% of their retirement income on retirement. This may be relocation expenses, purchase or a retirement home or maintenace on a long time home. Remember as well that in addition to day to day living expenses, many seniors face unexpected financial burdens with health care, home improvement or repair costs, or long term care. Fun things like dining out and travel should be anticipated and the money should be allocated early. More money that needed is a better choice than not enough.
6. Don’t expect more investment returns than are feasible. Have long term objectives and investments that stand the test of time rtaher than flash in the pan, get rich quick hopes for unrealistic returns. Have a sound financial floor to build retirement upon.
7. Plan for a long life. Many retirees don’t expect retirement to last as long as career years but with today’s increasing life expectancies, improved medical care, better nutrition, health and excercise conciousness, and modern conveniences, people live longer than ever before. It’s not a fantasy that retirement may last two, three and even four decades for some seniors so plan ahead for the long term and don’t short change finances with short term funding.
8. Plan ahead for health care. Have solid insurance - don’t count on Medicare alone to float senior health bills. Have and maintain a comphrehensive policy that provides not only for short term illness, surgery, or hospitalization but for long term care as well. Many seniors will find long term care necessary at some point and it’s important to have such care covered to avoid even greater medical costs that can wreck a retirement budget.
http://plantowealth.com
June 20 2011 | finances | No Comments »
I have worked in Nursing Homes in Missouri for a good part of my working life. I was always employed as a Nurse Assistant and the things I encountered were enough to horrify any person. As a Senior you should have the right to live your life as you choose. You worked hard all your life to get to this point . What exactly is this point? Read on and I will breakdown each right as specified in the Missouri Omnibus Nursing Home Act of 1979 and the Federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. These rights will be found at any licenced Nusing Home Facility in the state of Missouri. This right by right review is as seen through the eyes of a Nurse Assistant who’s charge was to provide daily and ongoing care to the seniors of our state.
You will be informed (at the time of admission to the facility and periodically during your stay) orally and in writing of your rights and responsibilities as a resident. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
This is not always true. In some cases , yes the admitting person(s) will read your rights to you. Once you are admitted it is highly unlikely that anyone will ever read those rights to you again.
This rings true for the most part. The reason this holds true is because if they do not inform you ahead of time that leaves them open for lawsuit. Just like most companies , they can charge you for it but without informed consent ahead of time you are not liable to pay for such services.
You will be informed of the services available and related charges, including protection of personal funds if held by the facility, and all services not covered in the facility’s daily rate. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
You may purchase or rent goods or services not included in the facility rate from a provider of your choice.
(http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
This depends upon which goods and services you are wanting to purchase or rent. You will find that while they can not legally stop you from doing such they will try to discourage you from doing so if it will interfere with their making choices for you. Unfortunalty, unless you put your foot down from day one they will always attempt to decide what is best for you. Always claiming , of course, that with old age come senality - not always true.
You will receive notice before room or roommate changes are made. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
In some homes you will recieve notice , depending on your senality level. I ,however, have witnessed on many occasions where this was never done. Roommates may appear overnight or through lunch. Never be surprised to come to your room from lunch to find your things moved about and a roommate to have appeared from thin air. Empty beds mean no money being produced, the quicker the beds can be filled the more money the home makes.
You may examine results of facility inspections including plans of correction. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
Once again , in some homes they actually follow the rules and post these inspection results for you to view. Most homes fail these inspections at least once for one reason or another. Upon failing the last thing they want is for you to see WHY. Just an interesting point here, most of the time they fail in the “privacy” and “respect” portion - at least once.
You have the right to receive service with reasonable accommodation of your individual needs and preferences except when your health and safety or that of other residents would be endangered. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
Uniform lifestyle is the words that come to mind here. Generally speaking your individual needs and preferances get in the way of providing a uniform fashion of care. Everyone is treated the same and uses all the same devices. This makes training in the facilities easier and more cost effective for them. Your needs are not generally thought of when it comes down to money. Just a tip, If you do want this right to apply to you either yourself or your family needs to provide the things you want AND make sure it is used.
You have the right to not have your life regulated beyond what is necessary in providing resident services. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
I have never seen a right so completely violated in all of my years working in nursing facilities. Once you enter the world that is a Nursing Home your life becomes nothing but regulation. If you are a smoker , you have designated smoke times(three times a day) and you are allowed two cigerettes each session. In a Nursing Home they plan all of your activities and outings, unless your family steps in. Generally speaking , most if not all activities are planned to target ALL residents at once. “Bedtime” is usually 8 or 9 PM , this goes for all residents. Bathroom breaks tend to be scheduled so as to make the work of the Nurse Aides easier.
You have the right to retain your personal possessions as space permits. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
True , you are allowed to bring in your personal possesions. There is however a very limited amount of space to house your possesions. This I find alarmingly sad.
You have the right to be informed of all aspects of your care, to choose your own personal physician, to participate in planning your care and treatment, including any changes in care and treatment. You have the right to refuse treatment and to be informed of the consequences of such refusal. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
As far as being a part of your medical decisions, not likely. The nurses and doctors coordinate your care and in most cases without your input at all. Refusing treatment? you can refuse treatment but in a majority of cases your treatment will be forced upon you no matter what you say.
You shall be encouraged and assisted throughout your stay to exercise your rights. You have the right to voice complaints and recommend changes regarding personal care, behavior of other residents, conditions in the facility, or other unmet needs or expectations and to expect prompt efforts will be made to address complaints. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
This is the farthest thing from the truth. You are free at anytime to pick up the phone and hotline the facility for abuse but as for anything else stated above , it mostly stands to be false. You may voice your complaints , though more often than not it will fall upon deaf ears.
You have a right to privacy for visits with your spouse and may share a room with your spouse if you are both residents and both agree to the cohabitation. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
This is true for the most part. I have personally only seen one incident in my years of working in Nursing Homes where the hussband and wife had no choice but to be seperated. This seperation was only for the welfare of the husband.
You have the right to privacy and respect regarding accommodations, personal care, medical treatment, written and telephone communications and visits with other individuals. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
Privacy is one big joke in Nursing Homes. You should not be surprised to find someone dressing you with the door wide open or showering you with another resident or 3 other Aides right there with you. I have found that once you are in a Nursing Home your privacy goes out the window. Your records are read by anyone and everyone. Your medical diagnoses are discussed in public for other residents to hear. If you are incontinent it is usually broadcasted to anyone in the same room as you that you need to be “changed” . The practices that are in effect now in Nursing Homes is just sickening.
All information related to your medical, personal, social, or financial affairs will be kept confidential. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
This is not true. As I stated above once you are in a Nursing Home your affairs become public knowledge. Don’t get me wrong , it is not always on purpose.Sometimes things are spoken about when they shouldn’t be.
You may be discharged or transferred only for medical reasons, for your own welfare or that of others, or for nonpayment. Pre-transfer and pre-discharge notices must be made at least 30 days in advance. Written notices must go to the resident, family member or legal representative or long-term care ombudsman if there is no family and include reasons for the action, the right to appeal and information on how to contact the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The facility must assist you in arranging other accommodations. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
This statement holds true. The Nursing Homes really have no way around this.
You have the right to participate in resident councils and your family has the right to meet together in the facility with families of other residents. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
This right is also upheld. I can not say how far the Resident Council can go to changing things but Nursing Homes do offer this their clients. It is sad to say , but alot of times your family has more rights than you do concerning the Nursing Home.
You may associate and communicate privately with persons of your choice. You may have free access to an ombudsman, your individual physician, or any representative of the Federal Government.
(http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
Again , Nursing Homes have no choice but to uphold this right. It is every person’s god given right.
You have the right to have appropriate activities for your participation and may engage in social, religious and community activities of your choice. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
Alright , if you choose to have these activities outside the facility you are free to do so . in most cases you are in charge of your transportation to and from these activities. Some Homes arrange that for you. If you are participating within the Nursing Home then you have to go along with what is scheduled.
You have the right to be free from physical or mental abuse, corporal punishment, involuntary seclusion and any physical or chemical restraints imposed for purposes of discipline or for convenience of the staff. Restraints may not be used except under the direction of a physician and only to treat your medical symptoms. (http://www.dhss.mo.gov/NursingHomes/SelectNH.html#question7)
You do have the “right” to this however it does not happen that way. I am not saying that every single Nursing Home will be abusive but there are a great many that are. Abuse can be not giving you all of the rights outlined above. I have worked in many Nursing Homes where abuse is an issue, whether it be mental , physical , emotional or verbal. nine times out of ten abuse is an issue. No one deserves to be treated that way.
These are the rights as defined by the state of Missouri. I am not here to demean Nursing Homes , I am just stating the facts as I and many others have seen them. For all the years I worked at Nursing Homes I always quit because I could not stand to see our elderly people treated the way they were. No matter how many times I or anyone else reported abuse, neglect and the taking of a residents rights nothing was ever done about it.
There are people who do care about our elderly , such as myself , and take pride in keeping thier sacred rights safe. Those are the people that Nursing Homes should strive to employ. Unfortunatly the problem lies in keeping staffed. Nursing Homes get into a bind and hire the first person who comes in off the street and puts them to work. This results in poor quality hiring and in the end abuse to our elderly. It takes a special kind of person to care for someone who has cared for themselves thier whole life. It takes a compassionate heart and a strong mind.
http://dcbusinesslaw.net
June 20 2011 | retirement | No Comments »
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