Berks man’s legacy helps keep senior citizens safe from scams

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Reading Eagle

By all appearances Michael Meitzler was a man who lived simply and quietly, keeping to himself. So quietly that when Meitzler died at home of natural causes in 2013, his body was not discovered until three years later, after the property was sold at a tax lien sale….

Elder Care: Human connections despite dementia

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Carlisle Sentinel

Various theories and approaches exist for working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms of dementia. Previous articles have discussed basic techniques that can influence personal interactions. One method that has not yet been considered is called “validation.”…

Though accountability concerns remain, new regulations for intellectually disabled care advance

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Pennsylvania Legislative Services

The Independent Regulatory Review Committee approved an omnibus regulation package for the care of intellectually disabled Pennsylvanians Thursday that providers and advocates said would improve on the state’s current law, even as some fretted about accountability measures….

Residents can safely dispose of unused prescription drugs

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Lock Haven Express

LOCK HAVEN — Clinton County’s Prescription Drug Take Back Week will be held from Oct. 22 through Oct. 26 in recognition of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Local residents can safely dispose of unused prescription and over-the-counter medications in a Med Return box at…

Prime Time Chimers visit area nursing homes

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Ellwood City Ledger

ELLWOOD CITY — The Prime Time Chimers at Northview Estates make beautiful music together. As the soft, clear musical notes gently fill the room, they are accompanied by the smiles of satisfaction on the faces of the group members’ faces at making music. Leader Cindy Junkin, musical therapist, said they are a closely knit group…

The Trump administration’s latest plan to lower drug prices is hollow — and maybe counterproductive

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Washington Post

Everyone — well, maybe everyone but pharmaceutical manufacturers — thinks that drug prices in the United States are way too high. The big question is how to bring them down. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump vigorously advocated for Medicare price negotiations. But so far, his biggest policy proposal, which arrived…

ACA 2019 health insurance premiums expected to decline in Pennsylvania

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Reading Eagle

Pennsylvanians who need to buy health insurance on HealthCare.gov received some good news on Thursday. After years of rising premiums, prices on the federal marketplace are expected to decline by an average of 2.3 percent for 2019, the state Insurance Department announced. Insurers are offering more plans across the…

Zoning board approves personal care home plan

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Altoona Mirror

The Altoona Zoning Hearing Board recently granted permission for an Altoona-area couple to establish a personal care home at the former “Petticoat Junction” railroad boarding house in northern Juniata. Michael and Crystal Helsel, however, must not go beyond four residents and…

Senior Citizens Make Anticipated Return to Care Center Hit by Tornado

Posted on October 17, 2018 by INSIDE EDITION

One by one, residents at the Rolling Fields Elder Care Community in Pennsylvania have returned to their nursing home. More than 160 residents and employees were reportedly affected by a devastating tornado that caused significant damage to the property. It’s the first time they have been back…

Rise in in-home care leads to tough decision | Opinion

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Sunbury Daily Item

When spending valuable taxpayer dollars, elected officials must always have the greater good in mind when they make difficult financial decisions. That is certainly the case in Northumberland County, where two senior action centers were shuttered earlier this year and the funding shifted to other…