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Consumer Troubleshooter

May 24, 2013 By

submitted by Bucks County Consumer Protection Agency

Q. Prior to moving to this area, my husband and I had our prescriptions filled at a pharmacy that offered a program for the purchase of generic drugs. The cost for us was $5 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply.

We now live in a 55-years-and-over community and the management here recommended a pharmacy that is just around the corner. I took his recommendation and gave them a call.

I was relieved when the employee at the new pharmacy assured me that they would honor the generic cost program we had at our previous pharmacy, so we transferred all of our medications to be filled to them.

The first month I was billed $49.63. The second month I was billed $257.00.

I called because of the big difference in the amount and when they checked my account, realized that an error was made and adjusted the bill so I was only charged $105.22. Now this month I received a bill for $251.23.

I called again and they are claiming they never received my check for the last month of $105.22. I told him that I have the cancelled check so he finally checked with his bank and realized that I did pay last month.

I’m concerned that other people, who may not be questioning their bill, are being overcharged by this pharmacy. It does not seem like they have very accurate accounting practices. My husband and I live in a senior citizen apartment complex that is operated by HUD and a lot of the people that live here use this same pharmacy because it is so close.

None of us can afford nor want to be ripped off. 

What can we do?  C.R., Levittown.

A. First of all, Bucks County Consumer Protection wishes to remind consumers how important it is to always go over their statements, before they pay, to make sure they aren’t being charged incorrectly.

Secondly, consumers should also “shop around” to make sure they are getting the best price on their prescriptions because, just like anything else you purchase, prescription prices can vary from place to place.

Finally, we recommend doing exactly what you have done; pay attention and ask questions.

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Chair Yoga classes at Falls Senior Center

May 24, 2013 By

The Falls Township Senior Center, located at 282 Trenton Road in Fairless Hills, holds ongoing weekly classes for Chair Yoga on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 to 3:00pm, and Thursday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15am.

Cost is $3. For more information call 215-547-6563.

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Filed Under: Fairless Focus Events, Senior Scene Tagged With: , , ,

Attleboro Community: Senior living tailored to your individual lifestyle

May 22, 2013 By

by June Portnoy

Attleboro Community offers independent living for active adults, personal care for those needing assistance with daily living, and skilled nursing and rehabilitation for those requiring 24-hour skilled care for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care needs.

“Our independent living, personal care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation work together as a Continuing Care Retirement Community,” says Mary Kender, Executive Director of Attleboro Community.

Today, one can choose either a lease or a Type C contract allowing for the flexibility and individual lifestyle preference. Both of these options enable individuals to stay on campus for the continuum of their care or to move closer to family if/when increased services are required and family proximity is desired. Both plans work very well with all forms of long-term care insurance.

An Attleboro Village, lease option requires no entrance fee.

Residents can enjoy a carefree lifestyle and all the services and amenities offered in a well-appointed independent living community. Beautiful and spacious studios, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments with abundant closets and large balconies are available for immediate occupancy.

Residents desiring a C Contract will select an entrance fee with a 90% refundable or declining balance. Residents have the option of using the refundable portion for a higher level of care on campus, or have it returned directly to them.

This entrance fee makes residents eligible for a fully upgraded apartment with a location of their choice. Plus, they receive priority placement at The Brunswick or Attleboro Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, as well as coordination of health services throughout the campus. 

All residents receive an inviting continental breakfast and a dinner served restaurant-style with a choice of dining venues. 

Other amenities include transportation to doctor’s appointments, shopping and local attractions at no additional fee, and a variety of engaging recreational activities to stimulate their mind, body and soul. 

Attleboro is “right-sized” for those seeking a warm and friendly feel in a charming environment. It takes little time to feel at home. It is conveniently located, with easy access to shopping, hospitals, cultural and recreational attractions. 

“We feel that our Attleboro team members set us apart from other retirement communities,” says Mary. “We are so proud of the longevity of our caring and dedicated staff. We are like a family with a strong bond between those who live and work in this community.”

For all these reasons, it’s no surprise that 100% of those responding to a recent survey said that Attleboro met and exceeded their expectations.                      

For more information, call Attleboro Community, located at 290 East Winchester Avenue in Langhorne, at 215-750-7575 or visit www.attleborovillage.com.

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Filed Under: Langhorne Ledger Business Profiles, Senior Scene Tagged With: , , ,

Summer heat and older adults

May 22, 2013 By

submitted by Gregg Rackin, President, Care Plus More Homecare Agency, www.careplusmore.com

Summertime and warmer weather can often pose a variety of risks, especially for older adults. According to John Hopkins Health After 50 Magazine, as the temperature outside becomes warmer, older adults are likely to suffer from: inability to regulate internal body temperature, increased risk of heart failure, and complications related to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

In addition to these risks, high temperatures can also interfere with older adults who are prescribed diuretics, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and anti-cholinergics.

The most important step in helping to alleviate heat related medical issues is having access to a cool environment, particularly one with air conditioning.

Older adults suffering from respiratory illnesses are at an especially increased risk during the warmer months. Inhaling hot air has been shown to inflame the airways of those suffering from respiratory conditions such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Heat stroke is another potentially fatal consequence of the warmer summer months.

It is important to be aware of the symptoms related to heat stroke, which include: hot and dry skin, confusion and disorientation, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing, and extreme headaches.

Thankfully, avoiding heat related medical complications can be largely avoidable. By remaining hydrated, avoiding outside exposure during particularly warm times, and making sure your home is air-conditioned; your risk of costly and potentially fatal heat related emergencies can be lowered significantly.

The information provided in this article is not indented to provide advice on personal medical matters or to substitute for consultation with a physician.

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Filed Under: Fairless Focus Columnists, Senior Scene Tagged With: , , , ,

Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force’s 10th Anniversary recognized by Commissioners

May 20, 2013 By

On March 20th at its meeting in Doylestown, the Bucks County Board of Commissioners issued a Proclamation recognizing the important accomplishments of the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force over the course of its first 10 years.

The task force was established in 2003 by then-district attorney Diane E. Gibbons in response to the elder abuse murder case that arose out of the September 2000 death of 83-year-old Alzheimer’s patient William J. Neff Sr. at a personal care home.

Former Assistant DA David Zellis accepted the proclamation along with Consumer Protection Director Mike Bannon and Judge Diane Gibbons.

“We have been able to protect those citizens who are not able to protect themselves,” said Judge Gibbons.

The Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force is a multi-disciplinary team that reviews, investigates, prosecutes and works to prevent crimes against older adults.

[Read more...]

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Filed Under: Home, Senior Scene Tagged With: , , ,

Live the good life at Center Square Towers

May 17, 2013 By

Center Square Towers is a comfortable place to call home for active adults 62+. The Towers hosts weekly trips to fun places around Bucks County, such as Peddler’s Village, Philadelphia Park Casino, and Cracker Barrel. 

There’s even a complimentary private shuttle service to take residents to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments or anywhere else in a five-mile radius. The studio and one-bedroom apartments come with large balconies, central air conditioning and heating and fully equipped kitchens. 

Residents can also sign up for the yearly meal plan featuring dishes prepared by professional chefs.  Residents can meet with neighbors for a game of bridge or scrabble in the card room or in the billiards room for a quick game of eight-ball after dinner.

There’s also a Nintendo Wii room with a flat-screen TV and a craft room.

Give Center Square Towers a call at 215-298-0254.

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer News, Senior Scene Tagged With: , , , ,

McVillage Pub a big hit

May 13, 2013 By
SPRING VILLAGE

 

Residents of Spring Village at Floral Vale, a 48-bed Memory Care Community in Yardley, enjoyed a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day. Their well-known Town Square was transformed into The McVillage Pub.

Irish food, music, dancing and entertainment took top billing for the day. Resident’s and their guests all had a twinkle in their eyes as the community celebrated.

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Filed Under: Langhorne Ledger News, Senior Scene Tagged With: , , , ,

Annual Art Show bigger than ever at Pine Run

April 29, 2013 By

Word has spread among artists 55+ that Pine Run’s Annual Art Show has become a buyer’s destination.

Opening night is Friday, May 17th, and an exuberant crowd of 200 artists and their invited guests are expected to take in the large exhibit marked by a wonderful variety of paintings, photography, and sculpture. The variety is always extensive and the judges, Pearl Mintzer and Natalie Wi, will devote several hours to evaluating the merits of each piece.

Framed and hung works, ranging in price from $45 to $10,000, are subject to judging and additional submissions will be added to the show for the public sale over the weekend of May 18th and 19th.

Ceil Krajewski, Director of Villager Services, says, “The novice artists are honored to share wall space with the professionals. You can hear the excitement in the voices of the instructors when they see the work of their students in our show. It is truly a celebration of Bucks County artists.”

To find out more about the Pine Run Art Show, click on www.pinerun.org.

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Filed Under: Senior Scene

Residents prep for “Treasure Day” Flea Market At The Arbors At Buck Run

April 26, 2013 By

Residents took class in “chalk painting,” the new rage for decorating wooden pieces, to prepare picture frames they will sell at a community-wide flea market to be hosted by The Arbors at Buck Run on Saturday, May 4th, from 9:00am to noon, 1730 Buck Road in Feasterville/Trevose.

The class was taught by Lower Bucks resident Susanne Kelly, who will also teach the public her “Savvy Susanne DIY” tricks for turning yard sale castoffs into beautifully restored furniture. Sellers are urged to sign up right away for the limited table spaces.

The $10 table fee will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. To reserve, call 215-322-4960.

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Filed Under: Senior Scene, Southampton Spirit Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

Encore Medical Staffing: Providing the highest quality caregivers for your aging parents

April 24, 2013 By

ENCORE PROFILE

 

by June Portnoy

Caring for your aging parents can be incredibly demanding and time consuming, especially if you have a full-time job. And if you have children, you now have two households to run.

Yet, you want your parents to remain at home to experience the best quality of life possible. If you’re feeling overwhelmed caring for your parents while maintaining your own life, it’s time to call Encore Medical Staffing. 

This non-medical staffing home care agency will assign one or more qualified caregivers to your loved ones so they receive the attention they need to remain at home when you can’t be there. These caregivers are either registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or certified nursing assistants (CNAs). 

“While many other agencies hire home health aids (HHAs), I never staff anyone below a CNA level because I don’t believe HHAs have the skill sets necessary to handle unexpected emergencies,” says owner, Dr. Stuart Lakernick. “If I don’t trust a caregiver to care for my parents, I won’t send them to care for yours.”

You’ll receive the highest quality caregivers from Encore who each receive extensive background checks and drug testing before they are hired. In addition, they are required to complete competency tests to access their knowledge of caregiving.

Once Encore sends a caregiver to watch over your parents, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing they are with competent professionals who will keep your loved ones safe.

While most agencies, require a four-hour minimum, Encore only asks for a one-hour minimum, so its caregiver can fill in a small gap of unattended time if needed. On the flip side, if your parents are bedbound, Encore can provide caregivers 24/7, every day of the week. 

“We strive to provide continuity by rotating the same caregivers everyday, so your parents become comfortable with them,” says Dr. Lakernick. “If your parents need round-the-clock care, there will never be a moment when your parents are left alone because we offer total supervision.”

Caregivers can assist your loved ones with bathing, toileting, dressing and overall personal hygiene so they look and feel their best. In addition, they can prepare meals, do light housekeeping, offer medication reminders and accompany your parents to their doctor appointments.

Most importantly, they are trained to recognize if something is suddenly wrong with your parents, and know how to handle the situation.

If your family member is at a nursing home, but you want him to have some extra care, Encore will send a caregiver there to offer that one-on-one personal attention that they won’t receive at a nursing home.

All caregivers are fully insured employees of Encore, so if they get hurt at your home, it is Encore’s responsibility, not yours, to pay for their medical treatment.

No matter what time you call Encore you will never get an answering machine. Instead, a live staffing coordinator will answer your call directly 24/7, 365 days a week to find the assistance you need to care for your elderly folks.

If you can’t go another day without the peace of mind of knowing your elderly parents are okay while you’re not with them, call Encore Medical Staffing now at 267-288-5212 or email northeast@encoremedicalstaffing.com.

For additional information, visit www.encoremedicalstaffing.com.

Encore is licensed by the state of PA.

PHOTO CAP: Dr. Stuart Lakernick with Jenna and Peggy of Encore Medical Staffing

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