Walk In Shower For Our Bathroom

December 16, 2018 Karen 1 Comment

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Ever since my surgery in 2012, I can’t lift my left leg very high. I have been having a hard time getting in and out of the bath tub to take a shower. It has slowly been getting worse. And since my leg has been swelling up sporadically over the last year, it has been harder and harder to do this thing. So, we decided it was time to rip out the bathtub and get a walk in shower built.

Just to remind you of **what it looked like “before**“.

When we bought the house in November of 2011, the bathroom was just ugly. It was stark white, with a floral wallpaper border around the entire room. There was a hideous gold colored shower door on the bathtub, and gold faucet fixtures. (unfortunately the gold fixtures are still there, that is for another day to update). In November of 2015, we painted the bathroom, put up new wall fixtures, and took out the shower door and replaced it with a nice double curtain rod and a pretty shower curtain. I have enjoyed the dark gray and yellow color scheme, but decided to change that up while we were working in the bathroom again.

I was so excited to finally be getting this walk in shower in the bathroom. We asked around for someone to do the job, and found a couple of people who do this type of thing for a living. The first one we contacted was through Home Depot. He came out to take measurements, but never called us back with a quote. We had always had good luck with Home Depot referrals in the past, so this was a new experience. The second person was a referral from a friend. The guy came out, asked me what I wanted the shower to look like, took measurements. He came back in a couple of days with a quote. We talked about it some more, shook hands on the deal, and decided on a start date for the job. I wrote in the dates on my calendar so that I wouldn’t schedule anything else on those days. And….he never showed up to start the job, and never called. I was so so so depressed over that. So depressed and disappointed that my stomach hurt for two days. I really wanted this shower to happen.

My next step was to go on a Haralson County Facebook group, and ask for recommendations for someone who could build a walk in shower for me. I had 25 names in less than 24 hours. I called three of the people on my new list of referrals. One person showed up to talk about my expectations, take measurements, and discuss when he could get started on the job. He gave me a list of material that he needed from Home Depot, and told me that as soon as I bought them he would get started. I went to Home Depot the next day with my list, and sat with the guy at the contractors desk. He took me around the store and helped me pick out my materials. I paid for them, and told them my contractor would be there the next morning to pick them up.

The demolition of the old bathtub was done first.

Brian, the contractor, did in fact show up to pick up the supplies at Home Depot the next day, which was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. He brought them to my house and unloaded them, and got to work tearing out the existing bathtub. This guy was a work horse! He started the job on a Saturday, and worked every day that week, including Thanksgiving Day, to get the job done. (Of course he asked me if it was ok with me, which it was. My son and grandson were the only ones coming for Thanksgiving dinner, and I asked them if we could postpone it til another day.)

walk in shower build — First, Brian lined the walls with plastic, then built the framework.

After the old bathtub was torn out, Brian capped the water lines so we could turn the water back on. The water was only off for one day. After that, he got to work building the shower. He had to put in some studs and built the framework for the two cubby holes in the shower wall. He asked where I wanted the grab bars, and where I wanted the cubby holes. I love that this shower was built to my specifications!

After the framework was done, the next step was to add cement board. I had never seen that before, and I know it must be heavy. That guy carried it in by himself, sheet after sheet of it to build the framework of the shower. When he was ready to build the shower bench, he asked me how high I wanted the seat. Then a rubber shower liner was laid on the floor.

This job was noisy and dirty. One of the things I did not like about the contractor is that he did not clean up after himself very well. The end result was a beautiful walk in shower, though.

The finished shower is beautiful. I love that I can sit down to take a shower, and that lets me take as much time as I want, instead of hurrying to get through before I get exhausted. My little cubby hole for soap and shampoo is right where I need it to be, and the grab bar is too. Every time I take a shower I go in and kiss Fabgrandpa and thank him for my shower. Tomorrow, I will show the rest of the bathroom and more pictures of the finished walk in shower.

Keeping Kids Safe Near Pools and Hot Tubs Next Summer

December 10, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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keep kids safe around pools and hot tubs

Any time that kids are near water, it can be a source of fear for parents. Before you ban your children from swimming next summer, you should talk to them about water safety. Basic water safety measures will help prevent accidental injuries and deaths during the summer months. It’s never too soon to discuss water safety with kids.

Risks of Pools and Hot Tubs to Children

There are a few reasons that hot tubs and pools are dangerous to children. The following list is a few risks that hot tubs and pools pose to children:

Drowning: All bodies of water—both large and small—can pose a risk of drowning for small children.
Falling: When children run, climb, or play near pools and hot tubs, it can be very easy for them to slip and fall into the water. As they fall, children can hurt themselves or be knocked unconscious, both of which could lead to drowning.
Jet and Drain Injuries: The jets in hot tubs and the drains in both hot tubs and pools can lead to injuries. A child’s hair or fingers can be caught in jets and drains and lead to significant injuries.
Overheating: Hot tubs are often set at temperatures that can cause hyperthermia in small children. The time kids are allowed to be in hot tubs should be strictly monitored to prevent both overheating and dehydration.

How Can You Keep Your Kids Safe?

There will always be risks associated with children near any body of water. It is important that you take safety precautions as a parent to prevent incidents from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips for keeping kids safe near pools and hot tubs:

Baby and Toddler Safety

Babies and toddlers should never be allowed in hot tubs, as they are more susceptible to the heat. Children that are this young should always be supervised when they are near pools, and floatation devices should always be used. You should only allow children who can stand on the bottom with their heads completely out of the water to enter a hot tub. Toddlers and young children should only be allowed in hot tubs for five minutes at a time.

Teach Your Children About Water Safety

keep kids safe around swimming pools

Before you ever bring your children near pools or hot tubs, you should teach them basic safety near water. Go over any rules you want to implement and explain to your children why it is important that the rules are followed. Much like the ones that are in place at public pools, these rules can prevent accidents and injuries at your home. You don’t want to scare your children, but they do need to understand the dangers of hot tubs and pools.

Cover Pools and Hot Tubs When Possible

When not in use, keep pools and hot tubs covered to prevent the above accidents from happening. If your children are going to be using the hot tub or swimming in the pool, they should be supervised by an adult. Unfortunately, some large swimming pools may be impossible to cover, but this means that you should always supervise your children when they are near the pool.

If possible, lock the covers you have on your hot tub and pool to prevent children from being able to pull them off and access the water while you aren’t around. If you do not have a hot tub cover there are several places from which you can order one online. There several brands and styles to choose from which can complicate the process. If you’re not sure where to start I recommend Spa Mate. They have been in business in 1979 and have built covers to fit every style of hot tub ever made. This makes them one of the best options when you’re looking to replace your hot tub cover.

Supervise Your Children Near Pools and Hot Tubs

Children should be monitored when playing in or near a pool or hot tub. There is always a risk of injury or drowning near pools and hot tubs, and one of the best ways to prevent these accidents is to watch children when they are near pools and hot tubs. If you own a pool or hot tub, you may want to learn CPR, just in case there is an accident. When supervising children near the pool or hot tub, keep a phone nearby, so you can quickly call for help in the event of an emergency.

Drop the Hot Tub Temperature

keep kids safe from hyperthermia around hot tubs.

Hot tubs can reach temperatures of 104°F, and small children are sensitive to high temperatures. If you are going to let your children take a soak in the hot tub, you should drop the temperature to a more comfortable 95°F and limit their time in the tub to ten minutes. This will prevent overheating in young children. You should also be sure to keep kids hydrated while they are in the warm water of a hot tub.

These few tips will help you keep your kids safe near water all summer, and you will rest easier knowing that you are doing all you can to keep your children from having an accident that could cause them harm.

Keeping Your Pet Safe Over the Holidays

December 4, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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keep your pet safe over the holidays — My pretty boys are a part of our family for sure! Rosie the Boy Cat, Frank, and Morti.

The holiday season is a time for family, which often means that people take part in large gatherings including a lot of food and drinks. As the holidays get closer, it is important to understand the risks that holiday foods and décor can pose to your pet. We all want to have a happy, safe holiday season, and that includes our pets. I know I want to make sure that Rosie The Boy Cat, Morti, and Frank all stay healthy during the holidays. Here are some tips for keeping your pet safe over the holidays.

Food

Not all human food is appropriate for dogs and cats. It is important to know the foods that your pet can’t have so that you can make sure they are safe during all of your holiday festivities. Here are some of the foods that you shouldn’t let your pet eat:

Bread dough
Raisins or grapes
Onions
Chocolate
Xylitol
Cooked bones
Dark meat turkey
Fried foods
Foods with a lot of butter
Stuffing
Gravy
Casseroles with a lot of fat
Desserts containing chocolate or xylitol
Anything with certain spices such as sage
Alcohol

If you are having guests in your home for the holidays, talk to them about feeding your dog or cat. You can ask all your guests to refrain from feeding your pet to make sure that they aren’t given anything that they shouldn’t eat. By asking your guests to avoid giving your pet food, you can also know that they aren’t eating too much food, which could lead to stomach problems.

Make sure that you don’t leave food unattended within reach of your pets. Even though it is a busy time, you will want to clean up any dropped food or other spills right away to prevent your pet from getting into anything that is dangerous.

If you want to give your pet a special, human-food treat, consider giving them safe fruits or vegetables that are full of vitamins and minerals. Otherwise, it is probably best to stick to dog or cat treats. For the pet owners that really want to make sure that their pets are included in the holiday eating, check out some great homemade pet treats that you can make this holiday season.

Celebrations

The holiday season is full of gatherings and decorations that can cause problems for your cat or dog. Some animals get anxious during large parties and gatherings. Give these pets their own space. They should have a quiet room where they can enjoy being hidden away from guests. It might be a good idea to leave on soothing music to help drown out the noise in the rest of the home.

If you are letting your pets join in on the celebration, make sure that you are doing so safely. It is always a good idea to watch entrances to make sure that dogs and cats aren’t able to slip out. Explain security measures to your guests as well. Before the celebration, make sure your pet’s ID tags are up-to-date. Even better, you could get your pet micro chipped. During the festivities, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with the ID tags just in case they manage to get out of your home.

Many homes are decorated with all kinds of things for the holiday season. Many decorations can be dangerous and lead to injuries for our pets. Here are a few different types of decorations you should use with caution:

Ornaments: Small ornaments are easily ingested by pets, and pets could choke on them. Small ornaments could also cause a blockage in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract. Broken glass ornaments could cause cuts both internally and externally.
Wrapping Paper and Ribbons: While seemingly harmless, wrapping paper and ribbons can become entangled in your pet’s intestines, which could lead to life-threatening health problems.
Tinsel and Garland: Both tinsel and garland are attractive to pets, and they are fairly easy for pets to ingest. Both items could cause internal blockages that require extensive medical treatment.
Christmas Tree Water: Unfortunately, pets don’t know what water is dangerous, and the water used for your Christmas tree can contain chemicals that help preserve the life of the tree but are also very harmful to
Potpourri: Since potpourri smells so good, many pets mistake it for food. Potpourri can contain oils that are very dangerous for pets, and the large chunks can lead to all kinds of problems.
Candles: Candles with flames can burn your pet. Additionally, pets are known for knocking candles over and starting fires.
Electrical Cords: When you hang lights, there are often cords that dangle. These cords can catch the attention of your pet, and they might decide to chew on dangerous electrical cords. Your pet could get a jolt of electricity or unintentionally start a fire.

Keep your pet safe and out of the emergency room this holiday season with our safety tips.

How to Tell If a Loved One Is Being Sexually Abused At a Nursing Home

December 4, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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sexual abuse of elderly at nursing homes are reported at the rate of 3 per day for the last 20 years. — Mama’s 91st birthday party at her nursing home. We feel very confident that she is no danger of abuse there.

Nursing homes are meant to a place people can enjoy their golden years, and get taken care of by dedicated people who really value their physical, mental and emotional well being. Unfortunately, not everyone has the best intentions. Some people like to take advantage of the vulnerable, and this is something we’ve seen in the alarming stories about the rise in elder abuse at nursing homes. It’s something that worries me immensely, even though my siblings and I are confident that she is no danger of abuse in the home where she lives. I can’t imagine something so horrible happening to my Mother in a place that’s supposed to protect her.

According to Nursing Home Abuse Guide, “more than two million cases of elder abuse are reported every year, and almost 1 out of every 10 elderly individuals will experience some form of elder abuse.” When it comes to sexual abuse, one study found that there are “more than 20,000 complaints of sexual abuse at long-term care facilities over 20 years – a rate of nearly three such complaints a day.” With these numbers so high, and continuing to rise, those of us with loved ones in nursing homes are rightfully worried, unsure of who to trust and scared of what to do if it happened to their relatives. The issue was even raised in a 2018 Law and Order SVU episode, when an elderly woman suffering from Alzheimer’s was sexually assaulted. It’s a sad case of art imitating real life.

Getting older and retiring comes with many changes and challenges that are hard enough without parents and grandparents having to worry about someone preying on them and hurting them. The hope is that nursing homes will get better with their hiring practices so they’re not employing people who can do such great damage to lives. When you have a loved one in a nursing home, it can be so hard to even know what to do to prevent this, or know what course of action to take when it does happen.

So how do you tell if your parent, grandparent or great-grandparent is a victim of sexual abuse in a nursing home? Are there any tell tale signs that can help us get them away from this danger? Bear in mind that at any age, there’s a lot of guilt and shame associated with the trauma of sexual abuse so the person probably won’t tell you themselves. It’s not something people are going to easily share information about, and forcing them to share might do more harm than good. That means we first have to try and observe our relatives and see if they show any signs of being victimized and abused.

Physical Signs

If someone has been the victim of this kind of trauma, you might notice that they have pain when they try to walk or sit down. You might see them hesitate to sit or wince in pain when they do. You might see bloody or torn underwear, or bloody bedding. Another telltale sign is the occurrence of unexplained sexually transmitted diseases (STDS). This would require a doctor to look at them to confirm.

Emotional Signs

Victims of sexual abuse are often extremely traumatized emotionally. This might present in the form of being emotionally withdrawn, not being present or just acting differently. They may have usually been a cheerful person, and now they are all of a sudden silent and removed. They might also become jumpy when they are touched suddenly, or they become angry and start blaming themselves for even the most minor things. If you know this behavior is not usual, it might be time to investigate further.

What to Do Next

This matter has to be handled delicately, because the victim will also be struggling to come to terms with what happened to them. The last thing you want to do is exacerbate it. If they don’t offer up the information, it might be time for them to talk to a therapist. They might be more comfortable discussing it with people who aren’t their family members. You can consider going to the hospital to get them checked for bruising or other signs of trauma. If you find evidence that confirms there was indeed an assault, it would be time to get in touch with lawyers who deal with this issue in your local area to see the way forward.

The difficulty with telling the signs of assault is some behaviors can just come with old age or illness, so sensitivity is so critical when dealing with this. Ultimately, the most important thing is maintaining the dignity of your loved one so they aren’t unintentionally re-victimized.

The Benefits of Using a Revocable Living Trust Instead of a Will

December 3, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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revocable trust — Busy signing our names

Estate planning is a very important part of getting older, and a sign of being organized and smart when it comes to making decisions regarding the future of your family. There are many things that need to be taken care of, and it can be overwhelming. It’s very critical to get to retirement with the peace of mind of knowing that assets are accounted for, protected and taken care of long in advance. It will allow you travel and enjoy your family and your golden years in peace.

The truth is, every person who works, has assets to their name and wants to keep things in order has to take care of their financial matters as soon as possible. It should never be left to the last minute. No one is immune to the challenges of poor estate planning. Just look at how some of the world’s wealthiest celebrities died without accounting for their assets, leaving behind chaos for their families.

For most people, the most important document they build their financial planning on is the will, to make sure that all their assets are accounted for in the event of their death. This is what most people consider to be the only option when it comes to their estate planning. But nowadays, revocable living trusts have become a popular new option for those who don’t want to get a will. What benefits does this document offer and why is it better than a will for some people?

Permanence

People are living a lot longer these days, and retirement isn’t just a 10 year period, it can be a lot more than that. Bearing that in mind, the best estate planning options have to take that into account. Circumstances can change, and people want to be able to modify, or amend their estate planning as they please. In some cases people may want to cancel the trust altogether and a revocable living trust makes this a possibility. It is created when you’re still alive, which gives you the chance to change it to suit a change in circumstances. It’s different from an irrevocable trust which cannot be edited or completely removed. You will get a lot more control over your matters and a lot more freedom to change it with the former, so it’s definitely worth considering.

Court-Supervision vs. A Trustee

According to The Balance, there is one major point of contention people have with wills, and that’s probate. The processing of a will is something many people dislike because it’s invasive. “Probate is a court-supervised process that’s required when someone dies leaving a will—or even if they don’t leave a will. The estate must pass to their heirs and beneficiaries, and probate is the legal process by which this is accomplished.”

This is where a revocable living trust comes in as an attractive alternative for people. Instead of probate, the decisions in a living trust are determined by a trustee instead, so the matter can be dealt with discreetly. Financial issues are already such a sensitive subject, and the involvement of the courts only heightens tensions and makes the process more complicated. A revocable living trust allows you to determine where your assets will go without getting the courts involved, sparing your family a possible lengthy and stressful process.

Temporary Mental Incapacity

Wills only take care of your affairs in the event of your death, but what about in the case of temporary injury or mental incapacity? Many people with wills have found themselves in a crisis when there’s no directive after experiencing a serious injury. This is one of the biggest advantages you will have with a revocable living trust. It allows you to stipulate how things will go if you’re temporarily unable to make decisions. Your assets will just get managed by a trustee so there’ll be no process of inheritance. This means you can just pick up and continue when you’re back in good health.

To Wrap Up

Modern estate planning has to consider the fact that people are living a lot longer and family circumstances change. The document that takes care of matters has to be versatile and fluid. Something that is too stringent and static just won’t make the cut for most people today. This is what makes a revocable living trust a perfect solution that allows you to have more say on what happens and more pathways to take when a change needs to be made.

How Older Adults Should Approach Exercise

December 3, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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Exercise can boost your energy and greatly improve your health. There are several tiers to exercise that can benefit your daily lifestyle. Many people use exercise to help them combat obesity. A regular exercise regimen with a diet can help you safely lose weight. In fact, exercise can reduce the need for medication used to lose weight. Individuals that bypass exercise and resort to unregulated pills are putting their health at risk. Your physician may recommend exercise for children and adults, but older individuals may have to take extra care in their exercise plan. The right exercise plan can help older adults maintain their livelihood.

What Are The Benefits Of Exercise For Older Adults

Physical activity is a great way for older adults to age gracefully. In fact, it can limit the threat of disease and illnesses for older individuals with regular exercise. Your doctor can recommend a unique set of exercise techniques that are safe for older adults. More importantly, adults over 60 have to pay special attention to their physical activity. Exercise becomes more important with aging but there are a few risks. Too much activity can put you at risk for a heart attack, negatively increase your blood pressure, or put a strain on your muscles and joints. The best way to be safe is to talk to your doctor and create a healthy exercise regimen.

What A Doctor May Suggest For Older Adults Who Exercise

An older adult may be required to have their heart monitored before they exercise. A doctor may recommend routine examinations to monitor the heart of older adults. More importantly, you should know the difference between an ECG vs EKG as heart monitoring tools. Increased heart activity for adults over 60 could be fatal. Learn more about an ECG and EKG for better heart monitoring for older adults by reading more below.

What Is An ECG And The Benefits

Electrocardiography (ECG) is an electric monitoring of the heart. It uses electrodes to record the rhythm of the heart over time. Older individuals can use this technique before or after exercise to monitor your heart health. It is used to record a paper or digital recording of your heart. This test is recommended by a doctor to keep you in the best of health. Patients are connected to painless connectors to analyze their heart pattern and other conditions of the heart.

What Is An EKG And The Benefits

Patients at risk for a heart attack or irregular heart pattern may receive an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure their heart activity. This test measures several areas of the heart, including their heart rhythm. Abnormality doesn’t always mean you’re suffering from a heart condition. There is not a lot of differences between an EKG and ECG. They both are used to safely measure the conditions of the heart. You can take both tests as a pain-free heart monitoring system. Your doctor will advise you which exam will be best to monitor your heart rate and rhythm.

More Benefits Of Exercise To Older Adults

Improve your mental health with exercise while you’re aging. Older adults can use exercise as a stress reliever. Many people call exercise a feel-good drug. Exercise can help older adults with their insomnia and thought pattern. Aging adults need a strong mind against Alzheimer’s and other illnesses that can affect the brain. They can also improve their immune system with exercise. Their blood sugar and insulin levels can be greatly improved by a regular exercise regimen. More importantly, exercise is important to the blood flow of the heart of older adults.

Many older adults are at risk for falling and can improve their flexibility. If your doctor recommends a lighter exercise regimen, they may recommend walking. Your doctor knows that exercise is a powerful tool for disease versus medication. Exercise will help with social engagement for older adults. Walking and exercising in groups can improve your interpersonal skills. Exercise should be a priority and a habit in the life of older people but should be done in moderation. Maintain a safe exercise pattern that your doctor will agree is right for you.

Picture Day For The Cats

November 7, 2018 Karen Leave a Comment

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The other day I happened to look out the front door and see the treetops across the road looking like they were on fire! The sun was setting, and the glow on the trees on the east side of the road was absolutely stunning! These pictures don’t really do it justice, but I wanted to show you anyway.

**The trees across the road at sunset last week.**

I haven’t seen these trees so colorful before. It was so awesome!

I went around the house to the back yard to see what the actual sunset looked like. The trees blocked the sun, but the sky was glowing!

The actual sunset was blocked by trees, but the sky was glowing!

While I was standing on the back porch taking these pictures, the cats came up to greet me. I decided to do a photo shoot of them, since I have not blogged about them in a long time. They have all grown so much, and each of them has developed a unique personality. I had no idea that cats could be so fun!

Frank “Big Money” Zappa. We call him Frank or Frankie. He is a snuggler. If I am napping in my recliner, about 80% of the time Frank is sleeping with me. In the evening, when Fabgrandpa and I are watching TV, we pass him back and forth when we have to get up for something. This boy can jump from the floor to the top of the refrigerator in one giant leap! If he won’t come in when I call him, I just shake the treat box and he comes running. His favorite toy is a brown paper bag that is embedded with catnip.

Frank “Big Money” Zappa. He is a snuggle bunny. He goes between me and Fabgrandpa while we are watching TV every night.

Frank “Big Money” Zappa He loves to play in the grass in the back yard.

Rosie the Boy Cat is getting fat. He gets lots of exercise, though. We feed the cats Purina Premium Hairball Formula, and it keeps this boy looking so shiny and healthy. He is not a snuggler, but he does love to have his neck and back scratched. He is very vocal, and “asks” to be let outside. He also asks for treats. He worries about the other cats if they are not inside the house after dark, and looks for them until they come in.

He hunkers down in the grass waiting for Frank to come up, then pounces on him!

Morti likes to stay out late. He sometimes doesn’t appear at the door until almost midnight. When he is indoors, though, he heads straight for our bed, and sleeps at the foot until we go to bed. Then he goes in the living room and sleeps in my chair. If I don’t go to bed when he is ready for my chair, he comes and sits on my chest until I get up. He is the most demanding of the three boys. I started about a year ago giving all three guys a treat every afternoon of All Natural Roasted Turkey Breast. I pinch off a bit of turkey, and give each cat a bite, taking turns, until the turkey is gone. Morti is ALWAYS first in line, and grabs my hand with his paws to draw the treat up to his mouth. It cracks me up to see it. I have been thinking about doing a video of our treat time just because of Morti’s actions. Oh, and if I am late with the turkey treat, Morti paces in front of the refrigerator, meowing loudly to let me know I better get on it.

Morti is the most demanding of the three cats.

This boy has so much fur! I have to brush him almost every day. Lately, he has come in with what I call “sticker burrs” all over him.

Morti. He says “I’m done with this, lady.” He loves to get a belly rub. When we walk into the bedroom when he is laying on the bed, he rolls over belly up. He is a sweetheart.

Your AARP Membership Comes With Many Benefits

November 3, 2018 Karen 2 Comments

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I am participating in a membership campaign for AARP. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with AARP and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

I woke up on January 1, 2012, dreading the coming year. I was turning 60 years old! I was having a really hard time with that fact, and as each passing day took me closer to my birthday, the feeling of dread just got worse. Then, a few days before my birthday in May, I was admitted to the hospital due to a blocked intestine. I had no health insurance, so I was hoping it would be a short stay. Things went from bad to worse, and I wound up in the hospital for 34 days. It was not just a medical emergency. It was also a financial nightmare. Fabgrandpa and I wound up having to file bankruptcy, and I had an entirely different outlook about being alive at age 60.

Me and my Mother. She has been an AARP member for many years.

When I got my latest issue of AARP The Magazine, I read with much interest the article on page 54 entitled Broke From Cancer. The article showed how one woman’s cancer treatment ruined her financially. While she did have health insurance, she had many expenses related to her cancer care that were not covered by insurance. The problems she faced financially sounded a lot like the ones Fabgrandpa and I had back in 2012, even though my health issues did not include cancer. The article made me feel less alone in how I feel about losing my money along with my health.

My whole life changed due during the time I spent in the hospital. I live life now with a disability, and going to doctors several times a month is the norm. It took me more than three years of mental therapy and ongoing treatment by a pain specialist to get to the place I am today. It has been a real struggle to learn to live life happily again. Now, I celebrate each birthday to the fullest, knowing each one is a gift in itself. My benefits as a member of AARP helped me learn more about different types of insurance coverage.

Fabgrandpa fishing at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia.

Articles such as Broke From Cancer are not the only reason I like AARP The Magazine, which comes as a bi-monthly benefit with AARP membership. There are interviews with famous people. This month’s cover story was about Willie Nelson. Last month it was Melissa McCarthy. There are pieces about ways to save money; health and wellness; movies and TV; and more. Every issue is packed with informative, entertaining, and interesting articles.

AARP The Magazine is not the only benefit I like about being a member of AARP. I have used my AARP discounts to save money on travel, eating out, and everyday purchases. The information in Family Caregiving was very useful when we had to find a home for my Mother, who has dementia. I have recently thought about volunteering, and found that the Volunteer section in the AARP Benefits guide offered several suggestions for giving back to your local community that I plan to look into. I’m excited to be an AARP member! Join AARP now and save 25% off membership, plus get access to Personal Assistants Service from Maestro and a free day bag.