Send2Press Newswire

Social Security Statement Advises Seniors to Consider Private Long-Term Care Insurance, LTC Agency Reports; Medicare Won't Cover It

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:25:43 GMT

KIRKLAND, Wash., June 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A few months ago, members of Congress asked the Social Security Commission to clear up a misperception of many Americans approaching retirement age. "A lot of seniors had the idea that Medicare would cover their long-term care expenses," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners LLC (LTCFP), one of the nation's largest and most experienced long term care insurance agencies. "It wasn't so, but the wording of the Social Security Statement left some doubt."

Congress asked for clarification. The Social Security Commissioner, Michael J. Astrue, responded with a letter saying the wording of the Social Security Statement -- found at socialsecurity.gov/mystatement/sample4.htm -- would be changed to make the meaning crystal clear. The section titled "About Social Security and Medicare" now reads as follows (emphasis added):

"Social Security pays retirement, disability, family and survivors benefits. Medicare, a separate program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, helps pay for inpatient hospital care, nursing care, doctors' fees, drugs and other medical services and supplies to people age 65 and older, as well as to people who have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for two years or more. Medicare does not pay for long-term care, so you may want to consider options for private insurance."

"This clarification is long overdue," says Truesdell. "Only about 10% of those who should have long term care insurance do. Part of the reason may be simple misinterpretation of what the government meant."

"It is vital for millions of Americans to do what the statement says, look into private LTC insurance options," Truesdell continues. "There's now no room for doubt. Paying for long-term care is beyond the scope of Medicare. It's also beyond the scope of ordinary health insurance."

Truesdell's organization includes about 500 independent long-term care insurance agents. "Our experts are available to advise all Americans and American companies on their options," he says. "In the private sector, we're the people to come to when you need to know whether the insurance is right for you, and which carrier or policy best fits your situation."

LTCFP's experts answer questions, by phone or in person, in all states. A listing of them, by state, is available at www.ltcfp.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Social Security and Medicare, LTC Financial Partners

Don't Wait for the Election to Plan Your Long-Term Healthcare, Insurance Leader Advises

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:11 GMT

Though Both Obama and Clinton Promise Comprehensive Healthcare Plans, Long Term Care Will Continue to Require Separate, Private Funding

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Will the next President introduce healthcare reform? "Probably," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies, LTC Financial Partners LLC. Will the new system -- Obama's, Clinton's, or perhaps McCain's -- cover all healthcare needs? "Absolutely not," says Truesdell. A huge area where American's must keep on fending for themselves is long term care. That's the help with daily living provided by nursing homes, in-home care services, and family members who all too often leave work to tend an incapacitated parent, spouse, or child.

"No way can any federal program afford the enormous, open-ended costs of long term care," says Truesdell. "Medicare doesn't cover it now. Neither does Medicaid except for the destitute or those who have exhausted their own resources." In fact, as Truesdell points out, recent legislation has cracked down on Medicaid abuse, making it harder for people with means to qualify.

"If you wait for the election, or government action of any type, to plan for your long term care, you're only jeopardizing your own future," he says.

For the vast majority of Americans, including the 77 million Baby Boomers nearing retirement, long term care is and will continue to be a matter of individual, private planning, Truesdell asserts. "You either need to save for it big time, or get long term care insurance," he says. "For all but the ultra-wealthy, who can afford to self-insure, LTC insurance is the answer."

Truesdell's organization includes 500 long term care experts who advise individuals and businesses on appropriate plans, available tax breaks, and alternative carriers.

"Our people also work with estate planners and financial advisors that in turn advise their clients," he says. "What most people don't realize is that LTC insurance is good for more than your physical health; it's also good for your financial health -- because it protects your hard-won assets."

A state by state listing of the 500 experts is available at www.ltcfp.us/ltcfp/dont-wait.html.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, presidential healthcare reform, LTC Financial Partners

Long Term Care Insurance Leader Offers Advice on Preventing Dementia, the Leading Cause of Care Claims

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:04:37 GMT

Tips on Staying Mentally Fit Years Longer

KIRKLAND, Wash. - Jan. 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "A failing mind, not body, is the biggest reason people need long term care today," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agency. "That shouldn't be, so we're going to give our clients information to help stay mentally fit." To that end, the company is offering a free guidebook and web links to helpful resources.

The guidebook is "Dignity for Life: Facts That Can Protect Your Assets & Quality of Life." It states that Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia account for over 30% of long term care claim dollars, significantly higher than for circulatory disease, Parkinson's, stroke, or broken bones due to osteoporosis. The book recommends simple screenings that can detect dementia at its earliest and most treatable stages. "Dignity for Life sells for $8.95 on Amazon.com, but we're giving it away free," says Truesdell.

The web links refer people to easy, sensible measures for keeping one's memory and reason intact years longer. These measures fall into three categories:

1 Brain fitness exercise. There are links to programs that hone one's perception, memory, and concentration. "For brain as well as muscle, you need to use it or lose it," says Truesdell.

2 Nutrition. There are links to lists of what to eat and drink to promote brain health. Some of the tips are as simple as drinking enough water to irrigate brain cells properly.

3 Aerobic exercise. There are links to recreation and exercise options that all have a common aim: sending plenty of oxygen to brain cells.

The free guidebook and links are available at www.ltcfp.us/ltcfp/brain-fitness.html.

LTC Financial Partners works with leading insurance carriers that share their concern about brain health. "They all want Americans to live longer in good shape, mental as well as physical," says Truesdell. "Some have programs that actively encourage individuals to take care of themselves." And corporate wellness programs are finding increasing insurance-industry support, Truesdell points out. "On that front, we're helping out with our informational program for company employees, the Long Term Care Outreach and Education Program (LTCOEP(TM))."

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, LTC Financial Partners, Advice on Preventing Dementia

AtPrime.com Empowers All With Free PENSION INSPECTOR Resource

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:59:45 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Nov. 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- AtPrime Media, Inc. the sponsor of www.AtPrime.com, one of the top age 50+ web services, announced today an addition to its highly valued consumer resource THE PENSION HELPER, a new free service entitled THE PENSION INSPECTOR.

With the PENSION INSPECTOR, the consumer is empowered to dial up key financial and funding information about their - or any - qualified Plan that files a required IRS.DOL Form 5500. It is estimated that more than 30% of Defined Benefit Plans are underfunded, based upon standards developed by the IRS and Department of Labor.

THE PENSION INSPECTOR utilizes data derived from the Department of Labor, and, Internal Revenue Service on data supplied by Plan Sponsors as filed on IRS/DOL Form 5500 series, under the Freedom of Information Act.

THE PENSION INSPECTOR provides the consumer with:

THE PENSION INSPECTOR was created and developed by pension expert David J. Tananbaum who has been supervising the filing and certifying of IRS Form 5500 and its predecessor Forms for more than 40 years as President of National Retirement Programs, Inc.

Mr. Tananbaum, founder of AtPrime Media, Inc, said upon the launch of its new service "We are, I believe, the only online resource available today that empowers the consumer to understand the financial condition of their retirement plan."

Mary Furlong, founder of SeniorNet.org, ThirdAge Media, and Mary Furlong and Associates believes that the impact of the Pension Inspector is significant and commented "as the baby boomers navigate to their retirement, they need resources like the Pension Inspector to give them the accurate data about the status of their pension plan and fund. The Pension Inspector does this - it provides the information to access in an easy way."

www.AtPrime.com was launched in 2001 and has become one of the top age 50+ web resources because of its exclusive coverage of pension and tax matters that impact the age 50+ market.

AtPrime Media, Inc. was founded by David J. Tananbaum who has been professionally active in the retirement industry for more than 40 years. Mr. Tananbaum is one of the founding members of the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries in 1967, and is currently a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries, and, is an Enrolled Actuary under ERISA. He has been invited to appear on CNN and CNBC as a pension expert in various matters in the past 10 years.

AtPrime.com publishes a weekday edition, as well as a weekend edition.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, AtPrime Media Inc, The Pension Inspector

New Elder Single Housing Option Now Available

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:26:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Sept. 18 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ElderHomeSharing.com announced today its confidential matching program is available nationwide. Their exclusive "Elder Elves Preferences Questionnaire" of 50+ fun, yet selective, questions matches elder singles desiring homes to share with other elder singles having homes to share. For more information visit www.ElderHomeSharing.com

About ElderHomeSharing
Program was prompted both by increasing numbers of elder singles, as our nation's longevity extends; and economic pressures often placed on elder singles by increasing living costs and decreasing purchasing power of fixed incomes.

The major problem in elder single home sharing is finding the right person with whom to share. For those not having friends or family contacts, it takes a broad base of potential sharers to both find and select true matches.

This process is very personal and does require confidentiality of all is always maintained. ElderHomeSharing.com's program provides such confidentiality, for no preferences questionnaires are relayed at any time. Also, program does not disclose anyone's identity.

In addition, program must be easily affordable to all elder singles desiring home sharing. Registrant cost is $30 for three months registration and free "Elder Elves Preferences Questionnaire."

For more information visit ElderHomeSharing.com

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ElderHomeSharing senior housing, Elder Elves Preferences Questionnaire

HearPod, Inc. Provides Baby Boomers with Quality Hearing Aid Options

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 14:24:00 GMT

CORNELIUS, N.C. - June 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Communication is the foundation for an incredible life at work, with friends, and especially at home. That's why so many baby boomers are turning to HearPod 32X to power up their hearing. Baby boomers have a reputation for expecting the best and many will not settle for less. However, cost can sometimes interfere when purchasing a quality hearing aid.

"Our 32-channel, 100 percent, digital HearPods are as good, if not better than, the most expensive hearing aids available," Randy Wohlers, President of HearPod, Inc. said. "And, we can offer a savings of two thirds the average cost."

Many quality hearing aids range in price from $4,000 to $8,000 per pair, but Hearpod's 32X digital HearPods start at $595; the most expensive, directional open fitting is $995.

According to Wohlers there is no other technologically advanced, quality product being offered on the market at such a competitive price.

"We use the highest level of digital technology available. It's priced right and accompanied by great service," Wohlers explained. "Baby boomers want the best, in a timely manner, and at a fair price; we have done that for them. The word is out that our digital technology is tops for hearing loss."

Wohlers is a baby boomer and personally understands this target market. He knows that this group would not consider getting a hearing aid that was inferior simply because it cost less.

While many baby boomers can afford the higher prices, replacing them every few years can become a financial challenge; people may sacrifice hearing for money and may not seriously pursue buying a quality hearing aid.

HearPod has changed the playing field and baby boomers are discovering that hearing does not have to be sacrificed because of money.

"This is the third set of hearing aids I've had and they've easily been the best," one happy New York customer said. "I started out with custom fitted and programmed units through a local dispenser for $3,000. They didn't last and I decided to try some cheaper ones found on the Internet; they fell apart. The quality of HearPod's hearing aids is better than the ones I purchased for $3,000. They were custom programmed and every bit as comfortable."

HearPod's customer service is also a cut above the rest. It makes patients stand up and say "great job" because they receive this service in the comfort of their home.

HearPod provides quick and efficient customer service through a 24/7 Customer Care Line: 800 851-5128, and e-mail service. They often surprise their customers by how quickly they respond to questions and needs.

"HearPods are not for everyone," Wohlers said. "The ideal customer is computer savvy and able to understand easy, online directions. We provide online videos and owners' manuals to teach our customers how to clean and care for their HearPods. We encourage independence and want to see our customers happy."

Another customer from Tennessee explains that HearPods have made a tremendous difference in his work and personal life. Not only did he feel that the product was superior, but that the service went beyond the call of duty.

"HearPod's due diligence to ensure that I had the proper accessories to make the product work was impressive," he said. "Their service is second to none."

So, how simple is it to purchase a HearPod? Customers first send in their physician's hearing-test results and a prescription is fit. It is then delivered to the customer's home within less than a week and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

For additional information, call: Randy Wohlers at: 1-808-216-2747; e-mail: customerservice@myhearpod.com; or visit the web site at: www.MyHearPod.com.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, baby boomers hearing loss, HearPod hearing aids

MyHearPod.com - A New Hearing Aid Concept

Tue, 08 May 2007 17:00:00 GMT

CORNELIUS, N.C. - May 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- So what's so different about HearPod, than any other hearing aid out there? To the average person looking at all the hearing aid ads not much. To an astute person who understands technology, there is a huge difference.

Look at all the hearing aids offered and you will see all of them are priced according to the technology they provide. You will find the very best technology costing from $2000 to $3500 no matter where you go.

This is where the savvy www.MyHearPod.com company changes things. They are offering the highest levels of Technology like their World Class 32 channel instrument that rivals high tech products at an unheard of price. HearPods start at $495.00 and the most expensive 32 channel open fitting directional hearing aid is $995.00. That includes a one year warranty and one year supply of batteries.

The people at HearPod believe they can do this. Turn the tables so to speak, offering the highest levels of technology in uniquely patented pending designs. Because of their High Technology low cost approach, they believe millions who need hearing aids will now get the help they need.

Randy Wohlers Pres. of HearPod Inc. said "I had to find a way to help the millions out there with a product that they would love to wear every day, and get instant true benefit at a price that anyone could afford. We have done that, and when people understand that HearPod technology is as good if not better when compared to expensive products sold, it will happen. HearPod will change the lives of millions, one patient at a time."

There have been many attempts to get the approximately 80% of the 30-plus million people in the U.S. who could benefit from a hearing aid to get help with their hearing. Most attempts haven't done much to promote hearing aid sales, in fact, if you look at how many Americans purchased hearing aids last year and how many new patients that needed a hearing aid, the hearing aid industry is going backwards at an alarming rate.

"We hope we can get our message and product out there. HearPods have the power to change lives."

For information on HearPod hearing aids, go to www.myhearpod.com or call the company's toll-free customer care line 1-800-851-2414.

HearPod Hearing Aids Offer Low Cost High Tech Solutions

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 20:00:00 GMT

CORNELIUS, N.C. - Apr. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- According to HearPod Hearing Aids millions of Americans who suffer from hearing loss and could benefit from hearing aids don't wear them. High cost is often cited as the reason. A National Council on the Aging survey showed that 55 percent of surveyed seniors not using hearing aids find cost to be a barrier.

Until recently, seniors had little choice. Either pay the high cost of hearing aids at a hearing aid store, or go without. It's a problem that drove hearing aid expert Randy Wohlers, BC-HIS to offer seniors an innovative solution-high-quality, custom-programmed hearing aids at a huge savings via the website www.myhearpod.com.

Wohlers, who is a board certified hearing instrument specialist and the owner of a chain of hearing aid stores, knows well how hearing aid prices have soared in recent years. He says that as the technology of hearing aids has become more sophisticated, hearing aid manufactures have understandably charged more for their products, forcing retailers to do the same. Two years ago he decided there was a better way. "It had just gotten to the point that many people were simply priced out of the market," says Wohlers. "I knew there was a better way to get people high-quality hearing aids at a price they could afford."

In 2005, Wohlers launched his HearPod line of hearing aids that offers the same features of leading manufacturers, including the latest noise-reduction, voice-enhancement and 100% digital technology. Customers can choose from both behind the ear or in the canal models that come with custom ear molds as an option.

HearPod customers are first encouraged to see their doctor to ensure they can benefit from hearing aids, to get a hearing test and get the printed results of the test called an audiogram. A customer can then fax or email his audiogram to HearPod so the company can custom program the aid to match the customer's unique hearing loss, thereby providing maximum hearing benefit.

The completed aids are sent directly to the customer. HearPod offers round the clock customer service via its toll free customer care line. It also answers frequently asked questions about hearing aid use in its online tutorials. All aids come with a one-year warranty and a 45-day money back guarantee. With each purchase, customers receive a one years' supply of wax guards and batteries. Shipping is free.

Prices for HearPod aids are less than half the cost of comparable hearing aids purchased in a hearing aid store. For example, HearPod's most technologically sophisticated line of hearing aids, which offers 32 channel technology, open fitting and directional microphones costs under a thousand dollars. People can easily pay more than $2,500 for a comparable hearing aid at a retail store.

Wohlers attributes his low prices to the company's efficient manufacturing facility in North Carolina and to online distribution, which eliminates the costs that a traditional brick-and-mortar store would have.

To date, HearPod's customers have ranged from baby boomers looking for their first hearing aid to seniors wanting to replace older technology hearing aids or get more powerful aids to address their progressing hearing loss. "People want the highest quality and latest technology at a big savings and that's what we provide," says Wohlers.

The combination has proven successful as HearPod and its website www.myhearpod.com has risen to the top tier of online rankings. Wohlers says that there are other companies offering hearing aids via the Internet, but none offer HearPod's winning combination-100% digital technology, comfortable fit, full featured noise reduction technology, speech enhancement technology, optional custom ear molds, free wax guards, batteries and shipping, 24 hour customer service.

For more information on HearPod hearing aids, go to www.myhearpod.com or call the company's toll free customer care line 1-800-851-2414.

Text provided by the news source.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, hearpod hearing aids, suffer hearing loss

$300 Start-up Successfully Competes with $10 Million Company

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 17:00:00 GMT

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Feb. 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Internet start-up Seniors Grand Central (www.SeniorsGrandCentral.com) put itself on the map with the initial funding of $300.00 in September 2006, and is successfully competing with its $10 Million dollar rival. To date Seniors Grand Central(TM), a new Internet Community built for ages 50 and up, has gained a member base spanning over 34 countries by addressing the needs of its members through direct feedback which has lead to a 1,284-percent increase in usage.

Founder Nathaniel Adam Briggs states, "It's all about customer alignment through listening to what they want, and mixing it together with quality, and good common sense. Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, not more difficult, and that's exactly what we do."

By using Natural Language in place of technical jargon, and integrating video instruction, the website makes its features easy-to-use, and extends its member's abilities to Connect, Learn, and Explore.

"Connect with someone 10 or 10,000 miles away. Learn about digital photography or how to send pictures to friends & family. Explore interesting world architecture or Santorini Island off the coast of Greece. We have something for everyone," Nathaniel proclaims.

The web site's features and services include Video-based feature stories, an Interactive Map-Based Pen Pal Finder, Video-based Learning, Chat, Dating, Discussion Groups, Journals, Photo Galleries, Prescription Ordering, and Games -- to name just a few.

Seniors Grand Central is also the exclusive home of 3 columnists: Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M. Ed., host of the "Learning Later" column, and author of "Learning Later, Living Greater"; David Hart, host of "The Lighter Side: His"; and Virginia Rose Jansen, the host of "The Lighter Side: Hers."

With a full spectrum of easy-to-use features, and consistent growth due to the strong connection with its members, Seniors Grand Central is bringing those over the age of 50 a premier internet destination that provides a fun, and enjoyable internet experience.

For more information visit: www.SeniorsGrandCentral.com.

Text provided by the news source.

Copyright © 2007 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Seniors Grand Central, SeniorsGrandCentral online community

Baby Boomers Find HearPods Are Just What the Doctor Ordered

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:41:00 GMT

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Sept. 18 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Ask any baby boomer why they have not gotten help with hearing aids and they will usually say "price." HearPod, Inc. is lessening these financial fears. By providing quality, 100% digital aids at a fraction of the cost.

Current reports of new digital-hearing aids have been overwhelmingly positive and HearPod, Inc. offers 100% digital products for as much as 70 percent savings. Baby boomers have not been disappointed when they visit: www.myhearpod.com for information about these products and services.

"We are thrilled by what people are saying about HearPod Hearing Aids," Randy Wohlers, President of HearPod, Inc., said. "We are getting orders for patients from doctors and audiologists. We also know that we have a special product when orders start to come in from neighbors of people who have purchased our HearPods."

The vast majority of people with a hearing loss do not realize how much this loss affects them. However, family members may observe gradual personality changes and, typically, will suggest that they get help.

"So, what are the consequences of prolonging help," Wohlers asks? "First, is the issue of understanding speech. In simple terms, if you do not use it, you loss it. The brain's auditory cortex is not being stimulated with sound and the brain stops processing the sound into meaningful words which is referred to as 'lack of discrimination.' Many people say 'I can hear you, but I cannot understand what you are saying,'" Wohlers explained.

Most people have lost a significant amount of word understanding before they get a hearing aid and this leads to many problems. Most people believe that a hearing aid will solve the problem, when in reality, the sound can be restored, but the speech discrimination lost is often irreversible.

"Early detection and correction allows people to stay in the game in a world where communication is everything," Wohlers said.

Anyone who thinks they may have hearing loss should see their doctor, get a hearing test, and visit: www.myhearpod.com.

Winners Announced for 'Over 65, Into Over-Drive' Contest

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 14:57:00 GMT

Tongue-In-Cheek Competition, Now Ended, Invited Examples of Age-Defying, Un-Wimpy Activities

KIRKLAND, WA - Aug. 24 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today a first-place and four second-place winners were announced for the "Over 65, Into Over-Drive" contest, sponsored by LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. "Everybody had fun and the top entries certainly met our objective, to undermine the stereotype that over 65 means over the hill," says Jonas Roeser, Director of Marketing.

*(Photo Caption: LTC Financial Director of Marketing Jonas Roeser.)

The first-place entry, based on judges' opinions of relevance and human interest, was from Cathi Watson of Schaumburg, IL:

"I am over 65 and ... a sizzling, sensational, & sexy senior that climbs the 94-Floor, 1632-step 'Hustle Up the Hancock' in Chicago and runs the 10K 'BolderBoulder.'"

The second-place entries came from the two coasts, California and New York:

"I am over 65 and ... finished first place at the US National Jump Rope competition!" -- A. Knights, Brooklyn, NY

"I am over 65 and ... I go to the gym 5 times a week, do 40 minutes on the treadmill and bike and then pump iron -- and I'm 87!" -- Lucy Webster, Auburn, NY (entered by her daughter, Marylou Ambrose)

"I am over 65 and ... laughing all the time as the world's only Jollytologist ... and president of The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor." -- Allen Klein, San Francisco, CA

"I am over 65 and ... I have sex daily." -- Bernard Dworkin, New York, NY

No prizes were promised. "We wanted people to enter just for the fun of it," says Roeser. "However, we've decided to send surprise, token awards just for the heck of it."

Though tongue-in-cheek, the contest had a serious intent. As 77 million baby boomers approach a robust retirement and ever-increasing life spans, "Seniors continue to suffer an image that's way out of date," says Roeser. "Today's seniors are healthy, active, and dynamic. But the public still associates retirement age with slowing down, losing memory and so forth. That's all wrong."

On March 9 the U.S. Census Bureau reported improving health and wealth among senior Americans, along with a projected doubling of the 65-plus population over the next 25 years.

More information about LTC Financial Partners is available at the LTC Hotline: www.ltchotline.com/LTCexperts.htm.

Medication Compliance Could Save Billions - MemoText(R) Adds Voice Reminder Calls to System to Help Patients Remember

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 16:55:00 GMT

TORONTO, ON, Canada - April 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to health related therapies, compliance is an issue for millions of Americans. Whether it's forgetting to take a daily pill for birth control or cholesterol, testing blood glucose levels for diabetes, or heart or HIV medications we all have the tendency to forget. It has been well documented that America's population is aging. Providing a solution to our aging and more active patient population, MemoText(R) from Enterprising Vision Inc. now offers reminder services to any telephone, landline or cellular phone in order to accommodate, and integrate into, the lifestyle of the patient.

Depending on the needs of the patient, reminder notifications are delivered via automated outbound voice and/or SMS text message. Conveniently, enrollment can be done online or offline from any phone line or Internet connection. And with MemoText's unique "Follow Me" technology patients can tailor a messaging/reminder service that fits within their own already established life schedule.

Using this technology, MemoText(R) offers a comprehensive, tailored, and cost effective patient adherence solution for health stakeholder organizations, caregivers and direct-to-patients.

Studies show that compliance for patients with chronic conditions is extremely poor. Even after a short period of time, the dropout rate for treatments like anti-hypertensive and cholesterol-lowering drugs is as high as 50 percent. With 70% of all prescriptions never even consumed and 20% of all new drug prescriptions never filled for even the first time it is no surprise that hospitalizations, insurance premiums and healthcare costs are all trending up. [1]

The cost of non-compliance to medication regiments represents almost two percent of US hospitalization costs and accounts for approximately six percent of all hospitalizations.[2] The potential savings made available by improved adherence are in the magnitude of $80bn in the US alone. [3]

"We are proud to introduce a low-cost, easy to use solution for people who require assistance with medication compliance," says Danielle Keystone-Adler, VP Business Development. "At MemoText(R), we are committed to improving adherence across the healthcare spectrum and we believe our new voice offering will help address this need."

Patients can sign up directly by dialing 1.877.Memo.Txt (1.877.636.6898) or logging on at www.memotext.com. MemoText(R) also provides both large-scale and small-business patient adherence solutions to stakeholder organizations such as pharmaceutical companies, third party insurers, HMOs, governments, and pharmacies. Demo accounts available for journalists.

MemoText(R) is a service brought to you by Enterprising Vision Inc. and Halex Technology Consulting Inc. For more information please visit www.enterprisingvision.com and www.halex.com.

MemoText(R) is a proud supporter of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

[Notes:
1: Roner, Lisa. Briefing: "Understanding patient non-compliance" (6/28/2005), eyeforpharma.

2: m-Healthcare Initiatives for Improving Outpatient Adherence: Opportunities and Barriers, Cocosila, M. and N. Archer, McMaster University eBusiness Research Centre (MeRc), June 2005.

3: Assessing the damage: Estimating the Economic Burden of Prescription Drug Non-Adherence in Canada, Iskedjian, M. Canadian Healthcare Manager.]

Contest Seeks New Image for Longer-Living Americans; Following Census Bureau Report of Improving Health, Seniors Will Submit Age-defying, Un-wimpy Activities

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 15:42:00 GMT

KIRKLAND, WA (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Over 65 no longer means over the hill, but old stereotypes remain, according LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation's most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. To change perceptions, they are running a contest to show just how alive and capable today's seniors really are.

The "Over 65, Into Over-Drive" contest, which starts today, solicits examples of robust, dynamic activity. Americans 65 or older are invited to submit their stereotype-breaking physical and mental feats. Entrants must complete the following sentence in 25 words or less: "I am over 65 and ...."

Examples of entries are -

* I am over 65 and ... I'm in training for the New York Marathon.

* I am over 65 and ... I play golf better than my dentist, who's half my age.

* I am over 65 and ... I just took up hang gliding.

* I am over 65 and ... I'm teaching rocket science (really!) to local youth groups.

* I am over 65 and ... I just got the first job of my second career, as standup comedian.

*(Photo Caption: Photo of Jonas Roeser, Director of Marketing.)

The contest may seem tongue-in-cheek but the intent is serious. As 77 million baby boomers approach a robust retirement and ever-increasing lifespans, seniors continue to suffer from a wimpy image. On March 9 the U.S. Census Bureau reported improving health and wealth among senior Americans, along with a projected doubling of the 65-plus population over the next 25 years. "The new reality needs to get into people's heads," says Jonas Roeser, Director of Marketing for LTC Financial Partners. "It's 2006, not 1806. Today's seniors are healthy, active, and dynamic. But the public still associates retirement age with slowing down, losing memory and so forth. That's all wrong."

Submissions should be "basically true, but poetic license is allowed," says Roeser. All submitters will receive a free copy of the guidebook, "Dignity for Life - Facts That Can Protect Your Assets and Quality of Life."

All submissions will be posted on the Internet. Twenty winning entries -- a selection of the most interesting and diverse -- will be announced to the media, on June 12. A submission form is available online, at www.eranova.com/LTCFP/over65contest.htm.

National 'Seniors Summit' Called for by New Seniors Organization

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 14:23:00 GMT

Seniors hit due to hurricanes, high energy prices, says NASCON

ATLANTA, GA (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The hurricanes that struck several Southern states, coupled with higher gasoline and natural gas prices as winter arrives, are "giving a double punch to seniors, one of the country's most vulnerable groups," says National Association for Senior Concerns founder and Chairman Jerry L. Barton.

NASCON, launched this year in Barton's words as "the center-right alternative to the American Association for Retired Persons," says a significant response is to convene a national "Seniors' Summit" in cooperation with other seniors groups, the Bush administration and the private sector to "launch a public debate on senior concerns and forge constructive strategies to ease hardships on the nation's seniors."

Barton calls for the private sector and senior organizations to recommend establishment of a country-wide crisis program that would outline how to better respond to evacuations, medical treatment and other urgent needs of the country's senior population in times of emergencies. This could be one of the priorities of the summit agenda, he said.

"The needs of our senior population are difficult enough to meet in normal times and during the past hurricane season it was shown that we must come up with a crisis plan to respond better than what I've seen so far," he added.

A "Senior Summit" could issue recommendations to assist the elderly hit by high energy prices and to ask Congress to defer big-ticket budget items in order to help shift money to senior-related concerns. Barton cited tackling Medicare reform- specifically, "reforming a system that is being systematically defrauded on a huge scale."

Barton challenges the AARP and other seniors groups to join in promoting a summit with leaders of the private sector and the Bush administration. Those interested can contact him through the NASCON web site www.nascon.org.

Magnify OutLoud from Colligo Corporation Enables Easier Reading for Seniors

Tue, 04 Oct 2005 12:49:00 GMT

BELLINGHAM, WA - Oct. 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Magnify OutLoud(tm), from Colligo Corporation, overcomes the reticence of computer use by our seniors. The senior user is the fastest growing segment of the computer industry. However, over 25% of our seniors have either low vision problems in seeing the screen or reluctance to use assistive technology software to magnify the screen.

Magnify OutLoud overcomes that reluctance and enables the user to not only magnify the screen but also hear what the screen is displaying, - emails, websites and more.

Similarly, for our population that is print disabled because of dyslexia or literacy challenges, Magnify OutLoud is a solution that gives more accessibility to information. As more and more internet use and digital books or eBooks are available, Magnify OutLoud adds to the enjoyment of much of our population.

"The Computer - While some non-computer users are hesitant to take on this relatively new technology, seniors of all ages have also embraced it. The computer becomes a communication tool for emailing friends and family, a window to the world through reading on the Internet, a financial management and check writing aid. Databases and word processors have all become friendlier tools in common usage. While the standard size font and display may not be visible with low vision, there are a variety of methods to make the computer into a reading and writing aid for those with visual disabilities," states The University of Toronto's Vision Technology Service.

There is no software learning curve as Magnify OutLoud uses simple functions built into a keyboard, such as a sliding bar to zoom the text and keystrokes to hear the text.

This ease-of-use allows more access in more public areas, - schools, libraries and courts.

Colligo, a leading provider of assistive technology, provides other solutions, such as Scan N Talk, ReadText and BookCrafter Publishing Suite.

Further Information about Magnify Outloud or Colligo Corp. may be obtained by contacting Larry Tingley at LarryT@colligo.us, 888-647-3404 or visiting their web site at http://www.Colligo.us