Hospitals

Hospitals provide medical, surgical, and psychiatric care to people who are sick or injured. Services are ordered by a doctor. These types of hospitals can be found here using the “Hospital type” filter:

Acute care: Give inpatient medical care and other related services for surgery, acute medical conditions, or injuries (usually for a short-term illness or condition).

Children’s: Inpatient care is mostly for people under age 18.

Critical access: Small facilities that give outpatient and limited inpatient services to people in rural areas.

Psychiatric: Specialty facilities that mainly give inpatient psychiatric services to diagnose and treat mental illness on a 24-hour basis, by or under the supervision of a physician.

Nursing homes

Nursing homes are facilities for people who need 24-hour care. Most nursing homes provide both short-term and long-term care, including:

• Short-term care for people who need rehabilitation after surgery, like physical therapy after a hip or knee replacement
• Short-term care for people who need skilled nursing to recover from an illness, like pneumonia
• Long-term care for people who need help with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, or eating

Some nursing homes offer specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The nursing homes here are certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid.

Home health services

Home health care provides skilled, short-term services in-home. These services are typically ordered by a doctor to help with recovery following an inpatient hospital stay, rehabilitation, or a stay at a facility providing skilled nursing care. In general, the goal of home health care is to help you get better, regain your independence, and be as self-sufficient as you can.

Home health agencies that serve your area are based on the ZIP code you enter in your search, regardless of where their office is located.

Hospice care

Hospice offers care and support that focuses on the quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. This type of care is most often provided where patients live, whether it’s at home, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. Hospice care uses a team of healthcare providers who care for patients’ medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Depending on the illness or condition, the hospice team creates a plan of care that can include some or all of these services:

Nursing care

• Hospice aide and homemaker services
• Social worker services
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Doctor/Physician Assistant services
• Prescription drugs for symptom control or pain relief
• Dietary counseling
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology services (like to help with swallowing)
• Grief and loss counseling

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Osteoporosis weakens bones to the point that they can break easily. It is called a “silent disease” because people who develop it may not notice any changes until a bone breaks — usually a bone in the hip, spine, or wrist.

Bones are made of living tissue. A healthy human body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone to keep it strong. Osteoporosis develops when more bone is broken down than replaced.

The inside of a bone looks something like a honeycomb. When someone has osteoporosis, the bone, which forms the “walls” of the honeycomb, gets smaller, and the spaces between the bone grow larger. The outer shell of the bone also gets thinner. All of this makes a bone weaker.

In serious cases of osteoporosis, a simple motion such as a cough or minor bump can result in a broken bone, also called a fracture. People with osteoporosis also have a harder time recovering from broken bones, which can sometimes cause pain that does not go away. Broken hip and spine bones are severe, as these injuries can cause older adults to lose their mobility and independence.

How can I keep my bones strong as I age?

There are things you can do at any age to prevent weakened bones. Here are some tips:

• Eat foods that support bone health. Get enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein each day. Low-fat dairy; leafy green vegetables; fish; and fortified juices, milk, and grains are good sources of calcium. If your vitamin D level is low, talk with your doctor about taking a supplement.
• Get active. Choose weight-bearing exercise, such as strength training, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing. This type of physical activity can help build and strengthen your bones.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of weakened bones. If you do smoke, here are tips for how to quit smoking.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can harm your bones. Drink in moderation or not at all. Learn more about alcohol and aging.

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Published by: AARP

E-reading has exploded in popularity since Amazon came out with its Kindle in 2007, with e-book sales skyrocketing to $1 billion last year, according to the Association of American Publishers.

The average newly released bestseller costs around $15 in e-book form. While that’s cheaper than the print version, the click-and-read habit still can get expensive — unless you take advantage of the thousands of e-books (print and audio!) that are free to borrow or download.

1. Public Libraries

Libraries, as everyone knows, stack their shelves with physical books you can borrow for free, but many aren’t aware that they also fill their e-shelves with e-books (and audiobooks). Patrons can access them through digital databases, including the most popular one, Libby, which celebrated its 1 billionth publication checkout last year. (Others include CloudLibrary and Hoopla.)

2. Project Gutenberg

Gutenberg.org, a nonprofit, longtime keeper of online books, offers direct access to more than 70,000 e-books and a smaller number of audiobooks. They are all older works in the public domain, meaning they were published largely before 1929 and are no longer copyrighted. Gutenberg is a great place to access classics like Adventures of Huckleberry Finn or Moby Dick. It’s even better for big, fat books — think Don Quixote, available in Spanish or English — for which your reading time might exceed a library’s borrowing period.

3. Standard Ebooks

Starting with software engineer Alex Cabal in 2014, Standard Ebooks has fewer titles (just over 1,000) than Gutenberg. Still, they are packaged in a prettier format and listed in a sleeker, more informative catalog that includes approximate reading time and difficulty level, for instance.

4. BookBub and other discount e-book sellers

BookBub is a book recommendation and sales hub for discounted e-books (think the Marshalls of e-books). Along with low-cost e-books, it offers “hundreds” of free e-books on its site, according to General Manager Katie Donelan. The free reads, most published within the last five years, lean heavily toward the romance, mystery, fantasy, and thriller categories.

5. LibriVox

The motto of LibriVox is “Acoustical liberation of books in the public domain.” This Gutenberg of audiobooks contains more than 19,000 public domain books, poems, and songs recorded by volunteers from all over the world. Most are in English, with some in a smattering of other languages, such as Maori, Welsh, and Russian.

6. Amazon

The company that popularized e-books and sold the Kindle, the most popular e-reader, also offers a rotating selection of free e-books. A recent search pulled up thousands of titles, including classics (Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables), romances (Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover), thrillers, and children’s books.

7. Barnes & Noble

For readers who use Barnes & Noble’s Nook device, bn.com has as many as 10,000 free books available every day. They are mostly books that have been available for at least a year, according to Jason Matos, manager of the Nook division. Popular choices include The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie and the memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northrup.

8. The Palace Project 

Partnering with the nonprofit Digital Public Library of America, The Palace Project (its name highlights the idea that libraries are “palaces for the people”) has more than 15,000 titles available for free reading, including banned books.

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During the week of July 15, CMS released additional guidance regarding Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) outreach and education. The MPPP, sometimes referred to as “smoothing,” was established in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and allows Medicare beneficiaries with Part D to opt into an alternative payment structure for their cost-sharing for covered Part D medications.

Starting in 2025, people enrolled in a Part D plan will have the option to spread their out-of-pocket Part D costs over the calendar year rather than paying directly at the pharmacy counter. It is critical to keep in mind that the program does not reduce or increase a person’s Part D cost-sharing obligations–it only shifts them. This program launches at the same time as other Part D restructuring changes included in the IRA, most notably the establishment of a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap.

As described by the IRA and CMS, when someone opts into the MPPP, their plan will communicate that election to their chosen pharmacy as part of their payment transaction. At the point of sale, the person will not be charged. Instead, the plan will pay the beneficiary’s cost-sharing obligation–deductible, coinsurance, or copay, depending on their plan details–to the pharmacy. Then, using a formula outlined in the IRA statute, the plan will send the beneficiary a monthly bill. Opting into the program does not change how enrollees move through the Part D benefit or what counts toward their deductible or $2,000 out-of-pocket cap.

Whether the MPPP will be a good choice for a particular beneficiary will depend on a variety of individual circumstances and preferences. In the most recent guidance, CMS requires plans to identify and conduct outreach to individuals who are likely to benefit from the program–those who incurred $2,000 in Part D cost-sharing expenses between January 1 and September 30 of 2024, and those who, in 2025, incur out-of-pocket costs for a single prescription that equal or exceed $600. The guidance also provides some examples of beneficiaries less likely to benefit from the MPPP. For example, people with relatively low or stable Part D cost-sharing across the plan year and those who are unlikely to reach the $2,000 cap could see a less even distribution of costs under the MPPP, with higher bills in the later months of the year. This is due to the cumulative effect of one’s prescription drug costs and the MPPP’s monthly billing structure. The guidance also notes that people are unlikely to experience significant benefit from opting into the program late in the year, since their costs could only be spread over the remaining calendar months and directs plan outreach to focus on pre-plan year and early month education.

CMS also released model materials and a MPPP timeline. This and previous guidance is available on the CMS page devoted to the Inflation Reduction Act, under the “Part D Improvements” tab. CMS also announced that Medicare Plan Finder will feature a cost preview feature that incorporates the MPPP as an option and plans for training for SHIPs and other partners to take place this summer and in early fall.

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Extra Help is a cost-assistance program that helps you pay for prescription drugs while on Medicare. It works by paying for your Part D premium (up to a state-specific benchmark amount) while lowering the cost of your prescription drugs.

Note: You pay no premium if you have a basic Part D drug plan with a premium at or below the Extra Help premium limit for your area. You will likely still owe a premium if you have an enhanced Part D plan, even if the premium is below the benchmark.

Some extra perks are that if you qualify for Extra Help and have a Part D late enrollment penalty, it will eliminate that fee. It also gives you Special Enrollment Periods to enroll in Part D or switch between plans throughout the year.

You should automatically be enrolled in Extra Help if you have Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or a Medicare Savings Program. If that’s not the case for you, you might still be eligible if you have limited assets and your income is below $1,903 per month as an individual or $2,575 as part of a couple.

Apply online through the Social Security Administration or contact the Medicare Rights Center for assistance applying.

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Menopause is not a disease or disorder. This time in a woman’s life is often full of other transitions in addition to physical ones: Women may be caring for aging parents or relatives, supporting their children as they move into adulthood, or taking on new responsibilities at work.

Some women don’t have any trouble with menopausal symptoms and may even feel relieved when they no longer need to worry about painful periods or getting pregnant. For other women, the menopausal transition can bring hot flashes, trouble sleeping, pain during sex, moodiness and irritability, depression, or a combination of these symptoms. Some may decide to talk with their doctor about lifestyle changes or medications to treat their symptoms.

Understanding the menopausal transition

Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman’s last period. The years leading up to that point, when women may have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flashes, or other symptoms, are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause.

The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly.

The menopausal transition affects each woman uniquely and in various ways. The body begins to use energy differently, fat cells change, and women may gain weight more easily. You may experience changes in your bone or heart health, your body shape and composition, or your physical function.

Is it menopause?

If you are having symptoms that are common during menopause, your doctor may ask questions about your age, symptoms, and family history to determine if it really is the menopausal transition causing your problems. In some cases, your doctor may suggest a blood test to check your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) levels to rule out any other causes for the changes you’re experiencing.

While the menopausal transition may commonly be referred to as “menopause,” true menopause doesn’t happen until one year after a woman’s final menstrual period. For that reason, a woman who does not want to get pregnant should continue to use birth control for at least a full 12 months after her last period.

Menopause can also be triggered by a hysterectomy or surgical removal of the ovaries, which produce hormones. If you have surgery to remove your uterus or ovaries and are not taking hormones, you will experience symptoms of menopause immediately.

After menopause, women enter postmenopause. Postmenopausal women are more vulnerable to heart disease and osteoporosis. During this time, it is important to continue to eat a healthy diet, be active, and make sure you get enough calcium for optimal bone health.

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Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect in 2024: 

Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Premium:

• Free if you’ve worked 10 years or more 
• $278 per month if you’ve worked 7.5 to 10 years 
• $505 per month if you’ve worked fewer than 7.5 years 

Deductible:

• $1,632 each benefit period 

Coinsurance:

• $0 for the first 60 days of inpatient care each benefit period 
• $408 per day for days 61-90 each benefit period 
• $816 per lifetime reserve day after day 90 in a benefit period (You have 60 lifetime reserve days that can only be used once. They’re not renewable.) 

Skilled Nursing Facility:

• $0 for the first 20 days of inpatient care each benefit period  $204 per day for days 21-100 each benefit period 

Part B (Medical Insurance)

• Premium: $174.70 is the standard premium 
• Deductible: $240 per year 
• Coinsurance: 20% for most services Part B covers 
• Part D (Prescription Drug Insurance)
• National Average Part D Premium: $32.74/month
• Maximum Deductible: $545 per year
• Coverage Gap Begins: $5,030 (you and your plan together)
• Catastrophic Coverage Begins: $8,000 (your costs, including brand coverage gap discounts)

Costs after catastrophic limit: $0For more details, check out our Guide to Medicare Costs in 2024 here: Medicare Costs in 2024. 

You can also review your Medicare & You 2024 handbook (contact 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) to receive one) if you have Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, contact your plan directly to learn about changes in 2024 that might affect you.

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It’s understandable to feel that you don’t need to think about this topic when you’re in good health! You should know, however, that putting your future health care wishes in writing can be very helpful to your family members if you were to suddenly find yourself in a position where you can’t make health care decisions for yourself due to being incapacitated by injury or illness.

 Every state has different rules about who makes decisions about your treatment if you are physically unable to do so. In many cases, the decision-making is left in the hands of your health care providers, unless you’ve assigned someone as your legal representative in advance.

 If medical decisions are casually left up to your family, it can be difficult and time-consuming for them to agree on different treatment options. It can also be costly for them to get the legal right to make medical decisions for you, and they may also disagree on who should make these decisions for you. Having a plan with your wishes written out ahead of time can help avoid confusion and disagreements, and it ensures your wishes are honored if you’re unable to speak for yourself!

 Start by talking to your family about your wishes. When you’re ready, completing an advance directive is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family to ensure your healthcare wishes are met.

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Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5 each year, commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day but a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. While it holds historical significance in Mexico, it is also widely celebrated in the United States, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Here are some local celebrations:

Aerial Kitchen + Bar is hosting Cinco in the Sky, a festive three-day weekend celebration marking the seasonal reopening of the popular rooftop retreat high atop the 9th-level Sky Terrace at Epicurean Atlanta. There will be $5 cocktails, 2 for $5 taco specials, and live music. Admission is free.

ALMA COCINA (Buckhead + Downtown locations): The contemporary Mexican restaurant will be celebrating all weekend long! From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Alma will be serving a special festive menu – featuring items such as fried avocado tacos, short rib empanadas & fried chihuahua cheese, alongside strawberry margaritas, pineapple express shots, and Tecates. Choose your location + reserve

The Avondale Estates Farmers Market will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with multiple vendors at 10 a.m. on May 5.

Bad Daddy’s is celebrating Cinco de Mayo on May 4 and 5 by offering $2.50 LocoRitas at participating locations.

Cinco de Mayo Mexican Grille in Douglasville is celebrating Cinco de Mayo from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 5 with special menu items.

Del Taco (multiple locations) is offering a deal for Cinco de Mayo. Get any burrito free with a $10 purchase May 3-5. Also, $0 delivery fee on orders worth $15 and more. Restrictions may apply.

Moe’s Southwest Grill is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with $5.55 burritos or bowls at participating locations nationwide. Must be a Moe’s Rewards member. Restrictions apply. Also on Cinco de Mayo, the first 30 guests that visit Moe’s will receive a free t-shirt at participating locations.

Morrow Branch Library is celebrating Cinco de Mayo from 4 to 5 p.m. on May 2. There will be Spanish tunes, a fiesta flower-making tutorial, and other fun activities. MORE INFO

Ponce City Market is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party on the roof starting at 11 a.m. There will be specialty cocktails, jello shots, a Mexican-style concessions takeover, and more.

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Early on in Alzheimer’s and related dementias, people experience changes in thinking, remembering, and reasoning in a way that affects daily life and activities. Eventually, people with these diseases will need more help with simple, everyday tasks. This may include bathing, grooming, and dressing. It may be upsetting to the person to need help with such personal activities. Here are a few tips to consider early on and as the disease progresses:

• Try to keep a routine, such as bathing, dressing, and eating at the same time each day.
• Help the person write down to-do lists, appointments, and events in a notebook or calendar.
• Plan activities that the person enjoys and try to do them at the same time each day.
• Consider a system or reminders for helping those who must take medications regularly.
• When dressing or bathing, allow the person to do as much as possible.
• Buy loose-fitting, comfortable, easy-to-use clothing, such as clothes with elastic waistbands, fabric fasteners, or large zipper pulls instead of shoelaces, buttons, or buckles.
• Use a sturdy shower chair to support an unsteady person and to prevent falls. You can buy shower chairs at drug stores and medical supply stores.
• Be gentle and respectful. Tell the person what you are going to do, step by step while you help them bathe or get dressed.
• Serve meals in a consistent, familiar place and give the person enough time to eat.

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