Archive for May, 2010

Wheelchairs come in every shape and size with sufficient options that you can find the wheels you like to take you where you want to go with the assistance you need. To enhance the comfort and convenience of your journey, choose accessories tailored to provide the best support for your activities and your health concerns.

A manual powered wheelchair is a good choice if you have reasonable upper body strength, but electric wheelchairs are preferred by people with upper body impairments. A manual chair could be suitable for years, but increasing age, pain, or fatigue might make it clear that it is time to switch to a motorized chair and save the wear and tear on your body. If you are an active sportsperson, you’ll want a lightweight manual; if you live in an area with rough terrain, you’ll need wheels and tires that are up to the job. For people whose problem is simply limited ability to walk or stand for long periods of time, motorized scooters are probably the preferred choice. Once you have considered your needs and made your chair selection, check out the wonderful choice of wheelchair accessories that can change your ride from good to great.

The Perfect Cushion is a Necessity not a Luxury

A good seat cushion for your chair is too important to be considered a luxury item and you should find one that fits your requirements exactly. A good cushion can save you not only from pressure sores but also from the incorrect posture that can generate a variety of back and neck problems. If you have a neuromuscular disease, respiration, circulation and swallowing are also concerns that need to be addressed by correct posture, which means being supported by a good cushion.

1. Foam cushions are the least expensive, are lightweight, and are available in a variety of densities. You can also cut and trim them if pressure problems develop. They will, however, lose their shape eventually, which, in itself, can create pressure problems.

2. Air floatation cushions will give you even pressure distribution and some models can be inflated to the exact height needed. You can purchase them as single-chamber cushions or dual-chamber cushions that allow the sides to be at different heights. They are lightweight and waterproof, but can, however, develop leaks or punctures. The pressure should be checked regularly.

3. Gel cushions are particularly comfortable and distribute pressure very evenly. They are heavier than foam or air, however, and it is important to check these products to make sure the design you are considering will not allow the gel to push out to the sides and cause the cushion to lose its shape.

A Wheelchair Ramp Gets You to Where You Want to Be

We’ve come a long way, baby, from the days when it was difficult or impossible for wheelchair riders to gain entrance to most public buildings. There are now ramps, enlarged doorways, at least one large stall in most public restrooms, and areas in the parking lot designated for handicap parking. There are older buildings, however, that have not yet made accommodation for mobile chairs, and, of course, most private homes are difficult to access with a wheelchair. You will need to travel by car or van on occasion, which means you need some kind of ramp, lift, or hoist to use with the vehicle, and a lift in the home may be necessary for a wheelchair user to access an upper floor. Fortunately, there is a wide range of new and used lifts, ramps and hoists, and you should be able to find a suitable product among the many wheelchair accessories available for any situation you encounter.

The term “permanent wheelchair ramp” is self-explanatory; “semi-permanent” means that it is assembled using bolts, which, of course, can be loosened so that the ramp can be moved and used elsewhere. A portable ramp can be folded or rolled up and will have some kind of carrying case – one model has suitcase handles. Ramps can have such safety refinements as side rails and non-skid tracks. You can select portable ramps that are suitable for use with thresholds only or for use with minivans. Van ramps are less expensive than lifts, fold in half, and are stored vertically.

Wheelchair lifts will have either electrical or hydraulic operating systems. Hydraulic lifts have the advantage of working even when there is a power outage, and they will provide a smooth and fluid ride. Electric lifts are cheaper, are quiet and comfortable, and can be fitted with automatic door openers and even telephone jacks. Make sure you choose one that has a battery for use in case of emergency. Stair lifts are very convenient and popular for home use and for accessing ordinary cars, and are easy for one person to operate. Automotive lifts can be quickly assembled and taken apart.

Other Wheelchair Accessories Provide Additional Comfort and Convenience

Wheelchairs provide independence and mobility, and, with the right wheelchair accessories, will maximize comfort, convenience, safety, and quality of life. These items might include:

1. Mounting systems for communication devices and laptop computers

2. Restraint systems for securing your chair in order to transport it in a car or a van

3. Adjustable hand controls and driving controls

4. Support aids:

* to help in sitting upright

* to prevent slipping from side to side

* to support the head

* to elevate the legs

5. Wheelchair locks and covers

6. Protective pads for arms, elbows and legs, and gloves for the hands and cushions for the back

7. Voice activated wheelchair controls

Take Advantage of Easy Online Shopping

Compare costs and find the best price for the right product online. Whether you need a wheelchair ramp and accessories, or equipment for adapting your chair for growth or loss of body strength or mobility, the Internet can be your best source of product information and cost comparison. Technology is always changing, and there are new products available to make your life easier every year, no matter what medical problems you have. Order replacement parts for your chair, such as batteries, tires, and wheels, as well as new or old and familiar products with confidence from the convenience of your home. We can help keep you independent and on the move with wheelchair accessories that are just right for you.

About the Author
Scott Gray is currently freelance writing and enjoys providing information and moneysaving tips to consumers who are in the market for a http://www.lifts-scooters-wheelchairs.com/” target=”_blank.

The Right Wheelchair Accessories Will Ease Your Life and Your Journeys on Wheels

Many employees today are calling in sick – not to care for themselves or their children, but to care for their aging parents. Baby boomers are rapidly moving into the role of caregivers for their parents, but with a few extra challenges due to the changing face of our workforce. Nearly 25% of U.S. households are now involved in caring for a senior family member, spending an average of 20 hours a week in caregiving services. Nearly 65% of those individuals providing the caregiving are employed outside of the home. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, approximately 15 million days of work per year are lost due to these circumstances. These numbers are forecasted to increase since the longevity of life is being extended by modern medicine.

The workforce is also aging with more people moving toward retirement age and fewer young people filling the ranks. The median age of workers has risen by five years since 1986, making the average worker 40 years old. Women in this age group, who are primarily the caregivers for their parents, continue working full time in order to support their family, pay their children’s college tuition, or save for their own retirement. These situations are even more compounded because many baby boomers have relocated away from their senior family members to pursue job opportunities.

Another issue facing baby boomers and their families is the cost of care for their senior family members. Many members of the sandwich generation will be shocked to find out what the cost of prescription medications really run, especially since many of the medications are not covered by Medicare. This will cause many retired seniors and some baby boomers to continue their pursuit of a career, and not enjoy their Golden Years.

When faced with these issues, it is always best to have some future plan in place. Do not wait until mom or dad is in the critical care bed or is being discharged from the hospital. Here are a few suggestions for the potential or current caregiver to contemplate:

1. Talk to your parents and/or family members before a crisis. This will help you and all those involved to truly understand their wishes. Discuss with them the topics of Medicare, health insurance, long-term care insurance, and if they have other important legal documents regarding medical treatment (i.e., Living Will, Durable Medical Power of Attorney, etc?).

2. Locate any community resources that may be available to you and your family. The Valley of the Sun has numerous services available for the elderly (i.e. Area Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care Facilities, Housing, etc?). You can access many of these services via the local hospital or skilled nursing facility discharge planners, senior citizen centers, or even the local clergy.

3. Ask your employer if they can help. Many employers are willing to help employee caregivers in order to retain valuable workers. Find out if your employer offers paid leave benefits for flex hours. Some employees are even beginning to include long-term care insurance or caregiver respite programs in their benefit package.

4. Ask friends and family for help. Ask them what experiences they have had with some of the community services. Many of these people may have already gone through this and can be of assistance.

5. Talk to your local clergy. Many local churches and synagogues have family assistance programs or have access via their denominations. If these services are not available, most clergy are familiar with what can be obtained by you or your family.

Caring for our aging parents may be one of the more challenging roles we undertake in our adult lives. With forethought, consideration and a little planning on everyone’s part, it can actually have a more positive outcome.

Hearts of Joy Senior Care provides an affordable, non-medical, in-home companion care service for seniors, which enables them to maintain their independence, as well as dignity and self-respect. Marc and Susan speak around the valley on numerous topics regarding senior care, with a primary focus on fall prevention and home safety. Hearts of Joy Senior Care Inc. can be reached at (480) 948-4655.

As the Baby Boomers Age

Don’t think you need it? Consider this: a full 50% of Americans over the age of 50 will need long term care at some point in their lives. The average cost of nursing facility care (or home health care assistance) is $61,000 per year, and the average stay in a long term care facility is 2

There are a lot of nursing homes operating in the United States today. Their businesses, fuelled by America’s hectic way of life, have prospered and now cater to a lot of people.
However, people still keep looking for nursing homes. Why, you ask? Because people just do not get any younger.
People get older all the time. That is one fact of life that we cannot deny.
Population keeps growing all the time. That is another fact that we cannot deny.
Put together, these two facts make up another undeniable fact: More people get older all the time.
And so, nursing homes can expect a continual rise in popularity as time goes by.
With the number of nursing homes out there, you can expect that the qualities of these nursing homes also vary.
What should one look for in a good nursing home? Here are some qualities you need to look at in order to get a good nursing home:
1.    Legality -a nursing home should, of course, be licensed to legally operate by the government. This means that the nursing home has passed certain requirements and has fulfilled certain specifications ordered by the government. Although this may not necessarily assure you of a nursing home’s quality, it does assure you that someone has approved of its operation.
2.    Administration -of course, the next step is to check out the people who will actually take care of your elderly. No matter how beautiful the premises, if the people are ineffective, your elderly will be miserable. We have all seen movies of nursing homes with abusive attendants. We know what could go on in dealing with the wrong people. What you need to do is observe the people around you and how they react to the administration. This observation alone will give you valuable information regarding the administration and the staff.
3.    Comfort -after you have examined the nursing home staff, you need to take a look at the premises. Do you think that your elderly will be comfortable in this nursing home? Do not judge the nursing home based on your experience. Remember that the elderly are much more sensitive to comfort than you are. You need to take into every little detail and see if that alters the nursing home’s comfort value.
4.    Safety -a nursing home should, of course, be safe for the elderly. You should be assured that the nursing home has every precaution against any accident that might happen. See if proper measures have been taken and precautionary devices installed in order to prevent accidents or incidents. After all, you do pay them to take care of your elderly.
5.    Food -the basic need of people. The food served in the nursing home should be edible. If you don’t like the look of the food, how much more can you trust the nursing home to provide your elderly with the little things that matter? The food should be edible not only to the elderly but also to you. You need to make sure that the nursing home takes the specific needs of each person in preparing the food.
6.    Medical services – the nursing home should contain, or at least have quick access, to emergency medical services. You need to be assured that should something untoward happen, your elderly will have the best care possible.
Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of justeldercare.com. Visit Jeanette’s site to learn more about nursing homes.

1) What does Adrian Mitchell say we do to people when their working lives are over?

Adrian says that "when a man’s too ill to work we punish him", rob him of half his income or replace it with "pocket money" and or place him in a retirement home to sit out the remainder of his live in isolation.

2) What does he think about this?

Adrian thinks that "the old people are being robbed" and says "to hell with retiring" he believes that the way that deal with old people (to have your ability to sport yourself removed and then being given "pocket money"). is an insult; He thinks that this is backboards, that the retired should have more money that before retirement.

3) Describe the impression he gives of retirement homes?

In the image of the text, a retirement home is a "basement", a dilapidated old building with "fungus" growing up the walls.

Nothing happens or ever moves "except the raught and the light and darkgrey figures" and the cat. A place where the "food" is so bad that an animal would reject it, a place where what is not dead is waiting to die, if not from the effects of time, but from the lack of stimulation.

3) How would he treat old people?

Adrian would give the retired "the freedom they always heard about", give them the money to live out the remainder of there lives in comfit and dignity.

4) The poet uses exaggeration to make his point. Find a couple of places where he does this and describe the effects it has.

[1] The description of the food available in retirement homes "the meat tastes of feet".

[2] The description of the type of activities that we should offer the retired "Print her a ticket to the universe, let her slum-white skin be tanned by a dozen different planets"

Such exaggerations like the above, make the text more interesting to read as apposed to using factual arrangement alone, give the text more substance as they offer the rearer points of reference to which they can relate to.

They also draw attention to the opinions of the writer (the food being bad and that the retired should be given the means to do as they please), being out of content in relation to the waiting they stand out.

I am the website administrator of the Wandle industrial museum (http://www.wandle.org). Established in 1983 by local people determined to ensure that the history of the valley was no longer neglected but enhanced awareness its heritage for the use and benefits of the community.

The Golden Years

Nice article from Miss Mabels on Health tips for the elderly.
1. Don’t begrudge spending money on your own comfort, health and quality of life. You deserve it! AND FOR THE OVER-60’S – The government’s annual fuel allowance of £200 is meant to be used for our warmth and comfort, and to ease the worry of the increased heating bill. The Winter Fuel Payments Help line is 0845 9 151515 If you are receiving a disability or income-related benefit, you may be able to claim a grant of up to £2,500 for insulation and heating improvements. Call Home Energy Efficiency Scheme 0800 952 0600. If you receive disability and income-related benefits you can claim Cold Weather Payments if the temperature falls below 00 C for 7 consecutive days. There is also the Staywarm scheme. For a fixed charge you can use as much gas or electricity as you need. 0800 1 694 694 Finally, if you are unable to pay your winter fuel bill, in the first instance contact your supplier explaining your problem and informing them that you are a pensioner. Good news worth remembering, is that electricity companies and British Gas have a policy of not disconnecting pensioners between 1 October and 31 March – so keep warm and don’t panic.
AND DO YOU NEED REMINDING – DON’T WASTE YOUR MONEY AND HEAL !TH ON CIGARETTES. RESEARCHERS TELL US THAT THE AVERAGE BRITISH SMOKER WILL SPEND £91,832.43 ON CIGARETTES IN A LIFETIME. (Now, I’ve never smoked so I wonder what happened to my £91,OOO?)
2. Keep your mind active, crosswords, sudoka, hobbies, etc. NEVER STOP LEARNING. If you have an interested mind, people are more likely to enjoy your company and be interested in you.
3. Keep your body active. As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it Walk in the fresh air if possible. If you enjoy company while you are walking then join a rambling group. (Often ‘rambling clubs’ for the retired are more socially inclined ‘ambling clubs’). Gardening combines the benefits of fresh air, exercise and the results can give you immeasurable pleasure. Dancing; particularly formation or line dancing exercises the memory also. Swimming, is a particularly good exercise for all parts of the body with the added advantage that the water is supporting you and therefore there is no weight on the joints.
4. Feed your body with the correct foods. You wouldn’t expect your car to work efficiently if you fed it the incorrect fuel. So feed your body with nutritious foods that contain the necessary vitamins and minerals in order for it to return optimum performance. With winter approaching we need to build up our immune system, so in addition to a well balanced diet of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and nourishing protein (laced with the benefits of virgin olive oil and garlic), we should add a few supplements to help us on our way. In addition to a good multi-vitamin tablet, you’ll probably benefit from extra Vitamin C, Echinacea, EPA fish oils, selenium, ginko biloba to aid circulation, particularly to the extremities, and glucosomine to help with those aching joints.
Don’t forget your flu jab and the jab against pneumonia for the over 70’s. There is also really excellent news on the common cold front. At long last there appears to be something that stops a cold developing. Vicks First Defence is a spray that you use at the first sign of a cold and it stops the cold virus in its tracks. This miracle goes on sale during October 05.
5 Socialise. Possibly I don’t have to remind you about this as the majority of retired folk I meet complain that they are busier now than ever they were, that there are not enough hours in the day, and they wonder how they ever found time to go to work. There are so many clubs and groups to join. To name a few popular ones, U3A (University of the Third Age) for both sexes and with interesting speakers, and offering numerous sub sections for specific group interests and hobbies, Women’s Institute, (has gained a new image after the film Calendar Girls), Townswomen’s Guild, Gardening Clubs, Art Clubs, etc., and many clubs aimed specifically at the retired.
If transport is a problem, remember most local authorities offer free or reduced bus fares for senior citizens and travel tokens for the disabled. There is a Senior Railcard for reduced train fares for the over 60’s. National Express have a Routesixty Scheme which enables over 60’s to travel nationwide very cheaply (Tel 08705 808080). Also, occasionally, National Express offer their ‘go anywhere for £5 scheme’.
If you have difficulty in getting around the town, then there is Shopmobility where you can hire mobility scooters (various models and sizes available) and electric and manual wheelchairs. Shopmobility is usually manned by helpers who will be only too pleased to instruct and allow you to practice before you are let loose on the town. Also there is the added advantage that there is usually a free car park attached to Shopmobility for clients’ convenience. If you have difficulty in using public transport, often local authorities provide a ‘dial-a-ride’ service from your home to the shopping centre.
Well, whatever you do – E N J O Y I T! We were always told that laughter is the best medicine and now we know it to be true – it raises the serotonin levels in the brain and gives you that ‘feel good’ factor.
Visit Mabels…Maintaining Bygone Times, containing numerous articles thoughtfully researched mainly for the older person. You may access these articles by visiting http://www.mabels.org.uk/ – You will learn about the best tips, latest news & advice to improve your health, fitness, finances & retirement as well as information on nostalgic topics, places to visit, leisure & lifestyle, mobility & helpful organisations to make the most out of life and much, much more to benefit “Your Quality of Life”

Cellular and extracellular changes of old age cause a change in physical appearance and a decline in function. Measurable changes in shape and body makeup occur.

The body’s ability to maintain homeostasis becomes increasingly diminished with cellular aging, and organ systems cannot function at full efficiency because of cellular and tissue deficits.

The well-being of an aged person depends on physical, mental, social, and environmental factors. A total assessment includes an evaluation of all major body systems, social and mental status, and the ability of the person to function independently despite a chronic illness.

Psychological Aspects of Aging

Successful psychological aging is reflected in the senior citizen’s ability to adapt to physical, social, and emotional losses and to achieve contentment, serenity, and life satisfactions.

Because changes in life patterns are inevitable over a lifetime, the older person needs resiliency and coping skills when confronting stresses and change.

For this reason, experts recommend travels and other recreational activities for the senior citizens to promote psychological, social, physical, and emotional aspect of the elderly.

Ideally, senior citizens do best in their own, familiar environment. But adjustments to the environment may be required to allow the older adult to travel to places they have not yet enjoyed in their entire life. This is to promote life satisfaction in normal aging.

Hence, it is recommended that senior citizens maintain the active lifestyle by engaging in activities that will help them promote their total well-being, such as senior citizens travel.

However, since senior citizens travel will mainly compose of older people, it is important for them to know the necessary precautionary measures in order to avoid health risks as well as social dilemma.

To guide the senior citizens on their travel, here is a list of some senior citizens travel tips:

• Airline travel tips
  Most senior citizens travel by air. Hence, it is important to know the privileges especially designed for senior citizens traveling through airplanes.
  Senior citizens should know that before making any reservations, they should try to learn more about the privileges for senior citizens made available by a certain airline company.
  Special discounts and privileges are provided by the government and should be imposed by all airline companies. If the senior citizen knows his right, he will never miss these great opportunities. He will also be able to save more on discounts and freebies.
• Have a nose for news
  Senior citizens who travel a lot should have a nose for news. If they will be traveling, they should stay glued on their televisions, newspapers, and radios for any cancellations on flight schedules.
  Senior citizens might experience difficulty when stranded on an airport just because of delayed or cancelled flight.
  Hence, knowing the problem before hand will enable the senior citizens to act appropriately and prepare solutions for the problem.
  


• Money matters
  When traveling, senior citizens should remember not to bring too many cash with them. They should only bring the necessary things with them, such as credit cards (this should be limited, at least 1 or 2 cards will do) and important identification cards.
  It is best not to bring any unnecessary items such as extra cash, additional credit cards, or any cards that will reveal their Social Security number or any personal information such as address or home telephone number.
  Statistical reports show that nearly 40% of identity theft cases and other crimes involve senior citizens. This is because most senior citizens fall easy prey to unscrupulous people. So to avoid such problems, senior citizens should be more wary on their money matters when traveling.
  


• Open communication
  To ensure security at all times, communication should always be open between senior citizens and their immediate families. One good way to maintain an open communication is to bring mobile phones on senior citizens travels.
  If this is not possible, it is best that the concerned senior citizen leave the necessary information to their families to ensure immediate contact in case something came up.
  

There are community support services that are available to help senior citizens outside their home. Hence, it is best to know these things so that they will know what to do whenever they need help while on travel.

Keep in mind that the frail senior citizens can experience multiple problems at any given point in time. Therefore, it is important that they know what to do first when certain problems occur especially during their travel.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://seniors.subjectwise.com where you can learn more about areas of concern for senior citizens.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths for seniors age 65 and older. Every year, approximately 35% to 40% of seniors over 65 years of age fall at least one time. The following are five ways to help reduce the risk of you or a loved one from falling:
1. Keep Indoor Pathways Safe- Remove throw rugs or use double sided tape to prevent rugs from becoming loose. Keep telephone and electrical cords out of walkways as well as items such as shoes, blankets and books. Move furniture out of walkways to ensure the path is clear. Always keep stairways free from clutter.
2. Review Medications- Visit with your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you or a loved one is taking. Some prescriptions and over the counter drugs can cause one to become drowsy, dizzy or unsteady. In addition, make sure to get your vision checked once a year to reduce the risk of falling due to poor vision.
3. Exercise Regularly- It is important to improve your muscle flexibility and strength to reduce the risk of falling. Balance and coordination are also important to help prevent falling, and these can be accomplished through regular exercise.
4. Add Safety Features to Bathroom and Bedroom- Install mats or suction cups in the bathtub. Place grab bars near the toilet, shower, and tub area, as well as bench or a stool in the shower. Consider using an elevated toilet seat to help reduce the risk of falling. In the bedroom, keep a lamp or light switch that can be easily reached without getting out of bed. Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
5. Improve Outdoor Walkways- Paint the edges of outdoor steps, especially steps that are narrow or are higher or lower than other steps. Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint to help with traction. Keep walkways well lit and clear from debris, snow and ice.
In addition to keeping the home safe from hazards, always try to maintain good health and exercise habits. It is important to wear rubber soled shoes that fully support your feet. Furthermore, limit the consumption of alcohol, and use walking devices such as a cane or a walker if extra support is needed. By reducing the risk of falling, one is increasing the chances of living a happy and safe life.
————————————————————————— You have permission to use this article as long as the author’s full bio is present as well as any hyperlinks to author’s website.
Torey Farnsworth has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Her legal experience includes long term care planning, estate planning, ALTCS eligibility and Medicaid planning. Ms. Farnsworth is also a certified caregiver with the State of Arizona as well as a Certified Senior Advisor. Ms. Farnsworth has spent her career in senior care as her family owns and operates assisted living homes.
Ms. Farnsworth owns and operates a senior care placement business in Arizona called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families. For information on placement services in Arizona, visit http://www.adultcarecentral.com

Use of assistive devices can prevent harmful falls. These devices include canes, walkers, and reachers. A physical or occupational therapist can help you decide which devices might be helpful and how to use them safely. Talk with your doctor about having a physical therapist assess your device needs.
A cane or walker can help you feel more stable when you walk. Walking aids are especially helpful when you’re in places you don’t know or where walkways are uneven.
Different types of canes are available. Some have grips made of foam or that fit the shape of your hand. Many canes can be adjusted, but some canno
A physical therapist can advise you about which cane to choose. Be sure the length fits you well. Your elbow should be at a comfortable angle. A cane that’s too short may make you unsteady. A cane that’s too long is harder to use. If you use a cane, be sure to learn how to walk with it the right way. A physical therapist can help
If you’re at risk of falling, your doctor or physical therapist might suggest using a walker. A walker will help you stay balanced by giving you a wide base of support. Be sure to choose a walker that fits you and gives a level of stability that is best for yo
Different types of walkers are available. Some walkers have two wheels so the walker shouldn’t roll away from you. These walkers work well if you need to put weight on the walker when you move. Other walkers have four wheels and brakes for going down inclines
You can add a basket, tray, or pouch to some walkers to carry items. These accessories will make it more convenient to use the walker.
If you use a walker, be sure it’s the right type for you. Also, use it when needed and use it properly. A health care professional can help you select the right walker and show you how to use it.
A reacher, or grabber, can also help prevent falls. This simple tool lets you take lightweight items from high shelves and other places. Use a reacher rather than standing on a stool to get something from above.
Another helpful device is a portable telephone. Carry the phone with you from room to room. When it rings, you won’t have to rush to answer it. Not rushing could avert a harmful fall.
source : http://www.nih.gov

Retiring abroad needs careful planning. Not all countries have the same entitlement to benefits as the UK and your tax liability may be affected.UK nationals have the right to retire in any European Economic Area (EEA) country. If you intend to move to any other country, you should speak first to the British Consul in that country and its foreign consulate here in the UK.

If you are planning to retire abroad, here are some things to consider: Calculate your retirement income.

Contact the Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA) for a state pension forecast. If you are living abroad then the Inland Revenue can help. Entitlements can vary according to the country of residence Ask the Inland Revenue for information about tax liability on any income over the UK personal allowance. The amount of UK tax you will have to pay from abroad can vary depending on where you decide to live. Seek independent tax advice about any benefits to you held in offshore banking, as this could reduce your tax liability depending on where you plan to live.

Find out about welfare rights abroad.

Some UK benefits are not payable outside the UK, others apply only in the EU or in countries which have agreements with the UK Inform your social security office or Jobcentre Plus, the Inland Revenue National Insurance Contributions Office (International Services) and the Department for Work and Pensions when you move and provide your contact details abroad. You should also tell them if you change address again or return to the UK Find out about health care costs in the country you want to retire to. The Department for Work and Pensions will be able to advice on your rights in EU countries.

Taking care of your health, the most important aspect of preparing to live abroad

Health Care Abroad: There is nothing more important than your health so it is essential that you plan for any eventualities that may occur whilst living abroad. The UK government strongly advises that you take out health insurance to cover private medical and dental treatment, as well as medical repatriation.

Keeping your home in the UK

If you are decide to keep your property in the UK and it is going to be empty or rented out, you will need to let your local council know, and you will also need to look at how the property can be kept secure while you are away.

Contact your local council. The council tax department and the electoral registration unit will need to know when you are planning to move and a forwarding address

The Bills

Notify your utility companies that you are moving in order to get your final bills and provide a forwarding address for them to send you any outstanding payments or refunds tell your bank, building society or any financial institution that you have a policy or agreement with that you are moving abroad have your mail forwarded by asking for a redirection form from the Post Office.

Nicholas Marr
Marr Internatioanl Ltd
Finding your overseas property is just one step away
http://www.homesgofast.com

Retiring Abroad and Leaving the Grey Skies of the UK