AgeWise: Recognizing the signs, symptoms of a stroke

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Learn how to safeguard yourself against stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a blockage stops the flow of blood to the brain or when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts. Although many people think of stroke as a condition that affects only older adults, strokes occur in people of all ages. In fact, nearly a quarter of all strokes occur in people younger than age 65.

When responding to a stroke, every minute counts. The sooner a patient receives medical treatment, the lower the risk for death or disability. If you or someone you know exhibits the following signs or symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding.Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.Severe headache with no known cause.

Q: We are looking for a long term care facility for my father. Is there a rating system for assisted living facilities?

RB

Answer: Yes, there is a rating for both assisted livings and nursing homes. The Star Rating system is just one of the resources you might use when looking for placement for your mother. The inspection results are based on annual monitoring. The ratings may not reflect changes in the facility's care and services that have occurred since that inspection date. You can access the rating system for licensed N.C. assisted livings by visiting the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website while nursing home ratings can be found at medicare.gov.

Aside from the star ratings and inspection reports you may want to speak with a long-term care ombudsman. The ombudsman serves as an advocate who seeks to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents living in long-term care facilities.

The ombudsman also provides information and education regarding long-term care to members of the community. To contact the local ombudsman please call 336-904-0300 or visit the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments website.

Q: My uncle has been on disability for one year. When will his Medicare coverage begin?

SM

Answer: In some instances people under the age of 65 living with a disability will qualify for Medicare benefits. Before someone can receive Medicare due to a disability, they must have received Social Security Disability (SSD) for a period of time, usually 29 months after the onset of the disabling event. Securing Social Security Disability is a process. In most situations, before an individual can receive SSD a date of onset must be established.

In addition, a five-month waiting period must be observed before a person is entitled to Social Security Disability cash payments. Once the waiting period has passed and they have been entitled to SSD for 24 months they are eligible for Medicare disability if they meet at least one of the following three criteria.

Have been entitled to Social Security disability benefits for 24 months. This includes widows, widowers and children who receive benefits because of disability.Receive a disability annuity from the railroad retirement board and meet certain conditions.Worked long enough in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid and meet the requirements of the Social Security disability program.

Additionally, if a person has permanent kidney failure, they are eligible for Medicare at any age. This is true if they receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant and they are either eligible for or receive monthly benefits under Social Security or the railroad retirement system, or they are the dependent child or spouse (including a divorced spouse) of a worker (living or deceased) who has worked long enough under Social Security or in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid.

Persons can apply for disability benefits at the local Social Security office or online at socialsecurity.gov.

You may wish to call 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY) to make an appointment to file an application.