Benefit information changes often so finding current reliable sources are important.  Recently the Social Security Administration updated some of its website information and publications.  Available to everyone is the "Get a Publication" webpage on the Social Security Administration [SSA] website at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/ .  There are many publications you can look at and order.  A prompt called "Topic" is where you can use a pull-down menu to select the information you want to retrieve.  The "Topic" prompt is on the top left side of the page as shown above.  As a caregiver with limited time, this site is easy to navigate and helpful.  There are many ways to get information such as reading, listening, ordering it, or using a tool; also, you can print out information and apply for benefits online.  On the front page - right side bar,  the SSA website has a Frequently Asked Questions box that you can click on to ask a question or see what others have asked.   
At http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/retirement.htm  you can learn about retirement benefits and use the retirement planner tools available to get estimates about your social security and other possible benefits prior to when you decide to retire.  
It is worthwhile to take some time to explore the updated Social Security Administration [SSA] website to understand your current or future benefits.  The SSA website offers helpful information for the whole family to use.  


copyright 2013 Kim Kozina Evanoski, MPA, LMSW - Care Manage For All LLC

Here is a book that seems intriguing to me; I have put it on my "things to read" list.  The reason is two-fold:  In the sample chapters, I like the honesty of the author about her not "being superwoman".  And I like hearing that this author explored ways to find positive meaning in a difficult and changing relationship.  A relationship that is changed by memory and functional losses.  From what I had an opportunity to preview, I found reading about this "hopefulness" exciting because it changes our view of care partnerships.  Hopefulness is an important component of sustaining a meaningful care-fulfilling experience.  As a professional, it is watching the ever-startling resilience of constant and dedicated caring that provides hopeful guidance to our next generations who will care. This hopefulness must focus on the good days or good moments first while allowing validation to the many harder days that come with providing care.  It is about the magnificent way we can allow our lens to see relationships transformed and accepted, even in human decline.  It is about being present in the relationship as it unfolds.  Care partnerships can model the best in human kindness and patience.  It may teach us to try harder to look beyond the losses that come with being human.  Reading this book may support our entire community in reflecting deeply on who and what we want to be as a society who provides compassionate care for others.  
copyright 2012 Kim Kozina Evanoski, MPA, LMSW - Care Manage For All LLC