WASHINGTON, DC—Shocking news reports and videos of nursing homes in crisis after recent hurricanes have tens of millions of Americans all asking the same question: Just how safe are America’s nursing homes? AARP takes on the question in the November issue of the AARP Bulletin, with a special report that provides need-to-know insights on how the industry operates today, how it plans for emergencies, new regulations that will affect future safety, growing competition, and how the industry must evolve to serve roughly 1.4 million of America’s frailest citizens. Additionally, the guide outlines how to research a nursing home, including which key terms to know before exploring facilities, helpful online tools, nine tips on inspecting a nursing home before finalizing a decision, and more. Too many Americans wait until a health emergency before shopping for a nursing home. With “How Safe Are Our Nursing Homes,” children, spouses and others will be far better equipped to make the right decisions when their loved ones are in need.

Men represent 2 out of 5 of the more than 40 million unpaid family caregivers in the U.S., but the role of male caregivers remains hidden. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, AARP Bulletin reveals why these 16 million men are the best-kept secret of caregivers in America, and why they are breaking stereotypes of the typical caregiver. Also, in this month’s issue, from putting soap in a nylon stocking for a non-slippery soap to using glow tape for safe walks in the house at night, AARP Bulletin offers six clever and low-cost ways caregivers can make everyday tasks easier.

Other stories in November’s AARP Bulletin:

Retirement
Many Americans think about retirement as the last big plan they’ll ever have to make, but they’ll need to plan to protect themselves against the risk of making poor decisions later in life. In “Make a Plan While You Can,” AARP Bulletin’s personal finance expert offers advice from making decisions on independent or assisted living to designating power of attorney on major medical decisions in case you can’t make them yourself. 

Fraud
Are the best things in life free? Not always. While free samples, bonus gifts and trial offers are proven marketing tech­niques used by countless legiti­mate companies, “free” is also a common lure by scammers that can cost you plenty. In this month’s issue, whether its fake flu-vaccine booths at the mall trying to swipe health insurance numbers or free airline ticket emails with malware laden links, AARP Bulletin’s fraud expert highlights the top “free” scams and what to look for when offered things at no cost.

Health
The holiday season is in full swing. Soon you’ll be living on Thanksgiving left­overs: pumpkin pie for breakfast followed by a full turkey meal for lunch and another for dinner. In fact, the average American gains more than a pound each holiday season (about 0.7 percent of your body weight), and half of that weight will still be around come summertime, according to an AARP investigative report. AARP Bulletin’s November issue investigates the true toll of holiday weight gain and offers tips on how to navigate the buffet this holiday season.

Learn more at http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/. Interviews with AARP’s experts are available upon request.

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About AARP Bulletin
The definitive news source for AARP’s members, AARP Bulletin (http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/) reaches more than 23.5 million households each month in print, with additional news and in-depth coverage online. Covering health and health policy, Medicare, Social Security, consumer protection, personal finance, and AARP state and national news developments, AARP Bulletin delivers the story behind the key issues confronting 50+ America. The monthly consumer-oriented news publication has become a must-read for congressional lawmakers and Washington opinion leaders, and it provides AARP members with pertinent information they need to know.

About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.