Ways to save on health costs and stay healthy

_CHARLOTTE YEH, M.D., MEDICAL EXPERT_ 1. FREE ADVANCE DIRECTIVES An advance directive documents your end-of-life medical care wishes. You can download a directive that meets your

state's legal requirements at caringinfo.org.  2. CHECK YOUR HEARING USING YOUR LANDLINE PHONE The National Hearing Test at nationalhearingtest.org is a scientifically based screening

funded by the National Institutes of Health. The simple, quick test is $5, but free for a limited time to AARP members.     _AMY GOYER, CAREGIVING EXPERT_ 3. A RESPITE FOR VETERANS'

CARETAKERS The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a temporary break for caregivers by paying all or some of the cost of an in-home health aide or for the veteran to attend an adult

day center. Find details at caregiver.va.gov, or call 855-260-3274 toll-free. 4. GET SOME VOLUNTEER HELP Check with your local area agency on aging for programs like Senior Companions, in

which volunteers visit your aging relative. Visitors check up on your loved ones and free up time for you to do chores. 5. TRY A "GRANNY POD" RATHER THAN BUILDING AN ADDITION FOR

AN OLDER RELATIVE This is a prefab structure — with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette — that you can put in your backyard. 6. CHECK WITH MEDICARE BEFORE BUYING HEALTH EQUIPMENT The federal

health insurance program will often pay part of the cost for walkers, canes, wheelchairs and hospital beds. 7. WIDEN DOORWAYS FOR LESS People with walkers or wheelchairs often can't

fit through narrow doors. A low-cost solution: Install offset door hinges. They can add an extra couple of inches to the doorway.