Resources For Aging Well

When a senior is ready to leave the hospital after surgery, illness, or another medical event, the transition to home or another care setting can be overwhelming for both the patient and their family. This is where discharge planners play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-coordinated discharge process. At Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh, we work closely with discharge planners to help seniors and their families navigate the complexities of post-hospital care and find the right long-term living arrangements.What Is a Discharge Planner?A discharge planner is typically a nurse, social worker, or case manager within a hospital setting. Their main responsibility is to ensure that patients are prepared to leave the hospital and transition to the next stage of their recovery or care. For seniors, this often involves coordinating care and resources to support them as they move back home, to a rehabilitation center, or to an assisted living or long-term care facility.The Key Responsibilities of a Discharge PlannerAssessing Post-Hospital Care Needs:Discharge planners work with doctors and nurses to assess a patient's medical needs after leaving the hospital. For seniors, this might include ongoing therapies, medications, or specialized care for chronic conditions.Coordinating Care and Services:After assessing the patient's needs, discharge planners arrange services such as in-home care, physical therapy, and transportation to medical appointments. For seniors who can no longer live independently, discharge planners can help identify more supportive living arrangements like assisted living communities.Education and Guidance:Discharge planners provide families with vital information about medications, treatments, and care requirements. They also educate families on recognizing warning signs of potential health issues and offer guidance on how to best support their loved one during recovery.Linking Patients to Resources:Many seniors require additional support post-discharge. Discharge planners connect families with local resources, such as senior care services, financial assistance programs, and transportation options.Navigating Insurance and Paperwork:Managing healthcare can be daunting, especially when it comes to insurance and coverage for post-hospital services. Discharge planners help families navigate insurance claims and ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed to secure ongoing care.How Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh Works with Discharge PlannersAt Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh, we understand the critical role that discharge planners play in ensuring that seniors receive the appropriate care after leaving the hospital. We collaborate closely with discharge planners to provide families with personalized, comprehensive support as they consider long-term care options. Here's how we can help:Identifying the Best Senior Care Options:Discharge planners often work with seniors who can no longer safely return home due to their need for more extensive care or a supportive environment. We step in to help families explore the wide range of senior living options, from independent living to assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities.Providing Guidance on Senior Care Communities:Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh helps families navigate senior care communities that meet the medical, social, and emotional needs of their loved ones. We ensure that seniors find the right place to call home, with the support and services they require for a high quality of life.Personalized Support During Transitions:We provide hands-on support during the transition from the hospital to a senior living community, ensuring a smooth process. Whether it's arranging tours of local communities, helping with paperwork, or providing guidance on what to expect, we make the transition as stress-free as possible for both seniors and their families.Ongoing Advocacy and Support:Even after the move to a senior living community, our commitment continues. We check in regularly to ensure that the senior is settling in well and receiving the care they need, and we are always available to address any concerns.ConclusionDischarge planners are invaluable in ensuring that seniors receive the care and resources they need after leaving the hospital. At Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh, we work alongside these professionals to ensure that families find the best long-term care solutions for their loved ones. Together, we ensure that seniors transition smoothly from the hospital to a senior living community where they can continue to thrive.If your loved one is preparing for hospital discharge and you're exploring senior care options, Assisted Living Locators North Pittsburgh is here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance and personalized support in finding the perfect senior living solution.

As a significant and life-altering medical condition, roughly 800,000 Americans every year experience a stroke most of whom are aged 65 and older. As a result, families in communities across America, including Cape Coral, must prioritize stroke prevention and stroke care to help ensure their aging loved ones health and well-being. Read on to learn more about strokes, stroke prevention tips, and what to look for if you suspect someone close to you might be experiencing a stroke.What is a Stroke?A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell oxygen and nutrient deprivation. Because strokes target the brain, they can potentially cause temporary paralysis, a permanent disability, or even death. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke results from a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain ruptures.Stroke Prevention Risk FactorsThese risk factors increase the likelihood of having a stroke:High blood pressureDiabetesElevated cholesterol levelsCigarette smokingDrinking alcohol to excessObesityPhysical inactivityFamily history of strokeAge (risk increases with age)Previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)When assisting loved ones, family caregivers must understand these risk factors and work towards minimizing them to help prevent a stroke from occurring.Stroke Care Tips for Family Caregivers in Cape CoralRecognizing the early warning signs of a stroke and knowing what to do in an emergency is vital for family caregivers. The FAST method is a reliable way to spot stroke warning signs:F = Face Drooping  Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?A = Arm Weakness  Is one arm weak or numb? When they raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?S = Speech Difficulty  Is their speech slurred?T = Time to Dial 911  Stroke is an emergency in which every minute counts. Call 911 immediately and note the time the symptoms first appeared.Additional stroke symptoms include:Leg, face, or arm numbness or weakness, notably on one side of the bodyConfusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speechBlurred vision in one or both eyesDifficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSevered headache with no known causeIf a loved one is experiencing any of the above, you must act quickly. Call emergency services immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own, as timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of a stroke.How to Devise an Effective Stroke Prevention StrategyIn addition to being prepared for a stroke emergency, family caregivers can also take proactive steps to prevent strokes from occurring. Here are some stroke prevention tips and strategies for anyone looking after a senior or other high-risk individual:Manage Risk FactorsWork with healthcare professionals to monitor and control conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.Medication ManagementEnsure prescribed medications are taken as directed and that regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are maintained. Medication compliance is vital in managing conditions that increase the risk of stroke.Physical ActivityOnce cleared by their doctor, encourage regular physical activity tailored to the individuals abilities and preferences. Exercising for at least 20 minutes, 3 to 5X per week, can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health, reducing ones stroke risk.Stress ManagementHelp your loved one manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and activities they enjoy, as chronic stress can exacerbate high blood pressure and other stroke risk factors.Regular Health CheckupsEnsure your loved one gets tested regularly, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and diabetes screenings. Early detection and management of these conditions can help prevent strokes.Learn All You CanStay informed on the latest stroke research and stroke prevention guidelines. Attend educational workshops, seminars, or support groups to learn more about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and caregiving strategies.Get HelpBuild a support network of healthcare professionals, friends and family, and community resources to help care for your loved one. Seeking help and sharing responsibilities can help prevent caregiver burnout and ensure the best possible care for your loved one. When you need a break, or respite, another option is to hire a professional in-home caregiver from a reputable home care provider.While serving as an extended family in the home, a trained in-home caregiver can provide your loved one with the nurturing they deserve, allowing you to take a well-deserved break.Professional Home Care: Your Reliable Stroke Prevention PartnerHome care providers play a vital role in the stroke prevention process, providing personalized support and assistance to at-risk individuals. Here are some ways in-home caregivers can help aging, ill, or disabled individuals reduce their stroke risk:Medication SupervisionHome care providers help clients adhere to their prescribed medications, ensuring they are taken on time and on dose. Proper medication management is essential in controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol significant stroke risk factors.Lifestyle SupportIn-home caregivers know how to help clients adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. This role may include encouraging regular physical activity, preparing nutritious meals, and promoting habits that help clients manage stress and maintain their well-being. Promoting healthy lifestyles is an impactful way for home care providers to help reduce the risk of strokes.Health Condition MonitoringIn-home caregivers are trained to monitor their clients vital signs, including blood pressure and blood sugar. Routinely monitoring these key health indicators allows caregivers to identify any changes or abnormalities early on and take appropriate action to prevent complications that could cause a stroke.Education and AwarenessReputable home care providers educate clients and their families about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and preventive strategies. Through raising awareness and providing practical information, caregivers empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their health and proactively implement measures to reduce their risk of stroke.In conclusion, home care plays a vital role in stroke prevention by offering personalized support, health condition monitoring, promoting healthy habits, and educating individuals about stroke prevention strategies. Partnering with home care providers helps at-risk individuals receive the support and guidance they need, reducing their likelihood of experiencing a life-altering stroke. As an additional benefit, professional in-home caregivers also give family caregivers peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in capable hands!Dignified In-Home Stroke Prevention and Recovery Care in Cape CoralHelping a loved one prevent a stroke or recover afterward can be overwhelming. When you need assistance, contact Seaside Home Health Care. As a fully licensed and accredited home care provider, our highly trained professionals can provide the dignified Stroke Prevention or Stroke Recovery Care your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in the home, our compassionate caregivers can perform various duties, including Alzheimers and Dementia Care, Arthritis Care, Companionship Care, Diabetes Care, Elder Care, Home Helper Services, Hospice Care, Meals and Nutrition, Personal Care, Respite Care, 24-Hour Home Care, and Transportation.While assisting clients in Cape Coral, Alva, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Burnt Store Marina, Matlacha, and North Captiva Island, our agencys focus is maintaining their quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our home care services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit www.seasidehomehealthcare.com to learn more about our in-home Stroke Prevention and Stroke Recovery Care services or schedule a FREE consultation for someone in our service area.

Real Estate Agents are all alike.Realtors? Theyre a dime a dozen! and What do agents really do anyway?I do hear these comments, and it does bother me.Not for the reasons you think it bothers me because we individual agents havent done job number one: introducing ourselves to you and the market as a person, and as a professional.  Im sure if you knew what each agents special sauce is youd think differently on that dime a dozen comment!In other words why should you use me as opposed to doing it yourself or choosing one of the more than 216,000 other licensed agents in Florida?Lets first address you DIYers when Greg and I moved from Spring Hill to Bradenton here in Florida, and even selling my home of 23 years in Alpharetta, GA I was a licensed agent, but not active.  I didnt have access to the MLS, lockboxes, or contracts.  I knew enough to pay an active practicing colleague for her valuable service, tools and support.  Not only was she able to do background research on the property I was purchasing, but she was also a partner in the transaction and a sounding board in the negotiation process. Bottom line was that I knew I stood to lose way more than the percentage of the deal that I had agreed to pay her.  I knew her knowledge, research and negotiation skills would net me a higher outcome than if I moved forward thinking I had all the answers (even being a licensed agent myself).  You see, it was my own property, my investment, and I was like many buyers and sellers too close to the transaction to be 100% objective.So, lets say I just convinced you to partner with an agent. Who should you choose?As you might guess, Im here to make the case that not all agents are alike, and certainly not equal.  What sets us apart is who we serve and how we do it.  So you, as the consumer, need to be very clear about what your needs are and what you want to accomplish.So now youre thinking, Come on Jude how am I supposed to know those answers?  I dont even know where to begin!  When I get a call from someone like you just entering into the market I ask to meet them, preferably in person in a coffee shop or at their home.  I like to spend a little time asking questions and getting to know their story, their vision, their desire, their situation.  You see, knowing all of this seemingly extra stuff helps me guide, advise, and add value to their transaction.If you consider working with an agent to help you buy a property and she just jumps straight to yes, Ill show you that property you might want to rethink the relationship because she wont have the insight she needs to be of true service.Same with if youre looking for an agent to sell your property.  If your first meeting with her is all about what she can do for you and what a stellar agent she is and she skips right over learning your needs wants, desires, time frame and goals then youll be working on her agenda, shell be flying blind, and thats a recipe for disaster.Bottom line as much as you need to vet the agent youre considering, make sure theyre curious about you.  (Thats my tip for those of you dating, too!)LIFE CHANGES ARE HARD.  HOME CHANGES DONT HAVE TO BE.

As an estate planning and elder law attorney, I am becoming increasingly frustrated to see how the long term care system is failing our seniors. I had a conversation with a client this week, who feels that the government programs supporting seniors are broken. My clients mom is in a nursing home and we are assisting them to get Medicaid eligibility to pay the nursing home. What he said really resonated with me, because people are continuing to go broke due to the long term care system.In a recent podcast, I discussed the article that was published in the news, about the baby boomers being the wealthiest generation in history. However, 70% of the wealth is concentrated in 7% of the population. Most of the people we work with are the middle-class baby boomers, who are part of the other 93% population. They own their house and have some money in the bank. Most of them have worked for 40-50 years trying to save a nest egg for their retirement. They have been sold this story that they will have healthcare coverage with Medicare when they retire at 65, and believe they will be taken care of should they get sick.Medicare Wont Pay for Long Term CareUnfortunately, Medicare wont pay for long term care. We help many families every month, going through the process of trying to gain eligibility for Medicaid benefits to pay for long term care. This requires some dramatic legal moves and I can appreciate why my clients feel so frustrated.On the long term care website, I read that around 70% of baby boomers are going to need some form of long term care if they get dementia or Alzheimers. Added to that, 20% of those seniors will need long term care for more than five years. Given the cost of nursing homes in this country, which is $150,000 a year, this is unaffordable for most families.The Future is Uncertain, But We Can Still PlanWe dont know what the future holds, and we cannot prevent the likelihood of getting dementia. However, we can take steps to protect ourselves and avoid going broke. If I end up with dementia, I want to make sure my wife has a house to live in and some money in the bank. We meet many families who want to protect themselves from this system, and ask us to advise them. Some people tell us they already have a will and want to know why they need an estate plan. I understand their confusion when I advise my clients that they need more than a Will. It is unfortunate that the attorney they worked with previously, only offered them a Will. This could be because they met with attorneys who work with clients that have a high net worth. They may also have gone to a general practice law firm, who deals with divorces, traffic tickets and Wills, and not estate planning. The attorneys, financial advisors, tax man and nursing homes know that there are ways to avoid seniors going broke, but none of them are doing anything to help.A Will Is Not EnoughA Will only states who will get your stuff when you pass away. Estate planning is not only about who gets your stuff when you pass away but it helps to provide a sense of security, by protecting your house and money. You have worked for your money, and you should keep it not the government or the nursing home. I want to ensure you have a peaceful retirement, without worrying about going broke to pay for long term care. If you need more than five years of long term care, you definitely want to protect your assets.Many of my clients like to use trusts, and I recommend putting your house and some money into an irrevocable asset protection trust. This means that after five years, the house is safe from any claims from the nursing home. You would have to give up access to the equity of the house, assuming of course you wont need to do a reverse mortgage. You also wont receive a distribution from the trust. However, you can still live in your home, but the difference is your house is now protected from the nursing home if you get sick.You Can Avoid ProbateIf you have IRAs, they will need to be beneficiary designated, and will avoid probate. You can put any other money you have that you want access to, in a revocable trust. Having your house in the asset protection trust and money in a revocable trust, will allow you to avoid probate. Your life wont change, but a large percentage of your net worth is protected from long term care costs. This in my opinion is a much better estate plan for you.We will help you to establish a Power of Attorney, as well as health care planning. The result of planning like this, is that you dont have to worry about the nursing home, or probate. We also teach your children, who are the future executors and trustees, about their future roles and responsibilities. Handing legal documents to your adult child and expecting them to know what to do is unfair and unrealistic. Do The Right Thing Get An Estate Plan To learn more about doing good planning for your family, come to one of our Three Secrets Workshops. I am sure you want to have a good retirement without worrying about anything intercepting your inheritance to your kids. Our free workshops will teach you all you need to know to make informed decisions. You will then be able to have the best estate plan for you and your family. By offering the education in a classroom setting, it makes it more affordable for you to do estate planning. Visit sechlerlawfirm.com/workshops to register for a workshop now.