It is estimated that there are over 3.5 million potentially preventable adult hospitalizations every year in the US. These are defined as hospital stays of at least three nights and do not include short trips to the ER. As verified by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, most of these stays are related to seniors not properly managing their medical conditions! To prevent these hospitalizations, a Senior Care Agency that provides in-home care must perform an assessment of a seniors living situation to understand what areas can be improved. This evaluation should focus on 5 key areas: Safety Risks, Medical Condition Monitoring, Independence, Quality of Life, and Caregiver Support.The homecare agency should evaluate 13 key areas that a Senior must have their needs met to successfully Age in Place.  These areas include mobility, activities of daily living, and the number one reason for hospitalizations: proper medical condition management. After the in-home assessment is complete, the homecare agency can analyze the findings and make recommendations for corrective action. This will greatly enhance the five key areas of focus that were originally identified. To illustrate, on average, most Seniors participate in only six eight activities that they enjoy each week. Tools such as a Quality-of-Life weekly Activity Planner can be utilized to track and increase participation in quality of life activities, leading to decreased depression, improved strength, and increased motivation. Safety hazards can be identified and mitigated. Furthermore, any additional gaps in the five key areas can be addressed and corrected. Some in-home care agencies can now do this electronically even generating reports that can be utilized cross functionally across the healthcare spectrum (Doctors, Social Workers, Care Managers, etc.). Proprietary tools such as LIFE Profile from Senior Helpers is one such example.  In short, a thorough and complete initial assessment performed by a senior care agency can have a significant positive impact for seniors, leading to better outcomes. Editors Note:  This article was written by Jeff Kosor, owner of Senior Helpers of Southwest Pittsburgh.  He can be reached at 412-851-3223 or by email at jkosor@seniorhelpers.com. 

LIFE Pittsburgh, a nonprofit program that provides comprehensive and integrated care to seniors who may not otherwise be able to live independently at home, continues to provide care to their participants by keeping them safe in their homes during these uncertain times. While adapting the process at their Adult Day Health Centers to ensure the health of current participants, LIFE Pittsburgh also left enrollment open for new participants who would benefit from access to their essential programs.  LIFE Pittsburgh has been serving the elderly population in Allegheny County for over 20 years with a comprehensive program of support services that provide seniors the ability to maintain their independence in their homes and communities. The program model, known nationally as PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), provides the participants, family, caregivers, and professional health care providers the flexibility to meet those health needs with integrative care.Eligible participants must be 55 years old or older, live in the designated service area, meet the states medical requirements for nursing facility level of care, be able to live safely in the community, and be financially eligible as determined by the Allegheny County Assistance Office or be able to privately pay. Individual care plans are coordinated for each participant to assist in medical, social and daily living activities while focusing on providing care with respect and dignity as outlined in the Balanced Budget act of 1997 set forth by the National PACE association.A participant of LIFE Pittsburghs team may include a doctor, registered nurse, masters-level social worker, licensed therapist, personal care aid, or registered dietician in addition to the center manager and staff. Care for participants can be daily vital checking, solution focused health routines, communicating with family members the participants ongoing needs, surveying home accessibility, or providing transportation to appointments with their LIFE Pittsburgh wheelchair accessible van fleet.To learn more about eligibility and the process of enrolling, contact LIFE Pittsburgh at 412-388-8050 TTY:711 and ask for the Enrollment Department or visit their website, www.lifepittsburgh.org.  Editors Note:  This article was submitted by Deanna Guarnaccio, Outreach Supervisor, BS, CTRS at LIFE Pittsburgh.  To learn more about LIFE Pittsburgh visit www.lifepittsburgh.org or call 412-388-8050.

You might think that only the super wealthy need to worry about asset protection planning. But the truth is that if you dont have millions, you may be at even greater risk. Like all types of planning, you must have your asset protection strategies in place well before something happens.  Here are four essential strategies to consider for safeguarding your familys most valuable assets.1. Invest In InsuranceInsurance is always the first line of defense when it comes to asset protection. Anyone can file a lawsuit against you at any time and basically for any reason. And whether you are ultimately found at fault or not, defending yourself in court can be extremely costly.A Personal Family Lawyer will evaluate your current insurance policies and advise you about the types and amounts of insurance you should have for maximum protection of your assets.2. Take Advantage Of Statutory ExemptionsAnother way to protect your familys assets is by taking full advantage of federal and state laws that make certain types of assets exempt from creditor claims and judgments.Similarly, federal and state laws also classify many retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, as exempt assets. Additionally, some states offer significant, or complete, exemptions for life insurance policies and annuities.3. Use The Right Business EntityOwning a business can be a major wealth-generating asset for your family, but it can also be a serious liability. Without the proper protection, your personal assets are at serious risk if your company ever runs into trouble.4. Put The Proper Estate Planning In PlaceIf you become incapacitated or die without proper estate planning in place, your assets and family will face a number of potentially tragic outcomes. Without proper planning, your assets will get stuck in the court system, which could result in those assets passing to family members you would never want inheriting them, or if the assets eventually do pass to the loved ones you would want inheriting them, those assets could be seriously depleted or even lost. Planning in advance is one of the greatest gifts you can give those you love most.A Personal Family Lawyer can help safeguard your familys most valuable assets.Editors Note:  This article was written by Attorney Ashley Sharek of Sharek Law Office, LLC.  Ashley can be reached at 412-347-1731 or visit her website at www.shareklaw.com.