Planning for the Later Years: Senior Care Preparation

Fear and greed are hard to overcome. Why do we let these emotions control our decision-making process when it comes to our financial well-being? Do we fear that when there is a market correction it is a sign of impending global doom? As a part of our emotional make-up, we have a tendency to linearly extrapolate. When things are going bad, they will only get worse, and when things are going well, they will only get better. We know that our past experiences tell us neither scenario is true, but we continue to fall into the same trap time and time again.At some point we have to come to the realization that market movements are part of the investment process, and the only way to prosper long-term is to eliminate the emotions that will make us buy high and sell low. The way to control emotions is to have a disciplined approach. Discipline puts us in control, not our emotions.Controlling our emotions helps us in all facets of life, and is a key element in understanding the Psychology of Investing. Investment decisions are similar to decisions regarding friends and family. Dont try to resolve an issue when emotional, BE DISCIPLINED. The Psychology of Investing is nothing more than an understanding of the emotions that influence our decisions. Buying high and selling low is not the inverse of buying low and selling high, but is an actualization of our emotions. Be disciplined in your decision making. Use fact and reason to the best of your ability and endeavor to understand, and by understanding, control your emotions. The Psychology of Investing is the first chapter in a book titled The Ten Commandments of Investing, a book that offers a unique perspective on investing by Al Weber, Senior Vice President at Raymond James. It is available in electronic format, at no charge, by requesting it at Katie.Burr@RaymondJames.com. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erin Weber, CFP. Erin is a Financial Advisor with the Weber Group of Raymond James. She may be reached at 878.208.1285 or Erin.Weber@RaymondJames.com.Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066Any opinions are those of Erin Weber and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See ad on page 112.  

When it comes to caring for loved ones, families in Colorado Springs want more than just medical attentionthey want compassion, connection, and confidence that their loved ones are safe at home. Thats exactly what Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs delivers through their home health and hospice care services.With a team of skilled professionals and caregivers who truly understand the needs of seniors, Homewatch CareGivers helps individuals maintain independence while receiving personalized medical and emotional supportright where they feel most comfortable.Visit Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs on Seniors Blue Book What Home Health & Hospice Care Means for FamiliesHome health and hospice care are both about bringing care homebut each serves a different purpose.Home health care focuses on helping seniors recover from illness, surgery, or manage chronic conditions under the supervision of skilled nurses and therapists.Hospice care, on the other hand, centers on comfort and quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses, ensuring dignity and peace during lifes final stage.Homewatch CareGivers offers both types of support, providing seamless transitions and holistic care tailored to each persons physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.Personalized Home Health Care ServicesHomewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs provides a wide range of home health services designed to help seniors live safely and comfortably in their own homes.Their skilled professionals work closely with physicians and families to create a customized plan that meets each clients goals and medical requirements.Key Home Health Services Include: Skilled nursing care for medication management, wound treatment, and vital sign monitoring Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to promote recovery and independence Post-surgical support for smooth healing at home Chronic illness management, including diabetes, heart disease, and COPD Education for families and caregivers on daily health routines and preventive care This approach helps reduce hospital readmissions, promotes recovery, and allows seniors to regain confidence in their day-to-day lives.Hospice Care: Compassion and Comfort at HomeWhen a loved one faces a serious or life-limiting illness, hospice care becomes a source of strength for both the patient and their family.Homewatch CareGivers partners with hospice professionals to ensure patients receive compassionate end-of-life care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support.Hospice Care Services Include: Pain and symptom management to maximize comfort Emotional and spiritual support for patients and families Coordination with physicians, nurses, and chaplains Respite care for family caregivers Bereavement and grief counseling after loss Hospice care isnt about giving upits about ensuring every moment counts, surrounded by love and comfort.A Local Team That Truly CaresWhat sets Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs apart is their genuine commitment to building relationships. Every caregiver is chosen not just for their skill, but for their compassion and empathy.Their team members see themselves as an extension of the family, offering dependable support that brings both practical help and peace of mind.As John Hastings from the team shares: Our caregivers are not just professionalstheyre companions. We make sure every client feels seen, heard, and respected while receiving the care they deserve. John Hastings, from the Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs team Why Colorado Springs Families Trust Homewatch CareGiversColorado Springs is home to a large and growing senior populationabout 16% of residents are over the age of 65, according to recent U.S. Census data. As families look for trusted, local resources to support aging loved ones, Homewatch CareGivers continues to stand out for their personalized, community-based approach.Heres why local families turn to them: Locally owned and operated: Deep understanding of Colorado Springs community and senior needs Flexible care plans: From short-term recovery to long-term hospice support 24/7 availability: Help is always just a call away Experienced caregivers: Each professional undergoes extensive training and background checks Whole-person focus: Supporting emotional and spiritual wellness, not just physical health Their mission is simple but powerful: to make every day better for the people they serve.Supporting Independence and Dignity at HomeThe ability to stay in ones own home can have a profound effect on a seniors happiness and health. Homewatch CareGivers services promote independence and self-esteem, while providing the right level of support to ensure safety.Their caregivers assist with activities such as: Personal care (bathing, dressing, hygiene) Meal planning and preparation Medication reminders Light housekeeping and errands Companionship and conversation This balance of independence and assistance helps clients maintain control over their daily lives while knowing that compassionate help is always nearby.Partnering with Families Every Step of the WayCaring for a loved one at home can be emotionally and physically demanding. Homewatch CareGivers partners with families to provide guidance, respite, and emotional supportso caregivers can take a breath, rest, and recharge.They understand that families want to be involved. Thats why they maintain transparent communication, regular updates, and collaborative planning with both clients and their families.This family-first approach has earned Homewatch CareGivers a trusted reputation throughout El Paso County and beyond.Local Insight: Aging in Colorado SpringsColorado Springs continues to be one of Colorados most senior-friendly cities, offering a wealth of resources through local organizations such as the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, Silver Key Senior Services, and community-based health programs.Homewatch CareGivers works closely with these and other local partners to ensure families have access to a continuum of carefrom home health and hospice to transportation and wellness programs.This collaboration ensures that no senior or family has to face care challenges alone.Frequently Asked Questions About Home Health & HospiceQ1: What is the difference between home health and hospice care? Home health care focuses on recovery and rehabilitation after illness, surgery, or injury, while hospice care provides comfort and support for those with life-limiting conditions.Q2: Who qualifies for home health or hospice care? Home health requires a physicians order and is typically for those recovering at home. Hospice is for individuals with a terminal diagnosis who choose comfort care over curative treatment.Q3: Are services covered by insurance or Medicare? Yes. Most home health and hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, depending on eligibility. Homewatch CareGivers can help guide families through the process.Q4: Can hospice care really happen at home? Absolutely. Hospice care is designed to take place wherever the patient calls homewhether thats a private residence, assisted living community, or skilled nursing facility.Q5: How quickly can care begin? Once a physicians referral or family request is received, care can often start within 2448 hours, depending on availability and needs.The Bottom LineFor seniors and families in Colorado Springs, Homewatch CareGivers provides more than just home health and hospice servicesit offers hope, comfort, and connection.Their compassionate caregivers, professional expertise, and local roots make them a trusted partner for families navigating aging, recovery, or end-of-life care.Every visit, every conversation, and every moment of care is centered around one mission: to help people live their best life at homesafely and with dignity.Take the Next StepIf you or a loved one could benefit from home health or hospice care in Colorado Springs, reach out to Homewatch CareGivers of Colorado Springs today to learn more or schedule a consultation. Learn More: Visit their Seniors Blue Book profile

For older adults and their families alike, a dementia diagnosis is a life-changing event.  Understanding how to help a family member to thrive while navigating care options can feel overwhelming. The GUIDE program has been instrumental in providing resources to help older adults live their best lives after a dementia diagnosis.GUIDE is a voluntary, nationwide Medicare initiative designed to improve the quality of life for those living with dementia, using care coordination and management, caregiver education, support and respite services, including:          In-Community Wellness Coordinator Support         24/7 Care Management & Call Support Line         Access to training and educational tools         Personalized Care Plan         Up to $2,500 per year for in-home respite care at no cost (eligible for those with moderate to severe dementia)         Specialist Referral & Care Coordination         Companionship Care Liaison Between Providers, Community & Caregivers         In-Community Wellness Coordinator Support         Ongoing Monitoring & Support         Referral and Coordination of Services and Support         Medication Management & ReconciliationGiving family caregivers peace of mind as well as the resources to help their older loved one after a dementia diagnosis, the GUIDE program has been changing lives. The programs goal is to help people with dementia remain safely in their homes for longer through funded respite care and provide needed support for family caregivers. Finding the right home care company can help you learn the nuances of the GUIDE program, review program qualifications, and understand how it can help your loved one receive support tailored to their unique needs.