For more information about the author, click to view their website: Shell Point Retirement Community
When preparing to make a move to Assisted Living, it is common to ask “How I am going to pay for this service?” The primary payer sources for Assisted Living are paying privately and Long Term Care Insurance. If finances are of concern, it is important to keep in mind that if you served in the military, or if your spouse served in the military during active wartime, then you may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Program.
The Department of Veteran Affairs offers a special benefit to war-era veterans and their surviving spouses called “Aid and Attendance.” This tax-free benefit is designed to provide financial assistance to help cover the cost of long-term care in the home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home.
This Benefit is for those veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person or caregiver in at least two of the daily activities of living, such as dressing, bathing, feeding, grooming, or personal hygiene needs. It also provides a secure protective environment.
Under current law, TheVA recognizes the following wartime periods to determine eligibility for VA Pension benefits:
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.
The Larsen Health Center Nursing Center at Shell Point is a state-of-the-art health care facility offering 200,000 square feet of private-room skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, and medical office space. With a focus on providing comprehensive and compassionate care, our facility brings together a range of health care services under one roof.Our skilled nursing facility features 180 private rooms staffed by a dedicated team of professionals, including full-time onsite staff physicians, APRNs, RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Whether you require short- or long-term care, our team is here to provide personalized care tailored to your needs.In addition to skilled nursing care, our facility offers post-operative surgical care for various conditions such as orthopedic, cardiac, pulmonary, and neurological issues. Our onsite pharmacy, dentistry, and radiology services ensure that all your medical needs are met conveniently.At the Larsen Health Center, we understand the importance of holistic care. That's why we offer a full-time spiritual services program and a reflection chapel for those seeking spiritual support. Our in-patient skilled rehabilitative services, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are designed to help you regain your independence and quality of life.For those planning upcoming surgeries, our Rehabilitation Center provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative and individualized physical therapy. Our experienced therapists offer specialized programs for orthopedics, stroke care, memory care, dysphagia, pain management, and low vision. Our dedicated occupational therapy suite and aqua therapy pool further enhance our rehabilitation services.Experience the highest level of care at the Larsen Health Center Nursing Center. Contact us at (239) 415-5428 for more information about our facility and services.
Assisted Living at Kings Crown includes 120 private residences featuring full baths and kitchenettes. Open to both Shell Point residents and outside community members, we provide a resort-style living experience coupled with personalized care services.Located on The Island at Shell Point, Kings Crown is surrounded by natural beauty, offering residents a tropical paradise with activities like watching manatees in the lagoon, dining with friends, strolling through the park, or enjoying outdoor concerts.Our recreational staff plans daily and weekly events that encourage social, spiritual, educational, physical, and emotional growth. Residents enjoy amenities such as a media screening room, billiards room, beauty salon, activity and craft rooms, sunrooms, and a fitness center with supervised classes.The medical staff includes dedicated physicians skilled in gerontological medicine. Daily personal care and assistance are tailored to individual medical needs, enhancing quality of life through supportive services.Our elegant dining room offers panoramic views and serves delicious meals three times a day, seven days a week. Residents and guests enjoy restaurant-style dining with menus that change daily. Residences at Kings Crown are designed to create a homelike environment while offering a resort-style experience. Our services include 24/7 medical response, medication administration, weekly housekeeping and linen service, an on-site country store, 24-hour security, and a variety of floor plans to choose from.For information about Assisted Living at Shell Point, please call (239) 454-2077.
Shell Point: A Lifecare CommunityAt Shell Point, we offer more than just a place to live; we offer a lifestyle. Our community is designed to provide a comfortable and enriching environment for our residents, with a focus on wellness, recreation, social engagement, and spiritual fulfillment. With Lifecare, including assisted living and skilled nursing care if needed, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your needs will be taken care of now and in the future.Lifecare Contracts - A Sound InvestmentWe understand that everyone's needs are unique. That's why we offer a variety of easy-to-understand Lifecare contracts to accommodate different situations and budgets. Our contracts, including refundable options, are designed to take the worry out of retirement planning. When you retire at Shell Point, you can be confident that you'll have the care and support you need, no matter what the future holds.Our ContractsContract A: Includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services, all covered by the same monthly maintenance fee.Contract B: Offers a 15% reduction on the entrance fee and includes independent living with all amenities, plus assisted living and memory care.Contract C: Provides a 100% refund of the entrance fee upon death or cancellation, with guaranteed access to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing at private pay rates.Plan Your Future with Shell PointOur rate schedule is based on a minimum age of 60 and includes all utilities except phone and internet. Residences are priced according to contract type, location, elevation, and view. Visit us today to learn more about our contracts and find the perfect home for your retirement.