EXPLORE! the World of Senior Living

When you are tempted to say, Hello, fall plan also to say, Hello, flu shot. When fall is in the air, so are influenza and other viruses. The 20232024 flu season in the United States was characterized by elevated activity. Some estimates for the season include up to 65 million flu illnesses, 30 million flu medical visits, 830,000 flu hospitalizations and 72,000 flu deaths. Despite this impact, data indicates only 53.9% of U.S. children and 48.5% of U.S. adults received a flu vaccine during the most recent flu season. Imagine what the flu season statistics would be if getting an annual flu shot was as popular as pumpkin spice! We recommend you get the updated flu vaccine annually by the end of October to ensure the best coverage during the peak of the flu season, which starts to ramp up in October, peaks between December and February and fades in the spring. Receiving the flu shot in the fall also helps provide protection through the holidays, when people often gather and travel. Annual flu vaccines are especially important for those over the age of 65, who are at greater risk of developing serious illness from the flu due to age-related changes in immunity. Between 70 and 85% of all flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years and older and 50 to 70% of seasonal flu hospitalizations are in this age group. Since immunity from annual flu shots lasts about six monthsenough to cover the peak of the flu seasonand the flu strains the shot targets each season are different, its important to make your flu shot an annual tradition. The shots work by stimulating your body to produce protective antibodies within about two weeks. Since the flu vaccines first civilian use in 1945, the vaccines have been made from dead, or inactive strains of the flu, so its impossible to get sickened by the flu from vaccines. Its not the shot, but the creation of antibodies that can result in some side effects, which many mistake for flu-like symptoms. Really, any side effects, like briefly not feeling well, are signs the vaccine is working. Side effects can include soreness at the injection site, headache, low fever or muscle aches. Some people have no reaction at all. Symptoms of being sick with the flu involve fever, chills, extreme fatigue, muscle aches and more for several days. Getting the vaccination can reduce the duration and severity of illness and the risk for hospitalization from influenza. Theres a bonus: getting vaccinated also helps protect other people, including those who are vulnerable to health complications from the flu, such as children, pregnant women and people with underlying illness, like cancer, COPD, diabetes, asthma and congestive heart failure. Potential complications related to the flu can be pneumonia, stroke and heart attack. Living in independent living, assisted living, nursing homes and other group living also puts people at risk, because flu and other communicable diseases can spread more rapidly. Another vaccination recommended in the fall is for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, particularly for adults aged 75 and older and for adults 60 to 74 who are at higher risk for severe RSV. That includes adults with heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems such as from cancer, or other underlying conditions including severe obesity and diabetes. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be dangerous for some infants and young children, as well as older adults. Symptoms of severe RSV include: fever, severe cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, and bluish skin tone due to lack of oxygen. Like other respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. People are typically contagious for up to eight days, but some people can be contagious for as long as four weeks, even after they stop having symptoms. Older adults only need to get an RSV shot once. Getting flu and RSV shots is easyand you can get them at the same timewith many pharmacies offering walk-in shots. Healthcare Network has walk-in Convenient Care open Thursday to Saturday until 7 p.m. for preventative services, as well as diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses. If you havent gotten your shots yet, there is still time to celebrate fall with immunizations. Afterwards, you may even want to treat yourself for being proactive with a pumpkin spice latte.   About the Author Dr. Salvatore Anzalone, Vice President of Clinical Business Development at Healthcare Network, has been a board certified physician for over 35 years. Healthcare Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare that is accessible to everyone, regardless of employment, income, or insurance status. For more information about services, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000.

As we age, our homes often become a reflection of our life experiences, filled with memories of cherished moments with family and friends. However, as needs change, its important to ensure that these spaces remain warm, welcoming, and safe. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that every senior deserves a living environment that promotes comfort, independence, and connection. Creating a heartwarming space for seniors not only enhances their quality of life but also preserves their dignity and fosters a sense of belonging. In this blog, well explore practical tips and creative ideas that can help transform a seniors home into a haven of warmth and welcoming vibes.Understanding the Unique Needs of SeniorsCreating a welcoming space for seniors involves more than just aesthetics; its about addressing their unique needs with sensitivity and care. Here are some factors to consider:Embracing Comfort and AccessibilitySafety First: As we age, mobility can become an issue. When designing a welcoming senior space, prioritize safety by ensuring that areas are well-lit, free from clutter, and equipped with handrails or grab bars where necessary. Simple adjustments like removing throw rugs can significantly reduce the risk of falls.Comfortable Furnishings: Choosing the right furniture is essential. Opt for comfortable chairs and sofas with good back support. Furniture should be ergonomic and at a height that makes sitting down and standing up easy. Fabrics should be soft and inviting, encouraging relaxation while adding a personal touch.Accessible Layout: The layout of a home plays a crucial role in how easily seniors can move around. Ensure pathways are clear and wide enough to accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs. Consider rearranging furniture to create open spaces that invite easy movement.Adding Personal TouchesMemory Lane: Infusing personal memories into the decor can help seniors feel more at home. Display family photos, mementos from travels, or artwork created by loved ones. Creating a gallery wall or a memory corner can evoke cherished memories, allowing for moments of reflection and connection.Create a Cozy Nook: Designing a special reading corner or a cozy nook can encourage relaxation and leisure. Include a comfortable chair, a soft throw blanket, and good lighting. This space can become a go-to spot for reading, reminiscing, or simply enjoying the view outside.Natures Embrace: Incorporate plants and nature into the space. Indoor plants not only purify the air but also add life and vitality to a room. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, which require little care but bring a sense of tranquility. A little garden nook or even a few herbs on the windowsill can do wonders for the spirit.Practical Tips for a Warm EnvironmentNow that we understand the emotional and functional aspects of senior spaces, lets dive into practical tips that transform any home into a warm, welcoming retreat. Step 1: Declutter with PurposeStart Small: Tackling clutter can be overwhelming, especially for seniors who have lived in the same space for many years. Begin with one area, such as a kitchen drawer or a single room. Break the task down into manageable steps.Decision-Making Approach: Help seniors decide what to keep, donate, or discard based on usefulness and sentiment. Encourage them to focus on items that bring them joy or serve a purpose. This process can also spark meaningful conversations that lend themselves to reminiscing.Step 2: Organize with IntentionMake it Accessible: Organize items by frequency of use. Place everyday essentials within easy reach and consider using clear containers to make finding items effortless. Labeling bins and shelves can also provide clarity and foster independence.Involve Family: Encourage family members to participate in the organization process. This creates an opportunity for connection and engagement, easing any feelings of loneliness seniors may feel.Step 3: Personalize the AtmosphereScent and Sound: The senses play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment. Consider introducing soft music that the senior enjoys or aromatherapy with soothing scents to create a calming atmosphere.Color Palette: Choose warm, inviting colors for walls and decor. Soft blues, gentle greens, and warm yellows are known to create a peaceful ambiance. Avoid harsh contrasts; instead, opt for complementary hues that promote serenity.Step 4: Foster Community ConnectionsShared Spaces: If the senior lives with family, designate shared spaces that encourage interaction, such as a cozy dining area or a warm living room. This creates opportunities for gatherings, fostering conversation and connection.Engage with the Outside World: Ensure that the living space feels connected to the outside world. Large windows that frame a garden view or easy access to outdoor seating can promote feelings of openness and connection to nature.Conclusion: Creating a Heartfelt Space for Our SeniorsAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that every senior deserves a home that feels like a warm embracea space that honors their past and supports their present. By focusing on safety, accessibility, and personalization, we can create environments that not only meet their physical needs but also nourish their emotional well-being. If youre looking to create or enhance a seniors space, let us guide you in this meaningful journey. Together, we can transform their home into a haven of comfort and love, ensuring that it remains the heart of their cherished memories and an inviting space for family and friends. Contact us today to learn how we can help make that transition beautiful and seamless.

To be very bold, the answer is yes, you will.Long Term Care Medicaid operates on 2 simple rules regarding finances.1)            You must be under $2,829 of GROSS COUNTABLE Income (in 2024).2)            You must be under $2,000 of GROSS COUNTABLE Assets (in 2024) as a single person or $154,140 for a couple.The key word is COUNTABLE. Countable INCOME There is only one way to reduce COUNTABLE income and that is to establish what is called a Qualified Income Trust which artificially reduces COUNTABLE income by the amount of income you deposit in the trust. For example, if gross countable income is $3,192 and you deposit $500 of income into the QIT account then Medicaid only counts $2,692 ($3192 - $500 = $2,692) which is $200 below the limit of $2,892. Therefore, qualification is allowed despite what was previously considered excessive income. Countable ASSETS There are many ways to convert countable assets into NON-COUNTABLE assets, and/or expend them using qualified expenditures, and/or transfer them using qualified transfers. In fact, there are more than 30 ways of rearranging excess countable assets and an almost endless combination of ways. The possibilities are so numerous it is simply not feasible to provide the information here. Suffice it to say that even multi-millionaires can qualify for Long Term Care Medicaid. What is the HCBS Waiver Program (Home Health Care or Assisted Living)? The HCBS Waiver Program, short for Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program, is designed for individuals needing financial assistance for home health care, adult day care, or an assisted living facility.When applying for Medicaid assistance for traditional skilled nursing, the patient needs only to file the application, whereas a patient seeking financial assistance for in-home care, or an assisted living must undergo a more complicated process. Process for In-Home Health Care and Assisted Living An individual seeking Medicaid assistance for in-home care or an assisted living facility must schedule a screening call with the geographically appropriate Aging and Disability Resource Center for placement on the waitlist. The waitlist utilizes a needs-based ranking, with scores from 1-5. A ranking of 1 indicates a "low" need, while a 5 indicates a "high" need. The higher the need, the more likely an individual is to be placed on the waitlist AND ALSO called off the waitlist quickly. Once the patient is called off the waitlist, he or she may then apply for Medicaid. Upon approval for Medicaid, he or she must then enroll in a managed care program and long-term care program. Medicaid benefits will only begin the first day of the month following the month in which Medicaid eligibility is approved, and the patient is enrolled in both a managed care program, as well as a long-term care program. How to Bypass the Waitlist for HCBS Waiver Services It is possible to bypass the waitlist if, a patient:1) Is in a skilled nursing facility.2) Has already been approved for long-term care Medicaid.3) Is enrolled in a managed care program and wishes to discharge home or to an assisted living facility.4) The Medicaid long-term care recipient is evaluated by the managed care company to determine their ability to transition home or to an assisted living facility. If determined that the applicant is eligible to transition, he or she may do so without undergoing the waitlist process.Medicaid eligibility will follow the recipient to any new long-term care arrangements where care is needed. Form 2515 must be filed by the managed care company.How Platinum Benefit Services Can Help It should be clear that this process is complex. While an applicant can attempt this process alone or can have the appropriate Aging and Disability Resource Center attempt to navigate it on behalf of the family, Platinum's HCBS Success Escalation Service provides a meaningful difference with a substantial increase in the likelihood of success. An applicant/legal representative in crisis can easily become overwhelmed when attempting to navigate the intricacies of the waitlist process. Further, Florida's Aging and Disability Resource Centers are notorious for mismanaging the process. Using Platinum Benefit Services is a game changer. When working with Platinum and enrolling in our HCBS Success Escalation Program, Platinum will provide you with the information, training, and services necessary to maximize the chances you or your loved one is placed on the waitlist with a high ranking AND ALSO selected off the list quickly. The fee for the program is just $500 and is worth every penny! If you choose to hire platinum to process the medicaid application in advance of contacting the ADRC the $500 fee is waived. Free Instructions For Getting On The HCBS Waitlist By accessing the site below, Platinum will provide FREE OF CHARGE to you, a video that explains the HCBS Waiver program and how you can get on the waitlist without assistance and FREE. https://waitlist.platbenservices.com/waitlistAt the end of the video, if you choose to get help, the video will explain how you can enroll in Platinum's HCBS Success Escalation Program, as well as, a video that explains how to "ace the test" when answering interview/screening questions. This second video will teach you how to answer the questions honestly, in a way that maximizes the likelihood of being placed on the waitlist, with a high ranking. Platinum even provides a list of the questions that will be asked!Platinum's HCBS Success Escalation ProgramOur automated system will enroll you with the proper ADRC, which starts the benefit approval process. Platinum will confirm with the appropriate ADRC that the patient's name has been submitted and that a screening call has been scheduled. Platinum will then check in once a week with the ADRC to track the status of the patient's selection from the waitlist. Further, we will also follow up to confirm that you are aware the call is scheduled, and we will confirm the date and time. Once the potential applicant is called off the waitlist, a form 1823 will be provided to you that needs to be completed by your doctor and provided to the ADRC along with supporting documentation. The 1823 must be properly completed and signed by your doctor or a nurse practitioner. Platinum will track this form as it is passed 4 times, to 3 government agencies, and confirm proper distribution and receipt. You will then have the option to hire Platinum to complete the Medicaid application process on your behalf While you can file on your own, or have the ADRC file for you, there are potential problems beyond belief Dealing with The Department of Children and Families (Medicaid) has become the epitome of a bureaucratic nightmare. Platinum Success for Families Over more than 26 years Platinum has obtained 14,000+ Medicaid approvals in the State of Florida alone. We'll help you obtain approval as well. If you decide to go it on your own, no hard feelings, we truly wish you the very best! Qualifying financially, regardless of assets or income is the easy part! What's hard is being selected off the waitlist and then navigating DCF during the application process. Let's get you enrolled in the "HCBS Success Escalation Program" by contacting Platinum at 1-800-582-1934, pressing O and say, "I would like to sign up for the Success Escalation Program". We look forward to working with you!Call us at 1-800-582-1934 or go to https://waitlist.platbenservices.com/waitlistASK FOR :Hilary Hayes, CSA Certified Senior Advisor Serving Collier, Lee, Charlotte Glades, Hendry & MonroeNothing in this document or other information, in whatever format provided by Platinum Benefit Services, Inc, is legal advice. If legal advice is needed, please contact a competent and properly licensed attorney. If you would like a referral to an attorney, please contact our office at 1-800-582-1934