Health Advocacy in Silver: Senior Organizations Leading the Charge

Supporting a Loved One with Diabetic Neuropathy See our latest Blog post:Caring for a loved one with diabetic neuropathy can feel overwhelming, especially as you see them struggle with discomfort and daily challenges. This condition, caused by nerve damage from diabetes, often leads to pain, numbness, and balance issues that complicate everyday tasks. The care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care understand that gaining insight into a loved ones experience and learning how to provide effective support can significantly enhance their quality of life. (See post for more)If you, a family member or friend need a little extra care, and still want to live at home -- We can help with Home Health Care Services --We refer qualified and compassionate home health care providers that have been thoroughly screened to support our goal of making living and aging at home safe, comfortable and affordable. Referred Care Providers are available on an hourly, daily, weekly, or live-in basis.Care Providers: Register and take an important step towards taking control of your career! Case opportunities include days, evenings, nights and extended care shifts. We register companions, Home Health Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Nurses and LPN's. https://www.americaninhomecare.com

National PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) Month is an annual celebration in the United States that takes place in the month of September. This month-long event aims to raise awareness about the PACE program and the important role it plays in enhancing the lives of elderly individuals. Senior LIFE is a provider of the PACE program, called LIFE in Pennsylvania. The innovative model of care allows seniors with long-term care needs to remain living in their community for as long as possible, as independently as possible. More than 95 percent of PACE participants live outside of a nursing home.The COVID-19 public health emergency taught everyone the value of community and the feeling of belonging. Loneliness and isolation have long been been issues for our seniors. This year, during National PACE Month, we celebrate the connections and communities that LIFE/PACE organizations can foster. This years theme is PACE: Where you Belong.Understanding the PACE ProgramThe LIFE/PACE program is a comprehensive, community-based healthcare model for elderly adults who need long-term care services. It provides a range of medical and social services to seniors, helping them live independently in their own homes and communities. LIFE is designed to provide personalized and coordinated care that takes into account the unique needs of each individual.The Goals of National PACE MonthNational PACE Month serves several important goals: Raising Awareness: The month-long celebration aims to increase public awareness about the existence and benefits of the PACE program. Many seniors and their families may not be familiar with this valuable resource, and National PACE Month seeks to change that. Highlighting Success Stories: It provides an opportunity to showcase the success stories of PACE participants and the positive impact the program has on their lives. Sharing these stories helps inspire others to explore the possibilities offered by the PACE program. Advocacy and Education: National PACE Month also serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and information sharing. It encourages discussions and exchanges about best practices, innovations, and policies related to senior care and the PACE program. Getting InvolvedAnyone can get involved in National PACE Month and help promote its goals. Here are a few ways to participate: Spread the Word: Share information about the PACE program with friends, family, and your community. Use social media platforms to raise awareness and share success stories. Attend Events: Participate in local events, workshops, and webinars organized by PACE programs or community organizations. Learn more about the program and the services it offers. Volunteer: Consider volunteering at a PACE program or a local senior center. Your skills, time, and companionship can make a significant difference in the lives of seniors. Advocate: Contact your local representatives and policymakers to advocate for the expansion and enhancement of the PACE program. Support legislation that promotes access to comprehensive care for elderly individuals. Senior LIFE and National PACE MonthSenior LIFE will recognize PACE Month with a special week long celebration held at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Center. The special week recognizes the efforts, volunteerism, and extraordinary talents of the Senior LIFE staff and members.This years event will be held September 5th September 8th at each of the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers.The annual week-long event will be filled with activities and events that will engage Senior LIFE with the local community. Past years have featured events such as scavenger hunts, wheel chair races, and carnival days.All activities will take part at the LIFE Health and Wellness Centers. At the center, members of the LIFE Program can see their Primary Care Physicians and participate in rehabilitation programs.LIFE is a team-based model of care based on the idea of effectively and efficiently treating patients with multiple chronic conditions outside of the hospital setting.  The LIFE Program takes a comprehensive approach to care management: providers, homecare coordinators, transportation drivers, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, recreational therapists, and others, who evaluate LIFE members and develop an individualized plan of care. Medical and supportive service services are provided with the intention of putting preventive support in place that sets seniors up to remain living in their homes long term, all at no cost to seniors on Medicaid who live in the community.National PACE Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the PACE program and its impact on the lives of seniors. By coming together as a community, we can celebrate the successes, advocate for improvements, and ensure that the PACE program continues to provide exceptional care and support to our elderly population. Lets make National PACE Month 2023 a time of gratitude, recognition, and a catalyst for positive change in senior care. To find out more about the LIFE Program, or to see if you qualify for the program, please contact us today!

Protecting Your Loved Ones Independence and Well-Being at HomeHelping a family member remain independent and living at home is a labor of love, but at times it can be overwhelming. There is so much to consider beyond just their overall health and well-being. Depending on the situation, a loved one may need immediate or future help coordinating medical care or managing finances. Having the proper Power of Attorney credentials established can help caregivers navigate the complexities of the system and avoid costly or time-consuming pitfalls during their loved ones aging journey.Here is a basic overview of two of the most common Power of Attorney documents:Financial Power of Attorney (Durable)With a Financial Power of Attorney (POA), a person known as the principal appoints an agent to carry out financial and other activities, as instructed by the principal. Often the person designated is a family member but note that it may be advisable to name a primary agent and an alternate agent. Principals may choose whether the POA becomes effective immediately or only in the event of illness/disability. Ideally, the POA document should have language indicating that it is durable (remains in effect even after the person is legally incapacitated). In Pennsylvania, the Financial POA must be notarized and witnessed. The law also stipulates that a POA must exercise the powers for the benefit of the principal, keep the assets of the principal separate from their own, and exercise reasonable caution and prudence. Financial Power of Attorney ceases after the principal passes away.Medical Power of AttorneyPennsylvania recognizes two types of advanced directives for healthcare decisions: Medical Power of Attorney and Living Wills. The Medical Power of Attorney, also known as a Healthcare POA or healthcare proxy, is broader in scope than a Living Will in that it empowers the caregiver to make all medical decisions if their loved one is unconscious, incapacitated, or mentally incompetent. The appointed person will be able to access medical records, speak to healthcare professionals, and make healthcare judgments and medical decisions based on their loved ones treatment (or non-treatment) preferences. A Medical POA is a crucial component of advance care planning, allowing your loved one to ensure that their healthcare preferences are honored. The document must have two witnesses and be notarized.Information and downloadable Power of Attorney pdf documents are available online. During the application process to Senior LIFE, a Senior LIFE outreach coordinator can also help you get started with the POA process. Contact us today.