Highlighting Veterans Benefits

A recent study examining hospital readmissions among elderly patients has revealed that approximately 23% of these patients return to the hospital due to a lack of adequate home support following their initial discharge. This situation often leads to critical issues such as errors in medication management, failure to follow doctors orders, and injuries stemming from balance problems. Such findings underscore the importance of proper care and support for seniors during their post-hospitalization recovery period.While we all strive to provide the best for our loved ones, navigating their unique needs can be challenging. This is why seeking professional assistance for senior care becomes essential to ensure their health and recovery. Home care, in particular, can play a pivotal role in improving seniors' recovery outcomes and promoting their everyday well-being. Understanding the benefits of home care can help families make more informed decisions regarding their loved ones health.The Importance of Home Care for SeniorsHome care has emerged as a highly recommended solution for addressing the needs of seniors after they are discharged from the hospital. Having a caregiver present to oversee your loved ones recovery at home ensures they follow all post-discharge instructions and receive the necessary support to regain their health.Beyond providing physical care, home care also serves an emotional purpose. Hospitalization, regardless of the reason, can be a distressing experience, often leaving seniors feeling anxious and vulnerable. Having a caregiver by their side not only eases this anxiety but also provides motivation and reassurance as they transition back to their daily routines. With someone to share their new normal, seniors are more likely to stay on track with their recovery plan and maintain a positive outlook on their health journey.Preventing Medication ErrorsOne of the most common challenges faced by seniors after being discharged is managing their medications. Even seniors with sharp mental faculties may struggle with new medication regimens, especially when these involve multiple prescriptions with specific dosages and timing.For many seniors, the issue lies in remembering whether or not theyve taken their prescribed medications. This can lead to skipped doses or accidental overdoses, both of which pose significant risks to their health. Home care provides a solution to this problem by ensuring that caregivers keep track of medications, providing timely reminders and assisting with administration when necessary.This level of support is particularly beneficial for seniors living independently, as it ensures a smoother transition back to their daily lives without the added stress of managing complex medication schedules. With proper medication management, seniors can recover more effectively and reduce the likelihood of complications or readmissions.Supporting Doctors InstructionsFollowing a doctors post-hospitalization care instructions is crucial for recovery, but it can often feel overwhelming for seniors, especially those managing their care alone. Doctors may prescribe a range of recommendations, such as mobility limitations, dietary adjustments, or specific lifestyle changes, all of which require careful attention.Unfortunately, failing to adhere to these instructions increases the risk of setbacks and hospital readmissions. This is where home care becomes invaluable. Caregivers can help seniors implement these instructions in a manageable and stress-free manner. Whether it involves preparing meals that meet new dietary requirements, assisting with prescribed exercises, or simply reminding seniors of their limitations, caregivers play an essential role in ensuring these guidelines are followed.By alleviating the burden of managing post-hospital care, caregivers allow seniors to focus on their recovery and mental well-being. This supportive environment not only promotes physical healing but also fosters a sense of comfort and security during the recovery process.Creating a Safe EnvironmentAnother significant factor contributing to hospital readmissions is the risk of falls or injuries within the home. Seniors recovering from illness or surgery often face challenges related to balance and mobility, which can be further exacerbated by medication side effects or residual weakness.Home care providers can help mitigate these risks by assessing the seniors living environment and making necessary adjustments to enhance safety. This might involve rearranging furniture to create clear walking paths, installing grab bars in bathrooms, removing tripping hazards like loose rugs, or ensuring adequate lighting in all areas of the home.Preparing the home for a seniors altered mobility needs not only reduces the risk of falls but also helps them regain a sense of independence and confidence. When seniors feel secure in their environment, they are better equipped to focus on their recovery without fear of accidents or setbacks.Ensuring Proper Nutrition and Daily CareProper nutrition and self-care are fundamental to a seniors recovery and overall health. However, these aspects often become challenging after a hospital stay, particularly if the senior is dealing with dietary restrictions, reduced mobility, or fatigue.Home care services can address these concerns by providing assistance with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation. Caregivers can ensure that meals meet the seniors nutritional requirements while also accommodating any dietary changes recommended by their doctor. This not only supports physical health but also helps seniors maintain a positive attitude toward their recovery journey.In addition to nutrition, daily self-care activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming can become daunting for seniors recovering from illness or injury. Home care providers can offer compassionate assistance with these tasks, enabling seniors to maintain their dignity and independence while ensuring their personal hygiene and well-being are not neglected.The Broader Benefits of Home CareThe advantages of home care extend beyond the immediate recovery period. By providing consistent support and companionship, caregivers can help seniors build healthier routines and habits that contribute to their long-term well-being. This ongoing care can reduce the likelihood of future health issues, enhance the seniors quality of life, and provide peace of mind for family members.Moreover, home care allows seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar environments and loved ones. This sense of familiarity can be particularly comforting for seniors, promoting emotional stability and a stronger sense of autonomy during their recovery.Making the Decision for Home CareChoosing to enlist home care services for your senior loved one is a significant decision, but it is one that can have a profound impact on their recovery and overall health. By addressing critical needs such as medication management, adherence to doctors instructions, safety, nutrition, and daily care, home care provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges seniors face post-hospitalization.Home care is about ensuring that your loved one receives the support and attention they need to recover fully and thrive in their daily lives. Its a choice that prioritizes their health, comfort, and happiness, giving both seniors and their families the confidence to navigate this new chapter with ease.  Give us a call today to learn more at 412-360-8609.

Considering senior living as the best option for you or a loved one? If youre just beginning, the search can often feel daunting. And knowing where to look for possible financial resources can seem like a mystery.Its often helpful to approach this as a step-by-step process. Answering the following questions can help get you off to the right start: What lifestyle, amenities and services are you looking for? Is help needed for physical or cognitive issues? If yes, at what level? Which of the 4 basic types of senior living listed below would provide the best fit? What is the cost of senior living? What options may be available to pay for senior living? Basic categories of senior livingFollowing are 4 types of communities available: Independent Living: Private residences for older adults to continue living independently and enjoy the activities, amenities and services offered. Assisted Living: Private residences and assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. Amenities and other social activities included. Long-Term or Skilled Nursing Care: Full-time care by a trained staff for those requiring medical care for rehabilitation or for long-term chronic conditions. Memory Care: Specialized care for those with Alzheimers or dementia, included as part of assisted living, long-term care or in a stand-alone community. The cost of senior livingPrices vary among communities, services offered and locations. Talk to an associate at a specific community to confirm costs. Be sure to clarify what services are included or can be contracted for an additional fee.How to pay for senior livingEach type of senior living may have varying costs and different payment sources available.When you visit a community, theyll provide you with more detailed information about financial options. We also invite you to download our free guide The Dollars and Sense Guide to Senior Living.The following list offers an overview of a few of the financial resources that may be available, as well as options you might not have yet considered. Private money Personal funds are typically used to pay for independent living, the majority of assisted living and a smaller amount of long-term care. Some states do accept Medicaid for certain assisted living costs.Personal resources could include: Cash Checking and savings accounts Salaries, if youre still working Social Security payments Dividends distributed Investment accounts Retirement or pension plans Long-Term Care Insurance Depending on the policy, long-term insurance may cover the cost of home care, adult day care, assisted living, memory care and long-term care. These policies are sold by private insurance companies and other businesses or as additional insurance offered by employers.The cost of a policy is based on the age of the person at the time of purchase, amount of insurance, time period covered, deductible and any special options. Veterans Benefits Veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible to receive monthly benefits to help cover the costs of senior living if they meet certain income and personal care qualifications. Known as Aid and Attendance, this federal benefit is offered through The Department of Veteran Affairs. It can help pay for care in the home, assisted living or a long-term care community. Life insurance conversions Your life insurance policy may be transferred to a financial account that provides monthly benefits to help pay for home care, assisted living, long-term care and hospice. These funds wont count as an asset in the Medicaid spend down process, described below. Your home Seniors may have equity built up in their home, which can provide a source of funds. If youre moving into a senior living community, selling your home may provide the money you need.Other financial options that your home may offer include: Access to cash through a home equity loan A line of credit based on your homes equity Reverse mortgage which also considers a homes equity. This funding is only available if one of the owners remains living in the home. Renting out your home. If your home is paid for, the rent received could be applied toward senior living expenses. Medicare Medicare is a federal health insurance program and will only pay for long-term care if you require rehabilitative care at home or in a nursing home, for a limited period of time and if you meet certain restrictions. It doesnt pay for general personal care, assistance with the activities of daily living, or room and board. Medicaid Medicaid will pay for long-term nursing facility care but in order to be eligible, you need to qualify for having limited financial resources. If you do have assets, however, you would need to spend them down in order to qualify. As a joint federal and state program, states may offer some assistance with assisted living costs.Considerations when calculating the cost of senior livingPeople often assume its less expensive to remain at home instead of moving to a community. But that may not be true. Look at the big picture when considering the costs of home vs senior living. If your home would need expensive renovations to make it accessible or if you would need to contract for services to come into your home, the costs may be more comparable than you might have thought.But dont forget to account for the non-financial benefits and advantages. If the safety and quality of life for you or your loved one can be achieved more successfully in a senior living community, youll want to consider the tradeoff of any monetary savings.

As we grow older, the right nutrition plays a critical role in supporting our physical and cognitive health. But eating a healthy diet can also become more of a challenge.If youve noticed your parents or another family member is losing weight, or losing interest in enjoying their favorite foods, youll want to consider why they may no longer be eating as healthily.  There are several factors that can affect an older adults dining habits. It may be harder for them to shop and prepare meals. Or depending on their health and energy, it may be easier for them to skip a meal or replace it with snacks or processed foods. If you think there may be an issue, consider taking these steps: Be observant of their eating habits. Are there specific foods they avoid? Do they still seem interested in mealtime or certain foods? Talk to your parents about the changes youre noticing. Ask them if they are having any problems that are interfering with their diet. Losing the sense of taste and smellOne factor that can have a negative effect on appetite is the loss of taste and smell. It can begin after the age of 60 as part of the natural aging process. But there are also several issues that can contribute, according to the Mayo Clinic, such as: Nasal and sinus problems, including allergies Certain medications Dental problems Smoking Head or facial injury Alzheimers disease Parkinsons disease   The impact of losing your sense of taste and smellYour sense of taste and smell work closely together. If you struggle to smell the flavors in a food, you likely wont experience the taste. And even though your taste bud cells are replaced every couple of weeks, after the age of 50 those cells begin to lose their ability to regenerate.People who have lost at least a partial sense of taste, thirst or smell can experience a significant impact to their appetite and nutrition. It can also lead to adding unhealthy amounts of salt or sugar in an attempt to create taste. Ultimately, quality of life can be affected.Losing your feeling of thirstYour feeling of thirst signals that its time to get something to drink. But as you get older, you can lose this prompt or at least its strength. If you arent paying attention, you may become dehydrated which can lead to serious side effects such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney failure or a drop in blood pressure.You can address your feeling of thirst by being diligent. Check with your doctor if you are required to monitor your fluid intake but otherwise strive to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily.You may also want to familiarize yourself with the signs of dehydration and call your doctor if you experience any of these: Little or no urination Dark colored urine Irritability, dizziness or confusion Low blood pressure Rapid breathing and heart rate Weak pulse Cold hands and feet Dry mouth Difficulty walking   Steps to take when losing sense of taste, smell, and thirstIf your parent or loved one is losing a sense of taste and thirst, there are ways you can help. Encourage them to speak to their doctor You cant reverse the natural loss of taste and smell but if there is another cause, you might be able to treat the condition such as adjusting medications, fixing any dental problems or treating nasal and sinus conditions. Experiment with spices and flavors Look for ways to make meals taste more exciting. Talk to a dietician for ideas on how to add special seasonings to enhance flavors or which foods might naturally be easier to taste. Make dining as enjoyable as possible Even if theyre unable to regain the level of taste they once had, try to make the experience itself as pleasant as you can. Dining with others or creating a pleasant environment can help. Set a beautiful table complete with flowers and add their favorite music. Provide helpful reminders to drink Remind your parents not to rely on their sense of thirst before drinking and to pay attention to how much they have during the day. Use a water bottle with measurements in the beginning or count the number of glasses theyve had and convert to ounces.