Is It OK to See an APRN or PA at Your Next Appointment? (Hint: Yes)

Top Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider: A Guide for SeniorsAs we get older, our health needs change. Regular checkups and open conversations with your healthcare provider become even more important. But lets be honestmost doctor visits feel rushed or even overwhelming. You have so much you want to discuss with your doctor, only to leave the office and suddenly realize you forgot to ask all the questions you had intended to.Thats why you have to be prepared. Asking the right questions can help you better understand your health, avoid confusion, and feel more in control of your care. If youre a senioror caring for onehere are the top 5 questions you should ask your healthcare provider. Print them out, jot them down, or keep them in your phone. These questions can help make the most of every visit.1. What screenings or tests do I need at my age?This is one of the most important questions to discuss with your doctor. Prevention is key to better health. Health screenings give you the opportunity to catch potential health issues early before they become serious. Thats especially important as we get older, since the risk of certain conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis) increases with age. Some screenings are age-based, while others depend on your personal and family history.  Common screenings for older adults may include: Blood pressure and cholesterol checks Bone density scan Mammogram or prostate exam Colon cancer screening Vision and hearing tests Diabetes screenings  Ask your provider: Am I due for any screenings? How often should I get these done? Do I need any lab work or imaging?   2. Are all my medications still necessary?Its common for many seniors to take multiple medications to manage different health conditions. But over time, your health needs can change, and so can your bodys response to certain drugs. Thats why its important to regularly review your medications with your doctor. Some prescriptions may no longer be needed, while others might interact with new medications or cause unwanted side effects. Asking about your current medications helps ensure youre only taking whats truly helpfuland nothing more.Always bring a list of everything you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs as well as vitamins and herbal supplements.Ask your provider: Do I still need these medications?Are there any side effects I should watch for?Can any of these medications intereact with each other - or with over-the-counter vitamins or supplements I take? 3. What vaccines do I need to stay protected?Many people tend to think vaccines are just for children. But that certainly is not the case. As we age, our immune systems become weaker, making us more vulnerable to certain infections. Certain illnesses, like the flu, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19, can be more serious in seniors. Thats where vaccines come into play. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines can help prevent complications and keep you out of the hospital.  Recommended vaccines for seniors often include: Flu shot (every year) Shingles vaccine (usually two doses after age 50) Pneumonia vaccine COVID-19 vaccines and boosters Tdap booster (for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough)  Ask your provider: Am I up to date on my vaccines? Do I need the shingles or pneumonia shot? What about the flu or COVID vaccines?  4. How is my memory and mental health?Its normal to forget where you put your keys now and then, but memory loss that affects daily life shouldnt be ignored. The same goes for feeling down, anxious, or lonely. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it deserves attention too.Memory issues and mental health concerns often go unspoken. The earlier you talk about it, the more options there are to support your wellbeing and independence. It can help to talk openly with your provider about how you're feeling emotionallyespecially after big life changes like retirement, loss, or illness. If needed, your provider may suggest counseling, support groups, or safe treatments. Ask your provider:Is my memory okay for my age?Should I be concerned about confusion or forgetfulness?How do I know if I'm just feeling low or if I'm dealing with depression or anxiety?5. What can I do at home to stay healthy and prevent illness?Staying healthy isnt just about doctor visitsits about the choices you make every day at home. From the foods you eat to how active you are, small lifestyle habits can have a big impact on your overall well-being. Your provider can guide you on safe, practical ways to support your health right from the comfort of your home.Ask your provider:What kind of exercise is safe for me?Should I be eating differently at my age?How can I improve my sleep or energy? Speak Up and Be a Partner in Your Healthcare JourneyYour doctor is your partner in healthbut youre the expert on how you feel. Dont be afraid to ask questions, bring notes, or speak up if something doesnt make sense or feel right. There are no wrong questions when it comes to your health. At VIPcare, we specialize in senior-focused primary care. Our providers take time to listen, answer your questions, and tailor care to your specific needs. From preventive screenings to chronic condition management, were here to support your health and your goals. Call (251) 257-2886 today to schedule an appointment or learn more at www.getvipcare.com.

Move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and prearranging your future for security and peace of mind, is a wise investment. But for many, the prospect of selling their homeand determining whether the housing market is favorablecan feel like a daunting hurdle.Holding off might seem like the safest choice, but waiting could present unexpected challenges. In reality, knowing when to move to a senior living community could make all the difference.So why is 2025 the time to make the move? Keep reading to learn more.National Housing Market in 2025As of January 2025, the U.S. housing market presents the following trends:Home Prices: Zillow forecasts a 2.6% increase in home values for 2025, indicating a relatively modest appreciation similar to the previous year's growth.Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates have surpassed 7% for the first time since mid-2024, with the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rising to 7.04%, according to Freddie Mac.Housing Starts: In December, U.S. single-family homebuilding reached a 10-month high, rising to 3.3%, according to the Commerce Department.If you're like many of our residents and have owned your home for several years, selling in 2025 could be a highly profitable move. With home values expected to rise by 2.6%, you can look forward to growing your home equity, resulting in a strong return on your investment. This makes 2025 an excellent time to cash inyouve earned it!Mortgage rates are another key factor that makes selling now a wise choice. While mortgage rates are expected to ease in 2025, improving affordability for buyers, this will also likely lead to increased demand. As a result, home prices are expected to remain high and could even rise further.Another encouraging sign for sellers is the limited housing inventory. A recent Zillow analysis revealed that the U.S. is short by 4.5 million homes to meet demand. When supply can't keep up with demand, its the perfect time to enter the market. Leaving behind the hassles of homeownership, you can enjoy a more relaxed, resort-like lifestyle thats better suited for your retirement!No more worries about finances.Unlike being at the mercy of the unpredictable housing market and the financial challenges of maintaining your own home, moving to a continuing care retirement community gives you control over your future at fixed, predictable prices. With a range of convenient amenities designed to make life easier and more enjoyable, you can rest assured knowing your well-being is supported by a reliable, long-term health plan.All Acts Retirement-Life continuing care retirement communities offer Acts Life Care, a contract that secures your future health care needs and protects your savingsno matter the economic or global uncertainties. This contract guarantees access to care options like assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more, should you ever need them.Acts Life Care isnt just about planning for the unknownits about offering peace of mind. Imagine knowing that your future health care costs are already covered and that your monthly fee remains stable. This solution shields you from the fluctuations of the stock market and the rising costs of health care.Staying Active and Engaged in a Vibrant CommunityAs we age, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is important, and there's no better way to do that than by having a plethora of activities available at your fingertips to engage your body, mind, and spirit. Many of us find that isolation increases as we get older, which can lead to depression and other health concerns. Moving to a senior living community means staying social and fostering meaningful companionship.Residents also have easy access to a wellness suite with a full-time Nurse Practitioner who is available to address common health concerns and provide regular check-ups, helping you stay ahead of your health needs.Check out the amazing health benefits of a social lifestyle in retirement.Peace of Mind with Acts RetirementWe've highlighted that every Acts community is a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), but what does that truly mean? Simply put, a CCRC allows you to move in as a healthy and independent adult, choosing from apartment homes, villas, or cottages, depending on your preference. You make a one-time entrance fee payment that secures the benefits of Acts Life Care, along with a predictable monthly fee that covers essential services like maintenance, utilities, chef-prepared meals, and a range of other amenities.Should your care needs evolve, the Acts Life Care contract ensures your monthly fee wont change because of it. Your fee stays consistent regardless of the level of care you need.The Acts Life Care contract isnt just a benefitits a promise that gives you peace of mind. Knowing that your future health care needs are already paid for, at todays prices, allows you to rest easy and focus on enjoying life without worrying about unexpected costs.No such thing as a "free" home! Learn about the hidden costs of home ownership.As we age, managing the day-to-day upkeep of our homes can become a real burdenone that may be too much to handle. In an Acts continuing care retirement community, you can say goodbye to the stress of home maintenance: no more costly repairs, lawn care, snow removal, hurricane preparations, or fixing broken appliances.Security with Acts RetirementWhen it comes to senior living, the options can be overwhelming. So, why choose continuing care retirement living with Acts Retirement-Life Communities? One word: Security.With over 50 years of leadership in the senior living industry, Acts is one of the most trusted and experienced organizations in the field. As a not-for-profit entity, our focus is on improving the lives of our residents, not generating profits for shareholders. Additionally, our Acts Life Care plan ensures that residents savings are protected for life. All these factors, along with the other benefits well highlight below, contribute to Acts maintaining a 98% satisfaction rating among current residents.Acts communities also benefit from the strength of its network. With 28 continuing care retirement campuses in nine states, Acts provides a range of options for residents to experience our unparalleled lifestyle. Our on-site healthcare centers consistently rank among the nations top facilities according to state and federal agencies.When it comes to retirement living, Acts Retirement offers unmatched strength, security, and peace of mind.

By John NicoletteWhether its deciding what we want for breakfast in the morning or when our next trip to visit family is going to be, life is filled with decisions, and each one makes some kind of impact on our lives big or small. When it comes to aging, we all have a choice to make how do we want to live out retirement? Perhaps you think youd best thrive in an independent living community, where you can make friends with like-minded individuals and indulge in high-quality dining and a robust calendar of engaging activities. Or, like most retirees, you may prefer to enjoy your retirement in the home you worked so hard to achieve. AARPs 2024 Home and Community Preferences survey discovered that seven in 10 adults aged 50+ want to stay in their own homes and live independently for as long as they can. Only 6% would prefer to move in with a family member or friend. Since most older adults want to independently age in place, what steps can they take to make possible?This doesnt have to be a journey you embark on alone the right resources, like an age-in-place program, can provide a plan that you have control over. Age-in-place programs ensure that while you live the life youve worked so hard for, your current needs and future health care needs, as well as financial assets, are covered through a comprehensive, membership-based program. An age-in-place program, which is also known as continuing care without walls, allows you to live in your home, while also providing the comfort and security of a life plan community it's the best of both worlds.Similar to a life plan community, healthy, independent retirees can join with a one-time membership fee and an associated monthly service fee that will ensure future care in their home. With membership, you receive a life-long guarantee of personal care coordination and care for if or when you require it. Age-in-place programs bring security to your doorstep by making sure that your home is safe for you to continue to live in as you age. For example, Senior Choice at Home, the only age-in-place program based here in Southwest Florida, provides its members with a home inspection upon joining the program. That inspection addresses current and potential safety concerns, like tripping hazards, uneven staircases and inadequate hallway lighting.Personal care coordinators included in the programs membership also learn members medical history, medications and preferred physicians so that in an event that a member cannot advocate for themselves, their coordinator will. They also arrange for services if needed in the future, including homemaker services, home health aides, live-in companions and a transition into assisted living if that is preferred or needed.Just as you would any other major life decision, its imperative that you dedicate time to proactively plan for your aging in place journey it is a financial commitment and requires proper planning to ensure your assets are in order prior to selecting a program that works best for you. Enrolling in an age-in-place program comes with a set cost. It means you won't have to worry about rising long-term costs or what insurance will cover. Youll know exactly what you will pay for a lifetime of long-term care right from the start.In the era of an influx of Baby Boomer retirees, thousands of older adults will soon have a decision to make will you age in place, or take the leap into a senior living community? Whatever your decision may be, there are resources to guide you through the journey. Aging in place with the security of a membership-based program presents numerous benefits, but at their core, they guarantee retirees exactly what they need in this new chapter advocacy, financial and emotional security, and freedom.About the author John Nicolette is the director of Senior Choice at Home, an age-in-place program serving older adults in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. Senior Choice at Home is regulated by the state of Florida as a premier life plan community without walls. To learn more, visit SeniorChoiceatHome.com or call 239-788-0694.