Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Simplifying Life Through Downsizing

November, National Care at Home Month shines a light on a truth thatfamilies across the country already know: healing and comfort are bestdelivered where people feel most at ease at home. At Avow, thisbelief guides us as we have built a continuum of care that supportspatients and families through lifes most important transitions.Our care journey begins with home health. For those recovering fromsurgery or in need of skilled services like advanced wound care orphysical therapy, our home health team is there to provide support.Healing at home, surrounded by familiar routines, can make all thedifference in recovery. A quicker return to strength means individualsare able to resume the activities and daily life that matter most.For individuals facing chronic or serious illnesses, palliative care brings relief, dignity, and guidance.Whether its an adult living with cancer, heart or lung disease, dementia, or kidney failure or achild coping with a serious diagnosis our palliative care team helps ease symptoms, reduceemotional distress, and navigate complex medical decisions. Care can be delivered in ouroutpatient clinic on the Avow campus, at one of our satellite clinics, or directly in the patientshome, always tailored to each persons goals and values. All while working with each patient'sphysicians, providers, and other disease specific treatment and therapeutic professionals.When the time comes for lifes final journey, hospice care ensures patients and families are neveralone. Hospice is not about giving up it is about living fully and meaningfully, wherever someonecalls home: a private residence, nursing facility, or assisted living community. Avow provides musicand massage therapy, pet therapy, spiritual support, and individualized services based on eachpersons needs and interests. Volunteers sit vigil, honor Veterans, and offer presence andcompanionship. Our teams walk beside patients and families, helping them find peace andcomfort in their final days together.And because loss and grief touch every family differently, Avow offers specialized grief supportprograms for children, teens, and adults. These services, provided at no cost thanks to communitygenerosity, help families process grief and discover resilience long after a loss.This is the future of healthcare: a model that walks with people through every stage of life fromrecovery to serious illness, to end of life, and providing grief and healing for loved ones. It is carethat meets people where they are and honors their choices while easing the weight families andcaregivers often carry.National Care at Home Month is not only about celebrating providers and volunteers though theyare heroes every day. It is also about recognizing the immense value of keeping care close,personal, and human. At Avow, we believe care at home is not just healthcare. It is the promise to stand with individuals and families through every phase of lifes journey.

Art challenges the brain to think creatively, analyze and observe the incoming stimulant and form an opinion about what its seeing. But while its assessing the stimuli, it's forging new neuro pathways, improving cognitive function and evoking emotions, which leads to a healthier, happier brain. Studies show that the impact of art on the human brain is profound, so when the North Fort Myers Art Association (NFMAA) approached Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community, about starting an art gallery, a partnership was a natural fit. Details about where art should be hung and how residents could get involved commenced and they launched their first exhibit on Nov. 5, 2024. Over the past year, art has rotated on and off the walls with new collections from residents and members of the association, changing roughly every six weeks. The art that hangs encourages residents, family members and people from the community to slow down and think about what their neighbors and art association members create. Experiencing this consistent influx of new art improves their lifestyle. It's brought life to the hallway, and its a conversation point for our residents who live here. Each day, you can see people pausing in the hallway to review and talk about the art. The coolest thing is that the art not only features art from the association, but also from the residents who call Gulf Coast Village home.Residents arent just enjoying the art on the walls; theyre getting involved with the arts, too. A lot of residents have personal art studios in their apartments, said Sherrie Saidon, Gulf Coast Villages lifestyle coordinator for independent living and gallery curator. It [the partnership with NFMAA] definitely is a community builder.To mark one year of the partnership, the next exhibit, debuting on Nov. 19, will be called Celebration!, a nod to anything worth celebrating especially this impactful relationship. From 2 to 3 p.m., the event will feature a new cycle of art and a meet-and-greet with local artists, and the public is invited to attend.The exhibits featured artist, Judy Biddle, president of NFMAA, has been celebrating art since a young age. When I was about 4 years old, my mother gave me a few coins, which I promptly held up to the frosted window of our Chicago apartment, rejoicing in the myriad of scenes created by the different sizes of circles in the ice on the window, said Biddle.She has been rejoicing in art ever since. This exhibit will be a continuation of Biddles and other artists commitment to celebration in art form. From new babies and weddings to fruitful partnerships, this exhibit will embody everything in life worth celebrating. To continue fostering their relationship as it approaches its one-year anniversary, Gulf Coast Village excitedly offered NFMAA a vacant building to turn into an art studio dubbed The Art House for the association, the community, and residents to participate in a variety of art classes, build friendships and celebrate each other for years to come.About the author Ryan Keller is the regional vice president of senior living operations for Florida for Volunteers of America National Services, the sponsoring organization for Gulf Coast Village. To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, please visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.

What Is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?If youre on Medicare or about to be, youve probably heard the term Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). It might sound complicated, but dont worry. Its actually pretty simple once you break it down and know what you need to focus on. Lets walk through what the Annual Enrollment Period is, why it matters, and how it gives you the chance to make sure your healthcare coverage is right for you and your healthcare needs.What Is the Annual Enrollment Period?The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period happens every year from October 15 to December 7. During this time, anyone with Medicare can make changes to their coverage. These changes take effect on January 1 of the following year.Think of it like a yearly check-up for your Medicare plan. Your health needs, medications, and budget change over time. AEP gives you the chance to adjust your coverage so it fits your life.What Can You Do During AEP?During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can: Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan back to Original Medicare Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Join, drop, or switch Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) Basically, if youre not happy with your current coverage or just want to see if theres something better, this is the time to make changes. The Different Parts of Medicare ExplainedBefore we talk more about AEP, lets go over the different parts of Medicare. Understanding these parts makes it easier to know your options. Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Helps cover inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care. Most people dont pay a monthly premium for Part A because they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes while working.  Medicare Part B Medical Insurance Helps cover doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical supplies. You pay a monthly premium for Part B.  Together, Part A and Part B are often called Original Medicare. Medicare Part C Medicare Advantage These are private health plans (offered by insurance companies) that combine Parts A and B, and often include Part D (prescription drugs). Many plans also offer extras like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits, like SilverSneakers. You may need to use doctors and hospitals in the plans network. Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Helps pay for prescription medications. Plans are offered by private insurance companies, and costs can vary. Why the Annual Enrollment Period MattersYour health and needs can change from year to year. Maybe youre taking new prescriptions. Maybe your doctor is no longer in your plans network. Or maybe youve heard about a plan with extra benefits that would save you money. The Annual Enrollment Period is your chance to: Make sure your prescriptions are covered at a good price. Check that your favorite doctors are still in-network. Compare costs like premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. See if you can get extra benefits with a Medicare Advantage plan. Tips for Making the Most of AEP Review your Annual Notice of Change. Each fall, your plan will send a letter explaining whats changing for the next year. Dont skip it! Make a list of your current prescriptions and doctors. This helps you compare plans to see if they cover what you need. Think about your budget. Sometimes a plan with a low monthly premium ends up costing more in co-pays. Look at the big picture. Dont wait until the last minute. December 7 comes quickly, so give yourself time to review your options.  The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is an important time each year for seniors. Its your opportunity to make sure your healthcare coverage still meets your needs. By understanding the different parts of Medicare and reviewing your options, you can feel confident that youre getting the care and benefits you deserve. VIPcare accepts most Medicare plans in your area, making it easy to get the care you deserve. Call us today at (239) 303-8010 to schedule an appointment and learn more about everything VIPcare has to offer.