Maintaining Mental Health After a Crisis

As we age, we naturally experience changes physically and mentally. One of the less discussed but increasingly common issues among older adults is anxiety. While many assume that anxiety is primarily a concern for younger people, the truth is that it can affect individuals at any stage of life. But is it normal to have anxiety as you get older? And if so, what can be done to manage it?Understanding Anxiety in Older AdultsAnxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Though its a natural stress response, it can interfere with daily life when it becomes overwhelming or persistent. In older adults, anxiety often presents itself in different ways compared to younger people. It might manifest as a general sense of unease, a focus on health concerns, or heightened fears about independence and safety.Common Triggers of Anxiety in Older AdultsSeveral factors can contribute to anxiety as people age. Understanding these triggers can help manage and address the issue.Health ConcernsHealth issues become more prominent as we age. Chronic illnesses, mobility challenges, and cognitive decline can all lead to increased anxiety. The fear of losing independence or becoming a burden on loved ones can be particularly distressing.Life TransitionsMajor life changes, such as retirement, the loss of a spouse or friend, or moving to a new living environment, can be significant sources of stress. These transitions can lead to feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, and anxiety.Financial WorriesConcerns about financial stability in retirement, managing medical expenses, or the cost of long-term care can be pretty stressful for older adults. This economic uncertainty further contributes to heightened anxiety.Fear of Falling or InjuryThe fear of falling or suffering an injury is common among older adults, especially if theyve experienced a fall in the past. This fear can lead to anxiety about leaving the house or participating in activities they once enjoyed.Cognitive DeclineFor some, the fear of developing dementia or Alzheimers disease is a significant source of anxiety. Even mild memory lapses can cause worry, increasing anxiety about the future.Is Anxiety Normal as You Age?While its common to experience some level of anxiety as you age, persistent or severe anxiety is not a normal part of aging. Its essential to address it and seek help when it starts interfering with daily activities, sleep, or overall well-being.Managing Anxiety in Older AdultsHere are some practical steps to help manage anxiety: Stay Active: Regular physical activity, even light exercises like walking or yoga, can boost mood and reduce anxiety. Social Connections: Maintaining relationships and engaging in social activities can help alleviate loneliness and anxiety. Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can calm the mind and ease anxiety. Talk to Someone: Sharing your worries with a friend, family member, or therapist can provide relief and new perspectives. Seek Professional Help: If anxiety becomes overwhelming, consult a healthcare provider for treatment options such as therapy or medication.If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety as you age, at The Oberon House, we can provide the support and care you need. Our assisted living facility in Arvada, CO, offers a compassionate environment and services designed to manage anxiety and enhance well-being. Contact us today to explore how our community can help you live comfortably and confidently 303-420-7258.

The loss of a spouse is one of lifes most profound challenges. The person you shared your life with, relied on, and loved deeply is suddenly gone, leaving a void that can feel impossible to fill. Grief is a natural response to such a significant loss, but it can be overwhelming and isolating. However, with time, support, and the right coping strategies, its possible to find healing and rebuild your life.Understanding the Grieving ProcessGrief is a deeply personal experience that varies from person to person. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and the process often unfolds in stages, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. You may experience these stages in a different order or find yourself revisiting them multiple times. Its important to recognize that grief is not linear, and healing takes time.Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. Whether youre feeling sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief, these emotions are a natural part of the grieving process. Suppressing your feelings can prolong your grief and make it harder to heal.Lean on Your Support SystemIsolation can intensify feelings of grief, so stay connected with family, friends, and community members who can offer comfort and companionship. Dont hesitate to share your feelings with those you trust; talking about your loss can be a powerful way to process your emotions. Support groups specifically for those who have lost a spouse can also be incredibly helpful.Take Care of Your Physical HealthGrief can affect physical health, leading to fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and weakened immune function. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, eat nutritious meals, and incorporate physical activity into your routine. Even gentle exercise like walking or yoga can boost your mood and help you feel more grounded. If youre struggling with your physical health, consider seeking support from a healthcare provider who can offer guidance and resources.Find Meaning and PurposeAfter the loss of a spouse, it can be difficult to find meaning in life. Many people find that activities honoring their loved ones memory can provide a sense of purpose and help heal. This might include volunteering, creating a memorial, or participating in causes that were important to your spouse. Exploring new hobbies or interests can also be helpful. Remember that its okay to experience happiness and pleasure, even as you grieve.Seek Professional Help if NeededFor some, the grief of losing a spouse can be particularly intense and may not subside with time. If youre struggling with prolonged depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and healthily work through your grief.At The Oberon House in Arvada, CO, we understand the unique challenges that come with aging and loss. If you or a loved one is seeking a supportive community during this time, contact us to learn how we can help provide comfort and companionship in a caring environment.

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