Medicare & Medicaid Legal Assistance: How an Attorney Can Help You Maximize Benefits

Although its fairly clear-cut when a family member needs Skilled Care at home, it can be more difficult to identify if Companion Care, Personal Care, or Alzheimers and Memory Care is needed. These questions can help determine if its time to find in-home care for your loved one.Companion Care The more often you respond No or Sometimes, the more likely it is they need support:If the phone rings, do they hear it and answer it?Can they hear the other person and have a conversation?Do they store food properly and throw it away when its no longer safe to eat?Do they keep the kitchen, living room, and bedroom clean?Do they make sure that the lawn is mowed, yard is tended to, and sidewalk and driveway are shoveled?Are they doing their laundry? Carrying it safely, moving from washer to dryer, folding, and putting it away?Do they stay on top of finances such as paying mortgage or rent, utilities, and other bills?Do they drive safely and with confidence?Do they select and pay for healthy foods and put those groceries away?Are they going to social and family activities like book clubs, restaurants, religious services, reunions, birthday parties, etc.?Do they talk and socialize with friends, neighbors, or relatives regularly?Are they able to do activities they enjoy on their own, such as crafts, light gardening, puzzles, etc.?Are they able to take care of their pets, going for walks or cleaning litter boxes and cages?Skilled nursing and medical service availability varies by location. Call 866-618-7827 for a full list of services or to schedule a free in-home assessment.HOME CARE GUIDEThe Dream: Aging in Place77% of adults (age 50+) want to remain in their own homes.34% know they may need to make physical changes to their house.If an illness or disability occurs, about 66% would want a combination of family and paid home caregivers.Source: AARP Home and Community Preferences SurveyBrightStar Carebrightstarcare.com866-618-7827HCG02cps BrightStar Home Care 11/23Does My Loved One Need Care At Home?Our location has been accredited by The Joint Commission a widely recognized organization that evaluates the nations best hospitals and other healthcare organizations.Personal Care Answers of No or Sometimes could indicate a need for care:Can your loved one get out of bed easily and walk from room to room without falling?Can they get in and out of the shower or bathtub safely?Do they groom themselves, change their clothes, and maintain good overall hygiene?Do they prepare and eat regular nutritious meals, meeting special dietary needs?Do they take the right prescription dosages at the right time?Can they manage illness care (e.g., testing blood sugar) or equipment properly?Do they go to doctors appointments and understand their plan of care?Specially Trained Caregivers or Nurses for those with dementia or Alzheimers disease Answers of No or Sometimes could indicate a need for this type of care:Does your loved one know the month, season, and other date references?Do they usually know where they are? Specific location, city, state, etc.?Do they recognize family members and long-time friends? Do they understand the relationships?Do they typically put belongings in a logical spot?Do they forget how to use common objects?Do they take medication at the right time and in the right dose?Do they remember to eat, go to the bathroom, turn on lamps, close doors, etc.?Are they coherent and do they have a good sense of awareness after the sun goes down?Is their temperament generally consistent with who theyve always been?Skilled Care Answering Yes or Sometimes may indicate this care is needed:Has your loved ones healthcare professional suggested that Skilled Care is needed?Does your loved one need in-home infusions?Do they need help with catheter or ostomy maintenance?Does your family member struggle to correctly use at-home medical equipment?Do they have wounds that require professional care and observation?Did/Will your family member (of any age) undergo surgery that requires support after leaving the hospital?Skilled nursing and medical service availability varies by location. Call 866-618-7827 for a full list of services or to schedule a free in-home assessment.

Seniors need protection beyond just COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Thats because as we age, our immune systems weaken, making us more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Vaccines can lessen the impact of, or in some cases, prevent those infections or diseases from arising.It can be hard to know all the vaccines seniors should get and how often. Heres a rundown of the most common ones and what you need to know about each what it protects against and when to get it, and the most common side effects. Please discuss possible side effects with your provider or pharmacist, as the listed side effects will not be exhaustive. 7 Vaccines Recommended for SeniorsSeveral vaccines are important for seniors to get. Some of these apply to everyone while others are specifically for older adults, but they all aim to keep people from getting sick with devastating diseases and prevent viruses from spreading to vulnerable populations. These are the vaccines seniors frequently get.1. Pneumococcal VaccinePneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also commonly referred to as pneumococcus. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections caused by the bacteria. People 65 and older should discuss options without their provider to determine which vaccine is appropriate. Dosage and Timing: PCV13 is a one-time vaccine for seniors. PPSV23 is a single dose recommended at least one year after the PCV13 vaccine. Occasionally, seniors may need a second dose. Potential Side Effects: The most common ones are drowsiness or swelling at the injection site.2. Shingles VaccineShingles(Opens in a new window) causes a painful rash that can last for months. The varicella-zoster virus causes shingles and chickenpox. For anyone who had chickenpox when they were younger, the virus can reactivate. When this happens in older adults, it causes shingles.The CDC recommends the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for those 50 and older. If your loved one previously had the Zostavax shingles vaccine, the CDC recommends additional vaccination with Shingrix.Dosage and Timing: Shingrix is a two-part vaccine. The first dose can be given at any time. The second dose needs to be administered two to six months after the first dose.Potential Side Effects: Redness and swelling at the injection site are common. 3. Tetanus VaccineTetanus(Opens in a new window) can lead to painful muscle stiffness and spasms and sometimes results in breathing difficulty and life-threatening complications. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria. However, there is currently no cure for tetanus, which is why remaining up to date on vaccination is critical.Dosage and Timing: The vaccine is administered as part of the Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) immunization. Everyone needs an update every 10 years.Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and fatigue are common.Important note: The Tdap vaccine also protects against pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, which can be deadly for infants. Children usually receive the first dose of the vaccine at 2 months, but seniors who are grandparents may want to be updated on the vaccine as well to ensure pertussis does not spread.4. COVID-19 VaccineThe COVID-19 vaccine(Opens in a new window) reduces the likelihood of contracting the specific strains of coronavirus that caused the global pandemic of the early 2020s. If you do contract the virus, the vaccine may keep you from developing a severe illness and complications.Dosage and Timing:Primary series: This is typically two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) given three to four weeks apart or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.Booster doses: Depending on the vaccine type and the latest health guidelines, people may need boosters over time.Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and fatigue are the most commonly reported.5. RSV VaccineRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract, usually causing mild cold-like symptoms. In seniors and infants, it can be serious. People 60 or older are eligible for the RSV vaccine(Opens in a new window) and should discuss it with their doctors.Dosage and Timing: Two single-dose vaccines, Arexvy (by GSK) and Abrysvo (by Pfizer), are available for those 60 and older. Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and muscle pain are common.6. Flu VaccineInfluenza, also known as the flu(Opens in a new window), is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Older adults may be at higher risk. Additionally, the flu can exacerbate existing health problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and lead to more serious infections. The influenza vaccine, also known as the flu shot, protects against the flu, and is made each year to protect against the strains of the flu that are predicted to be most common during the upcoming season.Dosage and Timing: This is an annual vaccine. Ideally, get the shot in September or October before flu season begins.Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and muscle aches are the most common.7. Hepatitis B VaccineHepatitis B(Opens in a new window) is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The CDC recommends the hepatitis B vaccination for those ages 60 and older who are at increased risk of exposure. Your loved one and their doctor can decide whether this vaccine is needed.Dosage and Timing: The hepatitis B(Opens in a new window) vaccine can be a series of two, three or four shots, depending on the type of vaccine given and the persons health needs. You need at least three doses of the vaccine to give you the best protection. There's usually a month gap between each dose, but sometimes all three doses can be given within 21 days (with a fourth dose at 12 months) if you need faster or additional protection.Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and fatigue are common.Considerations for Seniors When Getting VaccinatedSeniors, especially those with chronic conditions, benefit immensely from vaccines. But not all vaccines are appropriate for everyone. Involve the primary care provider and make sure they know all the vaccines your loved one has and has not received.Here are important questions to ask a medical professional before getting a vaccine:Which Vaccines Do You Recommend? Some vaccines may be unnecessary. Some, such as travel vaccines, depend on your loved ones lifestyle.Can I Receive Multiple Vaccines at the Same Time? Receiving several of the recommended vaccines(Opens in a new window) at a single appointment may be easier, but always talk to a health care professional.What Are the Potential Side Effects of Each Vaccine? Each vaccine has potential side effects, so please discuss these with your medical provider or pharmacist to learn more.Frequently Asked Questions About Senior VaccinationsWhat Is Herd Immunity, and Why Is It Important?Herd immunity happens when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to a disease through vaccination or previous infection. As more people become immune, the spread of the disease slows. This protects people who cant be vaccinated for medical reasons (e.g., newborns and people with weakened immune systems). By getting vaccinated, you and your loved one help keep everyone safe.Are Vaccines Safe for Older Adults?Yes. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing(Opens in a new window) in clinical trials before approval. After approval, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration continue routinely monitoring vaccine safety. The benefits of vaccination (reduced illness, hospitalization and death) far outweigh the minimal risks.Can the Flu Vaccine Cause the Flu? Can the COVID-19 Vaccine Cause COVID-19?No. The inactivated vaccines cannot cause the flu or COVID-19. Vaccines contain harmless versions of disease-causing viruses or bacteria. They nevertheless trigger the body's defense system to produce antibodies to fight the infection. In other words, they stimulate an immune response(Opens in a new window) without causing illness.Will Vaccines Make Me sick?No. Some people may experience mild side effects such as a mild fever, but thats normal. Its a sign that your body is building immunity against the disease.Why Do My Loved Ones and I Need So Many Vaccines as Adults?The older we get, the weaker our immune systems become. We are more susceptible to illness. When they do get sick, older people are more likely to face severe complications than younger people.Vaccinations: Your Role as a CaregiverYou can help ensure your parent or other loved one receives all the appropriate vaccines by:Keeping track of their vaccination schedulesReminding them of the importance of vaccinesAssisting with making and attending appointmentsGathering relevant paperwork, including proof of vaccines given elsewhereMonitoring for side effects and seeking care for severe cases promptlyWith so much information (and misinformation) available on vaccines, it can be challenging to find answers. For more information, consult your health care professional along with reputable sources such as the CDC and the World Health Organization.How BrightStar Care Can HelpBrightStar Care nurses can help the seniors they care for keep track of vaccination documentation, help them make and attend appointments and provide after-vaccine care. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.

Seniors who are engaged in interesting activities live lives of joy and purpose. The path to this type of fulfillment starts with a discussion of hobbies, past activities and interest in learning about new potential activities. Brainstorm new ideas by tapping into interests that may have fallen by the wayside while the senior was working and raising a family.Retirement means a change in routine and sometimes that can lead to boredom, loneliness, and depression which can affect all aspects of life, including overall health. Finding meaningful activities will lead to structure and a sense of purpose.Ideally, the activities(Opens in a new window) will involve mental and physical challenges and social interactions. Physical activities may help to improve general fitness and improve mental (and emotional) well-being.Exercise and FitnessSeek guidance from a medical professional before engaging in physical activities(Opens in a new window). They have your medical history and are best positioned to provide you with advice and suggestions that will fit your specific lifestyle.Once you have medical guidance, you might consider fitness activities like chair yoga, aqua fit, tai chi, swimming, walking, table tennis, pickleball and golf. Most fitness facilities have adaptive measures for mobility issues.Walking clubs provide companionship and an incentive to participate. Some shopping malls even open early to allow walkers to walk in inclement weather.Gardening is an interesting activity for seniors and can be done at home or in a community garden. Growing flowers and vegetables can be rewarding and stimulate seniors both physically and artistically. Eating fresh vegetables contributes to good nutrition and well-being. Some local community gardens may have raised beds for those who need assistance with planting.Hiking can be enjoyable and provide access to the outdoors as well as physical exercise. There are many different types of hiking trails that vary from easy to challenging.Social Clubs and GroupsWord puzzles, card games, jigsaw puzzles and trivia all challenge the mind. Connecting with people at your local library or park districts senior game activities or participating online with friends is a great way to engage with others and keep in touch.Cell phone cameras allow for ease of taking photos and video. This creative activity can be done in a group or individually. Camera stores may be a good source for courses, but they can also be found on YouTube (and other internet platforms), as well as in books.Birdwatching is another activity that can be done as a group or individually and has the added benefit of being in nature and the opportunity to learn about birds and their habits.Creative HobbiesCreative activities, such as playing a musical instrument or arts and craft projects, are absorbing as well as satisfying. Sometimes, these skills were used in another stage of life and need to be relearned, but that challenge can be rewarding.Needlework, quilting and knitting provide opportunities to work individually or collaborate with others. Teaching skills such as embroidery, chess, woodworking, model building and calligraphy spreads the knowledge to another generation.Learning and EducationWriting is another great activity. Some senior learning centers sponsor courses on writing memoir, fiction, nonfiction and blogs. There are also online writing groups and local groups that may meet at a bookstore or other venue. Feedback from peers will encourage and challenge seniors to bravely put their thoughts in writing.Many community colleges, local park districts, community centers or senior learning centers have language classes. There are also several online opportunities to learn a language, which has the added benefit of being accessible at home at your own pace.Many local libraries have book clubs. Some book clubs may be specialized to mysteries, romance and nonfiction, to name a few.Theater groups can include both acting, writing and working on props and scenery. Going to theater performances and musical performances can be done individually or as a group.Dining out is a way to explore restaurants and different cuisines. Some senior centers sponsor weekly outings which allow seniors to socialize and try different foods. Going to restaurants with other people may be revitalizing as well as nutritious.Cooking classes are sponsored at some restaurants, specialty shops, and senior centers. While seniors may have been preparing meals for years, cooking classes may provide an opportunity to learn different techniques and try different ingredients. Some cooking classes may be specific to a specialized diet such as a diabetic diet or a vegan/vegetarian diet.Following a sports team can lead to discussion groups and watch parties. Activities for seniors should be fun. Following local high school and college teams is a great way to enjoy watching the sport and provide support for the local community.VolunteeringNonprofits often need volunteers and it can be an ideal activity for seniors. The flexibility of scheduling allows seniors to participate on weekdays when many other volunteers may be working. Food banks need volunteers to sort donations, cook and help serve meals.Animal shelters need volunteers to help with the animals and to keep the areas clean. And hospitals often have active volunteer programs and tasks to fit many different abilities and interests.Schools have volunteer programs that include working with the children reading stories or working in the library. Volunteering with children is rewarding and fun. Kids have a unique way of looking at the world, which can be thought-provoking.There are programs for reading to people who are losing their sight or visiting homebound seniors. Running errands for people with limited mobility can also be quite rewarding. These people can be neighbors or acquaintances who need additional help.Volunteering at a museum or historical society provides an opportunity for learning, but also a chance to become a tour guide or docent. Many communities have a local land trust that works with the community to preserve land and natural areas. There are many opportunities to contribute including organizing and working at fundraising events.Sparking JoyFinding interesting activities for seniors can seem confusing and complicated. Chances are there will be some glitches in the process. Some activities may be uncomfortable or logistically challenging, but could lead to something that is a better fit. Keeping an open mind to what is possible is key. Limiting activities due to fear of failure increases the likelihood of feelings of loneliness and isolation. Talk to friends and acquaintances about what they are doing and be unafraid to organize your own groups.Let BrightStar Care Help Keep You Engaged BrightStar Care team members can help your loved one find activities that will bring them joy and enrich their lives. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard.