Medicare Minute: Medicare for Federal Employees and Retirees

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.

Compassionate Memory Care in a Safe, Enriching EnvironmentAs one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in Florida, Lakewood Ranch has seen a steady rise in its senior populationmany of whom are seeking specialized support for Alzheimers and dementia care. With its blend of modern amenities, active adult communities, and strong healthcare infrastructure, the area has become a hub for seniors looking to age gracefully and securely.Windsor Reflections stands out in this landscape by providing compassionate, person-centered memory care designed to meet the evolving needs of Lakewood Ranchs aging residents. The community offers a nurturing, home-like environment where safety, enrichment, and dignity come first. Through tailored activities, social engagement programs, and a secure memory care unit, Windsor Reflections promotes independence while ensuring peace of mind for families.Residents benefit from a holistic approach that supports both cognitive and emotional well-beingreflecting Lakewood Ranchs commitment to quality senior living and community connection.Lakewood Ranch Seniors and Memory Care NeedsWith a growing senior population, Lakewood Ranchs residents increasingly seek specialized resources for memory-related conditions. Windsor Reflections addresses this with a secure, supportive environment that adapts to each residents unique journey.Social Programs that Build Connection and JoyEngagement is vital to cognitive health. Windsor Reflections offers a variety of social programs that encourage interaction, stimulate memories, and foster friendships, from music therapy groups to art classes and community outings.Secure Memory Care Unit Ensures Safety and ComfortThe secured memory care unit combines advanced safety features with a warm, calming atmosphere. This secure setting helps prevent wandering while promoting freedom of movement within a comfortable, home-like environment.Activities Designed for Cognitive and Emotional HealthPurposeful activities are tailored to support mental function, reduce anxiety, and enhance quality of life. These include sensory stimulation, reminiscence therapy, and customized programs that honor each residents preferences.Additional Community HighlightsPrivate suites with safety amenitiesFamily-friendly visiting spacesCompassionate, specially trained staffNutritious meals adapted for dietary needsAccess to broader community amenities and wellness programsCare Team Quote on Memory CareMemory care is about honoring individual dignity while fostering connection through thoughtful activities and a secure, caring environment, shares the memory care director.Memory Care FAQsQ: What makes the memory care unit secure? A: The unit uses technology and design features to prevent wandering and ensure resident safety.Q: Are social programs included in memory care? A: Yes, various interactive programs encourage socialization and cognitive stimulation.Q: How are activities personalized? A: Activities are adapted to residents abilities and interests to maximize engagement.Q: Can families visit and participate in care? A: Absolutely, welcoming visiting areas support family involvement.Q: What training does staff receive? A: Staff members undergo specialized training in dementia and Alzheimers care.Explore Memory Care at Windsor ReflectionsFamilies in Lakewood Ranch seeking compassionate, secure memory care with enriching social programs and activities will find Windsor Reflections a trusted partner. Discover more or connect on SeniorsBlueBook:Windsor Reflections Memory Care Profile