Refinance Your Home, even if You Have Limited Equity

Meal planning or meal prepping isnt just a new fadits something thats always existed in one way or another. Now, its becoming extremely popular as more and more people discover its benefits, particularly for seniors at home.For aging adults in particular, meal planning can be the key to unlocking better long-term health, an improved attitude, and saving precious time throughout the day. If you arent already one of the 280 million people watching meal-prepping guides on TikTok, then heres exactly how you can get started:Prepping in AdvanceMeal planning is all about establishing a routine. Help your loved one maintain a healthy diet, allocating one day a week to plan and prepare meals for the next six days to follow. Use this time to cook, cut and pack food in advance so you arent breaking routine or rushing throughout the week. During prep time, also be sure to consider size and space. Invest in storage-friendly, space-saving containers so that you dont make a batch of meals with nowhere to put them. Not only is your day one the key to avoiding cooking time later on, but its also what helps you avoid wasting time guessing what your next meal will be. Identify the Foods That MatterThe key to healthy meal prepping is obviously choosing healthy foods! Help your loved one identify meals that hit the major food groups including fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grainswithout sacrificing on flavor.When meal planning for an aging adult in particular, try to choose foods with little sugar, sodium and saturated fats. Also look for easily digestible options with key vitamins and minerals like cereals with B12. Keep It SimpleYou dont need to be a professional chef to create a healthy meal plan. Choose recipes that are easy to prepare and require fewer, less expensive ingredients. Foods that you can cook in bulk are the backbone of most meal plans. If youre looking for inspiration, dont hesitate to look online and find pre-existing meal plan menus, like this. Variety and FlexibilityEven though you should establish a solid routine and use simpler recipes when meal planning, this isnt meant to be a prison menu! Cook enough options to keep your palate from becoming bored and try to spread out your more diverse meals throughout the week. If you arent particularly interested in the next item on your menu, you can substitute or change things around. Listen to Your BodyWhile the National Institute of Health does have a recommended calorie intake of 2000-2500 calories per day, ultimately, everyones body is different. In week one of planning if you find yourself hungry between meals, incorporate larger portions into week two. Remember though, as you add more calories, youll need to add more nutrient-rich foods as well to keep your diet balanced. Utilize Outside ResourcesMeal planning ultimately saves time and effort, but its still a commitment in itself with its own unique learning curve. Consult friends and family who have had success in the past, watch videos on social media or speak to a dietitian about what they recommend.If you or an aging loved one is struggling to meal prep because of physical limitations, there are also plenty of outside solutions to that as well. SYNERGY HomeCare has a team of professional, around-the-clock caregivers who are more than capable of helping you prepare meals and get them packed up for the week to come. To learn more about SYNERGY HomeCare and its full suite of services, please call 877-432-2692. 

Will My Disability Benefits Change When I Turn 65?Turning 65 years old has traditionally been associated with retirement and enrollment in federal benefit programs. However, people with disabilities may already be receiving federal benefits through Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare before they turn 65.Disabled individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may wonder what happens to their disability benefits when they reach retirement age.The short answer is that their benefits dont end, and the amount they received prior to turning 65 remains the same. But given the complexity of the federal benefits system, there may be exceptions to these general rules on a case-by-case basis that need to be discussed with a disability attorney.Age 65 and Full Retirement AgeFor most of Social Securitys history, full retirement age, or the age at which someone could receive the maximum amount of Social Security retirement benefits based on their work history, was 65 years old.Reforms to Social Security in the 1980s raised the full-benefit retirement age to between 66 and 67 years old, depending on when somebody was born. For anybody born in 1960 and later, full retirement age is now 67.When Does Social Security Disability Convert to Regular Social Security?The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not permit a person to receive both disability and retirement benefits on one earnings record at the same time.For anyone receiving SSDI payments, their monthly disability benefit automatically switches to Social Security retirement upon reaching full retirement age. Again, this is age 66 or 67 for most people.When this switch takes place, the monthly payment amount stays the same.How Long Do Social Security Disability Benefits Last?SSDI lasts for as long as the recipient has a disabling condition and is unable to work, or until they reach retirement age, at which time the disability benefit converts to a retirement benefit.Social Security performs a continuing disability review (CDR) of SSDI recipients every three to seven years.Turning 65 or reaching full retirement age does not trigger this review. And once SSDI benefits change over to retirement benefits, there is no need for a medical review, since a recipient doesnt have to be disabled to receive Social Security old age benefits.SSI and Retirement AgeA person may qualify for SSI with a disability if they have little or no income and resources and are age 64 and younger, or they have little or no income or resources and are age 65 and older.Qualifying for SSI does not require a work history the way that SSDI does. So, someone can qualify for SSI without ever having worked. But because the SSI benefit payment is not tied to a work history, SSI benefits do not convert to retirement benefits upon reaching full retirement age.If someones receiving SSI for a disability, their benefits can continue after they reach retirement age as long as they still meet the programs financial requirements.Disabled SSI recipients are subject to a CDR at least once every three years, or every five to seven years. During the CDR, the SSA also reviews a recipients income and resources to ensure they are still eligible for and receiving the correct SSI benefit amount.Disability, Medicare, and Turning 65Medicare eligibility ordinarily begins at age 65. But people under age 65 whove gotten SSDI benefits for at least 24 months can start receiving Medicare.SSDI recipients automatically get Medicaid Part A and Part B, collectively known as Original Medicare, after receiving their 25th month of benefits. They can choose at that time to decline or keep Part B, which covers services from doctors and other health care providers. They must typically keep Part A, the portion covering inpatient hospital care.When individuals with qualifying disabilities turn 65 and gain age-based Medicare eligibility, they dont have to re-enroll or complete additional paperwork to continue receiving health care benefits.Turning 65, though, amounts to a secondary initial enrollment period. This could be a good time to re-evaluate current Medicare coverages and make changes.For example, a disabled Medicare recipient may have declined Part B coverage when they first enrolled but decide to keep this coverage when they enroll again at age 65. They can also choose to enroll in another Medicare program, such as Part C or D.Disability, Medicaid, and Turning 65Medicaid is government health care for people with limited income, including those with disabilities.In many states, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid eligibility thats based on receiving SSI should not be impacted by turning 65, but there could be considerations related to special needs trust funding at age 65.Medicaid covers some costs that Medicare does not, such as long-term care. Special needs trusts can help to preserve a beneficiarys access to benefits like SSI and Medicaid. But the window of time to fund a first-party special needs trust closes at age 65.Some people are also eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. They may be able to enroll in a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan, a type of managed care plan that helps to coordinate coverage for those with complex medical needs.Work With a ProfessionalSSDI, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid all have complex rules that may vary by state. Whether youre turning 65 or reaching retirement age, contact Ashley Day at 251-277-3377. She can provide answers and assist with any necessary paperwork.  

How We Help Veterans Age with Dignity and RespectTransitioning from military to civilian life can be a complex journey for veterans, filled with various challenges. Many face difficulties such as adapting to new social environments, managing mental health issues, and navigating healthcare systems. Understanding these needs is crucial for providing the right support, and that's where Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder steps in. Our team is dedicated to serving those who have bravely served our country.Veterans often experience unique struggles, including health concerns and emotional challenges stemming from their service. Whether it's post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical injuries, or difficulty adjusting to civilian life, these veterans require understanding and compassion. We believe that dignity and respect are fundamental in veteran care. Our team is committed to fostering an environment where veterans feel valued and supported as they navigate this new chapter of their lives.Our Veteran Care ServicesTo meet the diverse needs of veterans, Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder provides a range of specialized home care services. From personal assistance with daily activities to medication administration and more, our veteran care services are designed to address both physical and mental health needs. Understanding that each veteran's experience is different, our caregivers work closely with clients to ensure they receive tailored support that promotes their overall well-being.We recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach doesnt work for veterans. Thats why we develop personalized care plans that cater to the individual needs of each veteran we assist. Our caregivers take the time to understand their clients' specific circumstances and preferences, creating customized solutions that can include anything from assistance with household tasks to companionship during social outings.Support for Families of VeteransThe transition to civilian life affects not only veterans but their families as well. We provide essential support to veterans' families during this challenging period. We offer resources and guidance to help family members understand the challenges their loved one's face and how best to support them. Our network includes connections to various support groups, counseling services, and educational resources that can help families navigate this journey together.Why Choose Us?When it comes to choosing care services, veterans have options, but Homewatch CareGivers of Boulder stands out with our commitment to quality and compassion. Our professional caregivers are trained to provide not just physical care but also emotional support, creating a holistic approach to wellness. We encourage families to contact us online or call (844) 908-3819 today and schedule a consultation call with our team.The journey from military to civilian life is filled with challenges, but with the right support and care, veterans can thrive. We're honored to serve those who have served us. Let us partner with you in this journey, providing the compassionate care and support that every veteran deserves.