The Importance of Self Care

How to Apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid in ColoradoApplying for Medicaid can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to long-term care. However, with the right guidance and resources, the process can be much smoother. This guide is designed for seniors, caregivers, and Colorado residents to help them understand how to apply for long-term care Medicaid in Colorado. Understanding Long-Term Care MedicaidLong-term care Medicaid provides financial assistance to those who need help with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It covers care provided in various settings including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even at home. Why You Shouldn't Apply AloneGiven the high volume of applications and the complexity of the process, we do not recommend submitting an application on your own. Mistakes can delay approval or result in denial. Should you choose to apply on your own, we will give you the information and tools you need during our free initial consultation with you. Schedule a free consultation here  - calendly.com/doinggoodforothers Steps to Apply for Long-Term Care Medicaid in ColoradoStep 1: Find The Applicants DHS OfficeThe first step in applying for Medicaid in Colorado is to find the applicants local Department of Human Services (DHS) office. This is where you will submit your financial application. Find the Applicants DHS office here - cdhs.colorado.gov/contact-your-county Step 2: Submit a Financial ApplicationOnce you have located your local DHS office, you will need to submit a financial application. This form will require detailed information about your income, assets, and expenses. Step 3: Determine Financial EligibilityBefore proceeding with the application, it's crucial to determine if you qualify financially for Medicaid or VA Aid & Attendance benefits. Strategies exist to access benefits while protecting your personal assets, and a Certified Medicaid Planner (CMP) can help you maximize your benefits. Find out if you qualify - doinggoodforothers.com/financialinformation Step 4: Schedule a Health AssessmentAfter qualifying financially, you will need to schedule a level of care assessment, also known as a health assessment, with the Applicants Single Entry Point. This evaluation will determine the level of care you require. Schedule a health assessment - hcfp.colorado.gov/case-management-agency-directory Step 5: Skip the Hassle of Applying Alone Schedule an AppointmentIf you find the application process overwhelming, you can skip figuring out how to apply on your own by scheduling an appointment with our experts.  Schedule an appointment with a Certified Medicaid Planner - calendly.com/doinggoodforothers Our 4-Step Process for Application AssuranceWe have developed a streamlined 4-step process to help you feel relief about your loved ones care and save money. 1. Schedule a Free Initial ConsultationLearn more about what we can do to preserve your assets by scheduling a free initial consultation. 2. Make a PlanThrough an assessment of your financial circumstances, we will create a roadmap of the best options for you. 3. Pick an OptionWe explore legitimate opportunities to preserve your assets. 4. Gain BenefitsSelect the best option, and we will complete a successful application for gained benefits. Applying for long-term care Medicaid in Colorado doesn't have to be stressful. By following these steps and seeking professional guidance, you can ensure a smoother application process and maximize your benefits.For personalized assistance, schedule a free consultation with one of our Certified Medicaid Planners (CMP) today. Learn more and schedule now! - calendly.com/doinggoodforothers

As our population ages, providing care for aging parents is becoming more common by the day.Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic increase in adults providing care for their spouses or aging parents. While providing this service to your family can be rewarding, it can also take a toll on your personal life in the form of financial stress, having drastically less personal time, feeling drained and generally overwhelmed.The holiday season is a particularly stressful time for caregivers. Providing care to your loved one, taking care of your own family and making time for yourself is a delicate balancing act that can all too quickly fall apart. Its easy to dedicate too much time to the others while not enough for yourself, increasing the risk of burnout and fatigue. This type of caregiver stress can lead to a variety of personal complications such as:DepressionSocial isolationFinancial difficultiesStruggling to copeDifficulty providing care due to advancing Alzheimers, reduced physical abilities and other senior related health issues.When Caregiver Stress Becomes an IssueCaregivers are often so focused on their loved ones that they forget to think about themselves and their own lives. This is detrimental in many ways, and can lead to declining health, anger or frustration, fatigue and even drug and alcohol abuse.Over time, the effects of stress or caregiver fatigue have a huge effect on your overall wellbeing and health. On top of stress, fatigue, depression, or exhaustion, many caregivers do not get enough sleep, physical activity or proper nutrition because they are so busy dedicating their time to the care of someone else. This can even lead to a variety of future health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.8 Strategies to Reduce Caregiver StressWhile the emotional strain and physical stress associated with caregiving can be very taxing, simply taking advantage of the resources and tools available to you can help you provide better care for both your loved ones and yourself. Its important to remember that if you arent taking care of yourself, your ability to take care of others suffers too.Stay Connected with OthersSharing and vocalizing experiences can help caregivers manage fatigue and stress. Its important to realize that you can talk about your stressors with fellow caregivers, clergy, friends, and family.Seek and Accept Help from OthersOften, when individuals truly need support or assistance in tough situations they withdraw rather than joining support networks to get the help they need. Dont be afraid to reach out to these groups - they exist for a reason. Support networks come from the community, online support, local groups and other professionals.Understand What the Future Looks Like for You and Your Loved OneTalking to medical staff about the available options during aging, declining health, and disease can make a lot of difference. You can also obtain support from Aging and Disability Resources Centers. Additionally, there are other programs in the residence to talk to about aging adults and their caregivers. This will equip you with the information you need in order to fully understand your situation and caring requirements, and ultimately to provide more effective care.Find Respite and RelaxationGetting a break for a few hours or days is always beneficial - whether it be in a faith-based organization, a social group or health club. Dont feel guilty about spending this time on yourself either. While it might seem that you need to spend all of your time with your loved one, taking time for yourself is absolutely crucial in order to rest and recover. The more time you spend on yourself, the better shape you will be in to care for others.Practice Self-Care RegularlyParticipate in enjoyable and relaxing activities. This could include social outings, hobbies, art or other creative endeavors. Sometimes reading, listening to music, watching a movie, or simply relaxing can drastically improve your state of mind. The activity itself doesnt matter so much as the act of practicing self-care. Make it a habit; even 15 minutes per day will make a huge difference.ExerciseExercise is a miracle drug that can improve your mental and physical health in a big way. Being active improves your mood, reduces stress and minimizes your risk of contracting debilitating diseases. Its a crucial tool for staying in shape and remaining level-headed. Exercise everyday if you can. And remember that anything is better than nothing - even a long walk once a day will do wonders for both your body and your mind.Stay Healthy with a Regular ScheduleStress is the mind-killer. It can cause people to lose sleep, overeat or under eat, drink excessively, smoke and consume drugs. Maintaining a regular schedule is one way to combat this. Ensure that you get enough sleep, get to bed around the same time every night, and eat healthily. Maintaining a regular schedule will give your days a sense of structure and help you to remain grounded and healthy.Keep a Positive Perspective with Meditation and Other TacticsSometimes it can be tough to keep a positive outlook. That being said, there are tools such as meditation, conscious breathing and journaling that can be used to help reduce stress and encourage positivity. These techniques also help to reduce negative and fatalistic thoughts while also fostering feelings of gratefulness.

Caring for an aging parent is something a lot of us will face. Right now, over 37 million people across the U.S. are walking this path, pouring their hearts into caring for their parents. If your elderly parent is living with you, or if you're figuring out how to support them from miles away, you know this journey is all about love, dedication, and sometimes, a bit of sacrifice.Sometimes, you might catch yourself thinking, "I don't want to care for my elderly parents all by myself." Its okay to be honest about how youre feeling. Weve been there, and we're here to help bring joy into the aging process, for both you and your loved one. The good news? You dont have to walk this road alone. This blog is all about getting real with the reasons we might find ourselves stepping into caregiver shoes, and sharing several care options that can lighten your load and brighten your aging parent's day.How Adult Children Become CaregiversLets look at why adult children often end up being the go-to caregiver for their senior parents.Sense of Duty and Responsibility: After all the years they spent caring for us, it feels natural to want to return the favor. This feeling, while rooted in love and respect, can leave us feeling obligated to take on the role of caregiver.Fear of Negative Consequences: Nobody wants to feel like theyre letting their parents down or worrying about getting side-eye from family and friends. This kind of pressure can make us feel stuck in the caregiver role, even when its tough.Parents Increasing Dependence: Watching our parents age and become more reliant on us can be a challenging transition. While it can feel overwhelming, the last thing we want is for them to think theyre a burden.Family Dynamics: Oh, the joys of family life! When it comes to caring for our parents, those complicated relationships and emotional ties can play a significant role in adult children feeling trapped caring for elderly parents. Being an Only Child or the Local Child: If youre an only child or the sibling who lives nearest to your aging parent, the sense of responsibility can feel even greater to step up as the family caregiver for your mom, dad, or both.Lack of Alternative Care Options: Without other family members pitching in or the funds to pay for professional caregivers, you may feel like theres no choice but to continue caring for your parents all on your own.Thankfully, there are ways to manage your situation without feeling like you're giving up your life to care for elderly parents. Wrapping You in Support: Alternative Care for Your Senior Loved OnesWhen youre standing at a caregiving crossroads, knowing there are different paths you can take is a game-changer. Lets dive into some options that offer both you and your loved ones a breath of fresh air.In-home CareIn-home care is all about keeping your parent comfy and happy wherever they live. If youre caring for elderly parents in your home, theyll come to you! Services range from skilled medical care by nurses or therapists to non-medical support such as help with daily activities, meal preparation, and companionship. Best for: Older adults who need regular assistance or medical care but want to maintain their independence by staying in their familiar home environment.Nursing HomesNursing homes provide older adults with around-the-clock medical care and supervision, designed for older adults with significant health needs that cant be safely managed at home. These facilities offer a high level of support, including access to healthcare professionals, rehabilitation services, and social activities.Best for: Older adults with advanced medical needs that require comprehensive care and continuous professional monitoring.Assisted LivingAssisted living strikes a balance between independence and support. Older adults live in their own private living spaces but have access to help when they need it, along with meals and social activities. Residents can enjoy community activities, social opportunities, and the security of available care.Best for: Older adults who dont want the responsibility of maintaining a home but still wish to live independently.Respite CareNeed a breather? Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers, ranging from a few hours to several weeks. This allows adult children to take time away from their daily caregiving responsibilities to handle personal matters, or simply rest and recharge.Best for: Family caregivers who need to take a well-deserved break, whether it's for personal time, vacation, or emergencies. Adult DaycareAdult daycare centers are like summercamp for older adults. They offer a safe and engaging environment where your parents can spend their day enjoying various activities, meals, and socializing, with professional oversight and care available as needed. Best for: Older adults looking for social interaction and activities during daytime hours, and for caregivers who work or need regular breaks. NaborforceNaborforce connects older adults with community members, known as Nabors (pronounced "Neighbors"), happy to lend a helping hand to older adults in the area. From picking up groceries to sharing a friendly conversation, Nabors offer both practical help and social engagement, bringing joy to older adults wherever they are. Best for: Older adults who need a bit of help now and then around the house or around town without the need for a fixed schedule or long-term commitment. Remember that you have options the next time you feel trapped caring for elderly parentshelp is just a call away!When You Need a Helping Hand, Call NaborforceAt Naborforce, we bridge the gap between full independence and formal senior care by providing on-demand help to older adults. Through our simple platform, we make it easy to connect your loved one with vetted individuals right in their communityno strings attached. If youre looking for a kind, reliable person to help out your parent now and then, sign up to schedule a visit from Naborforce.Our Nabors are currently offering a helping hand in places like:Atlanta, GABethesda, MDCharlotte, NCCharlottesville, VADallas, TXFort Worth, TXNorthern VirginiaRaleigh, NCRichmond, VAVirginia BeachOur goal is simple: to make life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable for older adults. Give us a call at 844.MY.NABOR or sign up your senior loved one today.