Veteran Benefits for Seniors: Will They Pay for Assisted Senior Living?

What is an assisted or senior living facility? Can it benefit you or your loved one? Will you or your loved one like it? Lets discuss resources and reasons why assisted living can be beneficial and the right choice for you or a loved one. Assisted living in short provides care to the elderly including dining, nursing, and housekeeping. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, there are more than 800,000 people residing in assisted living in the United States. Which is about 2% of seniors in the United States who live in assisted living facilities.As seniors age, they may need help with hygiene, eating, or housekeeping activities to live a full life. When needing care assistance there are different options for you or your loved one. Assisted living facilities focus on the importance of personal care in a facility for you or your loved one. Make sure to talk with your loved one about the choice to move into an assisted living facility. Isolation and loneliness  have been proven to assist in the decline of an elderly persons health. As a resident, daily social activities and conversing with others will help you or your loved one to broaden important social skills at an older age. Being in an assisted living facility can drastically improve overall health by simply boosting your or a loved ones mood. If you or a loved one are feeling isolated or lonely, being in a senior living facility will present the opportunity to meet people and socialize with other residents you may have a lot in common with.It can be difficult to narrow down an assisted living facility thats right for you or your loved one. There are many options available to help fit you or your loved ones needs. The most important part when selecting an assisted living facility is making sure it checks all the boxes. When choosing a community, take time to research and discover what these facilities have to offer.Use the following guide to assist in the decision for the best assisted living facility.Look for Management and Experience in Assisted LivingReputation Having a good reputation in the community is important to the facility, potential residents and families. The best way to judge a reputation is by experiencing it, its easy to make quick judgements so we recommend reading reviews, reaching out to residents or families in the area, and scheduling a tour.Licensing and InspectionsThe state regulates assisted living communities by putting in place protocols, procedures, and sometimes showing up unannounced to the facility. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), regulate nursing homes with evaluations posted on their website but not assisted living communities. Each state regulates assisted living facilities in place of the federal government. Each state is different and usually is monitored by the states health department or social services. To learn more, click here.Longevity of StaffHaving experienced and well-trained staff is crucial to a properly run facility. Staff who have been around the facility for years know the residents well, are very familiar with the facility and are experienced. When assisting residents, you or your loved one want a staff member who knows what they are doing. Having a connection with the staff is important for residents to feel comfortable and trust who is taking care of them.Look for a Friendly Atmosphere and Environment in an Assisted Living FacilityFacility Having a clean facility is crucial to choosing the right one for you or your loved one. The ambience is a big factor to consider when touring, does it feel comfortable, or does it feel off? Is the facility like the pictures online or does it look completely different, many facilities do this to get customers in the door, and its deceiving. In the facility, pay attention if the staff is warm and friendly or if they seem like they dont want to be there. Picture yourself or your loved one walking through the halls or sitting having dinner with residents, its important to feel comfortable. Does the facility appeal to all 5 senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, and eyesight)?StaffWhen choosing an assisted living facility, the staff is one of the most important aspects of deciding. The staff are going to be taking care of you or your loved one and will be responsible for administering medicine, help with mobility, running engaging activities, and caring for you or your loved ones overall safety. Assisted living staff should be passionate in this line of work, find people you or your loved one connect with and feel comfortable around. If youre looking for ways to see what kind of staff a facility has, to catch a glimpse, poke around on the facilitys Facebook page. Doing this allows you to see into the environment and staff at the facility. Most facilities have social media to keep families and potential residents updated and to highlight special moments.Look for Quality Services and Amenities of Assisted LivingCareCan you or your loved ones needs be met? Will the nurses and staff cater to you or your loved one for your specific required needs? These are the questions to think about before making the final decision where to go. 24/7 nursing is important to have when aging, someone to always be there for you or your loved one in case of emergency. Look into how care is administered and how it is determined to cater to you or your loved one. Ask questions on the tour, reach out to the director, and read all the information the facility will provide you in detail. Also, ask if the facility has a Quality Assurance Manager.TransportationA facility having a service like transportation will give residents the ability to go to their doctors appointments safely or partake in an adventure off property. Its a special service not every facility can offer, families of loved ones can relax knowing theyre safe and provided with the service of transportation.Outside SpaceEveryone needs fresh air. Having a path to walk on or somewhere to be able to sit and get fresh air is important, especially in assisted living, its easy to become cooped up a lot of the time. Getting outside and moving your body will help feelings of isolation or sadness. Ask the facility if they have outdoor patios and how often they use them. Look for some vitamin D!Some facilities offer many different types of amenities like an ice cream parlor, barber shop, hair salon, library and more!Look for Safety Features Offered in an Assisted Living FacilitySecurity & Call SystemIf you or your loved one suffers from Alzheimers or dementia, having security implementations such as Wander Guard will help monitor you or your loved one. If a resident tries to leave the building alone, its a simple way to help avoid accidents and to keep everyone safe. Having a call system in place will help with the safety of you or your loved one. Residents can notify nurses if they are not feeling well or have fallen, its a system that helps staff be aware of issues in the building since they cant be everywhere at once. The call system is a feature that helps bring families peace of mind because they know their loved ones are in constant care, which is better than at home.Ask for Their Recreational Activities Calendar of Assisted LivingInterestMany facilities offer a wide variety of social and recreational activities for residents, with a lot of diversity to cater to different interests. When researching facilities, focus on activities that interest you or your loved one and that seem fun. At an assisted living facility, there are more options than if at home, but its still important to find activities you or your loved one will enjoy. Facilities that offer a variety will be super helpful in creating a wonderful atmosphere. Some facilities offer night owl calendars, the purpose of night owl is to have residents stimulated if they cant go to bed or enjoy staying up late.  From indoors to outdoors to exercise classes and happy hours, many facilities offer a lot of options for residents to socialize.FamilyWith the hundreds of activities assisted living facilities can put together, important activities also include family involvement as well as the community. Having a facility that enriches and encourages families to come and visit their loved ones is important to help maintain close bonds. Holiday parties with family and birthdays can help residents stay connected.Look for Assisted Living Quality Food ServiceDietary NeedsMost people have different needs or specific restrictions when it comes to their diet, especially as they age. It can be recommended by your doctor, an allergy, or a personal choice. Making sure a facility offers special dietary services is an important feature. While looking, its important to also research if the menu is approved by a dietitian. Food can increase socialization and overall health in you or your loved one by fueling your body with nutritious meals. Having food that you or your loved one will like is crucial to enjoying an assisted living facility. Eating and socializing promotes a sense of community and food can help residents feel happier and more comfortable.VisitorsLook into if residents can have visitors and what that cost would be. Some residents might not be able to leave the assisted living home because they are not able, so its important to see if the facility allows family members to have private parties or gatherings.Ask Questions About Contacts and FeesIts important to keep questions like these in mind on the tour or speaking with the facility employees: Are there community entrance fees? Are there any extra costs? Can you age in place? How often do rates increase?Some facilities charge these fees, and some do not. Each facility will work differently for everyone based on their financial situation and each facility offers different services to residents. Find whats best for you or your loved one!This checklist is meant to help get you or your loved ones mind thinking about important aspects to consider when discussing moving into assisted living. There are many attributes that pertain to where you or your loved one make the choice. Its important to do the research and investigate certain features that would help make the decision easier. It can be difficult to narrow down the right place, especially with cost being a large factor of where you or your loved one will go. Use resources to help in this decision and trust your gut!Lets further discuss key points on why assisted living could be the right choice for you or your loved one:Reason 1:- 24/7 NursingHaving nurses on site 24/7 is a game changer for you or a loved one. It gives you and family members peace of mind that there are medical professionals readily available if anything were to happen. Having a caregiver who is professionally trained will help residents to live a happier life. As much as family or friends want to help, they do not have the experience nurses do. Some facilities do not offer 24-hour nurses because they dont have enough staff or money in their budget. They will still have access to nurses but not 24/7 or sometimes only virtually, its up to you or your loved one which is preferred.It can be hard to accept if you or a loved one needs assisted living care but recognizing it and finding the best fit is worth the hardship. The sense of safety you can give yourself or a loved one will be extremely beneficial to both sides. Usually, families want to do everything they can and become their own versions of nurses. There comes a point in time when medical professionals will make the world a difference on both sides, while also giving the opportunity to gain a group of supporters and advocates for you or a loved ones health.Reason 2: Having a 24/7 Activities CalendarKeeping social has its many benefits for seniors. If you or a loved one are introverted, its easy to become lonely and isolated. Being alone has proven to have negative effects on mental and physical health. Taking part in socialization may improve your memory and is a way to have fun! The reason for 24/7 activities is to intrigue every type of resident, whether that be at late afternoon or 3 in the morning because they cant go back to bed after taking their medication. Or they cant sleep because they miss their family, so they find a friend to play cards with. The purpose is to always have the opportunity for residents available regardless of time.During the day, a resident may be too tired to do anything but by nighttime, they feel better. This gives everyone the opportunity to socialize on their own time. Some residents are night owls, others early birds, both have the chance to do what they want and when. If you or a loved one are looking for a chance to improve your mental health, consider and participate in activities that are offered because there are bigger reasons behind them. For example, playing cards frequently can help improve your or a loved ones memory and cognition. Cards help with short-term memory as recalling a move quickly is important, as well as hand eye coordination. Reminder, social activities will always be important to a persons physical and mental health, regardless of age.Reason 3: Services and AmenitiesSomething you wouldnt be able to enjoy at home but can at a facility will likely become an incentive on why a senior living facility might be for you. For example, the adjustment of going from a home with not much to do unless you could drive there, to a facility with cool amenities like a beauty parlor and barber shop could be a fun change!The day-to-day places you had to go each day while living alone can be right down the hall instead. This saves gas money, car payments, expenses, or the risk of something happening to you or a loved one unsupervised. When looking for the right facility for you or your loved one, pay close attention to the amenities and the benefits of having them right there. When picking options, have them be desirable and beneficial to what you or your loved one want.Reason 4: DiningIndependence is easy to take for granted, having it taken away or fighting a loved one over it for their safety is difficult. With assisted living, loved ones are monitored constantly without being invasive, to allow the opportunity to still be independent. They can go on walks, take a yoga class, or participate in field trips all while having nurses assist at every event they choose to attend. If anything were to happen, they wouldnt be alone.Reason 5: Feel at HomeIf you or your loved one suffers from pain or difficulty getting around, assisted living can help relieve those struggles and provide comfort. Having professionals monitor medications or assist with hygiene activities will help you or a loved ones quality of life. Its not a secret as someone gets older, it is more of a risk for them to be alone or to be doing activities theyve always done. Being a resident of assisted living will help bring an extra level of safety to you or your loved one that families cannot bring. As safe and secure someone may feel with their own families, it is not always the solution especially if they have their own lives to live.Reason 6: SafetyWhen an elderly person is living alone, they usually have housework to upkeep or laundry to fold. But what if the washer and dryer are in the basement and its a hazard to walk down a steep flight of stairs. Not only does this pertain to safety but joining an assisted living facility can also allow for more free time. Not worrying about the laundry being folded, the dishes being clean or the mailbox being completely full.Pittsburgh is known as one of the best places to live in Pennsylvania according to Niche. It is rich in American history and known as the City of Bridges having 446 of them. There are 195 assisted living facilities in the Pittsburgh area, they offer different opportunities for levels of care and costs.Pittsburgh is a place where different age groups can find multiple activities to do. Being in assisted living wont stop you from still enjoying the city you live in if youre able. Look into the local arts and culture of Pittsburgh, like the Warhol Museum.When it comes to deciding when to go into assisted living, its important to plan. Coming to terms with accepting help or realizing you or your loved one needs a change in their environment requires some deep thinking. There is a lot going into a decision as big as this one: family, pets, current home, or if facility care is the right choice. Check out this planning guide for a mental and physical checklist to help you or your loved one feel better prepared.If you or your loved one do choose to become a resident at a senior living facility, the standard is to be well taken care of daily. There should be multiple employees in each department making sure residents are comfortable and being cared for. To benefit from the care you or your loved one receive, its important to also continue  to care for yourselves.In ConclusionResiding in a senior living facility opens a door of opportunity and benefits for you or a loved one. With a 24/7 activities schedule to keep you or your loved one engaged and social to the multiple amenities available. Gain the advantages senior living facilities offer while feeling comfortable and aging in place. Senior living is not only about becoming older, but also about finding a place which fits you or a loved ones needs best, all while offering opportunities that wouldnt be available at home. Having 24-hour nurses physically on property can make a world of difference with your or a loved ones health compared to being alone.Still feel connected to having independence by choosing to participate in activities and continue to stay active. Senior assisted living facilities can offer the opportunity of aging in place. The care you receive can adapt with you or your loved ones age, resulting in a happier and safer lifestyle. Its main purpose is to provide comfort and fulfillment to residents and their families in times of need.If youre interested in learning more about senior living facilities and what they can offer to you or a loved one, research! Call up potential facilities and schedule a tour to see it in person or a virtual visit.Take the information here and process all the opportunities senior assisted living can give to yourself or a loved one. It can transform a persons way of life as they begin to age and have limited abilities. There are more opportunities for residents with activities and amenities available every day, compared to if they werent residents at a facility. Socializing and moving your feet are key factors in staying healthy as everyone ages, cue the live music and midnight movies!

Watching someone you love experience memory loss and confusion can be emotionally challenging. Youve come to the decision memory care is the best form of support your loved one needs and will offer them the best quality of life. In this blog, we will dive into what steps are next, giving you the knowledge and resources to make the essential choices for your loved one. We all want our loved ones to receive compassionate care and the correct amount of attention, so lets get started. #1 Research Memory Care Communities  After deciding, an easy first step to research is typing in memory care facilities in you or your loved ones area. Click around and spend some time on the websites that appear. When researching in the designated area, take the time to focus on pricing. Some facilities offer a monthly fee or all-inclusive, while others offer prices based on the level of care your loved one needs. Pricing can have a significant impact where you choose, but other factors like amenities, services, location and reviews also play a role.  When it comes to amenities, its important facilities offer assistance with daily activities. Daily activities include bathing, dressing, and medication management. Activities with cognitive stimulation and social engagement will be vital to your loved ones overall well-being and cognitive function. Locate the top facilities within budget that you believe will promote the best sense of belonging and a reduced feeling of isolation. #2 Take a Tour Its important to see the facilities in person rather than on their website. Observe your visit closely. Pay attention to whether the staff are friendly and helpful, if the residents look happy, and if it feels comfortable. Explore the kind of activities going on, art therapy, puzzles, music, are some of the stimulating activities memory care facilities should be offering. On this tour, its important to be able to ask questions and come prepared. Evaluate the safety and security measures being followed, handrails, well-lit rooms, and secure outdoor areas. The fun stuff on a tour is important, keep tabs if the amenities match what they advertise on their website, if they are up to standard as well as checking to see if their nurses are Certified Dementia Practitioners. When touring a facility, ask questions regarding the staff to resident ratio to evaluate if proper personalized care will be provided. This is your time to express any concerns, ask questions, and see the physical environment for yourself. #3 Evaluate Financial Planning and Support To understand and be up to date, youll need to explore funding options. Consulting with a financial advisor to look at your loved ones financial situation can help you determine the best payment options. Familiarize yourself with the different costs like meals, accommodations, and specialized programs. Create a budget if needed, and plan for any future needs for your loved one as the disease progresses.  Evaluate your loved ones financial situation; their income, savings, and assets. You can explore funding options to help with the cost of memory care, like Medicaid. If you plan on creating a budget, take into account any ongoing costs for your loved one, medical and personal, to make sure you or your loved one does not have any financial strain in the future. Joining a support group can help you learn from others experiences and get advice from others in similar situations. #4 Discuss a Care Plan in Advance Its important to develop a care plan which is individually based on your loved ones specific needs. This disease will eventually take away their ability to make cognizant decisions when it comes to health. Its important to lay out from the beginning what the necessary steps are to take as this disease continues to progress. Creating a will in advance will allow your loved ones assets and belongings to be distributed how they specified before the turn of the diagnosis. Choosing a power of attorney, AKA proxy, should be someone close and able to make proper medical decisions. Check out more about financial planning when choosing memory care. Include family members and healthcare professionals when creating and deciding on your loved ones treatment. Discussing treatment options with doctors and geriatric specialists can help lead you to make the proper decisions about care options, for treatment, medication, and symptom management. Remember to consider your loved ones preferences so you can make decisions tailored to them and their needs. One of the most important reminders with a loved one in memory care is regularly review and update the plan. If your loved ones condition has changed, it may be time to reevaluate the care plan and treatment options.  #5 Plan and Prepare for the Transition As your loved one moves into memory care, here are three main things to remember: -Change the mailing address to your loved ones new address. -Cancel any cable and Wi-Fi subscriptions. -Update addresses on cards and accounts. Being prepared will make the transition much smoother and more efficient. Prepare for the emotional transition as well, openly communicate with your loved one on their needs and preferences. For example, validate their emotions, take part in activities with them, create a personalized living space to keep your loved one comfortable, seek support for yourself if you need, and stay positive! Click here for more information on packing for memory care. When preparing for the transition of your loved one into a memory care facility, make sure to share all relevant information with the facility staff. Letting the staff know their medical history, needs, and daily routines will help to ensure a proper transition because it will be a big change for them. From then on, actively staying engaged with your loved one, staff, and the facility will help you to stay up to date on their well-being and any changes.  Deciding memory care is the best form of care for your loved one, is not easy. But, by taking the proactive steps needed, you can help ensure your loved one has the best possible care and life. This transition can bring many mixed emotions to you, your family and your loved one. Remind yourself you are making a decision to prioritize your loved ones health, safety, comfort and well-being. Stay on top of your and the facilities communication and always openly address concerns. Embrace this new chapter. You are not alone in this ride, seek help and assistance where needed, spend time with your loved one, visit them for events, connect with their stories and remember to always celebrate small victories.   

How to Prevent & Treat Joint Pain Most of us never think about our joints until they start to hurt. As we age, we lose strength and flexibility in our tendons and ligaments. As our joints get tighter, it may become harder to move. The cartilage between our bones of the joints also starts to break down; this leads to inflammation and osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder. Taking care of your joints can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Five Tips to Keep Your Joints Healthy  1.      Stay at a healthy weight. Carrying extra body weight puts strain on thejoints, especially the knees. On the flip side, being underweight can lead to a lackof muscle, which helps keep your joints strong and stable. Aim for a healthy weightbased on your height and body type. 2.      Exercise every day and make sure to warm up before and cool down after.You may think it's better to limit exercise if your joints are hurting, but regularmovement and exercise is one of the best ways to prevent and help joint pain.Exercise strengthens the muscles around joints, helping to take pressure off them.If you have joint pain, stick to low-impact activities like biking, swimming,and walking. The more you move, the more likely youll keep moving without painand stiffness as you age. It's also important to stretch before and after you exercise to loweryour risk of straining joints and muscles. Just five minutes of stretching beforeexercise to warm up your joints and five minutes after to cool down will helpprevent workout injuries. 3.      Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet. A Mediterranean diet richin fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and healthy fats reduces joint pain. Addthese other anti-inflammatory foods to your grocery list:         Tomatoes         Olive oil         Green leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, and collards         Nuts like almonds and walnuts         Fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines         Fruits, like strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges 4.      Make sure you're drinking enough water. Your bodys cartilage thatcushions your joints is made up of 80% water. When you get dehydrated, yourbody starts pulling water from other sources, including cartilage. This leads to jointpain and a greater risk of injury. 5.      If you smoke, it's time to quit! Smoking is a risk factor for everything, fromheart and lung problems to cancer and joint pain. Smoking increases inflammationthroughout the body. This makes it harder for your body to heal if you injure yourjoints. To quit smoking, seek support and a treatment plan from your Primary CareProvider. His or her phone number is on the back of your Viva Medicare ID card.  Contact Viva Health to find out more about Medicare Plans in the Alabama area.  Call 800-633-8472 to find out more!