What should I consider before taking Social Security?

Managing the logistics of caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, stressful, and confusing. Financing in-home care can also be complicated, but long-term care (LTC) insurance can be a helpful resource to offset the cost of care. If you or your loved one have long-term care insurance, its important to understand the nuances and coverage aspects of your policy before filing a claim to pay for home care services.What is Long-Term Care Insurance for Home Care?Each long-term care (LTC) policy is different, but generally, they all require that the insured individual meets specific criteria to begin receiving benefits in the home or other setting. For example, you may be eligible for benefits if:You have a cognitive impairment or need help with two or more of these Activities of Daily Living: eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, getting in and out of a bed or chair, and bladder or bowel control. A care manager or nurse from your insurance company typically assesses the need and determines your eligibility. You are past the elimination period, which is like other insurance deductibles except its measured in days instead of dollars. Whether your elimination period is 30, 60 or 90 days, you must cover the cost of any services for this time before your insurance company starts to pay.Depending on your provider, policy differences dictate what services are covered for your loved one. When reviewing your policy to understand whats covered, examine factors like the maximum amount paid per day of care, the maximum number of years the policy will pay for benefits and lifetime maximum payment amount. Because these factors vary greatly from plan to plan, its critical to be fully aware what your policy covers and how much you may need to pay out-of-pocket.What Are the Types of Policies of LTC and Do They Cover Home Care?Long-term care policies are generally offered as either a traditional stand-alone policy or a hybrid option alongside a life insurance policy. Some hybrid options, such as a linked benefit life insurance policy, allow you to access the death benefit of a traditional life insurance policy while your loved one is still alive and needs care. Other options, such as a long-term care rider add-on to a life insurance policy, have a separate portion of funds that are earmarked for long-term care benefits.Many comprehensive policies cover services such as skilled nursing in-home care, support with activities of daily living (ADLs), occupational and physical therapy, as well as rehabilitation. However, more limited policies may not cover all of these services. Each policy has their own set of specifics that must be fully understood before submitting a claim. If you have questions about your policy, discuss them with your insurance provider to gain clarity and also confirm that your care provider-of-choice accepts your insurance and what options are available to you.Filing a Claim for Home Care ServicesCarefully review your policy or ask your LTC insurance provider:How many Activities of Daily Living do I need to require help with before I qualify? Does requiring help due to a dementia diagnosis count? What is my elimination period? Is it calendar days or days of paid care that may be stretched out over several months? Are there a minimum number of hours per day I need to pay for in order for it to count as a day of care?Are a physicians orders needed to qualify?What is my daily, weekly or monthly maximum? Do I have an inflation clause?Can I stop paying premiums once I activate the policy?If I stop needing care or am hospitalized, does the elimination period start over?To learn more about how you can leverage your long-term care policy for home care services, contact your local BrightStar Care agency today.Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a ClaimIf its your first time using long-term care insurance, it can be a confusing process.  LTC insurance doesnt always work the same as other types of insurance. The most common mistake made when filing a claim is not adhering to the policys elimination period the waiting period before the policy will begin paying for services. During this period, the policyholder is expected to pay for services out-of-pocket. The elimination period is determined at the time of purchase and can vary from 30 days to a year or more. Other common mistakes to avoid are similar to those stumbling blocks that often materialize with more traditional forms of health insurance. When filing a claim, make sure to provide a clear, detailed account of your loved ones level of function and their medical needs. Submit consistent and complete medical documentation to accompany each claim and make sure to file all claims on time.Using Long-Term Care Insurance to Pay for Home CareKnowing if your family member has a long-term care insurance policy and what type of policy it is means you have additional resources to support their care. If LTC insurance is an option for your family, here are some helpful tips to follow if you plan to use this insurance to help pay home care for your loved one. Review your policy: Familiarize yourself with the type of policy your loved one has, what services it will cover and how long it will cover their needs. If you have a hybrid plan, youll also want to consider how your particular LTC insurance may impact a traditional life insurance policy. Consult with your providers: Always follow up with your insurance provider to make sure you are clear on your policys coverage. You should also consult with your healthcare provider to gain access to all necessary documentation for your insurance claim.Choose a licensed home care provider: Selecting a home care provider should include such considerations as their vetting and training practices, standard of care, licensing protocols and accreditation. Submit a claim: Follow your insurance providers process for filing a claim. Include all documentation and follow proper timelines to ensure timely payouts for services.Monitor and adjust: Stay up to date on the particulars of your insurance coverage and what that means for the medical needs of your loved one. Both may change without notice, potentially leaving the door open for a gap in coverage when your loved one needs it most. Making sure youre aware of any upcoming changes will allow you to adjust care and policy coverages as needed.How to Maximize Your LTC Insurance BenefitsNavigating the complexities of long-term care insurance benefits can be complicated, but by asking the right questions of your insurance provider and healthcare professionals, you can develop a better understanding and reap the full benefits of your plan. Here are a few tips and strategies to help you make the most of your LTC policy:Work with a care manager: Having a care manager that is familiar with LTC insurance policies will help maximize your benefits. An experienced care manager has a working knowledge of various LTC insurance policies and can help you understand what options are available to you and for how long. They can also help you find additional resources to offset any costs not covered by your LTC insurance. Use preferred home care providers like BrightStar Care: BrightStar Care has provided professional in-home care to individuals and families for decades. Weve worked with a variety of insurance providers and can help you understand your coverage options. When you choose preferred care providers, your claim process can be easier and faster. Opt for home-based care to reduce out-of-pocket costs: LTC insurance elimination periods vary from policy to policy, ranging from periods as short as 30 days to up to 1 year or longer. In-home care offers greater flexibility and tailored care solutions that are typically billed hourly, allowing individuals to only pay for the services they need on a part-time basis, rather than a fixed rate at a skilled nursing facility. Additionally, in-home care eliminates the added costs of upfront facility deposits or admission fees. These cost-saving factors make home-based care a more budget-friendly option during the waiting period before LTC insurance benefits kick in.BrightStar Care: Your Trusted Partner in Navigating Long-Term Care InsuranceAt BrightStar Care, we know that the experience of caring for an older loved one can be rewarding but come with its own unique set of difficulties. Payment options like long-term care insurance gives you the peace of mind that your loved one will receive the care they need and helps ease the financial burden of paying for that care. Questions and to learn more please call us today, 303-300-6666

It takes more than prescription medication to lower or control blood pressure, although they play a vital role in treatment. Other dietary and lifestyle changes can be instrumental in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Before your doctor increases your medication dosage or adds another prescription to your treatment, he might recommend other changes in your eating habits or lifestyle, such as limiting sugar and alcohol, increasing exercise, and getting better sleep.All of these and more can help set you up for success for lowering blood pressure, especially as you age. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often has no recognizable symptoms but is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.Most healthy adults should aim for a blood pressure reading below 120/80 mm Hg. Your blood pressure is considered high at 130/80 or above. Anything in between these ranges is considered elevated blood pressure and means you are at risk for developing high blood pressure. But this isnt inevitable.Here are 9 effective methods to lower your blood pressure.1. Get Adequate ExerciseExercise is a key ingredient for lowering blood pressure and can help you manage it long term. According to research, both aerobic and resistance training positively affect blood pressure and can even lower it for up to 24 hours after exercising.The key is to get regular exercise, meaning that its part of your daily routine. Its about regularly increasing your heart rate and breathing so that over time your heart is strengthened. A stronger heart pumps with less effort, putting less pressure on your arteries. This means lower blood pressure.So how much exercise is required to affect cardiovascular health? You should aim for 30 minutes per day, five days per week. Thats 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Moderate intensity exercise is defined by your heart rate during a work out. Anything below this range is too low to benefit cardiovascular health and anything above it is unnecessary. If you are exercising for health, these are the target heart rate ranges.Age (years)Target Heart Rate Range (beats/min)5085-1195583-1166080-1126578-109Other than intentional exercise, you can also increase activity by doing the following:Using the stairsWalking instead of drivingWorking around the houseGardeningBike ridingPlaying a sportBut be sure to clear any new exercise routine with your doctor to be sure you are healthy enough for moderate-intensity workouts.2. Manage Your WeightExtra body weight strains your heart and cardiovascular system, because it makes them work harder. This creates more pressure inside your arteries and can raise blood pressure. If youre overweight with a body mass index (BMI) over 25, it can help to lose 5-10 pounds. Losing weight may lower your blood pressure and your risk for other health problems.There are three major components to lowering BMI:Be more physically activeEat lessEat a healthy diet3. Eat Less Sugar and Refined CarbsCutting back on sugar and refined carbs can help you lose weight while lowering blood pressure. One study found that people who are overweight or obese who followed a low carb and low fat diet dropped their diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) by about 5 points and their systolic pressure (top number) by about 3 points after just six months.You can start by replacing some of the refined carbs with more whole grain varieties and foods that are less processed. Be sure to read labels and notice the sugar content in common foods you eat. Its often best to eat fewer prepackaged foods as these often contain more simple carbs and sugars.Instead, snack on produce and include more lean protein in your diet.4. Eat More Potassium and Less SaltEating a diet high in salt can increase your risk for high blood pressure. But if you eat more potassium and cut back on salt, you can lower your blood pressure. Science hasnt determined why salt impacts blood pressure, but its believed to have something to do with water retention and inflammation in blood vessels could be factors.Potassium helps your body eradicate salt and even relieves some of the pressure in your blood vessels. Think of it as a counterbalance to salt and its effects. Cutting back on salt and adding more potassium to your diet can notably lower blood pressure over time.High potassium foods to incorporate into your diet:Dried fruit (apricots, prunes)Milk and yogurtLentils and kidney beansVegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and spinachFruit like watermelon and bananasIf you have kidney disease, talk with your doctor before increasing potassium in your diet, as it could be harmful.5. Manage StressManaging stress benefits your overall health and positively affects your blood pressure. Stress has a direct impact on your body and its systems. Its important that you learn to recognize the symptoms of stress and its triggers. Its best to eliminate sources of stress when possible. But much of what causes your stress probably cant be set aside. In this case, youll need to learn to manage stress in a healthy way.Consider some of these methods and determine what works best for you:Taking a walk (or getting exercise)Reading a bookPracticing deep breathingListening to musicMeditation or prayerThese are ways you can decompress from daily stress and set your mind elsewhere. This type of relief can relax your body and keep your blood pressure from rising. Chronic stress, especially when poorly managed, keeps your body in an anxious state with an elevated heart rate and increased blood pressure.6. Get Plenty of Quality SleepWhen youre sleep deprived youre at greater risk for high blood pressure. Blood pressure often lowers a bit while sleeping, giving your system a rest. But if you havent slept well or enough, your body doesnt get this needed break. And without it, pressure continues to build. If you do this night after night, it can have long-term effects on your blood pressure.Here are some tips for getting better sleep:Keep a regular sleep scheduleExercise (but not too close to bed time)Leave devices outside your bedroomSleep in a cool, dark roomAvoid caffeine and alcohol too close to bedtime7. Limit Processed FoodsA strict definition of processed foods is any food that has been changed from its natural state. Technically, just cutting and washing a food is a change to its natural state, and so not all processed food is bad. But often, when this phrase is used, its referring to overly processed foods that make them less healthy. This type of processed, pre-packaged food often includes additives like preservatives, sugars, fats, and not-so-natural ingredients.Bad processed foods include ingredients you dont want that can also increase blood pressure and negatively affect your health. They often contain higher levels of sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and inflammatory chemical ingredients.Common examples include:Processed meats (lunch meats, sausage, ham, etc.)Fried foods or fast foodProcessed snacks (chips, crackers, cookies, etc.)And be careful about foods labeled low fat since they often include more sugar or salt to compensate for the lower fat content. They may be lower in fat but arent necessarily healthy overall.8. Try SupplementsYou can try supplements to help manage blood pressure. Some widely used options include:Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oilWhey proteinPotassiumMagnesiumWhile you may see some benefits from supplement use, there is not enough scientific evidence to verify that most of them can decrease blood pressure.Be sure to check with your doctor before using any supplement as some conditions and medications might cause complications.9. Limit AlcoholAccording to research, your heart rate can increase for up to 24 hours after drinking just an ounce of alcohol. It appears that blood pressure drops for the first 12 hours but then increases. The average alcoholic beverage contains about half an ounce of alcohol.And dont be fooled by red wine. While the idea that its heart healthy has been widely spread, the America Heart Association warns that too much can be harmful. Instead, limit your alcohol consumption, even red wine, to two standard drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, if you drink at all.One drink or serving of alcohol is considered to be:One 12-ounce beer4 ounces of wine1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits1 ounce of 100-proof spiritsConsidering general health and common medication interactions, it may be best to skip the alcohol completely.Blood Pressure Management Is KeyManaging your blood pressure as you age is a critical component of aging well. While you can try supplements and take medications when needed, these alone wont necessarily prevent high blood pressure. If you want to prevent additional or stronger medications, or hope to avoid prescriptions altogether, then be sure to get daily exercise, sleep well, manage stress, and limit salt and sugars. Your diet and lifestyle are keys to lower blood pressure.TYE Medical offers premium incontinence products in a variety of sizes and absorbency levels. Get free and discreet shipping when you shop our online store. 

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the U.S. besides skin cancers. Each year, about 30% of new cancer diagnoses in women are breast cancer. No one wants to hear the word cancer or spend time researching their diagnosis online. Cancer of any type is a scary thing.But there isnt just one type of breast cancer. It can develop in different types of breast tissue and spread throughout the breast and beyond. Like other cancers, your diagnosis is labeled with a stage of cancer, usually levels one through four, with four being most severe. Regular breast cancer screenings allow your doctor to catch a tumor in its earliest stage, increasing your chances for successful treatment.This guide provides information on breast cancer from early symptoms to types of treatment to help you feel more prepared and informed as you take on this battle against cancer.What Is Breast Cancer?This might seem like a very basic question, but there is more to it than you think. Breast cancer means there is a malignant tumor somewhere in your breast, and the details will determine the type and severity of cancer.A malignant tumor means that cells have clustered together, forming a mass that grows out of control. These can move or metastasize to surrounding tissues or other body parts. Breast cancer can form in any of your three breast tissues, which are:Lobules (milk-producing glands)Ducts (what milk travels through)Connective tissue (surrounds lobules and ducts)Cancer most often begins in the lobules or ducts but can start in the surrounding connective tissue. Its categorized as either invasive or noninvasive. Invasive breast cancer spreads or invades other tissues, while the noninvasive type remains in the breast lobule or duct.Symptoms and Signs of Breast CancerWhen you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible:A lump in or near your breast or armpit areaWarm or tender breastA hard or swollen area in your breastUnexplained changes in the texture, size, color, or shape of your breast or nippleSkin dimples or enlarged pores on your breastRedness, swelling, scaliness or pain in your breast or nipplesNipples turn inward for no apparent reasonIrritated or itchy breastA rash on your breast (a sign of inflammatory breast cancer) tendernessIf you notice a lump, dont assume the worst. Almost 80% of all breast lumps are non-cancerous or benign. Common causes of benign lumps include:CystsChanges in the fibrous tissue due to hormonesFatty tissue due to breast traumaIntraductal "papilloma" or wart-like growthsFibroadenomas or solid breast lumpRegardless of the type of lump you feel, you should see your doctor for a thorough evaluation to rule out a malignant breast tumor.Breast Cancer Risk FactorsNaturally, being a woman increases your risk of breast cancer. Other risk factors include:Over 50 years of ageA family history of breast cancerGeneticsPrevious radiation exposureWomen can develop breast cancer before age 50, but its less common. If youre concerned about your breast cancer risk, your doctor can help you assess your specific risk and guide you through extra precautions or screening if necessary.Diagnosing Breast CancerThe most common type of breast cancer screening is a mammogram, which is an x-ray that uses low-dose radiation. This allows your doctor to see abnormalities in your breast tissue.If your mammogram reveals something suspicious, your doctor will likely order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound, or a 3D mammography to get a better look at the abnormality. This type of imaging allows doctors to see breast tissue in greater detail.Stages of Breast CancerStages describe how the cancer has grown or spread, making them stages that describe the advancement of the cancer. Stages are typically indicated by Roman numerals and have subcategories of A, B, C or D.Stage 0: Noninvasive cancer with no evidence of leaving the area of breast it started in.Stage 1: Cancer cells are actively spreading to breast tissue surrounding the origin of the cancer. But the tumor (group of cancer cells) is still very small and easily treated.Stage 2: The cancer is invasive and growing but is confined to the breast or close lymph nodes. It is usually still treatable.Stage 3: The cancer is no longer confined to the breast and nearby lymph nodes. It has begun invading other lymph nodes, muscles, or other tissues surrounding the breast.Stage 4: The cancer is advanced and has spread to several organs or body parts. Stage 4 breast cancer is usually incurable, but you can live for several more years with treatments.Types of Breast CancerNon-Invasive Breast Cancer: DCIS and LCISThese are non-invasive cancers that remain contained within the tissue where it began and are therefore called carcinoma in situ. There are two types: ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). These breast cancers are usually discovered after imaging and often dont cause symptoms.DCIS is found in the lining of your milk ducts and has not yet spread to other tissues. But if not treated, it can invade other tissues and become more serious. Likewise, LCIS is non-invasive and is found in the lobules of your breast where milk is produced. This is usually considered pre-cancer and is less common than DCIS but is more likely to become invasive if it develops into cancer.Invasive Breast Cancer: IDCThe most common type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). It accounts for 80% of all new breast cancer diagnoses and is the type of breast cancer most likely to develop in men.IDC begins in your milk ducts, like DCIS, but it doesnt remain contained and spreads outside the duct and into surrounding tissues, even invading your bloodstream and lymph nodes.Treatment usually involves a combination of radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. But the approach will depend on the specific type of breast cancer you have and its characteristics like the degree of aggressiveness. Some breast cancers lack receptors that will respond to the usual medications. This is called triple negative or HER-2 negative breast cancer. Your doctor will work to create a specialized treatment tailored to the weakness of your tumor type.Breast Cancer OutlookYour prognosis will depend upon how healthy you are and the stage of breast cancer youre in. However, its encouraging that the death rate from breast cancer has been dropping. Most women survive this type of cancer, and 90% of women will live at least five years after their diagnosis.Breast cancer can be recurrent, meaning that it returns after your initial treatment. This recurrence can happen months or years after seemingly successful treatment. The highest risk for recurrence is within the first two years after completing your treatment. However, most breast cancer survivors wont have a recurrence.Metastatic or stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to other parts of your body is not currently curable. But with the right treatments to control its growth and spread, you can continue living a fulfilling life for years to come.Breast Cancer Treatment OptionsYour doctors will evaluate the stage and aggressiveness of your tumors. Most often, surgery is the prescribed treatment, along with secondary treatments to ensure that post-surgery cancer cells dont survive.Surgical options include a lumpectomy or mastectomy.A lumpectomy means that a small portion of the breast encasing the tumor is removed. If your surgeon must remove more of the surrounding tissue, it is considered a partial mastectomy.A mastectomy means that one or both breasts are removed. Sometimes lymph nodes and armpit tissue are removed also.Radiation and chemotherapy are accompanying treatments that are often used post-surgery to kill any possible cancer cells that are left behind. Your doctor will recommend which treatment is best for you based on your tumor and the likelihood of cancer cells spreading.Other treatments include medications like hormone therapy and biologic targeted therapy.How to Prevent Breast CancerOf course, you cant change all your risk factors like age and family history. But you can adjust some aspects of your lifestyle to stay healthy overall and decrease your risk of breast cancer.Try making these lifestyle modifications:Dont drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day.Dont smoke.Maintain a healthy weight.Breastfeed your baby for at least several months.Choose non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms.Avoid radiation exposure (get medical imaging only when necessary)The Battle with Breast CancerBreast cancer can be complex, especially if not diagnosed in its earliest stages. Regular preventative screenings like self-exams and mammograms are necessary for early detection. Most breast cancer will spread if not treated in a timely fashion. Surgery is the most common treatment method and may be accompanied by radiation or chemotherapy. If you notice and change the appearance or feel of your breasts, contact be sure to get in touch with your physician. You can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer when you limit alcohol, radiation exposure, and maintain a healthy weight.