What You Need to Know About Home Health Care

Many Colorado Seniors and Disabled Adults are concerned about the recent funding discussions about Federal, not State, Medicaid changes, and how they might impact Long-term Care Medicaid benefits here in Colorado. There are 40+ different Medicaid programs in the State of Colorado alone, which are funded differently. Some of these Medicaid programs will be impacted by Trumps changes.At this time, it is important to know that the Medicaid changes imposed do not affect Long-term Care Medicaid in Colorado. If you are currently receiving Long-term Care Medicaid benefits or considering applying, you can rest assured that your eligibility, services, and coverage remain intact. Long-term Care Medicaid has already been funded for 2025, therefore nothing will change this year. In addition, there have not been any major changes to Colorado Long-term Care Medicaid in 20 years, and we dont foresee any changes now. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your coverage or need assistance navigating the Long-term Care Medicaid process, please dont hesitate to reach out to Beneficent. www.DoingGoodForOthers.com/contactus

Embrace the Winter Season: Stay Safe, Warm, and Healthy with These Essential Tips!As the cold winter season approaches and temperatures begin to plummet, its natural to feel a little apprehensive. But instead of dreading the chill, why not prepare for it with confidence? With a few simple strategies, you can safeguard your health, stay cozy, and even enjoy the beauty of winter. Heres how to stay safe, warm, and healthy all season long!Warm Up with a Comforting Drink Theres nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of your favorite beverage on a cold day. Sipping a hot drink not only warms your body from the inside out but also lifts your spirits. Herbal teas, hot chocolate, or warm apple cider are perfect choices. Try to avoid excessive caffeine, as it can lead to dehydration. Opt for decaffeinated or herbal options that provide warmth without the jitters.Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Its easy to forget about drinking water when its cold outside, but staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Indoor heating and dry, chilly air can quickly lead to dehydration. Make a habit of drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Warm lemon water or broths are excellent alternatives that keep you both hydrated and warm.Cover Up Your Head and Neck Did you know that a significant amount of body heat escapes through your head and neck? Keep these areas protected by wearing a cozy hat and scarf when venturing outside. Not only will you feel warmer, but youll also reduce your risk of catching a chill. And dont forget a good pair of gloves to keep your hands toasty!Layer Up for Maximum Warmth The secret to staying warm outdoors isnt one thick coatits layering! Wear multiple thin layers of clothing that trap warm air close to your body. This method is more effective at maintaining warmth than wearing a single bulky layer. Plus, layers are easy to remove if you start to overheat indoors.Maintain a Cozy Indoor Temperature To keep your home warm and comfortable, set your thermostat to at least 65 Fahrenheit. If heating your entire home isnt feasible, focus on keeping the rooms you use most often at a cozy temperature. Space heaters, electric blankets, and thermal curtains can also help maintain warmth without overloading your heating system.Stay Active to Beat the Chill Cold weather often makes us want to hibernate, but staying active is one of the best ways to keep warm and healthy. Indoor exercise like yoga, stretching, or even walking in place can get your blood flowing and help prevent muscles from becoming stiff in the cold. Take short movement breaks throughout the day to stay energized and warm.Know the Signs of Hypothermia Understanding the warning signs of hypothermia is crucial during the winter months. Early symptoms include pale skin, swollen face, slurred speech, irritability, confusion, and cold extremities. If these symptoms progress to difficulty walking, clumsiness, a slow heartbeat, or shallow breathing, seek medical help immediately. Call 911 if you suspect hypothermia in yourself or a loved one.Winter Wellness: Mental Health Matters Too Winter isnt just hard on the bodyit can take a toll on mental health as well. The National Institute on Aging reports that up to 20% of older adults experience seasonal depression or mood changes due to shorter days and colder weather. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, or fatigue are common, but they dont have to take over the season.If you care for an aging loved one, watch for signs like a lack of interest in activities, lower energy levels, and social withdrawal. These could indicate that they need extra support. Seniors face a higher risk of depression and anxiety, but mental health often goes unchecked.Finding Support with Trinity Health PACE The good news? There are ways to combat winter blues and keep spirits high. Trinity Health PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) offers seniors a vibrant community where social interaction and mental stimulation thrive. Activities like pet therapy, dance classes, bingo, and trivia provide connection and fun, helping to reduce feelings of isolation.Veronica Guidry, a Recreation Coordinator at Trinity Health PACE Alexandria in Louisiana, sees the positive impact these activities have on participants' mental health. Some say that at first they never wanted to leave the house, but now they are ready to get up, start their day at the center, and do activities, Veronica shares.Not only do the seniors benefit from these interactions, but Veronica herself finds fulfillment in seeing their joy. It is a blessing to work with participants and see their mental health improve. It makes me smile to see them happy, and little do they know, they help me just as much as I try to help them! I have received so much wisdom from them, and I love being part of their day.Caring for the Whole Person Mental health is a key piece of overall well-being. When seniors join a PACE program, they receive comprehensive care for both their mental and physical health. A dedicated team of expertsincluding registered nurses, physical therapists, and dietitiansworks together to treat the whole person, ensuring each participant feels supported and valued.Stay Warm, Stay Well, and Make the Most of Winter Winter may bring snow and chilly winds, but with a little preparation, it can also be a season of warmth, connection, and joy. Whether youre sipping a hot cup of tea, bundling up in cozy layers, or sharing a laugh at a PACE center activity, embracing the season can help you stay healthy and happy. If you have any questions for us or would like to sign up for emails about health and wellness, please reach out to Mercy Life of Alabama at 251-287-8420. Lets make this winter a season of comfort, care, and community!

Seniors Helping Seniors In-Home Services Offers Advice for Rekindling Purpose and Joy After the HolidaysSeniors Helping Seniors owners C.J. Girod and Travis Hudson are placing a spotlight on advice and insights for how seniors can find meaningful ways to stay engaged and motivated in the new year.Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care services, a franchisor with over 115 franchise partners and more than 300 territories nationwide, has grown rapidly in recent years. The company attributes its success to its skilled team of caregivers who foster meaningful connections with their senior care receivers. While the holiday season is often filled with joy and activity, the weeks that follow can be particularly challenging.According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 89% of U.S. adults report feeling the holiday blues. For older adults, this emotional slump can be even more pronounced. The shift from the holiday seasons energy to a quieter, more isolated period can lead to sadness and make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle.After the excitement of the holidays, it can be especially tough for seniors to stay active, particularly in colder climates, said C.J. Girod, President of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwestern PA, which serves southern Allegheny County and northern Washington County. We see every year how the post-holiday season can bring unique challenges for our elderly friends, family and neighbors.The key to staying active once the holidays have passed is to find meaningful ways to stay engaged and motivated as the new year begins, said Travis Hudson, Owner of Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh Northeast, which serves northern and eastern Allegheny County and western Westmoreland County.We work closely with our senior care receivers and their families to cultivate routines and activities that inspire a sense of purpose and fulfillment throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season, Girod and Hudson said.Some of Girods and Hudsons tips for seniors looking to shake off the post-holiday doldrums include:Set small goals for the new year.Maintain social connections.Stay physically active.Look for opportunities to volunteer.Create a cozy, positive environment.Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services has grown rapidly in recent years, extending its reach into more than 30 U.S. states as well as international markets.Seniors Helping Seniors services stand out from other brands in the elder care space partly through its commitment to hiring senior caregivers, which provides employment opportunities for seniors and better cultivates meaningful relationships between caregivers and care receivers.What I truly appreciate about working with Seniors Helping Seniors network is that its commitment to improving health and well-being goes beyond just our clients, Girod said. Our whole team is deeply committed to making a positive difference in the community as a whole, and we are always looking for new opportunities to offer support and care to those who need it most, said Hudson.Caregivers are at the core of what we do, and their work is essential to the health and happiness of so many people around the world, said Seniors Helping Seniors President Namrata Yocom-Jan. Nearly half of all caregivers in the U.S. are over 50 and face their own health challenges. Thats why Seniors Helping Seniors in-home service prioritizes hiring caregivers over the age of 65 and provides comprehensive support to promote their mental, physical and emotional well-being.Over the past 25 years, weve put a lot of work into ensuring that Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care is not only the best option for our seniors but also for caregivers across the country, Yocom-Jan said. Thats something we are extremely proud of, but its not something we take for granted. We will continue to make sure anyone who has the passion and skills to be a great caregiver will find a great opportunity to grow and make an impact with Seniors Helping Seniors services. Our caregivers truly have a way to give and to receive.For more information on Seniors Helping Seniors in-home care, visit seniorshelpingseniors.com.