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Moving to a personal care home is a big decision based on many factors. Cold winter months are drawing near, and the Farmer’s Almanac is forecasting a “Winter Wonderland” for the northeastern United States. Keeping this in mind, and to avoid winter chores, this is a great time to consider a respite stay and experience first-hand what life is like living in a personal care home.
Winter weather conditions like snow and ice can complicate the move to a personal care home. Moving before bad weather conditions arrive allows seniors to avoid potential weather-related delays, accidents or other challenges during transportation and when moving belongings.
Respite care offers seniors a chance to try out a retirement community without making a long-term commitment. Country Meadows offers all-rental retirement living accommodations, so seniors are not beholden to a lengthy lease or an ownership stake. A respite stay can help older adults see for themselves whether or not the community is a good fit for a permanent move.
Many older adults struggle with winter chores such as shoveling snow, chipping away ice, walking on icy sidewalks, managing heating systems and driving in inclement weather. A temporary respite stay at a personal care home eliminates these responsibilities, as well as many other daily chores, removing worries. It provides seniors the opportunity to settle into their new living arrangement without the added stress of winter weather.
Along with cold weather, the winter season can also bring several challenges for older adults to maintain wellness. A major benefit to living at a personal care home is prompt, easy access to health resources and assistance. This is especially beneficial for seniors with health concerns and mobility issues. If a resident requires assistance with medications, dressing, bathing or another daily activity, simply push a call button and a personal care associate can provide needed help. And a wellness team keeps an eye on each resident’s overall health.
Many seniors experience loneliness and isolation while living at home. The winter months can magnify these feelings. Respite care offers opportunities for social interaction and engagement with new neighbors and friends in the same age group, reducing feelings of loneliness and providing mental stimulation.
Senior living communities often offer a variety of enriching activities and events. At Country Meadows, our “Vibe” program considers each resident’s physical, cognitive, social and spiritual needs and customizes activities, entertainment, outings and purposeful service opportunities. Events are organized seasonally by categories and offer opportunities for socialization and fun. When living at a personal care home, one doesn’t need to brave the elements outside, because all the fun during winter is happening indoors, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.
A respite stay offers a break for family members and friends providing care in a senior’s private home. This break is especially appreciated during winter months when private caregiving responsibilities might become more demanding due to inclement weather, illnesses or holiday-related activities.
When considering respite care at a personal care home or retirement community over the winter months, it’s important to do some homework. Families and seniors should research and visit potential facilities to ensure the community can meet specific needs and preferences of each individual. The decision for respite care should prioritize the well-being, comfort and specific needs of each person, aiming to provide a supportive and enriching experience. Contact Country Meadows Retirement Communities today.
What Long-Term Care Services Does Medicaid Cover in Colorado? Navigating the complexities of long-term care can be overwhelming, especially for seniors and caregivers. If you're in Colorado and exploring options, Long-Term Care Medicaid offers essential support for seniors needing extended care services. Here's what it typically covers:Services Covered by Long-Term Care Medicaid: Nursing Home Care, Assisted Living, or Memory Care: Comprehensive medical and personal care for those in living communities. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, provided in the comfort of your home or community. Adult Day Care: Structured programs that offer supervision, social interaction, and activities for seniors needing daytime assistance. Real-Life Example:One of our clients, with $100,000 in cash, a home, 2 cars, and a monthly income of $4,000, successfully qualified for Long-Term Care Medicaid. With professional assistance, they were able to access these vital services without exhausting their resources.Colorado's Medicaid program is designed to ensure seniors receive the care they need while protecting their financial well-being. If you're considering applying for Long-Term Care Medicaid, dont hesitate to explore how you, too, can qualify. Take the questionnaire to see if you qualify! www.doinggoodforothers.com/questionnaire
Are you a family caregiver who is caring for a military veteran or service member? Do you worry that you dont have any experience in caregiving? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need a break? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. According to PsychArmor, a nonprofit organization providing training on military cultural awareness to promote better communication with active and retired military personnel, the majority of military family caregivers are between the ages of 18 and 30 and have little to no experience with caregiving. They are also juggling starting a career and family, and possibly school while caring for a veteran. For many military caregivers, respite care may help lighten the load. Respite care is a temporary break for the family caregiver and the recipient. It involves another person caring for the veteran. Be sensitive to your loved ones feelingsWhile many military caregivers recognize that they would benefit from respite care, veterans are often resistant to having someone else look after them, and its important to understand why. According to PsychArmor:They could be embarrassed by their physical limitations or memory lapses that dont align with their military identity.Their career in the military involved serving others so being on the receiving end of service may be out of their comfort zone.The culture of leadership in the military instilled a sense of responsibility for and accountability to others that can make it difficult to accept care or ask for help.Share information about the benefitsDespite these reasons, its important that you communicate with your veteran or service member that respite care is necessary for your well-being and will be beneficial in sustaining your relationship outside of the caregiver and care recipient dynamic. Let them know that respite care has been proven to sustain the caregivers health and well-being, which should appeal to their desire to care for you.Consider your optionsOnce you can agree on respite care, consider your options. You can ask a friend, neighbor or someone from your faith community for help. That could involve someone coming to the house or taking the veteran to an activity or to run an errand. You can also consider a professional caregiving company like SYNERGY HomeCare. The cost of these services may be covered by VA benefits. You can also access the VAs Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 to speak with a nurse or social worker who can provide you emotional support as well as connect you with community resources.Respite is an important component of caregiving that can sustain both the caregiver and the veteran for the long terma win-win for all involved. Learn more about the many ways SYNERGY HomeCare supports veterans and their caregivers. 877-432-2692SYNERGY HomeCare is committed to providing exceptional in-home care for veterans and their families. The majority of our locations are contracted with the VA and because of this, we make it easy for veterans and their families to use their VA benefits to get the in-home support they deserve. For additional home care resources for veterans and their caregivers.
10 Things to Know About Assisted Living for Seniors Finally, when the time comes that one has to look for another place to live in, it is not easy to decide on the right one. For many the decision of where to live and the choice of assisted living is ideal as it offers the independence that one may require together with the assurance of a safe environment and the required care. This guide will help you learn what assisted living is, why it may be a good fit, what to look for, and how to choose the right one. 1. What Is Assisted Living? Assisted living is one type of senior living which can help meet the personal care needs of the residents which include the basic activities such as bathing, dressing and taking medication. While the nursing homes cater for the elderly with intensive care needs, assisted living facilities help the elderly to live independently while at the same time meeting their care needs.2. Benefits of Assisted Living Independence with Support: The residents are allowed to live independently but they can seek help in case of need. Social Interaction: Communities provide a means through which residents can engage in activities, functions and other people. Safety and Security: The facilities are located in a way that they have 24/7 staff and emergency response system. Peace of Mind for Families: Family members can be relieved knowing that their loved ones are well taken care of in the company of other people their age.3. Who Is a Good Candidate for Assisted Living? Assisted living is ideal for seniors who: He or she has difficulties in performing ADLs but does not need medical attention on a regular basis. Who needs a group home setup to avoid the feeling of isolation. Who needs a safe environment and facilities that are easily accessible to him or her.4. Services Offered in Assisted Living Communities Typical services include: Cleaning and ironing, washing and ironing of clothes, cleaning furniture and beddings. Food preparation, the meals are also prepared in seniors a way there that appointments will and suit running the errands.5. What to Look for in an Assisted Living Community When researching communities, consider: Location: The proximity to other members of the family as well as other crucial amenities. Amenities: These are fitness units, restaurants, and refreshment areas, and the outdoor relaxation zones. Staff-to-Resident Ratio: Check if there are enough employees to give the best care to the residents. Resident Reviews: Learn from the first-hand experience of other people and the testimonies they have to talk about it.6. Costs and Financial Options The costs of assisted living also differ depending on the location, type of service offered, and the facilities provided. Ways to meet the costs include; Long-term care insurance Veterans benefits State or federal programs7. Common Mistakes to Avoid Skipping Tours: People shouldnt neglect the facilities because they should also get to meet the atmosphere and the people. Ignoring Contracts: It is advisable to read the fine print so that one is well informed on the services, charges and rules to expect. Making Quick Decisions: It is always wise to make comparisons between the various companies in order to come up with the best choice.8. How to Transition Smoothly Involve the Senior: This will help them to be part of the decision making thus making them comfortable with the new home. Personalize Their Space: Bringing things such as pictures or a chair that you would like to have in your new home. Stay Connected: It is therefore important that frequent visits and check-ups can help the person to cope with the change easily.9. Assisted Living vs. Aging in Place Some of the old people prefer to stay in their homes while others need a little bit more structure that can be difficult to get with in-home care. This can assist families to determine the pros and cons of the two and therefore come up with the best decision.10. How to Start the Search Start your search process on the internet and other sources like recommendations from friends or professionals. It is advised that one should visit several facilities and ask questions that may include the services offered, the personnel and the charges. Do not trust your feelings? Make sure the environment looks and feels safe and welcoming to be in.Additional Tips for Success It is advisable to go at any time of the day or take a meal in the facility to see what other people are doing. Communicate with the staff and other residents to get a general picture of the culture of the facility. Go through the list of goals and make sure that the selected community will fully meet the needs of your loved one. Selecting an assisted living community is a significant decision; however, if done right, it can yield a good living environment for seniors. Therefore, it is important to know the advantages, disadvantages, and the factors to consider when seeking for the right place. Looking for assistance when it comes to figuring out your next step? For free assistance or help, please call 800-201-9989 or email info@seniorsbluebook.com.