According to the Alzheimers Association, it is anticipated that by 2050, 14 million Americans will be living with some form of dementia. Every area in the country will be affected including Adams and York Counties in gray state Pennsylvania.In 2018 Jennifer Holcomb, Director of Memory Support at Cross Keys Village The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, collaborated with representatives from the Alzheimers Association, Visiting Angels, UPMC Pinnacle Hanover, Mooney & Associates, Good News Consulting, York County Area Agency on Aging, Adams County Office of Aging, and individual volunteers to launch the local chapter of Dementia Friendly America (DFA). This chapter is part of a nationwide movement which began in 2015 in Minnesota.Living well with dementia symptoms is near-impossible without support from the community. The goal of DFA is to make local communities aware and better prepared to care for family, friends, co-workers and neighbors who live with dementia symptoms. This movement seeks to cultivate a community that is safe and respectful of individuals living with the disease as well as their caregivers, and a dementia friendly culture that eliminates stigma and promotes socialization and engagement.DFA in Adams and York counties partners with business sectors. For example, imagine living with dementia symptoms and wanting to go grocery shopping when you are no longer allowed to drive. DFA in Adams and York plans to partner with 1) local transportation to transport the person with dementia to the grocery store, and 2) with local grocers that will provide friendly check-out or a trained personal shopper. Similarly, a dementia-friendly Financial Advisor will be trained trained to identify warning signs (such as financial exploitation) and notify a family, and congregations can create a dementia-friendly service that is familiar, accessible, and rich with symbols and music from the past.While there are 1,508 Dementia Friends in Pennsylvania, they arent evenly spread out: Adams/York is the only chapter between Pittsburgh and Bucks County! The first step consisted of informational sessions to anyone interested in becoming a Dementia Friend. In March of 2019, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation in Pittsburgh traveled to New Oxford to make 100 Dementia Friends and 50 Dementia Friends Champions over a two-day period. In the ensuing months, 52 businesses have expressed the desire to move forward and hundreds of individuals have signed up as friends.If you are interested in partnering with the Adams and York county DFA initiative or if you have questions about launching your own initiative, please contact Jennifer Holcomb directly at j.holcomb@crosskeysvillage.org or 717-624-5474. You may read more about the local initiative by visiting www.crosskeysvillage.org/blog/dfa1/, the national initiative by visiting www.dfamerica.org/, Dementia Friends by visiting www.dementiafriendsusa.org/ and Alzheimers Association by visiting https://www.alz.org/. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jennifer Holcomb, Director of Memory Support at Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community in New Oxford and Dementia Champion and convener of Dementia Friendly America for York/Adams County.

Are you in need of care? Are you living in your home and need a caregiver or loved one to provide care? Have you moved into an assisted living or Skilled Nursing facility and are wondering how long your money will last? In 1952 a pension was put in place to help pay for this care. A Veteran may receive up to $1,644 a month. A Veteran and spouse may receive $1,949 a Veterans spouse $1,241 and a surviving spouse of a Veteran, up to $1,056 per month. This tax-free pension is paid directly into the Veteran or spouses bank account similar to their social security check. Many Veterans, their spouses or their surviving spouses require the assistance of someone to come in to assist with their activities of daily living such as cooking, medication management, transportation, bathing assistance, dressing etc. Many of these seniors prefer to stay at home but cannot afford to have someone help them with these activities. With this tax-free pension, they would be able to afford the assistance they need in their home or move into assisted living that provides them with the care they deserve.If the Veteran served our country 90 days active duty one day during a period of war (WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf) and was honorably discharged, you may be eligible for this pension. If you require assistance at home, if you currently live in an assisted living community, or if nursing care is inevitable, you may be able to increase your standard of living by offsetting the cost of your care and making it more affordable so you can receive the care you deserve.Call SENIOR CARE ASSOCIATES to see if you qualify!Editors Note:This article was submitted by Carole Autrey, Director of Senior Care Associates, 801-424-1444

If your retirement plans include downsizing and moving, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) may be the perfect fit for you. But do you know what a CCRC is? Lets take a closer look.What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?A CCRC is a residential community for older adults (typically age 65 and older) that provides a variety of housing options along with services, amenities and a continuum of care designed to address the changing needs of residents as they age. One advantage of a CCRC is that residents are able to remain in the same community as their needs change. This alleviates the stress of moving multiple times and enables residents to maintain existing relationships in a familiar environment.How does one choose a CCRC?Structure, services and fees vary greatly among CCRCs, so its good to ask questions. For example:- What types of contracts are available?- Is there an entrance fee? Is it refundable?- What types of care are available?Do they offer Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Support or other levels of care?- What services and amenities are included? Which ones are available for an additional fee?- Is the CCRC financially stable?Can I evaluate a CCRCs finances?When you choose a CCRC, you're planning to be there for the long term. So its important to know the community is actively planning for that, too. Some questions to ask include:1.Is the organizations most recent audit or annual financial report available for review? Are statements of financial position, operation and cash flow included?2. Does the organization have a positive net worth? If not, how is its long-term financial health affected?3. In the past few years, have operating revenues exceeded expenses?4. To what degree does the organization rely on non-operating income from donations, endowments and investments?5. Do the organizations financial ratios indicate it has the resources to ensure its ability to provide services now and in the future?6. Does the organization have an endowment? If so, what size?How is it used and managed?7. Is there a resident assistance fund? How can residents qualify?8. Does the organization have a formal risk management program?9. What type of insurance does the organization have?10. How are residents involved in strategic and financial planning and decision making?Source: Consumer Guide to Understanding Financial Performance and Reporting in Continuing Care Retirement CommunitiesEditors Note: This article was submitted by The Arlington of Naples, a new CCRC coming to Naples, Florida. For more information, call 239-206-2646 or visit www.ArlingtonNaples.org.

A Good Listener:  When youre shopping around for health insurance, you want your agent to be dialed in to what youre saying about your past medical history. Weve all heard that the number one cause of bankruptcy in the US is medical expenses. So, your agent needs to respect the 75% listening, 25% talking rule when communicating with you. Its paramount that your agent asks the right questions to cover all potential exposure points. Youll know that you have an insurance agent that values you when theyre asking thoughtful questions and focused on your responses. Pinpointing a plan across many carriers takes great listening skills; your agent has a responsibility to ensure that the coverage you have will mitigate the most out-of-pocket exposure for your family if something does happen to you.Clarity and Knowledge:  An insurance agent that values you will master their product knowledge because theyre aware of the fiduciary responsibility to their clients. The purpose of having an agent is for them to explain your policy options clearly and concisely. As a potential client, make sure youre asking questions if anything is confusing. An agent that values you will be more than happy to give you the answers you seek. If they are not, they most likely are more worried about the sale and not your needs. Whatever the budget for health insurance, a knowledgeable agent should find some form of coverage for you. Theyre genuine in their approach when explaining your policy options. If youre speaking with an agent who wont take the time to help you personally or at least refer you to someone who can, theyre limited in their knowledge and most likely commission-minded. Furthermore, you may want to inquire into finding an independent broker. These agents are appointed with dozens of insurance carriers and can build policy options based on your needs and not one companys products. In this manner, you are exposed to greater clarity through options and choice. An agent who provides value in these ways is friendly, non-combative, and committed to helping you.Staying Connected:  If your agent has met the above two criteria, its most likely a good idea to keep them around. They are now aware of your medical history, and you have both established mutual trust and understanding. An agent that values this long-term relationship will reach out to you periodically throughout the year. Their purpose should be to review the policy and make adjustments if necessary. Your agent should want to know whether or not the policy has provided value. This is also a great time for you to ask any questions. Additionally, if you currently have an agent who issued you a policy but hasnt contacted you since, you may want to reach out or consider getting a new agent. Your agent should demonstrate these qualities so that you know your familys health is covered to the fullest extent.

To learn more aboutThe Charleston at Cedar Hills - MBK, CLICK HERE.Whether we are a newborn infant, a petulant teenager, an overwhelmed new mother or an aging senior citizen, the power of touch can produce miraculous results. With a simple touch, we can express love, support, gratitude, sympathy, and trust. A simple gesture of holding hands, patting shoulders and giving hugs can make all the difference in the world. Sight can be shut off by closing our eyes, we can plug our ears to block out sound, but its hard to completely lose the ability to feel. In fact, it is thought that the first sense we develop in the womb is touch. We are all gifted with the superpower to touch.In a recent study by AARP, the absence of human contact is a huge problem for many senior citizens. Widowhood is often when seniors notice the absence of touch. The pillow next to them is cold for the first time in decades. There is no one to hold their hand at the movies or to hug them good morning before coffee. Children and grandchild often live far away so grandma hugs are frequent only on holidays. With age-related debility, sometimes the only touch some seniors feel is during a doctors appointment. This lack of contact can lead to isolation and depression. As we grow older, our sense of touch degrades but its importance never does. Aging people are sometimes less sensitive to touch, yet they are the ones who need to be touched the most.The sense of touch is created by a myriad of sensors embedded in the nerve endings of our skin which can sense texture, vibration and pressure. Touch lowers our levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increases the amount of oxytocin (the love hormone) in our system. In senior communities, caregivers are encouraged to touch residents as often as possible. Hand holding, shoulder rubs and hugs have proven benefits. In a study reported by AARP, for residents with cognitive challenges, simple massages and other touch interactions create a host of behavioral improvements, improved digestion, boosted serotonin levels and can help the resident sleep better. Touch has also been shown to benefit conditions ranging from arthritis to voice disorders. Older adults with dementia were more likely to eat nutritious food when gentle touch accompanied verbal encouragement.Reach out and touch someone today. Theyll be glad you did!

Does your loved one constantly forget items that you know youve discussed with them, or is it possible that they didnt actually hear the message correctly?New research shows that hearing loss may be mistaken for signs of Alzheimers disease or Dementia and it may actually contribute to cognitive problems!Untreated hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of developing memory problems. CNN reports that the risk of Dementia RISES as hearing ability DECLINES! AARP quotes a study from Johns Hopkins that finds that Men and Women with Hearing Loss are much more likely to develop Dementia and Alzheimers Disease! They further state that Even mild Hearing Loss DOUBLED the Dementia risk, and people with severe hearing loss were five times more likely to develop dementia.If you are over the age of fifty and have not had a Baseline Hearing Test, you should begin monitoring your hearing acuity annually. Hearing tests are provided as a FREE public service by Hoglund Family Hearing and Audiology Centers, at our Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Estero Clinics, and a FREE Memory Test can be arranged by experts in Cognitive Research! Please Call (239) 494-8651.

Unit specifically designated for patients in need of a ventilation rehab.Aventilatoris a machine that provides mechanicalventilationby moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently. Ventilators are chiefly used inintensive-care medicine,home care, andskilled nursing communities.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

Often times people who have loved ones in need of care, such as at an assisted living facility or a skilled nursing facility, are faced with the very real problem of having to pay for this necessary, but costly care. Medicaid is a government benefit that helps the largest number of people with paying for the costly care. Protecting the assets of a loved one for the remainder of their life is a primary concern. Another important issue to remember is that a healthy spouse may need the income of the sick spouse to continue to live in the community and at home. There are multiple options for protecting or maximizing the retention of income for a healthy spouse living at home. If your loved one is able to return home after a recent hospitalization, now is the time to review their estate plan, including a Durable Power of Attorney and a Last Will & Testament, to verify that adequate authority has been granted to the advocates so that the cost of obtaining Medicaid can be minimized and not face the delays of guardianship court. Act now while you or your loved one is competent to make the necessary changes to their plans. If your loved one is not capable of putting a plan in place, there are still solutions. Contact an elder law attorney specializing in these areas.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lance M. McKinney, Elder Law Attorney, of Osterhout & McKinney, P.A., 239-939-4888.

Weve always had a passion for belonging to a community and serving in a capacity where our efforts will improve the experience for others.Youll notice a big difference in Caliber Patient Care when comparing us to other transport companies. Our entire staff is trained in CPR and First Aid, while many are certified EMTs, and each undergoes a battery of background checks and defensive driving training before they ever get behind the wheel. Our uniformed drivers are also monitored daily, coached frequently and get regular refresher training on driving skills and people skills to ensure they are at their best when you come onboard. We provide one-to-one rides, so youre ensured of getting to your appointment on-time and not waiting long when your appointment ends and youre ready to go home. Our fleet of customized vans are new models with low mileage, maintained regularly and able to transport wheelchairs, scooters, stretchers as well as ambulatory passengers in air-conditioned comfort.At Caliber we say Compassion Drives Us and were confident you will see it in the comfortable ride you get, with an experienced, safe, qualified team. Were thrilled to be here in Southwest Florida, serving our community, from bedside-to-doctorside.

Many of our everyday decisions about healthcare are limited by factors such as cost, insurance coverage or a list of pre-approved providers.But we really do have a choice when selecting a hospice provider.VITAS Healthcare, the nations leading provider of hospice care, offers this checklist to help with one of lifes most meaningful decisions. Explore hospice options. Identify hospice providers in your area and ask about details for comparison. Ask about coverage. What sources of payment do they accept, and what is covered (e.g., medications, home medical equipment)? Explore different types of hospice care. Does the hospice bring care to the patients home? How often do hospice team members visit? VITAS offers all four levels of Medicare-mandated hospice care: routine home care, continuous care at home, inpatient care and respite care. Ask about hospice expertise. Do members of the hospice team have hospice credentials or special training? Is the hospice care team able to meet a range of patient needs, based on diagnosis, disease, culture, language, end-of-life wishes, military service, LGBTQ status and other factors? Research education and after-hours care. Does the hospice team educate the family and caregivers on caring for a loved one at home? Is after-hours support available? VITAS is available 24/7/365 to answer questions and dispatch a team member to the bedside when needed. Inquire about bereavement and grief support. How does the team prepare family members and caregivers for a patients death? How long does grief support last? Ask about volunteers. Hospice volunteers can help with tasks ranging from companionship and personal care to neighborhood excursions and life-story journaling.For 40 years, VITAS has worked to ensure that terminally ill patients and their families have immediate access to compassionate and high-quality end-of-life care, including services that range from home visits by a registered nurse or aide to music and massage therapy, pet visits and outings of the patients choosing.Learning about end-of-life care options can transform a challenging time into a comfortable experience.Article submitted by: Cathy Carlson, VITAS Healthcare General ManagerFor more information about hospice care or your end-of-life care options, call VITAS Healthcare at 866.759.6695 or visit VITAS.com

The reverse mortgage of today is NOT your mothers reverse mortgage.This once shamedprogram is helping seniors from many walks of life fill retirement gaps, providing protection and stability through their golden years.Through the use of an FHA insuredreverse mortgage, homeowners are able to tap into the equity in their homes without being required to make a monthly mortgage. Thats right a reverse mortgage CANprovide Colorados seniors with cash flow for life as long as they continue to live in the home and keep their property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees up to date. The funds can be used for whatever the borrower deems fit additional income, medical expenses, vacations, home repairs, gifts, and more.Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 62 and over, and aReverse Mortgage for Purchaseoption is available for those looking to purchase a new residence.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jan Jordan, Reverse Mortgage Loan Officer, ?NMLS 543249. Jan works for Retirement Funding Solutions, NMLS 1025894 and may be reached at 970-646-8908 or by email at: jjordan@rfslends.com

In March 2016, Colorado Springs became an Age Friendly City, a designation through AARP and the World Health Organization.Mayor Suthers appointed Innovations in Aging Collaborative to administer the Age Friendly Colorado Springs Plan. Since becoming an Age Friendly City, Innovations in Aging Collaborative worked to convene the community and establish partnerships to accomplish the actions items within the Age Friendly Action Plan and to improve the community for people of all ages. The AARP Age Friendly cycle is a five-year time-period, and Innovations in Aging Collaborative is now at the mid-point in our Age Friendly plan. As of Fall 2018, the organization is 49% complete with our Age Friendly Colorado Springs Plan. This percent is determined based on the progress or completion of the 150 plus action items within the Age Friendly Plan.Over the past two and a half years, Innovations in Aging Collaborative incubated and fostered several major programs to improve the lives of older adults in Colorado Springs. Innovations in Aging partnered with the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado to create the Age Friendly Business Designation in 2016. This designation allows older adults to easily access a list of business which are dedicated to serving people of all ages and mobilities. Over 100 businesses were certified as Age Friendly in Colorado Springs In 2015, Innovations in Aging partnered with Silver Key Senior Services, the UCCS Aging Center, and the Area Agency on Aging to create the Silver Key Senior Outreach Services (SOS) Program. This program works to identify older adults who may need support before a serious crisis develops and connects them to mental health and case management services. More than 300 clients served by the SOS program since Summer 2018 In Spring 2017, City Council approved the Colorado Springs Commission on Aging, following advocacy efforts by Innovations in Aging. The Commission on Aging is a body dedicated to advocating for older adults in the municipal government of Colorado Springs. The Commission advises City Council on special issues around aging and makes annual budget recommendationsMoving forward, Innovations in Aging Collaborative is planning to publish a Midway Age Friendly Report in December 2018, and an online version of the report will be available on our website at innovationsinaging.org. Along with reporting our progress, Innovations in Aging Collaborative will continue to work on the Age Friendly action items to make Colorado Springs a better place to live for people of our ages. To stay up to date on our latest projects follow Innovations in Aging Collaborative and Age Friendly Colorado Springs on Facebook.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Innovations in Aging Collaborative and may be reached at info@innovationsinaging.org or 719-602-3815.

To learn more about Utah Senior Care Providers, CLICK HERE.Its the holiday season, so dipity do and dupity dop. The holidays can be a stressful time and the most wonderful time of the year. If your family is preparing for a loved ones first holiday at their new assisted living home, there are a few tips that families should consider.Most communities will have a traditional thanksgiving dinner and Christmas gathering for families and friends to enjoy. Families should always RSVP. Some communities will charge families for special holiday meals, other communities dont. Usually there is a maximum limit of guests per resident. If not, please be respectful; dont turn the assisted living community dinner into your extended familys person reunion. As a guest, look for residents that are sitting alone, most of the time they would love to join your group. I always enjoyed when families helped me clean up after parties.Everyone loves gifts at Christmas time. Activities directors are always looking for male, female and neutrally directed gift donations for special events. Sometimes the activities department will create a resident gift sign-up sheet for employees, but every donation is appreciated. Many families give their loved ones clothes as gifts. As a family, make sure the clothes are properly marked before you let them leave your sight. Always keep the receipts for clothes and make sure they fit your loved one.The holidays are also a special time for serving others. If you are a community leader or business owner, ask assisted living communities how you can help to ensure everyone has a happy holiday. Most communities overlook New Years and the Super Bowl. If you parent enjoys football, lend a hand and contribute to a super bowl party.

As more and more baby boomers find themselves nearing retirement, many empty-nesters consider downsizing into something more manageable.Moving out of the family home can seem like an overwhelming prospect. And once you do tackle the sale, where do you go from there? There are many options throughout the South Denver Metro area for seniors who are interested in living in low-maintenance, age-restricted neighborhoods. The active adult lifestyle communities featured below offer a plethora of amenities and senior-friendly activities. There are also quieter areas for those who prefer to stay close to home. Keep in mind, these neighborhoods are just a sample; an experienced Realtor can provide a complete, detailed report of maintenance-free and age-restricted communities in the area, and help you to explore more. Gleneagles Village, Highlands RanchSingle family and paired ranch-style homes.Gated community surrounding a golf course.Plenty of walking paths, trails, a charming clubhouse with swimming pool and fitness center.Access to local amenities and rec center facilities.Prices range from the low $300s to low $500s.The Village, Highlands RanchNon-gated community featuring detached-style patio homes.Walking trails and open space.Access to Highlands Ranch amenities and rec center facilities.Prices range from the $350s to the $450s.Heather Gardens, AuroraLong-established community with condominium units, townhomes, and paired patio homes.Built around a golf course, with miles of walking paths.Central, modern recreation facility next to Rendezvous Restaurant.Classrooms, fitness facilities, swimming pool, activity coordinators, meeting and game areas.Prices range from the mid-$100s to the upper $300s.Centennial RiverWalk, LittletonCondominium units with underground secure parking.Surrounded by a golf course and walking paths.Centrally-located clubhouse with dining room, kitchen, banquet rooms, full-service bar, exercise facility, library, billiards room, outdoor pool, and lounge areas.Priced from the mid-$200s to the low $300s.Editors note: this article was submitted by Emily Lonborg, co-owner of The Steller Group of Keller Williams Realty. For more information, please call (303) 539-5228 or email Info@StellerRealEstate.com.

Avow began serving Collier County, Florida in 1983, when it was founded as a nonprofit hospice by volunteers who believed the Naples community deserved compassionate, whole-person care at home when terminally ill.It was founded to follow each patients lead and to be a trusted companion through lifes most difficult transitions. That promise is the foundation of Avows mission statement: We create peace of mind by providing compassionate care and support to those who need us.Over 35 years of caring, Avow has expanded the range of services it offers to those in need. It has enriched the care provided to hospice patients with no-cost complementary therapies such as music therapy, massage therapy, Reiki, and art therapy, and began offering non-hospice palliative care to those with chronic illnesses. Avow has also expanded grief and bereavement support programs to both children and adults, with group and individual sessions open to all, without cost.In 2018, Avow celebrates 35 years of serving Collier County, and humbly thanks the community for its compassion and support over the years.Editors Note: To learn more about the scope of services provided by Avow, call 239-261-4404 or visit avowcares.org.

The catch phrase says it all. Adult children who are caring for their parents while also raising their own family are known as "the sandwich generation." These caregivers find themselves pulled in many directions -- caring for a parent, raising their children, keeping their marriage healthy and often holding down a job as well.Moreover, they are thrust into the awkward and often unwanted position of parenting their own parents. In my 33 years of working with the older generation, this reversal in the parenting role gives rise to stress for both child & parent. Often with this stress comes arguments, frustration, negative feelings and relational divisions within families. Instead of focusing their attention on their own family, their focus has to shift to the parent, requiring more time, energy and patience than they had ever imagined. It doesn't surprise me when one of my client's children call me to confess their resentment and guilt. Statements such as "I just can't make one more decision for dad..." or "I didn't realize how much time this was going to take and I just don't have it" or "why won't my mother do what I tell her to" do not surprise me at all anymore. In fact, I quite understand, having been through this personally, several years ago. Please know this: Your feelings are normal. Don't keep the negative feelings in. Vent to a good friend, spouse or a therapist. It is a huge responsibility to take on the parenting of your parent. Remember how they parented you and use the same techniques. For example: if you don't allow X, the consequence will be Y&Z. My advice is to always take care of yourself. One way to do this is to enlist or employ help! There are so many resources in our area that can help relieve a lot if not all the responsibility. By getting help, the role of parent and child returns to its original state.Sharon Ritchey-Boschini,Owner & DirectorVisiting Angels of North Hills Pittsburgh8035 McKnight Road, Suite 304Pittsburgh, PA 15237412-366-4860www.visitingangels.com/northhills

To learn more aboutPioneer Valley Lodge, CLICK HERE.The COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States and Canada during peak real estate season. And the fact of the matter is that nobody knows exactly what that means for the real estate industry at this point. But now that states and provinces are beginning to reopen and loosen restrictions, the real estate industry is adjusting how it operates. What Does This Mean For You?These are unprecedented times and its always good to have a plan. For seniors looking to sell their home and move into retirement living, the selling process might look a little different than in the past. Talk With A Residential Real Estate Professional Real estate professionals are your best bet for up-to-date information regarding the residential real estate industry. Theyll be able to answer questions like: Can you host open houses? What COVID-19 safety precautions will be taken? Should you live somewhere else during the selling process?Plan Ahead Many people often wait to put together a plan. In those situations, the decision can be rushed causing undue stress on everyone involved. Taking the time to research gives you and your loved one the time to think about the best option. It always helps to have visited potential communities. It gives you or your loved one the opportunity to get a feel for the community, its residents and its staff. We allow a trial period to allow prospective residents to experience our communities. These trials can be particularly useful in helping residents decide on where to move. They can also be beneficial during the selling period. Given health concerns surrounding COVID-19, temporarily moving into one of our communities could help ease the stresses surrounding the selling process as well.Most seniors have long term plans of making that transition from their home to a senior living community. It might seem like a long way off, but having a thought-through timeline never hurts. The downsizing process takes time and shouldnt be rushed. Bring family together to help sift through memories and years of collected belongings so that when the time comes to make the transition, you and your loved ones are prepared.

Lets face it. Getting older can be very lonely. Loved ones and friends move or pass away, and it becomes increasingly difficult to leave the house and participate in once-loved activities. But there is once source of comfort and companionship that benefits seniors in countless ways: pets.The Benefits of Pet Ownership for the ElderlyAnimals can help reduce stress, lowerblood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity. Pets provide other intangibles, too. Dogs and cats live very much in the present, says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist. They dont worry about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people.Pets can also have an astounding effect on symptoms of depression and feelings of loneliness. Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pets companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet, says Linda Anderson, who founded the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis with her husband, Allen, to spread awareness of the benefits of pet ownership.Marjorie and Richard Douse couldnt agree more. Soon after the Douses retired, they adopted Bonnie, a golden retriever puppy who quickly became an indispensable member of the family. We never felt alone when Bonnie was in the house. As we aged and tended to go out less, she provided us with loving companionship, say her owners. Bonnies outgoing personality enhanced the lives of other seniors as well. The Douses took her to visit aging relatives in a nearby nursing home, and she was a hit with the residents and staff alike.Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her own golden retriever mix, Sandee, to her New York City office, has even witnessed animals ability to prompt better memory recall in their elderly owners. Ive seen those with memory loss interact with an animal and regain access to memories from long ago, she explains. Having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than their physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging.Animals benefit from adoption, too, particularly when seniors adopt older pets. These lucky animals go from the pound to paradise. Retired adopters tend to have lots of time to devote to a previously unwanted pet, forming a lasting bond, says Chicago veterinarian Dr. Tony Kremer, who operates Help Save Pets, a nonprofit rescue organization, with his wife Meg.How to Find the Right Pet for a SeniorWhile the advantages of pet ownership are undeniable, there are some drawbacks and consequences to be aware of before going out to adopt a furry friend for an aging loved one. Dr. Donnenfeld encourages seniors and caregivers to have a thorough conversation about pet ownership before welcoming a pet into the family.10 Questions to Ask When Considering a Pet for a SeniorIs the senior set in their ways?If change isnt your loved ones cup of tea, then they may not be a good candidate, say the Andersons. Adopting an animal usually affects a persons whole daily routine.Have they had a pet before?Amy Sherman, licensed therapist and author ofDistress-Free Aging: A Boomers Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life, thinks its best if the elderly person is an experienced owner. However, if they are open to a new and rewarding commitment, then first-timers can still make great owners.Does the senior have any disabilities or functional limitations?Dogs can be wonderful companions who encourage a senior toexercise, Dr. Donnenfeld says. But dogs can be a challenge for individuals with limited mobility. If taking a dog outside and walking it is too trying, lower-maintenance animals like cats and birds may be preferable.Would a therapeutic or emotional support animal be beneficial?If a person is very infirm or impaired, they may be a candidate for a specially trained therapy dog to help them function both at home and while on outings.What age pet would be best?A puppy or kitten may not be ideal for elderly owners because of the intensive care and training they require. Furthermore, young pets may outlive their owners. Its important to consider that some animals like birds have especially long life spans. On the other hand, a senior pet may have its own physical limitations and illnesses but they are usually well trained already.What temperament would be a good fit for the senior?It is very important to research different breeds characteristics and interact with prospective adoptees to get a feel for their energy levels and personality. Many older people might think theyd do better with a Jack Russell Terrier because its a small breed, but they are very, very, very high energy and require a great deal of effort and commitment, says Susan Daffron, author ofHappy Hound: Develop a Great Relationship with Your Adopted Dog or Puppy. While there are some general truths about specific breeds, every animal is unique.Is the pet healthy?Its important that any pet be examined by a professional prior to adoption. You dont want to compromise an older persons immune system since some pets carry diseases, says Dr. Katharine Hillestad, a veterinarian based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Unhealthy pets can be difficult for seniors to handle both emotionally and financially.One pet or two?While multiple pets can keep each other company, that may not be a good idea for an older person. Two animals may bond with each other rather than with their owner, Dr. Hillestad explains.Are finances an issue?Pets are a significant long-term financial commitment. A small puppy can rack up more than $810 for food, medical care, toys and grooming just in its first year. A low-maintenance animal like a fish is less expensive, coming in at about $235, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Be sure to carefully consider a seniors current budget before taking home any animal.Is there a backup plan in place for the pet?It isnt pleasant to think about, but owners must plan for the unexpected for their pets, too. If a senior had to go to the hospital, spend time in a short-term rehabilitation facility, move to a long-term care community or even passes away, what would happen to their animal(s)? Our golden years can be very unpredictable, so its important to have a contingency plan in place for our furry and feathered friends before an emergency strikes. Without one, beloved animals may wind up back in a shelter.Where to Find a Pet for a SeniorWhile breeders are a good source, adopting from shelters is usually much less expensive and comes with the added benefits of giving an unwanted animal a home and possibly saving it from euthanasia. Some shelters even offer reduced adoption fees for older pets and adopters age 55 and up.Shelter employees often know each animals personality well and can assist in making a good match, says Daffron. Online pet shopping is also possible, thanks to sites likewww.petfinder.com, which allows potential owners to search for their perfect pet in a massive database composed of approximately 250,000 adoptable animals from nearly 11,000 animal and rescue groups nationwide. However, its still recommended to meet a potential pet in person to more accurately gauge the fit.Submitted by: Island DoctorsArticle Written By: Barbara Ballinger, Aging Care

Yikes! Assisted Living?!?The realization that we need to move our parents or ourselves into assisted living can be overwhelming. Dont make the mistake of thinking you can handle all of this on your own.#1 Have a plan. Its much easier to make a decision when you see the beginning signs of the need for care than to wait for an emergency situation to occur. Start open discussions with loved ones whenever it is possible.#2 Evaluate. Moving from 2500 sq. ft. to assisted living will mean things will need to be sorted, donated, stored, trashed or saved for the new space.#3 Find the right place. Use a checklist to make sure all your questions are answered regarding medication management, special dietary needs, transportation and activities.#4 Plan your move. Most moves take several days to accomplish. Make sure that an overnight bag is packed with all of the essentials needed for that last night in the home or a possible respite stay.#5 Try to make moving day special. Family photos, music, snacks, flowers -- most of all, be patient with your loved ones and yourself.Editors' Note: This article was submitted by Senior Moving Company. They may be reached at 972-488-1700.Find a complete checklist for moving and packing at sbbdallas.com/

Each year, between 3 to 10% of the total US health care costs have been attributed to medication nonadherencethis totals up to approximately $100 to $300 billion in health care spending! In fact, nearly half of all adults in the US have at least one chronic disease, with the number of adults taking three or more medications doubling between 2007 and 2010. In managing chronic disease, medication adherence becomes key.Taking your medications as prescribed, not missing doses, and close communication with your provider reduces the risks of hospitalizations and poor outcomes from medication nonadherence. This is a fact that we have all heard, but what makes it so hard? Maybe the medication is too expensive. Maybe you just cant get to the pharmacy. Or maybe you arent sure how the medication is going to help.This is where the hidden gem that is your local independent pharmacy may offer valuable assistancethey offer all the services of the larger chains plus more. Most of these independent pharmacies offer blister packing services that organize your medications, making it easier to take them correctly and on time. They provide delivery services bringing your medications conveniently to your doorstep and useful educational materials through Specialty Disease State programs. Many of these pharmacies are even moving towards Collaborative Drug Therapy Management agreements between the pharmacist and provider. Such practice agreements allow the pharmacist to be directly involved in managing patient medication therapies, serving as an accessible resource to the community.Frequenters will often speak of a personalized experience that keeps them coming back. The additional services, Specialty Disease State education, and co-pay assistant services are more than recognized to promote health and wellbeing within the community. So, the next time youre out in the neighborhood--look for these local gems that can provide a multitude of services reducing barriers to taking your medication and ultimately, help you better manage your health.Yung-En Fung, PharmD, RPhProgram ManagerV-Care Pharmacy and Surgical Supplies151 Cochituate Rd.Framingham, MA 01701P: 508-202-9993 ext. 3857F: 508-202-9343

You may be a spouse, a neighbor, or a sibling.If you are reading this, you may also be a Caregiver.As someone faced with the challenges of caregiving, you might one day also be faced with tough conversations with those you are caring for.You may be noticing that a loved one is not eating well, failing to take medications or a change in how the home is kept. You may also see cognitive changes such as dementia causing concern.If there comes a time that an individuals care will grow beyond what you yourself are capable of doing, this is the time to reach out and educate yourself on options available; from help at home with household chores, additional medical care or possibly assisted living options.Change can be a scary proposition and having a compassionate ear will go a long way towards ensuring your senior has the time and information to make safe and appropriate decisions about their future.Starting the conversation can be as easy as Dad I am concerned about (fill in the blank). Start those conversations before a crisis strikes, you will be glad you did.Editors Note: This article was written by Laura Cooley, CSA. Laura is the local owner and Certified Senior Advisor for Care Patrol and may be reached at 719-257-3001 or by email at laurac@carepatrol.com.

If there is anything we have learned in the last 50 years, it is that exercise is the best preventive medicine. The evidence is now clearer than ever that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the greatest threats to our health and wellness. It is even considered by many to be as dangerous as smoking.The easiest way to improve our overall health is the increase our daily physical activity. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for adults. Over 80% of adults do not meet this minimum standard, and it shows in our overall poor health.It is never too late to improve physical fitness and every minute of activity counts. A single bout of moderate to vigorous physical activity can:The Best Preventative Medicine:improve sleep qualityreduce anxiety and depressionimprove brain function and cognitionreduce blood pressure n improve insulin functionStart with simple improvements like walking more, taking the stairs, or even doing household chores like vacuuming and mopping more frequently. As you get stronger, do a little bit more or increase the intensity. If you can, add in muscle strengthening exercises to further reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. The cost of preventable chronic diseases has led to skyrocketing medical costs and diminished quality of life for older adults. Physical activity is also linked to reduced risk of cancer, dementia, depression, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. In fact, those who are highly fit are 74% less likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. One of the simplest ways to reduce our overall healthcare costs and improve quality of life in our later years is to be physically fit. Research from The Cooper Institute shows that being fit can result in a 40% savings in annual healthcare costs as we age. Imagine the impact that could have on healthcare costs across the country if we all improved our physical fitness. Quality of life is everything and becomes even more important as we age. Now is the time to get up and get moving. Every minute counts and can help you live Well. Into the Future. 'Editors Note: This article was submitted by the Cooper Institute, CooperInstitute.org

SBB University Mental Health Series presents: Depression, Suicide and the Holiday Season. Today's speaker is Cassandra Cote', RN with WellBridge Hospital Greater Dallas/Kindred Behavioral Health.The video of this presentation may be watched at the bottom of this article. Cassandra reviews some of the content for you here.Society and the media have turned the holidays, especially Christmas in to a time of obligatory traditions and responsibilities, more than it ever was before. The pressures can be relentless this time of year to make the season merry and bright for all of those around you, often times at the cost of your own sanity and happiness!Think about this for a moment. Do you feel like you HAVE to do some particular tradition, event, party or dinner? Do you HAVE to put up Christmas lights even if they really arent in the budget this year? Do you HAVE to make cookies for the office, even though youre exhausted and have other things youd rather do? Do you HAVE to go to church with the family on Christmas eve, just because thats what we are expected to do? What about hosting family for dinners, or buying gifts for every boss, uncle or cousins girlfriend on the list?Do you feel anxiety just hearing this list of obligations that many of you can completely relate to? I know I do. For several years now starting sometime in September or October I will have occasional nightmares that it is Christmas eve and Im at the store trying to buy gifts for my whole list because I put it off out of dread and now theres nothing good left, the lines are around the buildings, its 8pm and the pressure is on! Im thinking of how Im missing out on Cocoa and Christmas stories, and will be up until 6am on Christmas morning just trying to get it all wrapped!! Its enough to give anyone ulcers.Let me ask you,Do we have to do all of these things? Do we want to do all of these things? What happens when we feel like we have failed our own expectations? We missed the candy canes for the Christmas morning hot cocoa and now its no longer perfect. Is it possible there is another way?Ive listed the 5 most typical reasons for holiday depression.We feel overwhelmed by all the things we are expected or expect ourselves to accomplish or participate in. Its too much, and the pressure becomes defeat, despair and depression.We long for what was before. Maybe there was a time in our lives when the holidays were everything you could have dreamt of. The right people, the right stage of life with motivation, the finances and the support to put together a season that was incredibly fulfilling for us.We feel an obligation we know we cannot oblige either because we do not have the capacity to put in the time or effort or perhaps we dont have the finances to do what we think is required or expected of us. Maybe that expectation is even self imposed.Finances have us in a spot where we cannot, or maybe SHOULD not do all the things we wish we could especially this year, when so many people have experienced lay-offs, cut backs or a long stint of illness because of the pandemic.Finally Family & friends Perhaps we are unable to be with the ones we want to celebrate with. This could be for so many different reasons for instance, the death of a loved one. Distance, Isolation. COVID is a glaring reason this year. This reason, isolation and the pandemic effects our elderly patients this year the greatest. Especially those being cared for in a facility setting.Memories of Holidays past One final reason for an increase in depression over the holidays for our elderly population especially is the memories of holidays from the past that come out the strongest at this time of year. These memories can create a longing for connection or a frustration knowing the connection is lost.Sometimes as we age, the holidays no longer seem very jolly, and we don't feel like celebrating much anymore. What used to be a joyous occasion can change and take on new meanings as life throws us curve balls.We think we're supposed to be exceptionally happy this time of year, but that expectation alone can cause people of all ages to become sad or depressed. Caregivers and older adults are especially susceptible to the holiday blues. As a caregiver, you can be prone to adopting your loved one's melancholy feelings or anxiety and vice versaWhile the holidays may not be the same as they were in the past, there can still be plenty of reasons to celebrate. One of the most important things to remember is that it's okay to enjoy the holidays as they are now. Old memories hold a special place in your heart, but there is always enough room to add new ones.Lets talk about some practical advise to deal with these holiday stressors we have talked about.Theres Too much to do!!! By definition caregivers (all of us) have too much to do already, let alone adding decorating, dinners, shopping and wrapping to that list!To keep from feeling overwhelmed and out of control,Be realistic!!Perhaps this year a 5 course dinner is not practical!Focus on what YOU and what those the very closest to you NEEDinstead of what others expect of you.Prioritize and Downsize Holiday tasksDecide which decorations are most important and compromise. For example put up the tree lights and the mantle decorations but skip the outdoor lights this year.Consider drawing names and each person, or each family buying gifts for only one person/family? IN my family the adults each get one gift and we all buy for the kids. This means I have about 8 gifts to buy instead of 29 gifts. I enjoy giving to the kids, so this makes me happy!Same idea applies to dinners. Dont make 6-8 dishes, instead choose the 3-4 most important dishes to your family. You could also try a new tradition this year and make it a potluck. If everyone pitches in it makes your job much easier!Speaking of pitching in Accept helpwhen others offer it and ask for help when you need it. It makes others feel great to help those that they care about. You may be blessing them in a roundabout way!!Make lists.It helps to see what exactly needs to be done, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment when you cross off completed tasksFinancial PressuresFinances are another notorious source of stress during the holidays. Money is often already tight for seniors and caregivers alike. Spending also tends to increase this time of year on things like gifts, holiday meals and basic necessities like heating, warm clothing etc..Be proactive!Set a budget. Making a budget frees you from contemplating over and over, Can I really afford this? It takes emotions out of your holiday shopping and allows you to remain objective. Either it fits the budget or it doesnt. It may seem like a bummer to live by a budget, but its far better than realizing after the holidays that you spent far more than you could afford.Remind your loved ones that less expensive gifts can be just as thoughtful and useful as more expensive ones.Make baked goods or create handcrafted gifts for family and friends.Have your family members draw one or two names for gifts, instead of having everyone buy presents for each person. This may help other family members save money as well.Dont wait until the last minute to mail cards or buy presents. Take care of a few items each day to complete tasks with minimal stress and expense.Remember that less can be more.. Sometimes a simplistic holiday with a small dinner and fewer, very heartfelt gifts is more gratifyingSocial Isolation due to the pandemic or other reasons:Make a concerted effort to reach out to the people you enjoy.Plan some online events for the familyNetflix has group watching partiesUse Google Hangouts or WhatsApp to have a family quiz night, caroling night or reminiscing night.Up your holiday/Christmas card game this yearFind a new tradition that is ALL ABOUT YOU (and your household) such as an outdoor event going to the zoo a nature preserve, having a game night or movie marathon.Dealing with Death:One of the biggest challenges is dealing with the loss of a loved one. Whether it was a recent loss or the loss occurred a decade ago. The holidays often highlight their absence and bring intense feelings of grief loneliness and emptiness. You may even battle guilt for enjoying moments of the holiday.Consider the following ideas:Place the person's picture in a place of prominence at home.Light a memorial candle.Begin a new traditionMake a photo album of previous holidays together to focus on positive memories.Set aside a time so that everyone who wants to can share a memory or a funny story about the deceased.Toast to your loved one.Go to a religious serviceVolunteer to help those in need.Talk with someone. A counselor, or someone who can empathise and let you process without judgment.Remember that not everyone grieves in the same way. There is no accepted norm. You may cry at the drop of a hat, while someone else is more stoic. Some people may grieve for weeks, and others mourn for years. Understand that the holidays won't be the same as they used to be, but recognize that the new normal can be fulfilling in other ways.Strategies for Avoiding Holiday Depression:There is no reason to wait until depression happens to act on it, because there are approaches that can help prevent and minimize the symptoms. Generally, what can help is not being too hard on yourself for the difficulty you may be experiencing. Try to:Keep a regular schedule and build in breaks. Adequate rest and self care is crucial, especially during the hectic holiday season.Schedule in times to pamper or care for yourself. Do something you love or do nothing at all but you HAVE to be purposeful about it!Set realistic expectations of what the holidays will be like and realistic expectations for yourself regarding your participation.Avoid feeling guilty for picking and choosing which holiday gatherings you attendMake sure you get regular exercise. It's typical for people to stop doing the healthy things they usually do because of holiday activities and the inclement weather. Make exercise a top priority, even its only twenty minutes each day.Avoid overeating at every meal. Save indulging for special meals, like the big family dinner or the pot luck at work. Balancing indulgence with light, healthy meals will help you feel less lethargic and improve digestion.Be careful about the amount of alcohol you drink, alcohol is a depressant.Depression may occur at any time of the year, but the stress and anxiety during the months of November and December may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment that leads to depression, anxiety and a decreased quality of life. If these symptoms persist after the holidays, or youve already had them and they worsen due to the holidays please see your doctor, a psychiatrist or a counselor to get some extra help.Consider medication if your doctor agrees that it is appropriate. It is not a sign of weakness and it will not FIX it but it can take the edge off, making it more manageable for you.If your feelings worsen and thoughts of suicide creep in, please visit your nearest hospital, get an evaluation at an ER or a hospital such as WellBridge in Plano or call the suicide help line at 1-800-273-HELP.Lets switch gears for a moment now and discuss Suicide and the holidays.First, let me tell you the good news Suicide rates actually drop during the holidays statistically! This is great news for society in general but means nothing to the individual who is experiencing severe depression, feelings of helplessness, loneliness and lack of hope and is considering ending their life.Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for more than 48,000 deaths in 2018, resulting in about one death every 11 minutes. Internationally that rate climbs to 800K deaths and one death every 40 seconds.Statistically, 25 times more people consider suicide than actually die from it. In 2019 12 million American adults seriously contemplated suicide. 3.5 million made a plan and 1.4 million attempted to end their life.These are ONLY the reported cases. It is believed that the number of unreported cases if known would increase each of these numbers by 9x. Many accidental overdoses were intentional but not classed as such car accidents that may have been intentional or other accidents. Many people never report their suicidal thoughts or that they were making a plan or that they made an attempt because they are embarrassed and do not want to be stigmatized or cause their families heartache and worry. So instead they suffer alone, quietly.It is a mistake to think that elderly people dont consider or attempt suicide. Those over 75 years of age make up the largest group of people who complete suicide. At that age many feel there is no hope left, they are a burden and no one would miss them.What is the impact? In addition to the number of people who are injured or die, suicide also affects the health of others and the community. When people die by suicide, their family and friends may experience shock, anger, guilt, and depression. The economic toll of suicide on society is immense as well. Suicides and suicide attempts cost the nation almost $70 billion per year in lifetime medical and work-loss costs alone. People who attempt suicide and survive may experience serious injuries, such as broken bones or brain injury. These injuries can have long-term effects on their health. People who survive suicide attempts may also experience depression and other mental health problems.Many other people are impacted by knowing someone who dies or by personally experiencing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, being a survivor or someone with lived experience increases ones risk for future suicide.THE TAKE HOME MESSAGE:Pay attention to your loved ones silent and sometimes not so silent signals. Warning signs of suicidal thoughts or planning can include:Often talking or writing about death, dying or suicideMaking comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthlessExpressions of having no reason for living; no sense of purpose in life; saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out."Increased alcohol and/or drug misuseWithdrawal from friends, family and communityReckless behavior or more risky activities, seemingly without thinkingGiving away belongingsDramatic mood changes especially from depressed to happy!!! Weird huh?Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to othersThe number one mistake people make is they dont ask.The uncomfortability only lasts about 8 seconds, but the reward could be a lifetime.Ask, what do you mean by..?Then ask blatantly and boldly. Do not mince words. hurt yourself is not effective.It may not hurt them to end their pain and misery, it might be merciful in their minds!!You must ask, Are you considering ending your life? or Have you had thoughts of killing yourself?If the answer is yes do not leave them alone until you have delivered them to help.Possible resources for help:Locally Emergecny rooms!! 24/7MHMRs great for uninsured IF during business hoursWellBridge for 24/7 assessmentNationally:The suicide Prevention Helpline 800-273-HELP (68,680 calls first month!)If you have been affected by suicide, reach out to someone at NAMI or a counselor you deserve someone to walk by your side to help you sort it all out.View the video of the presentation.

Navigating the rules for Medicaid qualification can be very difficult for many families. By the time that a family realizes that they need to figure out how to pay for nursing home or assisted living care, they are often in the middle of a health crisis. Because the cost of skilled nursing care is approximately $6,623 per month in the Denver metro-area, it is critical that families understand the options for paying for care.If long-term care insurance and VA pension benefits do not cover the cost of care, Medicaid may be an option. Unfortunately, many families think that they have to do Medicaid planning more than five years in advance of needing care. However, the reality is that it may be possible to qualify for Medicaid even if a loved one is already receiving long term care. In fact, it is critical to make sure that a person can qualify for Medicaid before they have spent all their savings on care.Under Medicaid regulations, if a person has given away assets within five years of applying for Medicaid (a period of time called the look-back period), it will trigger a penalty period. A penalty period is the length of time that Medicaid will not provide benefits. The length of the penalty depends on how much was given away prior to filing for Medicaid. The penalty period does not begin until the applicants countable assets are less than $2,000, and he has applied for Medicaid.The problem is that many seniors believe that if they run out of money, Medicaid will be there to pay for the cost of their care. However, if gifts have been made within five years of application, it could endanger their ability to receive benefits. Prior to applying for Medicaid, assets may need to be re-titled between spouses. If gifts have been made to other family members, it is imperative for the family to learn how to pay for the cost of care during the penalty period. This planning is best done in advance of depleting assets.All Medicaid applicants must qualify based on their functional ability, income, and assets. To determine if an applicant meets the requirements and ensure that gifts will not cause ineligibility, it is best for the family to consult someone knowledgeable in elder law and Medicaid planning. Good advice can relieve the confusion and anxiety that many families feel during a health care crisis.This article was submitted by Elizabeth D. Mitchell, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA).* Beth is an attorney with Ambler & Keenan, LLC and may be reached at 303-407-1543 or by email at bmitchell@ambler-keenan.com. For more information visit www.Ambler-Keenan.com.*The state of Colorado does not certify attorneys in any field.

In a world of fast-paced developments in technology, its important for industries to stay informed of new capabilities to remain on the forefront of progress -- especially when it comes to health care.HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs is no stranger to the benefits technology can bring to patients and their families. Aggressive therapy with the addition of advanced technology can make all the difference in how successfully a patient returns to independence.To maintain its lead in offering the latest technology, HealthSouth has contributed its own revolutionary breakthrough with the engineering and development of the AutoAmbulator. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs is home to the only AutoAmbulator in the state of Colorado.Patients who have experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinsons disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other diagnosis resulting in gait deficits can benefit from the AutoAmbulator when its added to their rehabilitation program. Even patients with spinal cord injuries from years ago may see amazing results from treatment.Designed by HealthSouth, the AutoAmbulator is a sophisticated technology unparalleled in its ability to help people replicate normal walking patterns.Equipped with numerous safety features, the AutoAmbulator supports the patient while robotics assist the patient's legs as they walk over a treadmill. Sophisticated programs power the AutoAmbulator through its integrated computer system, while sensors track numerous functions, continuously monitoring and adjusting power and speed according to each patient's physical requirements.While using the AutoAmbulator, patients can walk because the device holds their body upright while mechanized braces help guide their legs across the treadmill. The system was designed to allow therapists to safely adjust the amount of weight bearing to each patient's individual rehabilitation plan. Speed of walking can be varied to each patient's tolerance and gradually increased to reproduce gait patterns that simulate normal walking. To eliminate risk of injury, safety features automatically stop the machine when an adverse event occurs, such as a severe spasm, or if the patient's foot improperly strikes the treadmill. Some patients use this technology as an inpatient, while others are noticing an improvement in their walking abilities after adding the AutoAmbulator training to their outpatient rehabilitation therapy.Editors Note: To learn more about the AutoAmbulator and if could be of benefit to you or someone you know, call HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs at 719-630-2308

Health concerns related to the aging population like arthritis, chronic pain, obesity, falls, respiratory diseases, heart diseases, neuropathy and diabetes all require the care of multiple specialty providers. However, having to be seen for these conditions by multiple providers has put many seniors in a difficult position.Over time, people have slowly become deeply dissatisfied with their healthcare and the healthcare system as a whole. More often than not, it has been due to the fact that they continually feel they are being rushed or the communication between all of their healthcare providers is missing.While the goal of our healthcare system has always been to provide great service that patients require, over the past few years, many healthcare providers have been providing the same care to more people in a lot less time, escalating the percentage of dissatisfaction. When it comes down to your care, everyone knows the importance and the need for your providers to think and work inter professionally. Despite this and everyones best intentions, communication still remains minimal. It has become essential that healthcare providers are able to work together to coordinate treatment, prevent unnecessary testing, and be able to manage chronic conditions while being able to still provide quality care for their patients in the appropriate setting.Impact of IntegrativeImagine being able to be treated by multiple healthcare providers in one clinic. Integrative clinics have been able to unite multiple healthcare providers and reduce the overall dissatisfaction by providing more time, attention, better communication, and a wider range of healthcare options all under one roof. This minimizes having the patient commute from one place to another or schedule appointments at multiple clinics. Providers would then be able to work together and communicate as a partnership to treat the whole body and provide the care everyone has been looking for which will increase their overall satisfaction.Trying to coordinate healthcare needs around multiple providers and clinics has become a tedious task which has led to individuals postponing their care. Pain Management Physicians, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, Massage Therapists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists and patients alike are connecting with the philosophy of integrative medicine and its whole person approach designed to treat a person through every stage of life.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Shashi K. Gunda, PT, DPT. Shashi Gunda is a Physical Therapist with Avila Integrative Medicine and AIM Home Health and may be reached at 719-565-1276 or by email at shashi@wetargetpain.com

We all know that exercise is good for us, even critical to our good health, and the number of programs from which to choose continues to grow. Which one is the right one for you? Before beginning ANY exercise program, you must check in with your doctor. He may have specific suggestions, and will certainly want to check your vitals. Once clear to go, remember this exercise thing is not going away; it is here for the long haul. Your commitment to that long haul is critical to your exercise and wellness program success. When choosing a class or program, consider the three KINDS of exercise: Aerobic Exercise- Activities that increase your heart rate and breathing rate as it works your muscles. Popular aerobic exercises include swimming, water aerobics, dancing and tennis. Aerobic exercises strengthen you heart. Strength Training-helps build strong muscles. Whether you use weights or elastic bands, strength training is also a great calorie burner. Flexibility Exercises-aka stretching is a big part of warm-up and cool down-and an essential part of a well-rounded program. Maybe you and your doctor or fitness coach will decide you need a bit of each, maybe more of one than the others. Take some time to explore your exercise options before you begin!So you have the big picture but what about classes? Here are some descriptions to get you thinking: Stretch and Flex: A combination of Yoga, Pilates, and free-style stretching Stretch and strength: Gain muscle strength and tone through stretching Matsteps: Low impact aerobic exercise Tai Chi Chuan: Gentle graceful moves promoting flexibility and balance Yoga: Connect your mind and body connect through a series of basic, non-technical yoga positions with emphasis on strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation. Pilates: This challenging and innovative system of safe exercises builds up strength without bulking up, increases flexibility and agility and develops optimal core control. Kickboxing: Sets basic boxing and kickboxing moves to music. Work on strength, endurance, balance and coordination without physical contact for an intense workout!Choosing an exercise program is rather like true confessions-be honest with yourself about what you think will work for you. Consider your personality as well: do you like to exercise alone in your own home, take a class, workout with one or two friends? Taking time to evaluate the big picture will increase your chances of success. As with any new program it will take several weeks before you see or feel a difference. Do NOT give up before you have given exercise a chance to work! Oh, and that you have given your body a chance to adjust as well. And finally, with ANY exercise program, listen to your body! If it begins creaking loudly or unnaturally, adjust your level or frequency of exercise. If all else fails, step back and at LEAST commit to: Walking instead of driving whenever possibleTaking the stairs instead of the elevatorWork in the garden, rake leaves or clean house-everydayPark at the far end of the parking lot and walk to the storeREMEMBER: This is a marathon, not a sprint. At our ages, we don't have to prove anything to anyone!!!Health Passport was many exercise programs; call us for more information, 303-629-4921.

What is a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH)?A Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) that provides specialized medical, nursing and rehabilitation services for patients who need more advanced care for their recovery process, but who no longer require services at a traditional hospital. Patients typically have a chronic or medically complex medical condition that requires hospitalization for an average of 25 days or more in a facility that offers a 24/7 specialized treatment program. Long term often leads people to assume that its similar to a long-term facility (Nursing Home), but a more accurate description of an LTACH, would be a post-acute care hospital. The main difference between a traditional hospital and an LTACH is the length of stay. Traditional hospitals are focused on caring for a patient for an average of four to five days, where initial surgical interventions and diagnostic procedures are performed, while a long term acute care hospital typically cares for a patient an average of 25 days. The purpose of a LTACH is to provide critical care-level services but with a stronger recovery and rehabilitative focus permitted by the longer length of stay. Patients referred to an LTACH must meet an admission criteria designated by their insurer including Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurers. At an LTACH, patients can continue to receive intensive interventions, such as ventilator weaning, cardiac monitoring, aggressive wound management, antibiotic infusions, TPN, while being managed by a coordinated patient care team. Long term acute care hospitals offer specialized programs for patients who require ventilator-weaning, wound care, infectious disease management, or intensive management of medically complex conditions. Typical services include daily management and rounding by Hospitalists and/or Pulmonologists, telemetry, laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation, dialysis, and an intensive staff-to patient ratio. For those looking to understand what services and conditions may be available for treatment at an LTACH, the following are the most common: Ventilator-Weaning Respiratory Failure Wounds Medically Complex Amputation Cardiovascular Disease COPD CHF Head Injury/Trauma Infectious Diseases (including MRSA, VRE) Malnutrition Pneumonia Post-Operative Patients Renal Disease/Failure Spinal Cord Injury Stroke Trauma Most common questions about LTACH Services: Is an LTACH like a nursing home? Not at all. Patients in a Long Term Acute Care Hospital are too medically complex for nursing homes to typically accept. LTACHs provide daily physician management, 24 hour nursing care, pharmacy in-house, radiology, dialysis, 24 hour respiratory therapy, and 6 day a week rehabilitation therapy. In addition, admission to an LTACH avoids using precious skilled nursing facility days granted by Medicare. Is LTACH like hospice? Hospice care is primarily for those not expected to recover and have a terminal illness. In contrast, the Long Term Acute Care Hospital is for patients who can be treated, recover and then return home or to a lower level of care.Written by Tammy Pettingill Director of Marketing Southwest Idaho Advanced Care Hospital

Family caregiving in all its forms is challenging and often described as burden.The term burden is neither bad nor goodbut rather a usual component of human relationships and the giving and receiving of care. In the context of dementia caregiving, the unique features of the disease add considerable difficulty. Memory loss is frequently mistaken for normal aging, minimized or hidden by those affected, or ascribed to stress or other life circumstances. Caregivers may have a hard time separating the person from the disease.Over time, caregivers may become less engaged in their own self-care and increasingly vulnerable to illness, fatigue and psychological depletion. Early diagnosis optimizes education of the patient and family, allowing them to develop a professional support team, paving the way for the introduction of community supports.Most caregivers work diligently to respect historical preferences and creatively respond to emerging symptoms. Advance care planning is vital in the care of those with cognitive impairment, as diminished capacity is a certain eventuality. Advance care planning includes: discussions with medical providers for health specific information discussions with family members about patient preferences and goals of care completing Advance Directive forms support the person with early stage dementia to express goals, preferences and wishes that contribute most to a clear understanding of the care setting and treatment interventions that are preferred.These conversations begin a process where the patient and family speak openly about the situation. Shared family caregiving reduces the isolation that can become a debilitating component of caregiving.In addition, open communication paves the way for obtaining formal supports. Involvement in caregiver support groups and support groups for care recipients is beneficial for social engagement and information sharing. Community services such as supported transportation, cognitive stimulation programs in senior centers, exercise programs, respite care and adult day care are relatively low cost and delay institutional placement. Early introduction of services reduces the risk that the caregivers will become soloand exhaustedcaregivers.Article submitted by: Authors:Katherine Supiano, PhD, LCSW, FTDirector, Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief ProgramAssociate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Utahhttps://healthcare.utah.edu/caring-connections/Jacqueline Eaton, PhDDirector, Gerontology Interdisciplinary ProgramAssistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of Utahhttp://nursing.utah.edu/gerontology/

The 1965 hit by the Bryds, Turn, Turn, Turn - could not have said it better There is a season and a time to every purposeAlthough this folksy song was during a time of war - it was about inner peace and reflection. It poetically speaks to all of us at some point in our lives. Perhaps none more so then when we are approaching retirement and we decide where we should live as we age. This is not an easy decision for any of us as we do not have a crystal ball. Hence we are plagued by hesitation, and blocked by the questions of should I move, how can I move, can I afford to move and will I be happy if I move? All these unanswered question lead to analysis paralysis.SHOULD I MOVE? Create a 3, 5 and 10 year plan As adults, you have probably exercised the art of planning throughout your life. Why do we stop planning ahead as we reach our senior years? Everybodys plan and what they need to consider can be different. Brainstorm for an inclusive list and do your due diligence.HOW CAN I MOVE? When it comes to moving you must consider both the physical and emotional setbacks to moving. Physical The physical challenge of moving is easier to deal with than emotional. Start the sorting and packing yourself if able - if you are planning early enough start to siftthrough your items. Enlist Family Members to help - this is a good idea especially if family members are attached to the home or family items. Give them the opportunity to cherish the items and make collaborative decisions. Moving and Organizing Services - Organizing services are more than just how to organize your kitchen! In fact, a good organizer can help the senior with the physical aspects of moving as well as the emotional setbacks to moving. Emotional Emotional decisions can hold everyone back. Sometimes things happen to us that throws our plan out the window and we feel out of control. Feeling out of control can lead to hoarding behaviors, depression, seclusion or even risky behaviors. It is important to recognize when these things happen and seek the proper support. Know that there are social services, support groups, grief coaches, doctors and religious counseling services who are all trained and able to help.CAN WE AFFORD TO MOVE? Whether you have made your decision or you are defining your long term goals, check in with a qualified CSHP certified Realtor (Certified Senior Housing Professional). Realtors who choose to participate in this special education commit themselves to better serve, protect and address the issues of senior citizens - holding their best interest as paramount. ACSHP is prepared to do the following: Communicate effectively with their personal, professional, and public platforms about matters affecting seniors and the senior housing market. Use their unique zone of genius to grow a rewarding senior housing division. Assist older adults and families with the physical and emotional aspects of late-in-life moves. Assemble and leverage an extensive and powerful professional resource team. Modify, adjust, and create senior specific systems and procedures culminating in a highly sought after value proposition. Partner with senior living communities to better serve seniors and create lasting and mutually beneficial referral partnerships. Implement community education, seminars, and trainings as a means of expanding their reach. Differentiate themselves by committing to always working for the best interest of their client, by becoming an Advocate for them, even if it means they dont get paid. It is about doing the right thing, not a paycheck.WILL I BE HAPPY IF I MOVE? That is the Million Dollar question isnt it? Life is a Journey not a Destination. The sooner you consider your options and create a plan, the more choices you have.Editors Note: Article Provided by: Helen Morgan CSHP, SRES Resource 55. Author: Tonya Regiro.

For more information on the author, Aston Gardens at Pelican Point, CLICK HERE!Everyday activities may become challenging to do for many older adults who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers. But, just like the rest of us, they have the need to feel productive too. This is why failure-free activities for people with dementia are so important. They will always be able to accomplish something in these activities no matter what. Being engaged in a satisfying activity will reduce challenging behaviors and even decrease the need for medication. To help your loved one feel more productive, here are some simple activity ideas for coping with dementia!Fold TowelsGetting your loved one to help you to fold the laundry is a wonderful way to keep them occupied. This is an activity they can be successful at and allow them to contribute to the household too. The goal is to keep them engaged. No matter how the towels are folded, the whole point is to make sure they feel good while doing the activity.Create A Memory BoxCreating a memory box will help them feel more connected to their previous hobbies and past career. Get a box of any kind and fill it with items that they would have used in the past at work, keepsakes, photos, or objects from their hobbies. This will work for any kind of job or hobby. Just be creative about looking for objects that are safe to handle.Thread Pasta With YarnLook for some dry pasta with big holes and also some thick yarn or string. Make a needle by taping around the end of one string and allow it to be longer than the piece of pasta. Let your loved one string the pasta using the needle and thread.Make A DIY Picture PuzzleYou can print a copy of your favorite family photos or scenery that means a lot to your loved one. You could also choose a photo or image they particularly like such as some fruits or a car. Laminate the photo and then cut it up into puzzle-shaped pieces. This will create your very own personalized DIY picture puzzle!Cut Pictures from Old MagazinesSome older adults might enjoy looking through old magazines and cutting out the images which they like. It is ideal to use magazines that are in line with their hobbies and interests. If they want to, they could also paste the pictures into a notebook, thus creating a fun little scrapbook to keep.

To learn more aboutInterim HealthCare,CLICK HERE.By Anna CiullaAs many as roughly one in five older adults (17 percent of seniors) may suffer from drug and/or alcohol abuse, according toresearch published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For professional caregivers, that means you could be caring for an older client who fits this profile, either now or in the future.Caregivers are often on the front lines of these issues, after all, by virtue of their duties. It is not uncommon for a caregiver to be in charge of monitoring and administering multiple prescription and over-the-counter medicationsso they may be the first to stumble upon the telltale signs of an addiction, such as multiple prescriptions for the same medication from different doctors, or bottles that have been emptied well before their monthly refill is due. Its also not uncommon for a caregiver to assist regularly with bathing and personal hygiene tasks, so caregivers may also be the first to notice bruises, bumps or cuts from drug- or alcohol-related falls or injuries. A caregiver is more likely to be the first on the scene when a fall or injury occurs, for that matter.The question thus becomes, do you know how to talk about a suspected drug or alcohol problem with a patient and their family? Here are some tips for having these conversations, including how to spot substance abuse in seniors, things to ask an older person when you suspect they have a problem, and what to say to a patient and family when encouraging them to get help.How to Spot Drug or Alcohol AbuseDrug and alcohol abuse can be hard to spot in a senior youre caring for, because a number of the symptoms can easily be mistaken for normal signs of aging. A senior may become depressed, for instance. They may display a lack of coordination and motor impairment, or mental confusion and poor memory. Fatigue, irritability, insomnia and chronic pain can also mimic symptoms of the natural aging processOne or more of the above symptoms can be a warning sign of substance abuse, but still other warning signs cited by the National Institutes of Health can help you isolate the problem:Rapid increases in the amount of medication neededFrequent requests for refills of certain medicinesA person not acting normally (showing a general lack of interest or being overly energetic)Doctor shopping (moving from provider to provider in an effort to get several prescriptions for the same medication)Use of more than one pharmacyFalse or forged prescriptionsMood changesWhat to Ask a Client When You Suspect Substance AbuseIf you suspect substance abuse based on the above warning signs, find a time when your client is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol to ask them gently one or more of the following questions. (Its also possible you will be able to answer some of these questions yourself, by closely observing your clients behavior.)Have you felt you ought to cut down on your drinking or drug use?Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?Have you felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves, get rid of a hangover, or to get the day started?These questions are taken verbatim from a short drug and alcohol screening and assessment tool known as CAGE, which has been effective at detecting substance abuse in older populations. A yes to just one of these four questions can indicate at-risk drinking or prescription drug misuse.Your tone and approach in asking these questions are also important. Often an ideal time to make these inquiries is when your client is experiencing the negative consequences of their addictive behavior, such as a hangover following a night of heavy drinking. In this context, they will be less likely to engage in denials or to react in defensiveness.You dont need to ask all four questions in one exchange, either. You may find that a better, less confrontational approach is to ask these questions over the course of several days or a week, depending on the urgency of the situation. In some cases, such as the imminent prospect of an overdose, it may be better to bookmark one conversation in which you field all of these questions with a view to expressing your concerns as lovingly and directly as you can.What to SayWhen you speak to an older adult client about a suspected substance abuse problem, keep in mind the following suggestions:Share your love and concern, especially what you admire in terms of your clients values, attributes and the things in their life that would be the most natural motivations to get help for a drug or alcohol problem (such as spending quality time with grandkids, learning a new hobby, leaving a positive legacy, etc.).Speak matter-of-factly about the warning signs and changes in behavior youve been noticing and why they are a source of concern.Ask your client whether they have noticed some of these same signs and changes in their behavior and inquire about what feelings and life stressors, in their opinion, may be triggering the substance abuse.Take a learning and listening posture, rather than talking down to the client.Ask them whether they feel drugs and alcohol are working for them as a long-term solution to their problemsand do listen attentively to what they have to say, without talking over them, interrupting them or offering quick fix-it solutions.Wherever possible, empathize with what your client is going through, and normalize what they are feeling: Its normal and understandable to seek an outlet for coping with these feelings of loneliness and grief after your wifes death.Invite your client to share how you can best support their recovery.Let your client know that treatment has helped many people recover from substance abuse and can do the same for them.Ask whether they would be open to a free phone consultation with an addiction treatment provider. (Sometimes a plea to enter treatment can be intimidating, but a no-strings-attached phone consultation less so.) If they are not open to this next step, a family intervention may be necessary. If they are willing to speak with a prospective treatment provider, then make the call for them.

Seniors wanting to downsize or right size their lives can find it a daunting endeavor. The large multi-level home that was once ideal for raising the kids is too spacious and mostly unused. Many of the bedrooms, the garage and basement are full of possessions that haven't been touched or needed in years. Who would want to buy a home that looks like a time capsule stuck in the 70s? Selling your family home and letting go of useless possessions can be the most liberating experience of your retirement years! Rightsizing to another home that better suits your current lifestyle can often free you from on-going home maintenance, lawn care, snow removal, and you know about those high heating and cooling bills. Maybe you'd like to give senior community living a try. This gives you the opportunity to experience a relaxed life of prepared meals, planned excursions and activities, weekly house cleaning services and the potential for meeting new people with common interests. Community living makes the concept of "aging-in-place" a reality. So, don't get overwhelmed and become a prisoner in your old home. Get professional help with a real estate company that understands seniors and their special relocation needs. Chose a company that is a one-stop shop that makes selling your home and rightsizing easier than ever! Seek out a company that has an established, reputable company that has successfully helped seniors in the community for years. One that will do more than just list your home for sale, but rather, assist in sifting through your belongings, get you moved and settled into your new home. Then strategically improve your old home for sale, market and sell your home to an effort to achieve top value for the largest asset you own!This article was written by Mimi Tugaoen, Realtor, Senior Real Estate Specialist for Project Relo: Senior Real Estate & Relocation, (303) 931-2977.

Kitchen Krush was developed locally with a passion to deliver revolutionary products to serve the needs of people.Are you frustrated with:1. A traditional cane that is hard to see with in the dark and too bulky to carry around?2. Attempts to open jars and have excruciating pain?3. Unable to reach for items in cupboards or bend over to pick something up?Kitchen Krush developed revolutionary products to serve.Finally Im able to open jars much easier. Send me your cards so I can start telling people about you!The reacher closes easily. I now have one in every room, in my car, and in my garage. I wouldnt give mine up for the world.Such a great cane, extremely solid and stable footing, makes you feel confident even on wet surfaces. Nicely adjustable up to 39 inches for tall people like me. The light is great also.For your convenience, you can order online at www.kitchenkrush.com or with our simple cut and mail order option. Do not miss out and select your favorite product(s) to have today!

Grandparents definitely have an instinct to spoil their grandchildren. They can accomplish this by helping to build a legacy through learning and education with PA Treasurys PA 529 College and Career Savings Program.  PA Treasury offers two PA 529 plans to choose from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, or GSP, and the PA 529 Investment Plan, or IP. Both offer the same tax benefits and can be used to pay for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, apprenticeship and K-12 expenses at schools nationwide.  A PA 529 GSP account grows based on college tuition inflation rates, no matter how much tuition rises.   The PA 529 IP is a Morningstar Silver-Rated plan meaning its among the very best 529 plans in the country. There are a number of investment options, and account earnings are driven by financial markets.PA 529 tax advantages include: PA state income tax deduction on contributions; Tax-free (federal and PA state) growth; No taxes paid on withdrawals for qualified expenses; and Gift and inheritance tax benefits.Also, PA 529 account assets dont affect PA state financial aid eligibility.  Before opening an account, check with your grandchilds parents to see if they already have a PA 529 account.  If you do decide to open a PA 529 account, youll need some information like the childs Social Security Number.The Pennsylvania 529 College and Career Savings Program sponsors two plans the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP).  The guarantee of the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan is an obligation of the GSP Fund, not the Commonwealth of Penn-sylvania or any state agency. Before investing in either PA 529 plan, please carefully read that plans disclosure statement (available at www.PA529.com or by calling 1-800-440-4000) to learn more about that plan, including investment objectives, risks, fees, and tax implications. Before you invest, consider whether your or the beneficiarys home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that states qualified tuition program. Editors Note:  This article was written by Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania State Treasurer.  Learn more about the Pennsylvania Treasury Department at www.patreasury.gov.

For the past several years professionals in the senior healthcare field across the Nation have been focused on improving quality of life in long term care settings. This movement to de-institutionalize the way this care is delivered and instead focus on individualized, patient-centered called is called Culture Change.The Eden Alternative, one of the leading Culture Change authorities, shows how companionship, the opportunity to give meaningful care to other living things, and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment, can succeed where pills and therapies often fail. Places that have adopted the Eden Alternative typically are filled with plants, animals, and are regularly visited by children. Culture Change focuses on all aspects of meaningful life, not just the medical or clinical components. The Eden Alternative promotes changing the culture of long-term care organizations through education and advocacy, and through hands-on implementation. The departmentalized, task-orientation of the current institutional model has created a culture that is characterized by pessimism, cynicism and stinginess. By moving away from the top-down bureaucratic approach to management and moving decision making closer to the Elders, where it has truly always belonged.The Mission:To improve the well-being of Elders and those who care for them by transforming the communities in which they live and work.The Vision:To eliminate loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.In addition, Eden Alternative is now poised to bring the principles and practices that are transforming long-term care to the larger community of Elders and their care partners living outside of institutions. For even a home can feel like an institution when an Elder requires assistance with daily living and the entire focus is placed upon the needs of the human body, and not the human spirit. With this in mind, the Eden Alternative now has a new initiative called Eden At Home, designed to touch the lives of Elders living at home and their care partners. Eden at Home aspires to transform the culture of care in our larger communities.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Diedra Kearny, Director of Community Education at Dignity Home Health & Hospice, and President of the Utah Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition. To learn more about Culture Change and The Eden Alternative, please contact Diedra at dkearney@dignityhlth.com or call 801-860-3801.

Have you heard ofBenefitsCheckUp? It is a free service of the National Council on Aging, that lets you search for benefits easily, securely, and accurately. In the US, there are over 2,500 federal, state, and private benefit programs available. Start finding benefits with ourBenefitsCheckUp questionnaire or browse our Resource Library to learn more about programs and eligibility.Learn more about the program that can help you save money. Benefit programs include:MedicationsHealth CareIncome AssistanceFood & NutritionHousing & UtilitiesTax ReliefVeteranEmploymentCounseling AssistanceVision Loss ServicesRespite Care ServicesPension AssistancePark & Recreational DiscountsEducation ProgramsTransportation Assistance& More!HowBenefitsCheckUpWorks:Answer some questions. Review your initials results or enter more details to personize your report.Get your report. Provide more information to get a customized report of benefits youre most likely to qualify for.See how to apply. Review your custom report, learn more about benefits, and start enrolling in programs.Click here to begin your FREE search!

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Seniors wanting to downsize or rightsize their lives can find it a daunting endeavor. The large multi-level home that was once ideal for raising the kids is too spacious and mostly unused. Many of the bedrooms, the garage and basement are full of possessions that havent been touched or needed in years. Who would want to buy a home that looks like a time capsule stuck in the 70s?Selling your family home and letting go of useless possessions can be the most liberating experience of your retirement years! Rightsizing to another home that better suits your current lifestyle can often free you from on-going home maintenance, lawn care, snow removal, and you know about those high heating and cooling bills.Maybe youd like to give senior community living a try. This gives you the opportunity to experience a relaxed life of prepared meals, planned excursions and activities, weekly house cleaning services and the potential for meeting new people with common interests. Community living makes the concept of "aging-in-place" a reality.So, dont get overwhelmed and become a prisoner in your old home. Get professional help with a real estate company that understands seniors and their special relocation needs.Chose a company that is a one-stop shop that makes selling your home and rightsizing easier than ever! Seek out a company that has an established, reputable company that has successfully helped seniors in the community for years. One that will do more than just list your home for sale, but rather, assist in sifting through your belongings, get you moved and settled into your new home. Then strategically improve your old home for sale, market and sell your home to an effort to achieve top value for the largest asset you own!This article was written by Mimi Tugaoen, Realtor, Senior Real Estate Specialist for Project Relo: Senior Real Estate & Relocation, (303) 931-2977.

Parkinsons disease (PD) is the second-most-common neurodegenerative brain disorder after Alzheimers. In his 1817 Essay on Shaking Palsy, James Parkinson first described PD as a disease.Now, 200 years later, PD is known to affect an estimated one million people in the US, with about 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The cause of PD is still unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute. No test has yet been developed to diagnose PD. Instead, it is diagnosed clinically based on the patients history of symptoms and a physical exam conducted by a neurologist or movement disorder specialist. PD is a chronic and progressive illness, but patients can live long, meaningful, and happy lives if they exercise routinely and take their medications on schedule.PD seems to affect men more than women. Some studies have shown that African Americans and Asians are less likely than Caucasians to develop PD, although the reasons are not clear. Otherwise, the disease knows no social, ethnic, economic, or geographic boundaries. Many people live with symptoms of PD for several years and visit multiple physicians before a diagnosis is made. Early symptoms can be subtle and may even come and go. Frequently, a loved one is the first to notice subtle problems with movement.PD symptoms are due to a deficiency of dopamine, a neurochemical in the brain that is essential for initiating and executing fast and smooth muscle movements. Its also important in preserving mood, cognition, and energy. In PD patients, dopamine-generating neurons in the brain are dying at a much faster rate than the normal aging process. When 60-80% of dopamine-containing neurons have died, symptoms appear, including tremors, muscle rigidity or stiffness, slowness of movements, and shuffling when walking. Non-movement-related symptoms include smaller handwriting, less facial expression, acting out dreams, constipation, urinary incontinence, dizziness, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions, and fatigue. The PD experience is unique to every patient, and no one ever develops all of the symptoms.Most PD medications temporarily replenish or mimic dopamine, so they are often called dopaminergic drugs. These medications improve speed and coordination of movement, reduce muscle rigidity, and reduce tremors. Although dopaminergic medications dont cure or slow the progression of PD, they are effective in treating the movement-related symptoms. Routine exercise is the only known method of slowing the progression of PD. Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society, a local nonprofit, offers over 30 exercise classes per week in various areas around the metroplex, as well as patient and caregiver support groups. Their monthly educational programs often feature academic and practicing physicians with topics of interest to people affected by PD. You can read their newsletter at daps.us/newsletters.Editorial Note: Article written by Drs. Nirav Pavasia, MD and Aashoo Mentreddi, MD. Movement disorder specialists at Neurology Consultants of Dallas and volunteer members of the Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society Medical Advisory Board.

African Americans are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimers disease than Caucasians. African Americans have an increased risk of early onset of Alzheimers disease than other ethnicities because of several risk factors related to age, underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, genetics, and family history. The most significant barrier for African Americans in early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease is closely linked to individual health beliefs and a lack of knowledge among both at-risk patients and family caregivers. Some in the African American community believe that a change in cognition in an elder is a normal part of aging. African American family caregivers often delay seeking a medical diagnosis for their family members mainly because they lack adequate knowledge of early Alzheimers disease signs and symptoms. In addition, poor physician-caregiver relationships also lead to delays in Alzheimers disease diagnosis among African Americans. It has further been found that African American caregivers do not become knowledgeable about Alzheimers disease until after their loved ones diagnosis.While Alzheimers disease strikes both males and females and manifests across races, elderly African Americans are twice as likely to be affected by Alzheimers disease and cognitive damage in all age groups. Dr. Stanita Jackson, a recent Ph.D. graduate of Walden University, conducted a qualitative, grounded theory study to understand if family caregivers perceptions influence the delay in an early Alzheimers disease diagnosis for their loved ones. In her study, Dr. Jackson interviewed eight African American family caregivers using in-depth, one-on-one, semi-structured, interview questions to gather data about their beliefs, gender biases, and observed barriers towards their loved ones. This data was significant to determine if unique cognitive patterns exist that better explain why African Americans are at a higher risk for a delayed diagnosis of Alzheimers disease than the elderly of other racial backgrounds. The findings of this investigation revealed that African American caregivers do hold integrated belief sets that contribute to the delay of an early Alzheimers disease diagnosis for their loved ones regardless of gender. There is a significant lack of family caregivers knowledge about the disease. The combined results from her study may support the development of a new theory of family caregivers knowledge and understanding of Alzheimers disease to create more awareness and techniques so that family caregivers can detect Alzheimers disease early on in their loved ones.The desire for someone to acquire knowledge must first begin with the acknowledgement that there is a problem, affirms Stanita Jackson, Ph.D., and longtime volunteer with the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimers Association. Family caregivers in this study expressed some significant recommendations. First, the importance of caregiver support, especially from family and friends. Second, knowing how to navigate resources for Alzheimers disease care and financial, legal, and medical assistance. Lastly, family caregivers voiced the need to become more knowledgeable about the disease to educate the next generation in hopes of early recognition if they were to experience an early onset of Alzheimers disease. In conclusion, if individuals lack proper knowledge about Alzheimers disease, it will influence diagnosis delay in loved ones in some aspect. There is a significant requirement for community outreach and educational awareness about Alzheimers disease within the African American population. The recommendations for this study invite all community stakeholders to participate in the awareness and educational involvement of Alzheimers disease and further suggest additional research to be conducted on Alzheimers disease diagnosis delay of the illness in African Americans and other minority groups.

Visiting EldersMany family members struggle, feel guilty or dont know what to do or say when visiting their loved one in a facility. There are many different activities you can try to make the most of your time together. Based on their capabilities, most elders enjoy keeping busy, with both their minds and their hands. When in a facility, always check with the nurses regarding their limits and be aware when they need to rest. Try these ideas;*Look at photos, picture books, play cards, board games, puzzles, do crafts*Make a scrapbook with them about their life, listen to their stories and experiences.*If you can take them out, go to the park, a museum, etc.*Bring your pet (if in a facility, they need to approve first)*Watch musicals, comedies or TV shows from their era*Read aloud newspapers or books and discussMost elders enjoy and benefit from music, art and touch. Explore art books and magazines. Different colors and images promote conversation, memories and emotions. Play music they love. You can always find things on YouTube. If you arent sure, try Big Band, Gospel, or Show tunes. Many times, even those with dementia, can recall lyrics or tunes. If they have some range of motiondance! If they are unable to get out of their wheelchair or bed, encourage movement like swaying arms. Most people enjoy and benefit from touch. Giving a gentle massage, hugs, and holding hands often brings comfort (be aware of signs of pain if they are non-verbal) if you cannot think of what to do or say, simply hold your loved ones hand and tell them you love them.Take responsibility for making these visits worthwhile. Turn something you may view as a chore into a fun event. Take the challenge of creating a memorable visit that you both will enjoy. If one idea doesnt succeed, keep trying. And something that brings joy one week, may cause agitation or boredom the next. Remember, you are there because you love them. Even if they dont always remember you, you remember them. Dont give up, dont stop going, especially if they are nearing the end of life. I always say, I cannot change ones diagnosis, but I can change the way someone lives out their days. So can you.Editors note: submitted by Melissa Plourde, LSW, CDP Private Pay Manager for Care Solutions, Health Care Staffing.

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything over the past year, it is that no matter who you are, or how old you are, it is important to get your affairs in order. Life can throw a curve ball and you want to be prepared.The best place to start is to contact an attorney who specializes in elder law to discuss what the best estate planning documents are for you. Estate planning is not one-size fits all, so it is important to discuss with an attorney how to best accomplish your goals. Do you have a spouse or child that you want to provide for? Are you concerned about the possibility of probate when you are gone? Are you worried about long-term care planning? All of these questions and more can be addressed in your estate plan.An elder law attorney will likely recommend a package of documents that address who can help care for you while you are alive and who inherits from you when you are gone. These documents include either a Last Will and Testament or a Revocable Trust, Durable Financial Power of Attorney, Designation of Health Care Surrogate, HIPAA Release, Living Will, and/or Declaration Naming Preneed Guardian.All of your estate planning documents are essential, but one of the most important documents is the Durable Financial Power of Attorney (DPOA). The DPOA lists who can stand in your shoes for your financial affairs while you are alive. Not all DPOAs are created equal. It is important to have an elder law DPOA with specific Medicaid planning powers, especially if you are concerned about paying for long-term care in the future.With the right estate planning, you can rest easy knowing that your affairs are in order.This article was submitted by Attorneys Kathleen Flammia and Stacey Schwartz with the Flammia Elder Law Firm. They can be reached at (407) 478-8700 or assistant@flammialaw.com.

For more information on the author, Cypress Springs, CLICK HERE!Winter can be a season full of cool, crisp afternoons, hot cocoa and snow-filled strolls. However, winter brings its own set of ailments and injuries. Between icy pathways, stiff joints and an increase in cold and flu cases, winter is a time that everyone, but particularly elderly adults need to take precautions to remain safe and healthy.Avoid The Winter BluesSeasonal Affective Disorder, also known as the winter blues, is the seasonal depression that typically accompanies the winter season. Less daylight, less time outdoors, cooler weather combined with the stress of the holidays can lead many to suffer from feeling more depressed. To avoid this, make sure that you are doing activities that will help combat these feelings. Keep curtains and blinds open during the daylight hours to take advantage of the sunlight. In addition, getting outdoors as much as possible can also help.And as always, staying connected to activities and people that bring you joy can help ward off any feelings of sadness that accompany the winter.Be Safe OutdoorsWhile getting outside is equally important in the winter, safety should remain a high priority. Ensure you are wearing proper clothing at all timeseven if the sun is out, warm clothing like coats, scarves, mittens and socks are a must. In addition, make sure your footwear is appropriate for wet weather and even icy conditions. This will keep your feet warm and help avoid falls and fall-related injuries.Relieve Stiff JointsWith the cooler weather comes stiff joints and discomfort. A few simple ways to help relieve your stiff or uncomfortable joints is to maintain some level of fitness year-round, particularly with low-impact exercises (i.e. water aerobics, etc.). If you do suffer from discomfort, soaking in a warm bath can help soothe them. In addition, some have even found that spicy foods can help relieve the discomfort in joints.Keep An Eye On Your HealthThe cooler weather can lead to a variety of different health issues. For one, heart attacks and other heart ailments are more common in the winter as the cooler weather puts more strain on the heart and can increase blood pressure. Cold and flu viruses often run rampant in the cooler months so load up on vitamins and nutrients and consult with your physician about preventative measures like a flu shot.

To learn more about Salt Lake Behavioral Health, CLICK HERE.Seniors and abuse of substances;we know what it looks like; thewarning signs, the dangers. But whydo we hesitate to act? Do we struggle seeing an older adult as someone who needs addiction treatment?I have worked in acute seniorbehavioral health for over 20 years.My position involved screening olderadults referred for acute behavioralhealth behaviors that put themselves and others at risk includingsubstance abuse. In meeting withthousands of seniors and theirfamilies a pattern immerged wherebyuse of substances was often vieweddifferently than when it occurredwith younger adults and also treateddifferently. Abuse of substances wasoften viewed as a social or medicalproblem, not addiction, just gettingforgetful and taking too many painpills, social drinking or needingsleeping pills for sleep issues. If anaddiction was diagnosed a typicalresponse was to refer to a medicalhospital for a medical detox instead of a specialized addiction medicineprogram for comprehensive assessment and treatment.Symptoms:1 Feeling that you have to use thedrug regularly and frequently2 Hiding yourdrug use.3 Taking increasing larger amountsof the drug4 Spending money on the drug youcant afford5 Not meeting obligations/cuttingback on activities becauseof drug use6 Continuing to use the drug, despite it causing relationship issues, physical or psychological harm7 Doing illegal, dangerous or unethical things to get the drug8 Driving or doing other riskyactivities when youre under theinfluence 9 Spending a good deal of time getting the drug or recovering fromthe effects 10 Failing in attemptsto stop 11 Experiencing withdrawalsymptoms when you attemptto stopPotential causes/contributing factors:Addiction is a complex matter andis usually much more than a medical issue. With older adults thereare medical, social and financialchallenges that while not unique to seniors, are often a significant contributing factor. Impaired reasoningcan also be at play with dementiaand medications. It is important toconsider if a person is self-medicated Seniors and Sing untreated mental health issuesand trauma. All of these factorsshould be comprehensively assessedand treated. A medical detox is onlythe first step, the underlying mental health and behavioral aspects of addiction also need to be addressed.There are many different typesand levels of specialized addictiontreatment that can help. Medicareand most private insurances coveraddiction treatment. 'Editors Note: This article was submittedby Nina Ferrell of Salt Lake Behavioral Health. She can be reached at 801-264-6000 or nina.ferrell@uhsinc.com

Is it time for a smaller space? Here are some questions to ask:Does my existing home meet my needs?This question can help define your needs.What is the cost to downsize?You should research the expenses for the home you want.What community will suit my life?Choose a community that fits you.Is this a smart financial move?Making a financial plan could help you decide.Is maintaining your home overwhelming?Less maintenance could alleviate stress.Hints that you should consider Rightsizing: You may have health complications that are not suited for your residence. Caring for your yard and house is difficult. Moving could save you money. Your home has space that is never used. You can move closer to family. Selling your home will yield financial benefits.Rightsizing is not easy but these tips can give you a great head start.http://www.caringtransitions.com/blog

For the senior who is staying in their own home to enjoy the comforts of familiar surroundings and people, making some changes or additions to increase safety in the home is a marvelous idea. This article will explain the best additions to make. You may find other things that can also be changed for the better. Someone from Midas Creek Home Health can help you assess your parents home for necessary changes that should be made for safety reasons.Some of the problem areas in the home include:The kitchen slippery or worn-down flooring.The bathroom the riskiest place in the house for seniors to fall; much effort should be spent on making this room safer.The stairway inadequate lighting, steep staircases and loose carpet on stairs all pose risks.Doorways in the home the threshold should be flush on both sides.Its easier than you think to enhance the safety of a seniors home. Sometimes all it takes is a little change in a few areas to make a big difference.Here are the top 5 additions to improve safety in your seniors home:Non-skid floors within the home and non-slip decals placed in the bottom of the bathtub and on the edges of stairs.Walk-in tubs or showers. This eliminates the necessity of your elderly loved one having to step over the wall of the tub, possibly causing a fall. Also, it can be very difficult to get back out of the tub after bathing. With a walk-in tub, these problems are avoided. A comfortable bath chair within the tub makes it easier to complete the entire bathing process independently.Grab bars and hand rails placed in necessary locations, such as around the tub and toilet. Some kitchens also use grab bars. They can be installed close to a bed as well for extra stability getting in and out of bed.Stair lifts for those with multi-level homes who want to continue using all levels of their home.New fixtures that are easier for arthritic hands to use, such as rocker switches for lights and lever handles instead of round doorknobs on the doors.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Leisa Sanchez. Leisa may be reached at 385-235-7711 or by email, leisa@midascreek.com

Family members who provide hospice care to a loved one at home can experience emotions and encounters that range from immensely satisfying to intensely scary.When a hospice patient takes a turn for the worse at homestruggles to breathe, experiences sudden pain, loses consciousness, becomes agitated, or battles chronic nausea, vomiting or diarrheaVITAS Healthcare offers an additional level of care that brings a nurse or aide directly to the bedside, when medically necessary, for temporary shifts of care up to 24 hours a day until symptoms resolve.Continuous care, or what VITAS refers to as Intensive Comfort Care (ICC), is one of the four levels of hospice care mandated by the Medicare hospice benefit. ICC makes it possible for appropriate patients to receive around-the-clock hospice care at home, where ICC teams manage symptoms, relieve pain and keep hospice patients out of hospitals and emergency rooms.ICC supports hospices focus on quality of lifeICC is rooted in VITAS commitment to honor hospice patients wishes to remain at home, surrounded by familiar places and their families. This level of care also extends to patients who have complex conditions or challenging diagnoses.Sometimes, ICC patients have been diagnosed with more than one disease (e.g., heart disease and diabetes; chronic lung disease and end-stage kidney disease). These high-acuity patients often require special levels of care that other hospice programs are not equipped or able to provide.Hospice care begins after curative treatments stop or are no longer effective. But some modalities can support quality of life for hospice patients with complex needs, even if they do not treat the underlying terminal disease. For example, intravenous hydration or antibiotics can help manage the pain of an underlying disease, while respiratory/ventilation support can ease breathing discomfort or anxiety in patients with advanced lung disease.For complex patients, ICC and complex modalities keep care focused on the hospice philosophy: compassionate care that supports quality of life at the end of life. The good news is that ICC can be provided wherever the patient calls home: private residence, nursing home or assisted living facility.For more information about end-of-life care services, call VITAS Healthcare at 866.759.6695 or visit VITAS.com.By Rikki Muro, RN, MSNGeneral Manager for VITAS Healthcare in Chicago

According to the Alzheimers Association, dementia is actually not a specific disease. Rather, its an overall term to describe a decline in memory capabilities. Alzheimers disease accounts for about 60-80% of dementia cases.There are some 50 million people worldwide who have dementia, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year. Its one of the biggest, if not the biggest, causes of disability and dependency among older adults worldwide. The diseases associated with dementia have numerous physical, social, psychological, and emotional impacts, not only for the people with memory loss, but also their friends, family, and society as a whole.This raises two questions:For those unaffected by dementia, how can you lower your risk of developing a condition like Alzheimers? For those already affected by dementia, what treatment options are available?We at Chefs For Seniors are certainly not qualified to discuss the current treatment options available to those affected by dementia, for more information on that visit https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia.Instead, what were going to address in this article is a list of brain-healthy foods that some studies have shown can reduce the risk of memory loss associated with aging, and may even help people with dementia manage their symptoms.BerriesBerries are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Eating a high amount of antioxidants has been shown to help protect against cell damage in the brain. Some early research has even shown that blueberries can help activate a part of the brain associated with memory. According to the principles laid out in the MIND diet, a new diet that promotes eating brain-healthy foods, you should eat at least 2 servings of berries each week.Leafy Green VegetablesLike berries, leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and swiss chard are high in antioxidants. These foods are also loaded with vitamin K and vitamin A. Research has found that 5 or 6 servings of leafy green vegetables each week yield the greatest benefits to brain health.Orange VegetablesIn addition to being a colorful addition to your plate, orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are high in an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which some scientists believe can boost memory.Whole GrainsWhole grains like barley, oats, whole wheat, and brown rice are rich in many of the B vitamins that work to reduce inflammation in the brain potentially preserving your memory. The MIND diet recommends 3 servings of whole grains each day.Olive OilResearchers have found that people who use olive oil as their primary oil at home showed greater protection against memory loss. Extra virgin olive oil is higher than most other oils in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.PoultryLean meats like chicken and turkey are a key component of the Mediterranean diet, which is very similar to the MIND diet. Like whole grains, poultry is a great source of B vitamins that can play a role in healthy cognition. Try eating 2 or more servings of lean poultry each week.FishEating fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines is great for brain health because theyre high in omega-3 fatty acids. Try eating fish at least once a week, although 3x per week is even better!Written and Submitted By: Chefs For Seniors- click for more information**

Explore the medical, legal, social, and ethical factors impacting families and healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic.Click on the photo to view the video webinar.Thank you to the panelists and supportersApple Care & Companion | McNair Dallas Law | Aging2.0 Dallas | Conversation Ready NTX | Kare Works

According to Newsweek magazine, The average American spends over 55 minutes looking for things we cannot find. What would you do with an extra hour every day? There are numerous ways to improve your life through organizing your home.Increased Productivity By eliminating the time you spend on worrying and trying to find things, you spend more time on the things that are really important.Saved Money - No more losing money on buying duplicate items, impulse buying, unnecessary trips to the store and late fees from forgotten or lost bills. In fact, many people actually find uncashed checks, gift cards or money they forgot they had!Improved Health A clutter-free space frees up emotional and physical burdens that have been carried for way too long. Anxiety goes away when things are easy to find and you may even find yourself sleeping more restfully.Safer, More Spacious Environment Relocating items that block walkways and put unnecessary strain on your body eliminates safety hazards and opens up your living areas. It is surprising how much more space you actually have when your belongings are organized with well labeled, proper containers.Happier Relationships - This is a big one!Organization offers a stress-free way to stay on top of all your commitments to the people in your life. Family members especially feel a great relief knowing your space is de-cluttered, well organized and safe. You will feel proud to invite people over!Peace and Flow With the feeling of overwhelm gone, imagine actually enjoying being in your home environment. Having the right home for everything will help you feel much more relaxed and in control of your life.The small investment of time and money upfront it takes to get organized will last you for years to come. Doesnt your life deserve to be as healthy, safe, productive and stress-free as possible? Dont waste another day in chaos. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao TzuEditors note: The Author, Cheryl Chandler, is a Professional Organizer experienced in handling the needs of Seniors. Please call her at (801) 759-1195 for a FREE 15 minute Phone Consultation.

Music-Thanatology is a musical/clinical practice that unites music and medicine in end of life care. The music-thanatologist utilizes harp and voice at the bedside to lovingly serve the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the dying and their loved ones with prescriptive music.Prescriptive music is live music that responds to physiological changes observed in the patient moment by moment. For example, by observing vital signs such as heart rate, the music-thanatologist provides a musical prescription that is tailored to each specific situation. The warmth of this living music can bring solace, dignity and grace to those nearing the ultimate journey at the end of life.This music can help to ease the physical symptoms such as pain, restlessness, agitation, sleeplessness and labored breathing. It offers an atmosphere of serenity and comfort that can be profoundly soothing for those present. Difficult emotions such as anger, fear, sadness and grief can be relieved as listeners enter into a musical presence of beauty, intimacy and compassion.Music-Thanatology is not intended to entertain or distract the patient. Instead this music allows the patient to enter into the unbinding process of letting go in his or her very own personal way.In general, the music is quiet, restful and meditative. This music, referred to in Music-Thanatology as prescriptive music, is in fact music which is prescriptively delivered and is more specific to individual patient needs based on observations of the patients vital signs and overall affect. While there is a place for commonly known music or old favorites during many phases of life, music-thanatologists will consciously steer away from familiar music toward music that is unassociated with particular memories, thoughts or feelings. This approach encourages the listener to simply receive on a deep level.Whether conscious or unconscious, the music is patient directed since we connect at the level of breath, pulse, pain, effort and tension. In addition to this medical delivery of music, the music seeks to be an expression of beauty and love; and as such, it transcends diverse affiliations of faith and culture.Since antiquity, music and medicine have a long tradition as allies in healing. Music-Thanatology is a contemporary field rooted in that same tradition. Many physicians, nurses and caregivers welcome music vigils as an integral form of care for relieving suffering and bringing comfort for their patients and families.Editors Note: Christine Jones, CM-Th, M.I.S., B.A., is a certified Music-Thanatologist living and working in the state of Utah and may be reached by email at lyricalharp.jones@gmail.com

A week probably does not go by in my estate planning and elder law practice that I do not hear this question. We spend a lot of time in our weekly workshops in our office answering this question and also much of our time during our free consultations also discussing this in detail. I believe that the major reason why people make this their primary question is because of a lot of information that is out in the mainstream, the media, from national companies or national spokespeople who often urge people to avoid probate at all costs.I was very fortunate several years ago that I was able to travel the country training and teaching lawyers all over the country. It was an extremely enjoyable experience and I learned and grew tremendously from it. One of the main things that hit me during my time educating and teaching is that each and every state in the country has very different rules.Most attorneys are only licensed in one state and typically do not get licensed in multiple states because of the exams and costs that are associated with it. It became very clear to me over the years that each state is very different in regard to its probate rules as well as how difficult probate is.Many of the national trust companies and national spokespeople live and come out of states where the probate process is very burdensome, overwhelming, arduous, confusing, expensive, and time prohibitive. In those states, it makes a lot of sense to take steps in order to be able to avoid probate so that their clients do not have to go through those processes and spend the time and cost involved with it.Several very good business individuals understood what a valuable opportunity it could be for them to be a spokesperson or to advertise living trusts and other opportunities to avoid probate. Rather than take the time to research each states rules, they make blanket statements and characterizations that seem to apply to every state but in reality do not.Yes. There are certainly ways to avoid probate, and if the situation is correct, we will often make recommendations to do things such as creating a trust or having access jointly owned with another individual, or using beneficiary designations on accounts. In our workshops, we spend a lot of time talking about these and many other opportunities to avoid probate and how to take advantage of them.My concern is that without proper advice and guidance, oftentimes these tricks and solutions often arent necessary and can be overkill.If you are interested or believe that you are interested in avoiding probate for the sake of avoiding probate, please come to one of our upcoming workshops to learn not only about probate but also about the options that we would use to avoid probate and the pros and cons of those.It is imperative that people be provided good advice in regard to this and any implications and complications that could come from decisions that are made. Remember, in Pennsylvania avoiding probate does not equate to avoiding inheritance tax.If you would like to learn more, please give our office a call at 717-844-9218.

The path a person chooses during his or her life to direct or re-direct their lifes work and accomplishments. Career opportunities provide compensation in a variety of ways including personal reward, benefits and compensation.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

If youre like most Americans, you prefer to age in place in your own home. Thats why hospice services come to residents in assisted living facilities (ALF)to enhance the care they are already receiving. VITAS Healthcare, the nations leading provider of end-of-life care, is proud to recognize National Assisted Living Week: September 915, 2018.ALFs are designed to feel as much like home as possible. Residents enjoy comfortable surroundings, social activities and home-like amenities, with some receiving help with dressing, eating, personal care and hygiene, as well as daily monitoring for select chronic diseases like heart disease, Alzheimers disease, depression and diabetes.Hospice care in the ALFIf an individual becomes eligible for hospice care, an interdisciplinary VITAS team works with the resident, his family and physician, and ALF staff to implement a care plan that supports comfort, pain relief, symptom management and quality of life at the end of life.A VITAS hospice teamdoctor, nurse, aide, chaplain, social worker, bereavement specialist and volunteerbrings compassionate care and medical expertise to the ALF resident at the bedside, addressing physical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual needs.Compassionate care from a hospice teamCovered 100% by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans, patients pay nothing out-of-pocket for hospice team visits, medical equipment, medications and supplies that are related to the terminal illness and delivered to the ALF.VITAS, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018, also provides specialized services, including Paw Pals pet visits, music therapy and massage therapy. VITAS teams recognize the unique experiences of veterans and provides culturally sensitive care for Latino, Asian, Haitian, African American, Jewish and LGBTQ populations. When an ALF resident passes away, VITAS provides bereavement services and grief support to the family, staff and other residents for up to a year.If an ALF is home, VITAS can provide the hospice services that will enable residents to live, age and die in the comfort of their own home. In honor of National Assisted Living Week, thats comforting to know.For more information about hospice care or end-of-life care options, call VITAS Healthcare at 866.759.6695 or visit VITAS.com.

Aging in place is a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age.This includes being able to have any services, assistance, or other support that they might need over time and as their needs change.As we get older, our bodies age and our health status changes. Aging in place initiatives help older people navigate these changes while preserving their quality of life and, most importantly, living at home or in the place of their choosing. Supports for people who are aging in place are designed to help with activities of daily living, such as getting around home easily, accessing transportation, maintaining health, performing home maintenance and upkeep, and other needs.Aging in place is highly beneficial to older adults it increases feelings of independence, contentment, comfort, safety, and security, and often helps to ensure that older adults remain in close proximity to family, friends, and loved ones. Indeed, most older adults will seek to age in place for as long as is feasible. After all, theres no place like home. Thats why initiatives that support aging in place focus on helping older adults maintain and improve their quality of life.Many of the programs offered by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) emphasize aging in place. AAAs are local government agencies that provide services and assistance to older adults and caregivers and theyre located across the state of Utah. One of the foremost goals of these agencies is to develop and sustain programming that supports the ongoing independence and autonomy of older people. AAAs typically offer in-home supportive services, nutritional programs such as Meals on Wheels, volunteer opportunities for people of all ages, and Senior Centers where older people can stay active and social. Connect with your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about what services are available to help you remain independent and living at home as you grow older. For more information visit: https://slco.org/agingEditors Note: This article was submitted by Afton January, Communications Manager at Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services. Contact Aging & Adult Services: (385) 461

Your home.  Your parent's home.  It's more than a roof and four walls.  It houses memories, and dreams and often represents accomplishments.  It may also be your largest asset.  And when it comes time to discuss packing up and leaving that home you want to know who you are trusting to help you.  Take a minute to get to know a little bit about the Tuckers - Donald TuckerDon Tucker is our founder who in 2000, quit his job and purchased his first investment property. Since that time he has purchased and renovated hundreds of area houses.  There is not much that people might need to fix in a house that he has not seen.  From the house that was missing a few walls, to the house where the upstairs toilet dripped on the dishwasher below, to the house with 20 dogs  . . . he has seen and smelled just about everything.Kim TuckerIn 2000, tired of long hours at her job, Dons wife Kim Tucker quit her job and joined the team.  Starting out just as the Realtor who sold our houses and helped us find houses to renovate.  But after a few years, we noticed that we were able to have better outcomes when we could buy houses directly from the homeowners who needed our help.  So now rather than chasing listed homes, Kims job is to get the word out to our customers.  We let them know that we are here to help eliminate the stress, make the process much faster, and when we buy the property, eliminate the commissions.  Scott TuckerIn 2011 Dons son Scott Tucker graduated from KU.  Rather than hunt down a very elusive job he joined the team our brokerage Realty Resource. Today, Scott is our guy on the front lines who talks to most of our sellers and helps them explore the best options for them.  Scott will chat with you over the phone, and do a bit of research.  Then he will come out to your house to take a look so he can help formulate the best plan of action to get your house sold, typically a cash offer from us, but because we are also agents, that may be a listing plan as well.The entire team holds a real estate license in Kansas or Missouri or both.  We are first and foremost home buyers.  We would much rather buy your house than list it.  However, because we are also licensed as Realtors, we have more tools in our toolbox than the average home buyer and can bring you several more options when it comes to selling your house.If you are considering selling your home or the home of a loved one to a cash home buyer in the Kansas City Metro or elsewhere there are several things you might want to know.1.  Are They Really Going to Buy Your House?There are people out there who will call you, text you, send you tons of postcards, or perhaps just walk up and knock on your door.  They say they want to buy your house, but only a fraction of people who say they buy houses actually do.  Instead, they make an offer in an effort to tie the home up with a contract and then they market the house for sale to other buyers who have the cash in hopes that these other cash buyers will buy the house at your price, plus their mark up.  This is called wholesaling or assigning the contract.  There is nothing wrong with this practice unless your person backs out at the last minute because he or she can't find an end buyer.  So it's nice to know upfront if they are actually going to buy the house and if they are not, what is your out if they can't?2.  How are They Going to Pay for Your House?Some do like we said in number one, pay for your house by finding someone else to buy it.  Others may have cash in the bank, they might be pre-approved at a bank or they might have private partners.  We here at kcmoHomeBuyer have some cash in the bank and have purchased a lot of homes using our own funds.  We also have several key partners that can fund our purchases.  At any given time we have the ability to buy 3 to 5 houses in the Kansas City metro with our own and partner funds.  3.  How Long Have They Been in BusinessNow, we get it, everyone has to start somewhere.  But do you want it to be with your house?We've been in the business of buying houses since 2000.  We have had access to our own cash and that of private partners since about 2007.  So on the funding side of things we have you covered.  We have also had to work through quite a few issues on the seller's side of the transaction that held things up - liens from people that could not be found, loans from mortgage companies that no longer existed, tax liens, HOA foreclosures, houses stuck in probate, and one house that was a popsicle waiting to thaw out due to frozen pipes.  We have the experience and the experience of a really amazing team of advisors to help us through just about any issue that might cause a problem . . even a seller in China and a buyer in Peru.4.  Do they Have Other OptionsYou need to know other options.Some of our sellers are depending on financial assistance and if they sell their home and get all the cash right now, they will lose the financial assistance.  So you might want to get some cash upfront and get the rest in payments over time.  We can do that.Some of our sellers have almost perfect houses.  It is either fairly new or recently renovated.  It is highly desirable.  And they don't live in the house, so there is no one there to bother with showings.  We can list the house for these folks and even after paying us a commission for acting as a Realtor, often net you a better return.Some of our sellers own rental property and might need some help locating property managers, attorneys and other resources, we can help you there.  And Scott has perfected a listing process to list and sell occupied rental property to get the most out of the property, in the least amount of time without much disruption to the tenant.Please feel free to reach out with questions.  We would be happy to chat to see if we can find you a solution.

In addition to providing one on one consultations, The Livingston Foundation educates through classes, events and media, continuing the cannabis conversation without stigma.Our mission is to increase health, hope and happiness through cannabis education. The Livingston Foundation provides free, confidential help to those wanting to learn more about how to access and use medical cannabis. As a cannabis patient myself, I know how overwhelming it can be to learn about this complex plant that is regulated by complex legislation. The Livingston Foundation empowers patients and families with the knowledge attained from conferences, symposiums, case studies, classes, physicians, patients, travel and experience.I know what its like to battle with your health, sort through information and go through frustrating trial and error treatments. Thats why I started the patient focused non-profit The Livingston Foundation, to provide education and support through your entire process from qualifying for your recommendation to finding your best method of ingestion. I have been inspired by witnessing the improvement in quality of life in patients that choose medical cannabis for their conditions such as Alzheimers, Arthritis, Cancer, Crohns, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, PTSD, Parkinsons and Stroke. While cannabis may not be a singular solution for everyone, it is a powerful tool toward living your healthiest, happiest life.The Foundation is a 5013 charitable organization that relies on donations and grant funding to make cannabis education accessible to everyone. If you would like to learn more about cannabis, how to get involved with The Livingston Foundation or how to make a much appreciated donation, contact me at Shannon@TheLivingstonFoundation.org or 239-682-1812.

To learn more aboutSunrise Assisted Living of Sandy, CLICK HERE.The idea of talking with an aging parent about their finances can create stress and anxiety for adult children. You dont want a senior loved one to think you are questioning their money-management abilities or worrying about their health. Its an unfortunate reality, however, that emergencies happen more frequently with age.If you arent able to pay a parents bills when they become ill, it can create some real problems. Thats why its best to tackle this conversation when an aging parent is still independent. Dont wait for a crisis to occur.Be HonestThe easiest way to get started is to be honest. Kindness and empathy are important. Explain that you want to be prepared to help if its ever needed. Here are a few of the issues youll need to discuss:Do they have a will? If so, where is it kept and who is the attorney that drafted it?Have they designated someone as their financial power of attorney or their power of attorney for healthcare decisions?What financial institutions do they use? Are their accounts set up online? Do they have log in and password information stored in a place you can access in the event of an emergency?What income do they have each month from pensions, investments, and social security?Are bills paid automatically online or are some paid by check? Where do they keep their checkbook?Who does their income taxes each year? Do they have an accountant? What about a financial planner?Remember, your goal should be to gain the knowledge necessary to keep your parents home running smoothly if they suffer a short-term or long-term medical event.Discussing financial issues and monitoring a seniors financial decisions can be challenging. Weve compiled a few suggestions you might find useful.Money and Aging Parents1. Talk with their accountant or financial plannerIf asking financial questions makes you or your parent uncomfortable, ask if you can talk to their accountant, attorney, or financial planner. Be sure your parent gives the professional permission to review their documents and accounts with you. Make a list of the questions you have and bring them to the meeting.2.Share your concerns about scams and identity theftWhile identify theft and financial scams are on the rise, not all older adults are familiar with these types of crimes. Explain to your parent that you have been reading about financial scams targeting seniors andyou want to protect them. By being more knowledgeable about their finances, you can be an extra set of eyes looking for potential problems.3.Register for the Do Not Call RegistryTelemarketer scams can be quite sophisticated. Since many seniors still have a landline, it is easier for fraudsters to access their phone number and persuade them to sign up for something unnecessary. Or to convince them that a government agency needs more information. One way to lower the risk of phone scams, is to register your parent for the governments Do Not Call Registry. While theres no guarantee of keeping scammers away, it does help. You can find the website to registerhere.4.Have more than one conversationOne last suggestion is to avoid overwhelming your parent with too many questions and requests at one time. It may be necessary to have a series of conversations to gain their cooperation and to get the answers you need. This will help you feel confident about managing a parents finances in an emergency.Is It Time for Assisted Living?Another tough conversation families might need to have is whether it is time to make a move. If a parent is isolated and lonely or their home isnt safe for a senior, an assisted living community might be a good fit.What Type of Care do You Need?is an online questionnaire the two of you can complete together in just a few minutes.

Individuals suffering from hip and knee arthritis have more options than ever to help reduce or eliminate pain and improve their quality of life. The general approach is conservative, non-operative management until that no longer provides adequate relief from pain. This may include anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, bracing, use of a cane, or injection therapy. If non-operative pain management does not relieve pain or no longer provides relief, there are several criteria that indicate it may be time to discuss operative management for hip or knee arthritis. These include: 1. If the individual is experiencing more pain than they care to deal with on a regular basis 2. If the arthritis symptoms are affecting the individuals quality of life 3. If the arthritis pain is keeping the individual from their normal daily activities. A fourth, but definitive criteria is if the arthritis pain can only be controlled by narcotic pain medications. Narcotics are not an appropriate long-term treatment for arthritis pain, as narcotics create their own long-term issues and problems, including addiction, dependence, and also make it much more difficult to control post-operative pain.The encouraging news is that there are several new developments in hip and knee replacement that make the surgery and recovery time much easier. The post-operative pain is minimized, and the recovery time is much shorter than before. We now offer minimally invasive hip replacement in which patients generally go home on the day of surgery, or the day after. Most patients are also off of narcotic pain medicines within two weeks, which is shorter than with traditional hip replacement. Regarding knee replacement surgery, partial knee replacements (unicompartmental knee replacements, patellofemoral replacements) are an option for localized knee arthritis. These patients also have similar hospital stays and reduced narcotic usage as the minimally invasive hip replacement patients. With new developments in post-operative pain control, even standard knee replacements rarely require IV pain medicine. Also, virtually all standard knee replacement patients go home after spending only 2 nights in the hospital, and many patients are only spending one night in the hospital.If you suffer from hip or knee arthritis, a visit with an orthopaedic surgeon can provide options available to you to help improve your quality of life and reduce, or eliminate, pain. You may be surprised how easy it can be to take back control of your life!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ed Szuszczewicz, MD. who is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Joint Replacement and Trauma Surgery at Front Range Orthopaedics and may be reached at 719-473-3332. For more information visit Front Range Orthopaedics at www.fro.com

Rarely do people initially associate hospice services with an opportunity to get the most out of life. After all, hospice is a service provided exclusively for individuals with a terminal condition who no longer wish to seek treatment. Doctors send patients home on hospice when they can no longer do anything to treat their condition.But in reality, hospice is not intended to help people die; it is intended to help people live every moment to the fullest before they die, and then when death does come, hospice allows the natural processes to run their course while preserving dignity and maximizing comfort. Helping people get the most out of life is a deeply personal journey because each person defines his or her life so differently.The special and unique touch that the hospice team brings to each person is its ability to meet people where they are in their experience, rather than telling them where they need to or should be. Hospice focuses on the person as a whole; a person who has a diagnosis and is facing death, but who also has hopes and dreams.Hospice provides an interdisciplinary team that provides a wide range of services. In addition to providing physical comfort, the most important shared responsibility of all team members is to assist the patient in accomplishing his or her goals before death when possible. Some have a desire to repair relationships with estranged family members. Others want to travel to New York, or Hawaii. For some, that may mean an actual family trip and for others it may mean bringing New York or Hawaii home with a special luau or watching a movie of a Broadway play. This approach helps people focus on the joys of life rather than on the fear of death.Although facing the prospect of death can be overwhelming, hospice can help patients get the most out of the time they have left. The hospice commitment is to improve quality of life and contribute to the joy of the journey before life is over.Editors Note: This article was written by Steve Eastman, LCSW for First Choice Home Health & Hospice. He can be reached at 801-434-4100.

To learn more aboutAlzheimer's Association of Utah, CLICK HERE.Learning that someone you care about has been diagnosed with Alzheimers or other related dementia can be life changing.Coming to terms with the diagnosis requires time. Immediate reactions of denial and fear are normal and may help you and the person diagnosed process the grief you are feeling.Process of acceptanceFinding purposeGetting supportThe process of acceptancePerhaps you tried to encourage the person living with dementia to learn about their diagnosis, only to be told nothing is wrong. Perhaps you may have been hesitant to learn more yourself for fear of the future. Whatever the circumstance, accepting a diagnosis of Alzheimers disease or a related dementia requires time to absorb information about the disease before you might be ready to learn more.Allowing time to process the diagnosis is an important first step to adjust to this new normal. The process of acceptance is just as important for the care partner as it is for the newly diagnosed person. No two people deal with the diagnosis in exactly the same way. There is no right approach and some days may be more difficult than others, but dont be discouraged.Allowing yourself time to grieve and mourn over the current and future losses you and the diagnosed person may experience can be healthy. The sooner you are able to accept the diagnosis, the better suited you will be to help the person living with dementia move closer to acceptance too.Individuals with the disease acknowledge that while it often takes time to accept their diagnosis, specific actions initiated by the care partner help in this process.Patience, flexibility and open communication can provide reassurance that the person with the disease does not have to face their diagnosis alone. For many, the simple reinforcement from their care partner that we are in this together is the most memorable act of support.Consider these tips to help the person in the early stage of the disease come to terms with his or her diagnosis:Provide time for the individual to feel sad about how his or her identity is changing as a result of the diagnosis.Emphasize the roles and responsibilities that are still significant to the individuals identity, i.e. grandfather, mother, daughter, etc.Encourage the person to speak with a trusted friend, minister or even a professional counselor, to talk through difficult emotions.Sharing the diagnosis with others can open up new relationships and connections to people you did not realize were willing to support you. For others, hearing of the diagnosis may test relationships and some friends and family may react with denial, or pull away in ways that reflect their misconceptions about Alzheimers disease.Yet, it can be empowering to share the diagnosis with others. Be open with friends and family about the changes that are taking place. Educate them on the disease and tell them how they can be supportive.Maintaining a sense of self and finding purposeA diagnosis of Alzheimers or other dementia is often accompanied by uncertainty around ones identity and life purpose. New challenges presented by living with the disease including stigma and misperceptions can cause the person to question his or her capabilities and, in turn, his or her identity. Its not uncommon for a person living in the early stage to ask the question Who am I?One way for people in the early stage of the disease to move beyond the loss of identity is to find ways to engage in activities that bring meaning and purpose to their life. For some, this means exploring skills they already possess, while others may choose to engage in new activities that bring a fresh sense of purpose.Finding a new purpose can help confirm that Alzheimers does not have to define a person; it only becomes a part of who they are. Consider the tips below to help the person in early stage find meaning and purpose:Discuss what brings meaning and purpose to his or her life.Encourage the person to stay involved in activities he or she enjoys.Consider activities you can do together.Work together to identify opportunities at home or in the community that can leverage his or her strengths and interests.Discuss what new activities the person may be interested in trying.Encourage the individual to get connected with others who are living with the disease to learn what they are doing to remain active and engaged in life.Getting supportA diagnosis of Alzheimers or dementia is life-altering for both the person living with the disease and family and friends.You play an important part in providing support to the person who has been diagnosed. Along the way, you will need the support of others, too.Often times, care partners look to family and friends first. Once youve identified trusted friends or family members, be specific about how you would like to engage their support. This can be assistance with transportation to or from medical appointments, help with social outings or simply having someone to talk with.There are also community programs, support groups and online social networks that provide the opportunity to learn from others who have a friend or family member with dementia.We often hear care partners say that they are looking for support from people who "really understand because they've been there, too."

We have many offices across Florida including Fort Myers and Sarasota.Our offices have diverse teams and more than 200 financial professionals and support staff, licensed in all 50 states, we serve more than 100,000 households in our community.Coastal Wealth offers a superior client service experience focused on providing tailored, objective financial strategies to help clients reach their financial goals.We are pleased to have earned a reputation of working one-on-one with our clients to provide holistic, comprehensive financial services. Our goal is to help people and businesses experience their personal best in terms of overall financial health. Rest secure in knowing we have a strong infrastructure that is dedicated to making our clients the number one priority.Editors Note: For more information, please contact Trine Andersen, CRPC, Managing Director, Financial Advisor, 561-900-6070, tandersen@mycoastalwealth.com.

Homes that are built entirely in the factory under a federal building code administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (commonly known as the HUD Code) went into effect June 15, 1976. Manufactured homes may be single- or multi-section and are transported to the site and installed. The MHINCC distinguishes among several types of factory-built housing: manufactured homes, modular homes, panelized homes, pre-cut homes, and mobile homes. They can be rentals or Buy Ins, many times Seasonal rentals. These communities generally offer a clubhouse , pool, social activities for their residents.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

To learn more about Utah Senior Care Advisors,CLICK HERE.With the cost of assisted living care through the roof, many families choose to take care of their elderly loved ones in their own homes for as long as possible. It is a demanding task that takes a lot of family support. Most families are unaware that a majority of assisted living and memory care communities offer adult day care and respite care. While day care is self explanatory, respite care is much lesser known. Respite care is essentially short term lodging at assisted living communities.The lives of in-home caregivers can be challenging. You may be taking care of your husband with dementia and need to attend the funeral of a loved one out of State or maybe you are planning a trip to Europe before the kids go back to school in the fall. In any situation, it is nice to know that assisted living communities can accommodate your needs short term. Most communities have a furnished room available, if not, ask to use their model room. All of the same principles apply when looking for short term assisted living accommodations. As a caregiver, you need to have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands while you are away. That is why you should call me, Jason at Utah Senior Care Advisors!

Respite is a period of rest or relief for those who give constant care to an ill person. Many senior living communities offer this service. Please refer to our housing grids. RespiteAssistance Funds-Providing financial assistance for respiteservices to family caregivers of older adults in Boulder County. Call your local Resource Specialist.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

For more information on A Call to Order, Click Here!Decluttering is a prime subject of conversation on talk shows, in books, and across social media. What are the best benefits of decluttering? We know by now that tidying up our living space feels great. But what other benefits does it offer? And are there enough of them to make decluttering worth the effort?You Always Know What to WearIf everything in your closet is something you know you love and it fits, putting together an outfit takes much less time. The added benefit? You know youre always going to look fabulous.You Can Quickly Identify Items to Put on Your Shopping ListShopping becomes much more straightforward when you exactly know what you have. At a glance, you can see what you are missing, whether from your wardrobe or household goods. That means you already know what youre looking for before you leave the house and will wind up making a lot fewer impulse buys that youll later regret.You Get Pickier About What You BuyIn taking the time to decide what matters within your household, you get used to asking those same questions when considering purchasing new items.Questions like:Will I love this in a couple of months?Will I use it often?Am I willing to give up something else to make room for this?Do I truly need it?Will it bring me happiness when I see or use it?Taking Care of Treasured Things Makes Them Last LongerWhen you keep only things you love, you will find youre treating those items with more respect. Possessions managed well tend to wear better and will last much longer than belongings handled carelessly.Clean Up Takes No Time at AllWith fewer items cluttering up your life, making a room tidy requires much less time and effort. You will also find it easier to put things away and have a clearer idea of where things belong.Decision-Making is EasierYouve already decided which movies and books to keep based on what is important to you and what is worth saving. That means that making decisions about what to read or watch becomes easier. You already know whatever you still have is a winner.Is it any wonder decluttering is good for us? Remember, a home that consists only of the essentials and those things you love is a peaceful home and one you can enjoy when youre there.

Todays world has benefited from great advances in all aspects of modern medicine. Some of the most rewarding gains, in terms of outcomes for patients, have been within the field of cataract surgery. Cataract surgery works to eliminate the blurry vision and glare caused by cataracts, which can form in the lens of the aging eye. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by using a combination of surgical technique, scalpels and ultrasound. Recently there have been advances in the procedure of cataract removal, which now utilizes laser and optical coherence (OCT) technology. This breakthrough has resulted in greater safety and accuracy, and improved outcomes for patients.Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery is now available nationwide, and the results from cataract surgery have never been better. This new technology utilizes the power and accuracy of laser energy to replace many of the critical steps in traditional cataract surgery and also optimizes the execution of these steps to maximize safety and accuracy. These processes are multifactorial in their scope of effect on the eye. The laser energy is used to create all corneal incisions to enter the eye, so a knife or scalpel is no longer required. These incisions are designed to be multi-planar, which allows for a higher level of wound sealing without sutures. The laser treats corneal astigmatism, which reduces the need for glasses following surgery. The laser also opens the natural capsule, which envelops the cataract, with a roundness, centration and precision that no human hand can duplicate. Additionally, the laser fragments the cataract, which decreases the amount of ultrasound energy required to break up the lens opacity. This theoretically is safer for the delicate endothelial cells on the inner surface of the cornea.The face of modern medicine constantly is changing to improve the lives of people with all manner of disease, and age-related degenerations. Cataract surgery is among the leaders of this continuum with Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery. Bladeless cataract surgery has already helped thousands of patients in northern Colorado. Ask your eye doctor if you are a candidate for this remarkable new technology.Editors Note: Karl Olsen MD is a Cataract and Refractive surgeon at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado. He can be reached at 970 221-2222 or by email at: Marketing@eyecenternoco.com

For more information on Maris Pointe, CLICK HERE.The Parkinson's Foundation estimates approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, and nearly 1 million Americans are currently living with the disease. For these individuals, and seniors in particular, navigating care options at an older age can be complicated. There isn't a single clear-cut option for their future. For seniors and caregivers who are struggling with Parkinson's, Assisted Living might be the perfect option for a safe, fulfilling future.Eagle Senior Living communities offers Assisted Living, at most of our locations, that include on-site care, 24 hours a day, in an engaging, safe environment that likely meets the needs and preferences of seniors currently receiving care from an at-home caregiver. This guide will help seniors, caregivers and families make an informed decision about Assisted Living for those with Parkinson's disease.How Assisted Living Services Can HelpThe goal of Assisted Living in a senior living community is to get the right amount of assistance to allow residents to live as independently as possible. Dedicated team members provide care based on the individual residents specific needs and preferences. Generally, they offer assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management, housekeeping, transportation and more all substantial benefits for seniors with Parkinson's. Many senior living communities with Assisted Living care have on-site medical professionals and physicians who can administer proper medical care when needed. Other communities have good relationships with local physicians who can come into the community to administer care for an additional fee. Either way, almost all Assisted Living communities are staffed by qualified nurses, licensed nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and even certified occupational therapists.Another major benefit of Assisted Living for Parkinson's disease patients is the lifestyle offered. Assisted Living communities usually have robust social and activities programming for residents to find companionship and fulfillment something that at-home care simply cant match. Plus, many communities offer a wide variety of services and amenities such as restaurant-style dining venues, fitness centers, gardens, beauty salons and more.The Right Time for Assisted LivingLike the journey of every person with Parkinson's, there isn't a standard time when seniors should move into Assisted Living. However, there are signs that the individuals disease might be worsening, and it may be time to seek additional care. Some of these may include:Difficulty balancing uprightFrequent fallsWalking with small, shuffling stepsFreezing when feet suddenly cant move forwardDifficulty swallowingWeak and muffled voiceProblems with impulse controlIncreased difficulty sleepingIncreased feelings of depression and anxietySensory difficulties, such as loss of smellNoticeable weight lossWhen these symptoms of Parkinson's disease become too severe for family or caregivers to effectively handle, its time to consider Assisted Living facilities.Parkinson's Disease Assisted LivingAt Eagle Senior Living communities, we take great pride in providing consistently compassionate, high-quality Assisted Living care for seniors with a wide range of health conditions, including Parkinsons disease. If youd like to learn more about how Assisted Living services can help you or your loved ones, or about our stunning communities, please contact us today.

We visited with Connie Buckwalter, Director of Marketing with Mennonite Home Communities which includes the beautiful Woodcrest Villa. Connie talks to us about the variety of senior living options and helps us distinguish the difference between the types of housing options. Pros? Cons? Come join us to learn! Connie Buckwalter, 717-390-4126, www.mennonitehome.org; www.woodcrestvilla.org; 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster PA 17601 #Retirement #RetirementLiving #SeniorsBlueBook #MennoniteHomeCommunities #WoodcrestVilla

When considering retirement living options, seniors are looking for comfort and community, as well as an array of services and amenities that enhance and fulfill everyday living. As baby boomers age, they are setting new standards in senior living thats making senior living communities a popular option amongst the new older generation. You are not alone if you find yourself confused between the many different options when it comes to care types and styles of senior living communities. Senior living communities are designed to tailor seniors looking for varying levels of care, ranging from little assistance to 24-hour nursing.Here are the four most common types of senior living communities: Independent Senior Living Communities are best suited to seniors who are living an independent, self-sufficient life. They offer a carefree lifestyle, freeing residents of the many burdens of daily life. Meals are prepared, housekeeping, laundry and transportation services available as well as 24-hour on-site staffing and great social events and activities. Assisted Living Communities are a combination of housing, personalized assistance services and care, tailored to the individual who requires help with activities of daily living. In these communities you'll find more support services such as assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing while still enjoying independence. Memory Care Communities are designed especially for residents with memory loss and other forms of dementia. Memory care is often provided in a secure area or special wing within an assisted living community. Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes) offer the highest level of care for residents (outside of a hospital) with an emphasis on medical care. They offer 24-hour supervised care with meals, activities and health management support for residents. When looking into senior living communities, making the right choice involves focusing on three important issues: quality of life, standards of care and cost and value. Seek the right answers to these issues and you will find yourself happily at home in a residence that is right for you. Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Mimi Tapia-Bowie at The Village at Stonebridge. She may be reached at 972-542-9100.

To learn more about Intermountain Homecare and Hospice,CLICK HERE.The question of how to help a friend or loved one is being asked more frequently given the abundant grief and loss were experiencing. We so want to help others, give comfort, or reduce pain, somehow, someway. And yet, the best answer is to start by not saying or doing anything. The best answer is to start byauthentically listening.What is authentic listening?Authentic listening is a mighty tool of caring and service.Undervalued, listening is the ultimate love language. Its quiet, slow, modest, and requires our time and single-minded attention. Maybe thats why its underused. Loud, showy, busyness is much more valued today with quick fixes and a plentitude of platitudes.Authentic listening is often the only thing needed to help someone.When someone listens to our experience and our emotions in a safe space, we feel truly loved and validated. Often, saying our problems out loud illuminates the illusive solutions and because these solutions are custom-made, they are embraced more enthusiastically than to advice given by others.Authentic listening provides safe space.The listener lends themselves to us for a while, giving us their full attention, without distraction. Their purpose is to validate, not judge; understand, not fix. Hesitating at first, we relax into speaking truth as the person just listens without interruptions, unnecessary questions, or commentary.Authentic listening is a conscientious decision made in the moment.It doesnt happen by accident because it requires us to deliberately turn down the noise of our thoughts, questions, and advice while turning up our sensitivity to what this person is saying and feeling. Distractionsare turned off and quiet patience is turned on.Authentic listening is a magical experience.Consider the last time you experienced authentic listening, as the listener or the recipient. Youll remember it because they are rare, special moments. There is a heart-to-heart connection that can be transformative for both people. Given how good it feels and how well it works, we have to wonder why we dont make it happen more often.How do I listen authentically?Authentic listening uses these phrases:Tell me moreThis must be really hardI want to make sure I understandIs this what youre sayingWhat has this been like for youAuthentic listening avoids these phrases:I understand how you feelWhen that happened to me, IWhat you need to do is justHave you triedJust look on the bright sideAuthentic listening takes practice and it's worth it.Authentic listening doesnt come easily and requires intentional practice. The result is having the most precious gift you can give to others when there are no words to be said. And from your listening may come a very customized answer of what service can be done.Today, make a decision to authentically listen to one person close to you. Researchers find most of us listen for about 18 seconds before interrupting and taking over the conversation. Try to stretch that to 30 seconds or even a full minute. Observe what happens when you take your turn to truly listen before talking.

For More Information on Coastal Orthopedics, CLICK HERE.What is Chronic Pain?The term chronic pain, also known as intractable pain, is used to describe pain that is ongoing, or intermittent, over a period of several months or even years. The pain may feel dull or sharp and cause an aching or burning sensation in the affected area. Sometimes caused by an old injury or disease, chronic pain can also occur without any apparent underlying cause.Living with chronic pain can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Ranging from mild to severe, chronic pain may limit your flexibility, mobility, strength, and endurance, and it can make getting through your daily activities more challenging. This, then, often leads to bouts of depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the pain. Its important to learn how to manage chronic pain so you can still lead an active and healthy life.Four Main Types of Chronic PainThe different types of chronic pain generally fall into one of these four categories: Neuropathic pain:This refers to pain caused by a malfunctioning nervous system or damage to the nervous system. Neuropathic pain is often characterized as a shooting or burning pain, such as sciatica, which is pain affecting the back, hip, upper to lower leg, and heel stemming from damage or injury to the sciatic nerve.Muscle pain:Injury or deterioration of muscle tissue can cause pain in the lower back, shoulders, arms, neck, legs, hips, and feet. This type of pain is typically caused by injury or repetitive motion.Inflammatory pain:Arthritis, infection, and tissue damage all fall under inflammatory pain. Symptoms may include swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area.Mechanical pain:Mechanical pain is caused by pressure or compression of the bones, discs, ligaments, nerves, and joints associated with thespine. Typically affecting the lower back region, mechanical pain could be the result of fractures of the vertebrae or disc degeneration.Treatment Options for Chronic PainThe goal of treating and managing chronic pain is to reduce the pain so you can stay active and perform your daily activities without a great deal of discomfort. Depending on the overall condition of health, and the severity and frequency of your pain will determine the type of pain management plan that will work best for you.Pain managementtypically includes one or more of the following:Medicine Such as pain relievers, anticonvulsants, or antidepressants.Therapy such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, low-impact exercise, behavioral therapy (meditation, stress reduction).Alternative medicine such as acupuncture or massage.Invasive treatments(for severe cases of chronic pain) such as surgery, electrical stimulation, or nerve blocks.In addition to the above treatment options, its also important to take a holistic approach to managing your pain by incorporating a healthy, well-rounded diet, fitness plan, and relaxation techniques into your daily routine.Managing Chronic PainLiving with chronic pain can be hard, but it doesnt have to keep you down. Its important to make sure your lifestyle works in tandem with your treatment plan to keep your chronic pain manageable. Stay active and exercise often, stick to a regular bedtime routine, dont smoke or drink too much, and maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, seek out friends and family for support and regularly enjoy your favorite activities to keep your mind off the pain.

How a Patient Advocate can ensure the highest level of care for the lowest possible cost.Overseeing long-term care for a loved one is an awesome responsibility, requiring constant vigilance and inside knowledge of how to navigate the bureaucracy of the healthcare system. There are decisions to make, details to monitor, medication to distribute, errands to run, paperwork to file, bills to pay, and appointments to keep.This is especially true during transition stages. When patients are being moved to a new level of care, or when new healthcare professionals are introduced, it is entirely too common for pertinent information to be lost or overlooked, resulting in sometimes irrevocable harm to the patient.Even after successful transitions, most family members worry that their loved one is not getting the best care simply because of the overwhelming nature of our current healthcare system. Having a Patient Advocate on their side greatly reduces - even eliminates - the chaos and confusion that most families experience navigating the healthcare maze.If you are currently dealing with a loved one who needs ongoing care, a Patient Advocate can help you:Explore treatment options so that decisions about care are well informedDeal with paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure the highest benefit for thelowest expenseMonitor medications and minimize the risk of conflicting treatment options and medicationsCoordinate medical care, appointments and transportation for the patientEnsure clear communication among health care providers, insurers, the patient and the patients familyEnsure the highest level of patient centered care; medical and non-medical needs are taken care ofWhat to look for in a Patient Advocate:An independent provider whose only commitment is the patients best interest - not an insurance company or health care providerOffers Complete Patient Advocacy; works across the entire spectrum of the healthcare system and creates and implements a complete patient care plan that includes medical and non-medical needsCompetence: can rely on years of experience working within the healthcare system, but is also focused on continued educationFor most patients and their families, a Patient Advocate means a potential increase in benefits and reductionof costs, and freedom from paperwork, patient monitoring, insurance hassles, and research of treatment options. It means peace of mind.Editors Note:Marie Connolly is an Independent Patient Advocate with more than 35 years experience in the healthcare system. She practices Complete Patient Advocacy and can be reached at: 303-695-0115. GuidingLightLLC.com

Mealtime can be a challenge for caregivers. Eating well is basic to good health. When you provide a sensible diet, the person in your care will have more energy and interest in exercising, plus medications work better. Remember to check with the doctor before starting any special diets.Dementia Care at MealtimesAs with other activities of daily living, people with Alzheimers disease need more help at meal time. The ability to make appropriate food choices, use utensils correctly, chew and swallow food or simply sit at the table changes over the course of the illness. Mealtimes should be pleasant and offer a social opportunity. Allow plenty of time for each meal as people with dementia may take an hour or more to eat. So it is important for you to stay relaxed and offer encouragement when needed.To limit confusion, use a plain white plate and limit the number of items on the plate. Serve one course at time. People with dementia seem to have a sweet tooth. Ice cream and other treats can be used to encourage them to finish a meal.Mealtime Tips for Dementia: Keep the room as quiet as possible so she can concentrate on the meal. Provide finger foods. This allows her to eat more independently and improves nutrition. Cut foods into bite-size portions before serving. Watch use of utensils. Dont put a knife on the table if she can no longer use it properly. Watch for choking or problems swallowing. Consult a doctor or therapist if problems arise. In the late stage of Alzheimers, you will need to cue her to chew and swallow. Give simple instructions, open your mouth, move your tongue, now swallow. If she refuses to eat, dont force it. Instead, provide a drink and return a little later to try again.Dont Forget the Water: Our natural sense of thirst diminishes with age. Also, some drugs dry out the body. Dehydration can cause extra confusion. It is important to drink water by the clock, not unlike you would schedule crucial medications. This allows better absorption of nutrients from foods and medications, and reduces the risk of dehydration.Visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com or call 801-746-1080 or toll free 877-746-1080 to learn about Pathways to Memory, an Alzheimers care program offered by Homewatch CareGivers. Kevin Whatcott is the owner/operator of Homewatch CareGivers of Utah.Author:Kevin Whatcott

MEDMODERN is a Family Medicine clinic specializing in the care of Medicare Advantage patients.Dr. Coleman Pratt is Board Certified in both Family Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine and has focused many years of his career on the care of older patients.MEDMODERN limits enrollment size in order to offer concierge medical services, including house calls, at no additional cost to qualifying patients. Nobody should feel rushed when they visit their doctor.Dr. Pratt has spent his entire career taking care of patients and their families, while also serving as a faculty member at Tulane School of Medicine and overseeing a large network of community health centers. He has worked to perfect his approach to care which is patient centered, evidence based, and quality focused. MEDMODERN understands that patients should receive cutting edge healthcare that emphasizes a personalized relationship with their Family Physician, and puts that principle into practice.Editors Note: Article submitted by MedModern Healthcare. They can be reached at (941) 251-4612 for more information.

To learn more aboutHome Care Assistance of Utah,CLICK HERE.Its important for older people to remain social and active in order to avoid boredom orloneliness, and perhaps more importantly, to help reduce the risk ofhealth problems. Maintaining a hobby is the answer and we have put together a list of our top 10 hobby ideas to help give older people some inspiration.Different hobbies will have a different impact on the person taking part.Sport and fitness activitieswill help to keep older people healthy and energetic but will also improve their social life due to meeting others with the same interests as them.Hobby ideas, those such ascookingandgardeningcan help boost the morale of older people, by giving them a sense of achievement and pride. Reading books andplaying video gameshelp to keep the brain active, therefore reducing the risk ofdementia. Of course, these are also fun activities for old people.There are plenty of options available, so lets look at some of the top hobby ideas.Looking after your HealthAs we age, our health becomes more important. Looking after our bodies becomes a necessity, whilst ensuring that our mental health remains healthy is equally as important.According to the NHS, most adults aged 65 and over spend, on average, 10 hours or more each day sitting or laying down. In-turn, this means that this age category is most at risk of obesity,heart diseaseand an earlier death compared to the general population.It is said that people should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week preferably trying to do something every day, even if its in 10-minute sessions.Taking part in physical activity can help reduce the risk of several medical conditions, such as:Diabetes.Cardiovascular Disease.Depression.Dementia.Arthritis.There are so many hobby ideas out there which can help people to fight back against the ageing process, by remaining fit, healthy, active and socially active.SportsAs weve already covered in this hobby ideas article, its vital that older people take part in physical activity as much as possible. There are plenty of different sports to choose from that older people are guaranteed to find the one for them.Some sporting hobby ideas include:Walking Football.Swimming.Bowls.Tennis.Squash.Golf.All of the above have different effects on the body. Not only is sport great for our physical well-being, but it is also great for our mental state. Many sports are played as a team, which means that those who take part will make new friends and therefore improve their social life. In-turn, this helps to combatloneliness in old age.Of course, more than anything else, sport is fun. It gives people something to look forward to each week, whether theyre a member of a club/team or if theyre just having a social game with their friends.Find out more about sports for older people.Fitness ActivitiesYou dont need to take part in sport to meet new people and look after your health. There are plenty of hobby ideas out there which are based on fitness, such as:Going to the gym.Fitness classes & groups.Hiking.Walking.Nordic Walking.Cycling.A closer look at Nordic WalkingNordic Walkingis great for your social life and for your medical well-being. Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise which was originally a summer training regime for cross-country skiers. According to the NHS, Nordic Walking is:A full-body exercise thats easy on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Its based on using specially designed walking poles in a way that harnesses the power of the upper body to propel you forward as you walk.There are different classes available, including gentle walks for those with health concerns to workout walks for those who are looking to improve their fitness by losing weight and toning their body. By using Nordic poles, you are taking the weight off your knees and lower body joints. Nordic Walking can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such asheart disease, type 2 diabetes andasthma.Just like you would if you were taking part in a sporting activity, Nordic walking groups will also introduce you to new people. This can help improve your social life and combat any loneliness that you may be feeling. If youre interested in Nordic walking, you can find a local instructor on theNordic Walking UK website.If youre considering taking part in a sporting or fitness activity, its important to know what your body can cope with. If you have issues with yourmuscles or bones, its advised that you speak with your GP or fitness instructor in order to understand the level of activity you can take part in.Find out more about Nordic Walking.GardeningGardening has plenty of benefits for older people. Gardening can become an addictive hobby, as everybody wants their garden to look the best it can. Keen gardeners want to fill their gardens with the most beautifulflowers and plants, cut the lawn into a nice, neat design and maybe even grow some fruit and vegetables.There are plenty of benefits, bothmentallyand physically, of getting out into the garden. Examples include:Getting out into the fresh air.Helping to keep fit and active.Keeping older people busy.Can provide nutritious, healthy food.Reducing stress levels.Ensuring that were are up and about and keeping active rather than sitting down all day, is great for our health. In fact,a 2015 studyfound thatjust two, 50-minute sessions of potting plants and watering flowers, dramatically improves endurance, dexterity and brain function. As well as this, after seven weeks the participants of the study all lost weight, particularly around their waists, which is one of the most dangerous parts of the body to store fat.Read these five benefits of taking up gardening.GamingOne of the most interesting stories to have hit the news in recent years is therise of the silver gamer. Yes, thats right, more people over the age of 55 are playing video games now than ever before.In 2014, The Telegraph reported that one in four people over 55 had a games console in their home. The majority of older people with consoles in their homes did not have any children living at home. Its not just games consoles either. The elderly are getting more accustomed to tablets and online version of classics such as Scrabble.Playing games provides great entertainment and can also be a way of socialising with friends and fellow gamers. Its not just the social and fun aspect either. Playing video and digital games gives the brain a healthy challenge. One study, in 2015, suggested that3D computer games can help prevent memory loss. Hand-eye co-ordination and reactions times can also be improved by playing computer games attributes that may begin to weaken as people get older.Top games for older players include:Lexulous (Facebook Game) This is an online word game based on the traditional board game, Scrabble. You can play against the computer or against other players from around the world.Bejewelled In this puzzle game, players are required to form a horizontal or vertical chain of three or more gems of the same colour. You do this by swapping gems around the screen.Wii Sports This game is available on the Nintendo Wii. Players play the game like they would the sport in real life. Sports include; Tennis, Boxing and Bowling.Brain Training These games are designed to challenge the mind and to get older people thinking. Players will answer questions and solver difficult equations and puzzles.Age of Empires This series is one of the biggest strategy game franchises in the world. Games focus on historical periods such as the Stone Age and Iron Age.Super Mario One of the most well-known and successful platform games. This game will provide hours of entertainment and plenty of puzzle-solving.Suduko This well-known numbers game which often youll find in puzzle books and the back of newspapers has now got its own app. Great for keeping the mind sharp!Find out more about the benefits of gaming.Social MediaSocial media has taken over the world and is especially popular among the younger generation. This phenomenon has also become one of the most popular activities on our list of hobby ideas. According toa report on The Telegraph last year,the proportion of 55 to 64-year-olds using social media passed the 50% mark in 2015.Popular social platforms such asFacebook, Skype and WhatsApp are great for older people especially those who live alone or away from family. Plenty of younger people now choose to move away from their childhood home, whether its to go to university or for work purposes. This means that the older generation can get left behind, making it difficult for them to see or speak with their family. Its in situations like this where social media steps in and allows people to re-connect with their family and friends, both nearby and across the world:Facebook A platform for connecting and re-connecting with friends and pages. It allows people to instant message loved ones, share photographs, videos, post statuses and much more.Sykpe One of top live video messaging services. It allows people to video chat their loved ones all around the world. This means never having to miss a moment.WhatsApp Free instant messaging and telephone calls on mobile phones, without using voice minutes or texts.Twitter Customised to only see the things youre interested in. Share thoughts and opinions with the people who care, all in a tweet consisting of 140 characters!Instagram A place to share photographs. Share pictures of what you care about with your followers whether theyre friends, family or people with similar interests.Out of all the elderly activities on this list, being a pro on social media is the one that will impress the grandchildren the most!Find out more about social mediaCookingAs previously mentioned in this article, cooking a meal can give a great sense of achievement, along with a feeling of happiness as loved ones and friends enjoy the food that has been made.Cooked meals can bring friends and family together. Sunday dinner is a British institution. Everybody likes to boast about their grandmas Sunday dinner! But its not just the social benefits of cooking which are important. Cooking homemade food is alsogreat for our health.Create meal plans, try to master healthy recipes and learn about new foods from around the world. Rather than eating out, getting a takeaway or buying frozen, processed meals, eat genuine meat with healthy vegetables. Maybe use items grown in the garden, as discussed in the gardening section of this blog article.Go into the kitchen and create some healthy, tasty masterpieces!Find out more about the benefits of cooking.Jigsaw PuzzlesThere are plenty of hobby ideas for older people to choose from, but one of the most enjoyable and brain-challenging is ajigsaw puzzle. There are so many different types of puzzle to choose from, including actual photographs, cartoons, paintings and other backgrounds.Puzzles are available with 500 pieces, 1000 pieces, 2000 pieces and even a challenging 5000 pieces. The best thing about puzzles is that they dont need to be finished in one go stop and come back to them whenever suits. This potentially can create days, even weeks of fun.Well-known puzzling brands include:Ravensburger Ravensburger creates fun puzzles for the children, and serious, challenging puzzles for the adults. 3D puzzles are also available from this brand.Jan Van Haasteren These puzzles are all about the fun, chaotic scenes that have been designed by Jan Van Haasteren. Little hidden features appear throughout the range.Wasgij Something a little different. In these puzzles, you must create an alternative scene based on the clue given on the box. Wasjig is also jigsaw spelled backwards!!3D puzzles provide a whole different aspect to this activity. Re-create some of the worlds most popular landmarks in puzzle form. Examples include the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Sporting examples include Old Trafford and various F1 cars.All of the above will give the brain a workout helping to keep the cognitive functions active. This is important in for older people as it can help prevent the onset ofdementia.Read more about jigsaw puzzles.BooksWho doesnt love to read a good book? This is the most traditional entry on our list of hobby ideas for older people. Reading is something we all enjoy doing. It doesnt matter if youre 65 or 25,a good bookcan provide days of entertainment.Therere so many different genres to choose from, which means that there will be something for everyone. For TV and sports fans, there are plenty of autobiographies. For those who like horror stories, here is the Stephen King collection.Current best sellers include:The Missing Wife by Sheila OFlanagan.Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K Rowling.Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Vol.1 by Stephen King.Of course, people dont even need to have the actual book now if they dont want to. Most stories are also available as E-Books, for use on devices such as the Kindle. Despite older people generally preferring an actual book, E-Books can allow them to read easier and faster according to this study.Reading an actual book can help to enhance memory, sharpen decision-making skills, reduce stress and help people to get to sleep much faster. Reading in bed is a common thing to do as it induces shut-eye much better than watching TV before bed.See our top 5 book suggestions for older people.Learn to Play a New InstrumentOf all our hobby ideas, this is possibly the one that we all consider at some point in our lives. There are plenty of instruments for you to choose from too, such as the guitar, drums, piano, saxophone or violin.Teaching yourself a new skill provides your brain with a challenge, which is important in the battle againstdementia. Youll also develop your time management and organisational skills during the learning process, as youll have to get it your full attention if youre going to progress and improve.Your hand-eye coordination also improves as your brain will be working to covert the musical notes that youre reading on the page into specific motor patterns, breathing techniques and rhythm in your hands.Of course, playing a musical instrument is also plenty of fun and you could end up making new friends by joining a band once youre ready.See our top five musical instruments for you to learn.Model BuildingSomething that you perhaps hadnt thought of before. Model building is a hobby that can become quite addictive, especially as you dont even have to leave your home. Putting together some of your favourite cars or planes can help you to develop your skills.Model Spacehint that youll learn and/or improve on the following:Researching.Planning.Cutting.Drilling.Sculpting.Sanding.Gluing.Painting.Detailing.Photography.Model building can also be a good reliever of stress. You can escape to your own little assembly area to concentrate solely on building your latest project, clearing your mind of any problems that you had previously.Model building is also a great hobby to enjoy with your grandchildren. You can build your projects together, strengthening your relationship and teaching them the rewards of good teamwork.Finally, the sense of achievement that youll have once your latest project is complete cannot be beaten. You can take a step back and appreciate the model that you have just built, before adding it to your collection perhaps a model car shelf?Learn more about the benefits of building models.Bird WatchingThere are plenty of benefits of taking part in bird watching. Not only to you get to travel around the country, and potentially the world, but you also get to see some of the most desirable bird species on our planet.Being outside is great for your mental well-being, as it generally improves your mood and provides you with a space to think. Bird watching is a great opportunity to reflect on your life, or to just zone out and think calming thoughts.Not only that, but your body will soak up vitamin D from the sun and breath in fresh air all day.Youll also benefit from an improvement in your reflexes and mental alertness. As a bird watcher, you need to be ready to pounce with your camera in order to capture that dream shot of the bird. A bird can be here and gone in the blink of an eye. Bird watchers need their brains to operateon many different levels to make sure they can pick up on any clues that a bird might be nearby.Often, youll be walking for miles, or even climbing and hiking up mountains, to find a certain type of bird. Putting your body through this is a good cardiovascular workout, which is good for your heart.Five benefits of taking up bird watching.PetsLooking after a pet can easily be seen a hobby idea. Having a pet can provide you with a friendly companion and someone to focus your energy on each day. Having a dog, for example, is great if youre living alone as it will combat any feelings of boredom or loneliness.Pets provide you with a sense of responsibility, you know that you need to feed them, take them for walks, clean their cage/living area and protect them from any potential dangers around the home and the outside world.According to various studies, stroking a pet is thought to reduce the level of stress-related hormones in the blood, whilst stroking a dog can be comforting to both parties. When you stroke a dog, a hormone called oxytocin, linked to anxiety relief, is released.Owning a pet can bring some fun and excitement back into your life.Find out more about the benefits of owning a pet.TravellingPerhaps the most appealing of all our hobby ideas, why not take some time out from work or from daily life if youre retired to see the world? The possibilities are endless when it comes to travelling, it really depends on your preferences and dreams.Maybe head over the States and complete the Route 66 trail or go down under and visit the outback in Australia. Going travelling could help to tick off so many items on yourbucket list.Before you head anywhere make sure hat youve sorted out anyinsuranceand vaccinations, and remember tokeep your home securewhilst youre away dont make it obvious over social media that youre going away.Read about the five locations we think you need to visit on your travels.Community GroupsThere is a hugerisk of lonelinessas people get older. Friends and family may move away and older people could face living alone. This is dangerous asloneliness can trigger health problems. Living alone can become quite upsetting and depressing.Fortunately, there are many community groups out there, based on several different hobbies and interests. Some of the most common groups that can be found around the country include:Arts & Crafts for beginners.Board Gamecafes and groups.Exercise classes such as yoga.Cooking classes for different levels of experience.Coffee mornings.Singing groups.Dancing.Book reading groups.Joining a group like this can introduce older people to those who have the same interests. You can make new friends and fill your calendars with exciting activities and social events perfect for maintaining astrong social network.Five community groups that can combat loneliness.Adult LearningLike the community groups mentioned above, joining an adult learning course can also have great social benefits:Meeting new people who have the same interests.Sharing stories with new people.Sharing advice and tips throughout the educational course.Learning new skills at a college or university keeps the brain healthy. Students constantly learn new things and try to solve puzzles as they try to understand and process new information. In fact, research by theAlzheimers Society showed that education delayed the onset of the disease,according to this report on The Guardian.Much likecooking an amazing meal in the kitchen, learning a new skill and passing exams gives an amazing sense of achievement. Keeping busy and active is vital as the elderly try to combat loneliness and boredom.Visit a local college or university website to see what courses are available.Alternatively you can can look at the best course ideas chosen by us.Have a hobby but stay safeWhilst having a hobby or two is great, any activity comes with some risks attached. Apersonal alarm is the ideal solutionand can give people a confidence boost that help will be there in an emergency. Ourlife-saving pendantworks inside the home and in the garden.For more information on purchasing a personal alarm,speak to one of our friendly advisers on0800 999 0400.Alternatively, visit our website or complete ourcontact usformand we will respond as soon as possible.

People rarely plan end of life care, but the funny thing is if you ask almost anyone how he or she wants to die they can tell you. Most answers are pretty close to each other too. The themes include pain free, at home, and surrounded by those who are loved. It makes sense really. I mean, outside of being a Klingon very few want to die in battle. Most people do not want to die in pain, or alone.or afraid.So if it takes three months of planning to go to Oregon for a week, why as a culture do we think we can avoid planning what is arguably going to be our last memorable event?Perhaps the answer lies in the misconception that suffering is unavoidable. Perhaps its because planning for a trip to the beach is a heck of a lot more fun than planning our individual last hurrah. This is where working in hospice comes in handy. Ive seen such excellent examples of how to live. The best examples of a life well lived I have observed from those I have met in hospice. See thats what most people misunderstand. Hospice isnt really about dying. From an existential standpoint we are all dying, our mortal time here ebbing away one minute at a time. Hospice is for people who are rounding third base and heading home..and want to have the ability to live life up to the very minute they cant anymore.Hospice has come to be synonymous with death, but that is where we as Americans got the message wrong. Thats like saying youre going to the movies to see the credits roll. While the credits are how all movies end, thats not why you pay for the ticket. A good hospice takes care of a persons symptoms, alleviates suffering, and provides options so that each person can be self determined and enjoy each day while there are still days to enjoy. A great hospice will help you enjoy those days.I for one know what I will be looking for when the time approaches for me to make that decision. I want to go places I hate sitting at home. I too will want to be in my home with my family and my dog. I want fried food. If anyone tries to spoon feed me low sodium, low fat anything I pledge to haunt them. I want to laugh. I want the ability to be who I am until Im not anymore.Think about it. No really, take a momentWhat do you want?

There are many important considerations while doing your estate planning.Sometimes, it is difficult to understand the terms and language that are brought up during this time. Here is a breakdown of some of the most important aspects:Probate Defined:Probate is defined as the court process during which a deceased persons assets are transferred to their beneficiaries. During that time, there is a creditors claim period where we publish the proceedings in the newspaper and any legitimate creditors can make a claim on the estate within a specific timeframe.Power of Attorney defined:A Power of Attorney is a legal document delegating authority from one person to another. In the document, the principal of the Power of Attorney grants the right to act on the principals behalf as their agent. A typical Power of Attorney document gives the agent the right to make health care and financial decisions for the principal.Living Wills defined:The Living Will is a legal document which allows a person to place into writing their specific end of life desires with regard to their health care. The purpose of this document is to provide the principal the opportunity to direct a person to speak on their behalf for the withholding of, or withdrawal, of any life prolonging procedures in the event one should have a terminal condition that is unrecoverable.Last will and testament:A properly executed will allows you to specify exactly how you would like your estate handled upon your death, including how and to whom property should be divided and who should manage the administration of your estate. Certain specific formalities are required for execution of a valid will. When there is a will with no revocable living trust, there will be probate of a persons individual assets.Revocable Living Trust:In Florida, you can make a living trust to avoid probate. A trust document is similar to a will in that it names someone to take over as trustee after your death or disability. You must transfer ownership of your property to yourself as the trustee of the trust. Once all thats done, the property will be controlled by the terms of the trust during your lifetime and the successor trustee will be able to assist with financial affairs. At your death, your successor trustee will be able to transfer it to the trust beneficiaries without probate court proceedings.

For more information on the author Reichback Center, CLICK HERE!KETAMINE INFUSION THERAPYKetamine infusions can help those who thought they were out of options after taking narcotic pain killers, antidepressants, or other conventional therapies with no response or undesirable side effects. Ketamine works in the spine and brain through a different set of nerve receptors than traditional antidepressants and pain relievers. Thats why it is effective in helping individuals manage mental health disorders, including various types of depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its also successful in relieving neuropathic pain disorders such as CRPS/RSD, ongoing back or joint pain, chronic severe headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, and the symptoms of Lyme disease, among others.The experts at Reichbach Center have observed dramatic improvement in some patients depressive symptoms, mood, and dysthymia, often after just one infusion. In others, the change may be more subtle. These changes may include improved sleep, improved focus, and concentration, more desire to engage with family and friends, etc. It is important to realize that every patient responds differently. Subtle signs of improvement in function are generally cause for optimism in completing an initial series of infusions.MEDICAL MARIJUANAThe ratification of Amendment2 in 2016 has allowed for patients with qualifying medical conditions to obtain an official card to legally purchase medical cannabis in the State of Florida. To obtain a card, there is a straightforward process that begins with a visit to a physician who is certified by the State of Florida to determine if a patient qualifies, like Reichbach Centers expert physician Dr. Steven Reichbach. Qualifying Medical Conditions: There are 12 medical conditions defined in the Florida medical marijuana initiative. However, the law also states that any medical condition in which the physician believes the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the potential health risks for a patient may also qualify a patient for a card. The medical conditions specifically defined in Floridas medical marijuana law are cancer, epilepsy, Crohns disease, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, seizures, chronic muscle spasms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrigs disease), Parkinsons disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS.) The benefits of treating a wide array of symptoms from multiple disorders with medical marijuana have been staggering over the last five years.

Northland Heights Senior Living in the North Hills is a new senior housing community and they are accepting new residents! Learn more here!

Everyone knows suffering. Often, when we are the most wounded, and we need help the most, we dont know where to get it. Navigating the dizzying medical-care maze can be both time-consuming and confusing.This is where a Patient Advocate comes in. What does a "Patient Advocate" do? The simple answer is that they help people navigate the healthcare system. A Patient Advocate acts as a support structure, and if legally contracted to do so, may act as a liaison between a patient and their Health Care Provider and/or Insurance Company. The Patient Advocate does not compete with your healthcare provider, they offer assistance where the role of physician becomes limited. A Patient Advocate can help alleviate the pain and the frustration that goes with the worry of uncertainty, fear, and the unknown related to health care issues.The Healthcare system is changing dramatically. There are thousands of pages to read to keep up with the changes. To add to the complexity, each insurance plan and each insurance company have different contracts and rules for individual policies. Each insurance company has a different contract and payment schedule with individual hospitals and providers. It is easy to see how we find ourselves in a maze that is difficult if not impossible to navigate. The addition of long waits and runarounds add to this frustration.Do you need a Patient Advocate? Consider hiring an advocate if:You have several medical conditions to follow.You are unable to think clearly. Some people are in shock following a diagnosis. Some medications impact the patients comprehension and concentration, and some conditions are complicated to understand.You have been diagnosed with a progressive or degenerative illness. You have a chronic illness that requires follow up care.You have medical bills that you don't completely understand or have the time or energy to deal with. Each provider bills separately, even within the hospital, and there is a high percentage of bills with errors. An advocate can be a medical bill detective.The need for Patient Advocacy relates to people of all ages and life styles. It doesn't discriminate.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Patricia Horne, a Professional Patient Advocate with Patient Advocate Solutions, and may be reached at 801-698-0919 or by email at pat@PatientAdvocateSolutions.com

The community foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that administers gifts contributed by its citizens, agencies and businesses. These gifts are invested and the income from those investments is used for grants and scholarships that support and strengthen our community.The community foundation in Charlotte County is the Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF). A part of the community for more than 20 years, CCF is the only organization of its type focused exclusively on Charlotte County, Florida. CCF has its roots in the Adventist Hospital Foundation. When the hospital was sold and became the Charlotte Regional Medical Center in 1995, the Charlotte County Foundation was established as a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, focused specifically on health and education issues.In 2004, the Foundations Board of Directors met with other com-munity leaders to review the organizations programs, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and define its future for the community. A new vision emerged, and the Board adopted a strategic plan that has established CCFs focus as a true community foundation, strictly for Charlotte County, Florida. No other community foundation has such a focus.

Written By: Joshua WallsSubmitted By: Inspired Living, For more information CLICK BELOW on the location nearest you!Hidden Lakes (Bradenton)Lakewood RanchSarasotaIn the same way physical activity can keep our bodies healthy, mental activity can keep our brains healthy. Since June is Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month, now is an excellent time to think about strategies that may maintain, or improve our cognitive abilities as we age. Many of theactivities suggested beloware quick and easy to follow.Stay Connected SociallyAccording to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), engaging in activities with others can significantly increase your mental well-being and active brain use. Consider planning a family outing, joining a club, volunteering, playing board gameswith friends, or attending religious services. No matter how you plan to meet people, being social is a key ingredient for long-term brain health.Try to Learn Something New Every DayThe researchers at Harvard Medical found that learning new skills and having a purpose-driven life can increase mental acuity. The trick here is to find something new to learn so that you challenge your brain. Try a new creative hobby such as painting, photography, or journaling. If you enjoy nature, try identifyingbirds or plants. Learning a new language or picking up an instrument also challenges the brain. Just 15 minutes a day devoted to learning a new skill can benefit your brain.Manage StressExperiencing stress is normal and expected throughout our lives, but the National Institute on Aging notes that increased stress can impact memory and may factor into the risk of dementia. Activities that help to alleviate stress include: keeping a journal, meditation,relaxation exercises, and spending time interacting with a pet.Give Your Brain a BreakMental fatigue is real, and like any other organ in the body, the brain needs time to rest. Harvard Medical recommends minimizing distractions and economizing mental use to allow your brain to concentrate on learning and remembering important details. To give your brain a break try to eliminate clutter;identify a designated place to put keys, wallet, and phone; use a calendar to remember important events; and use lists for phone numbers, passwords, groceries, etc.Eat A Healthy Diet - Including SnacksAccording to the American Geriatrics Society, healthy eating habits can reduce the risk of memory loss. Studies link the popular Mediterranean Diet with better cognitive abilities in later life. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and other seafood; unsaturated fats such as olive oils; and low amounts of red meat, eggs, and sweets. Between meals, healthy snacks are important too. Instead of chips, consider vegetables, nuts, and fruits and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, refined grains, and highly processed snack foods.At Inspired Living and Superior Residences, our residentshave fun exploring new experiences with our signature programs, like Inspired Destinations.Every month, we invite residents to take part in a series of social, recreational, and dining events designed to explore unique cultures and cuisines from around the world. Inspired by the six dimensions of wellness, our Inspired Destinations activities help residents live their best life every day. We offer a variety of living options for your needs, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care.

The markets for antiques, fine art, and collectibles have undergone profound changes in the the last 15 years, with prices trending lower often much lower in most categories.The reasons for the changes are numerous, but the principle driver is simple demographics: Millennials have little interest in traditional furnishings and especially avoid anything that requires polishing or cant go in the dishwasher or microwave.With these trends in mind, the problem of how to re-home items or turn them into cash is growing more difficult by the day and one that I deal with frequently in my own business. So, here are some tips and strategies that can make the task easier for you.First, understand what you have. The internet is a great source of information but nothing beats paying for an hour of a qualified appraisers time. Appraisers can also help in setting values when an estate will be divided among heirs.Secondly, be realistic. What was paid for something 20 years ago is meaningless today, as is the age of an item. It is heartbreaking to see beautiful sets of china going for nothing but the markets are speaking loudly and clearly these days.Thirdly, know your options. For better things, a reputable auction house can be great venue. For lesser items, a consignment store may be a good bet. After that, organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army can be considered.Lastly, consider gifting relatives. But dont sweat it if a younger relative politely says no thanks or has your gift on Ebay before you have pulled out of the driveway remember, its just demographics!

Monitoring Solutions of SWFL provides GPS monitoring to the memory impaired, and those with other medical conditions. Services are available throughout the State of Florida, utilizing the S-911 bracelet - the most comprehensive tool available for caregivers and family members.The S-911 is a watch-style bracelet which tracks location via satellite and cell phone signal. The S-911 software also has geo-fencing capability. This means the caregiver is able to create both inclusion and exclusion zones for the person wearing the device. If the wearer needs to stay within a certain area, the instant the boundary is crossed a text message is sent. Conversely, if there is a danger area such as a lake, a text will be sent when the wearer gets too close.The S-911 is the only bracelet on the market featuring a built in cell phone. This is excellent for those in the early stages of memory impairment who find themselves lost, or when a fall occurs. The wearer presses the panic button & the bracelet will call for assistance right from their wrist. The S-911 also has an impact detector so that if the wearer falls, or is in an auto accident and is incapable of pressing the panic button, an alert is still sent & their caregiver will be instantly notified. We offer a solution to anyone who has an illness where precious seconds can determine whether someone receives the help they need quickly enough to save their lives, reports Zodia King, President of the company.The S-911 bracelet is available for purchase or can be leased. There is a monthly service fee for access to the tracking website and data transmission. Monitoring Solutions also offers monitoring service for families whose loved ones are local but live out of state.The highest level of service offered, which includes lease, website/voice andmonitoring service is still less than $5/day making it a very affordable solution for many applications.At Monitoring Solutions our mission is to assist families and caregivers by providing a dignified method of constant contact which enables prolonged independence at a low cost.

What comes to mind when you think of retirement? Do you picture a view of the ocean or the mountains? A mild climate? Your home town? The comfort of the place you call home? A sense of community & interaction with others?Everyone has different hopes & desires when it comes to aging & retirement. No matter the goal, a realistic mindset & planning must occur.Regardless of social & economic status, there are options to age the way you want to. Life does not always go as planned but it is best to be prepared. Being prepared will help to navigate the obstacles of life.There are a few key questions to ask yourself regarding how you want to age:1.) Do I want to live in a senior community or age in place?2.) What are my available resources?3.) Who do I want to help me with decision making if I am not able to?There are a few key action items to help prepare for the future:1.) Write down your wishes.2.) Formalize your wishes. This can be in the form of advanced directives, MOST form, living will, etc...3.) Talk with those who will help you through the process & fulfill your plan.Answering these questions & completing the action steps can place you in a position to age the way you want opposed to aging placing you!Millions of Americans face difficult decisions during a time of need. The more prepared you can be for the aging process, the better.Northern Colorado is full of many educated professionals & resources for seniors & families navigating the aging process. If aging the way you want is your goal; you must take action & plan. There are many local companies & resources to get in touch with such as:-Home Care Companies-Social Workers & Case Managers-Primary Care Physician-Area Agency on Aging-Care Management ProfessionalsProfessionals from these fields & resources will assist with planning your goals before the time of decision arises.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Greg Kelley. Greg is the Director of Operations & Administrator with Phoenix Home Care & Hospice and may be reached at (970)270-1541 or by email at GKelley@PhoenixHomeHC.com with any questions.

For centuries, we've known that the health of the brain and the body are connected. But now, science is able to provide insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age.Join SBB University and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater PA to learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use hands-on-tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging.Presenters:Deb Schleh, Volunteer, Alzheimer's Association of Greater PA and Seniors Blue Book of South Central PASara Murphy, VP of Programs & Services, Alzheimer's Association of Greater PA24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 www.alz.org

As we reach out and touch someone with a servant's heart, we reap many rewards. One of the biggest rewards is we add to the senior's quality of life by allowing them to stay in their own homes.Home care provides many other benefits as the trained, loving, professional caregiver bonds with the client. The professional caregiver who has chosen in-home care quickly learns how the senior wants things done in their home and strives to please.As winter storms approach and snowflakes float softly to the ground, it creates a beautiful sight to behold. The client waits inside for their special person to arrive and add warmth to their sometimes cold and lonely world. Fear tries to interrupt their trust in the person they have come to depend on for their care. The thought of being left alone or seeing a stranger in the place of their special person is frightening. It takes away from the quality of their lives and can cause their health to decline.The professional caregiver has learned the weather and other factors can create circumstances to keep them from their jobs. They realize the client has come to expect them at certain times of the day and week. The caregiver strives to meet their commitment to the senior who is depending on them. Professional caregivers realize their absence causes trauma and affects the daily living activities of their client.Those who have chosen in-home care as their profession understand the importance of being on time. Therefore they strive to follow through with their commitment. They win by serving.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Mae Mays , Owner and Founder of Affordable Home Care since 1992. Ms. Mays may be reached at 303-988-1821 or by email at: affordablehomecare@comcast.net

Your body needs a balanced diet of nutrients to keep a healthy weight to stay active and free to fully enjoy life. As you age, your metabolism slows down and needs fewer calories. Your body also needs more of certain nutrients, so its more important than ever to choose foods that give you the best nutritional value. Here are some suggestions to give your body the fuel and nutrients that it needs:Look for food high in fiber and low in sodium, salt or added sugar. Add fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet. Liven up your plate with natural bursts of green, purple, red, orange and yellow.For protein, go with lean ground turkey, seafood and skinless chicken breast. Eggs and beans are also a good source of protein. Low-fat dairy like milk, cottage cheese and yogurt are good additions to your diet. Choose whole grains, brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread and pasta over white bleached flower and white rice. Substitute olive oil, canola oil, sesame seed oil for oils labeled partially hydrogenated.Hydrate! Drink small amounts of liquid throughout the day. You should drink six to eight glasses of water per day. Avoid beverages like soft drinks that contain high fructose corn syrup and are high in sugar and sodium.Put together a grocery list of healthy food and stick to the list when shopping for food. Avoid processed, packaged and sugary foods. The healthiest foods are whole foods. These are found closer to the walls of the grocery store in the produce, meat, and dairy sections. Read the nutrition facts on food labels to find items that are lower in fat, added sugars and sodium.Avoid overeating triggers. Plan what to have for dinner early in the day, avoid vending machines and keep unhealthy snacks out of your house. Eat slowly and only when you are hungry. Avoid skipping meals and control your portion sizes by paying attention to recommended servings.Keep a food journal. Use free and easy-to-use websites like WebMD, com or sparkpeople.com. You can access health and wellness tools and information at members.bcidaho.com.Staying mindful of what you eat and how you eat can keep you on the path to good health, enjoying a happy, active life.

In our culture we often fail to plan for the last great act of life. At the beginning of the circle of life we give all our thoughts and best efforts to planning for a new child and their upbringing, but due to the inherently sad nature of the end of the circle of life, we often fail to plan or really give the following question any thought: how will I pay for assistance if I were to need it as I age?The Unique Reality of Assisted Living CommunitiesAssisted Living communities are one of the only areas of health care that Medicare will not pay for, and most communities limit the number of Medicaid rooms they have, if they have any, because the reimbursement rate is so low. This is why most Assisted Living facilities are private pay. Most assisted living residents pay from their own social security, pensions, savings or with help from family members. Often funds to pay for Assisted Living comes from the sale of a home or the sale of stocks and bonds. Below is a list of some other excellent options and resources for Assisted Living financing options:Long Term Care InsuranceThis is one of the most underutilized and best options for paying for Assisted Living. It may be too late to cost effectively start a long term care insurance policy for you depending on your current age. But inform and educate your children to start now and plan for their future.Reverse MortgagesA reverse mortgage is a loan available to seniors age 62 and above. It's used to release the home equity in the property as one lump sum or in multiple payments. The homeowner's obligation to repay the loan is deferred until the owner passes away, the home is sold or the owner moves out. In the case of couples, as long as one person still lives in the home, the payments do not need to be made on the loan.Secured Lines of CreditA secured line of credit is a loan from the bank, credit union or other financial institution. Similar to a bank account, you may draw funds as needed, but you only pay interest on the amounts drawn. A line of credit can be secured by real estate, CD's, equities (stocks) and cash that you may have. You can borrow from it over and over again without having to renegotiate terms.Life InsuranceSome life insurance policies have a cash value that may be withdrawn or borrowed against. You may also obtain the proceeds from a life insurance policy by selling or liquidating it before death.Tax ConsiderationsFamilies often help support their loved ones at Carrington Court. Each individual may give up to $14,000 in 2015 & 2016 and married couples, filing jointly may give up to $28,000.00 in 2015 & 2016 without being subject to Gift Taxes.Costs related to senior living may be tax deductible as medical expenses for both the resident and their family caregiver if they meet applicable Internal Revenue Service requirements. You should obtain your own qualified tax counsel in these matters.Companion LivingTwo residents may share a suite as companions. This offers a more affordable option, with all the benefits and assistance of Assisted Living remaining the same. A roommate can often help ease the transition to a new community.Veterans BenefitsThe United States Department of Veterans Affairs administers the veterans pension program which also includes aid and assistance and housebound benefits. For more information on qualification for and how to apply for these benefits go to http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/vetpen.htm#7.If we start doing our due diligence to plan and provide for the end of our circle of life the future will begin to grow bright!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Michael Nielson, Administrator of Carrington Court Assisted Living and Memory Care. He may be reached at 801-676-8787 or by email at michaeln@carringtoncourtal.com

As the number of people affected by Alzheimers grows, there is an increasing need to understand the activity requirements of someone with Alzheimers disease. Activities are a key component of daily living that provides a soothing and calming routine, which can lower feelings of aggression or agitation. As the disease progresses, the type of activities need to be modified in order to continue to live a more peaceful and enjoyable life.In the early stages of Alzheimers it is important to stay connected with family and friends. After diagnosis, a person is recommended to continue with enjoyable activities and hobbies with slight adjustments. For example, rather than having dinner at a busy restaurant, a more intimate gathering at someones home would be more enjoyable. This would also be a great time to join a support group and discuss feelings and concerns with others facing the same situation.Starting in the early stages, consistency is key in order to mitigate confusion. As the disease progresses, writing and handling objects may become more difficult. As daily activities require more assistance, it will be more productive to focus on enjoyment of an activity, rather than completion of a task. Step-by-step instructions are good for keeping people involved, such as coloring, washing vegetables, watering plants, or flower arranging. The person with Alzheimers needs to feel helpful, so household duties like sweeping or dusting furniture are a great way to keep them engaged. Moderate exercise can help stimulate the brain. Tossing a ball back and forth can assist with interaction and coordination.People living with moderate stage Alzheimers will spend time reminiscing of the past. Ask questions to allow them to open up about their past experiences. This is a great time to document stories about family history. Picture books and photo albums can be a great way to stimulate conversation. Some additional ideas for soothing activities could be listening to music and singing. Caring for a baby doll can soothe an agitated person. Some people try to keep a baby doll, play crib and doll clothes available for comfort.As the disease progresses to the severe stage, round the clock care is needed to keep the person safe and calm. They may experience loss of verbal skills, so engagement through sight will be the most soothing. Movies with peaceful animals and landscape environments will be beneficial in most cases. Soothing, quiet music can create a calming atmosphere.Most importantly, try to keep the activities calming and relaxing. If you see that a particular activity is agitating or upsetting, move onto another. Keep in mind that the Alzheimers world is their new reality. Providing care in a supportive environment, with stage-appropriate activities, is the optimal way to ensure the best quality of life for the person living with Alzheimers disease, as well as the caregiver.Editors Note: This article was written by Mandy Quinn at The Cottages Senior Living. She may be reached at 214-952-8829. The Cottages is a state-of-the-art residence for people living with Alzheimers disease and other memory disorders.

Providing care for a loved one can be difficult and many caregivers find themselves feeling trapped by the responsibility and dont attend to their own needs. Conversely, those receiving care may feel guilt for being a burden or anger over their loss of abilities. Because it is such a difficult time for you and your loved one, it is important for you to take care of yourself as a caregiver. Some caregivers reach the point of burnout where they may find themselves feeling hopeless, resentful, or impatient. Below are some tips on how to avoid caregiver burnout:Know your sources of support. Dont be afraid to ask your family for support. If you are reluctant to ask for help, ask yourself, If my family knew what I was trying to do by myself, would they feel that they had missed an opportunity to serve their loved one?It is also helpful to know the resources in the community that can take some of the burden away. Aging Services provides in home assistance to seniors and also provides support to caregivers. Home Health and Hospice agencies can also provide supportive care and have social workers familiar with community resources.Meet your emotional needs. Caregivers often report feeling anger, grief, guilt, helplessness, fear, worry, loneliness and shame. Are there friends that will lend a listening ear? Would joining a caregiver support group be beneficial?Consider the care-giving relationship as a partnership. This Eden philosophy of care suggests that regardless of a persons physical or cognitive function, everyone can participate in their own care in some way. Helping your loved one feel needed and independent improves the relationship and can minimize the stress and frustration around daily tasks. Find time for activities that rejuvenate you. This can be as simple as journaling, taking a walk, or curling up with a good book. You need time to get away.Recognize all that you ARE doing. We often have a tendency to focus on our shortcomings and discount or discredit the positives. Keep in mind there is no such thing as a perfect caregiver. Recognize what you are doing is difficult and acknowledge the many things you are doing well.For more information on caregiver support and resources, contact Andrea Morgenegg, LCSW, HPMT, MT-BC, Dignity Home Health & Hospice (801) 492-4892. For more information on The Eden Philosphy, contact Diedra Kearney, Director of Community Education at Dignity Home Health & Hospice (801) 860-3801

If you've taken on the caregiver role for a senior or someone with a chronic illness or disability, chances are you have experienced more than your share of fatigue, frustration, loneliness and stress. Few of us expect to add caregiving to an already challenging list of family and professional responsibilities. But if the task falls on you and the strain of caregiving threatens to throw your hectic life off balance, take a tip or two from those who have walked in your shoes.Get all the help you can. Seek or accept help from family members, friends, neighbors, volunteers from your community or church group, paid caregivers or a geriatric care manager.Safeguard your physical and mental health. Many caregivers take minimal time to care for themselves, not allowing time to exercise, rest or to eat regular meals. Exhaustion can compromise your body's immune system and lead to illness. Surprisingly, the primary reason many seniors are moved from the comfort of their own home into an institutional setting is the decline in health of the caregiver, not the patient. Its important to eat well, get enough sleep, see your doctor regularly and take time for yourself in order to stay healthy, keep your loved ones healthy and avoid burnout.Make time for yourself. Schedule respite times when you can attend to your needs and pursue your interests. Exercise, shop, read or enjoy yourself with friends and other family members - engaging in whatever activities you find most fulfilling and relaxing. Either through finding activities your loved ones are interested in or by having someone else come in to provide you some relief, making time for yourself is an important element in maintaining your physical and mental well-being.Consider connecting with other caregivers. Communicating with people who share your challenges can be a relief. Contact your local senior center, hospital, or homecare agency to learn about caregiver support groups in your area or connect with fellow caregivers.As with other priorities in your life, the responsibility of caring for yourself comes down to you. Even small steps toward positive change can reap significant benefits.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Elizabeth Squires of ResCare Home Care. She may be reached at (801) 288-4100 or by email at esquires@rescare.com. Visit their website at www.rescare.com

If you or your spouse are still working and covered under your employer's group health plan (EGHP), you don't need to enroll in Part B and you can avoid the Part B late enrollment penalty (LEP). When you finally do enroll in Medicare Part B, the LEP will be waved if you've been continuously covered by your employer since turning 65. This is also true of the Medicare Part D LEP.Social Security will attempt to automatically enroll you in Medicare if you are currently drawing any Social Security benefits (retirement, disability, survivors). If you aren't drawing Social Security benefits, you will need to initiate the enrollment process yourself, which you're allowed to begin up to three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday.Sometimes you can shift drug coverage from Part D to Part B. If you are using certain inhalers (which can be pricy even under Part D), the same active ingredients may be available for use in nebulizers. Nebulizers are considered Durable Medicare Equipment (DME); therefore, the equipment, as well as the medications administered through the equipment, are covered under Part B, which in many cases will result in substantially lower out of pocket costs for the beneficiary. Talk to your doctor to see if this is an option for you.Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers are still allowed to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions,even with the ACA becoming law. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the ACA (Obamacare). When you apply for a Medigap policy outside of being new to Medicare (or recently turning 65), the insurance company in most cases can review your health history and deny coverage if you're health history or current condition doesn't meet their underwriting criteria. This hasn't change under the ACA. Note: There are numerous exceptions to this rule. Consult with a qualified Medicare advisor to learn more.You are allowed to change your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy any time throughout the year, not just at open enrollment. If you encounter a large rate increase at anytime, you may apply for a Medigap from a different carrier. There are no calendar restrictions. Once approved, you can make the switch. Consult with your qualified Medicare advisor to learn more.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Bill Gundelfinger- Mr. Medicare of Senior Benefit Advisors, Medicare Experts. Helping Medicare Beneficiaries get the most out of their health insurance. He can be reached at 720-675-8032 or 800-376-5450

Seniors are prone to skin complications ranging from itching, scaling and mild dryness to grave skin conditions such as infection and ulcerations. As we age, our skin injures more easily and heals more slowly. A severe skin infection or non-healing wound in the elderly can be very serious, even fatal.Common skin conditions of the elderly Senile Purpura purplish spots that appear most often on the arms and legs due to thinness of the skin and frailty of capillaries and blood vessels below the surface. Stasis Dermatitis more common in elderly women than men; characterized by dry, itchy skin. Exfoliative Dermatitis more severe than stasis dermatitis, characterized by excessive peeling and shedding of skin. The associated severe itching can lead to infections. Skin Infections / Infestations bacterial infections and parasitic infestation such as scabies or ringworm are common in the elderly. Cancerous and noncancerous skin growths Viral skin disorders such as shingles and herpes zoster.The elderly have special skin care needs because aging skin is so thin and dry. Dry skin is prone to cracking and dermatitis, which allows bacteria to penetrate that can result in infection which hinders wound healing. Cognitive impairment can make it difficult for seniors to understand and comply with their treatment plan. Difficulty seeing may make it hard for a senior to inspect a wound for infection or change the wound dressing properly.In cases of chronic wounds, patients should seek help from a wound care clinic that specializes in treating non-healing wounds. A clinician may determine that a senior needs a wound dressing that allows for very easy changing. Alginates, for instance, can be simply rinsed away with saline or another clinician-suggested solution.No matter the method of healing, a good diet filled with vitamins and nutrients, regular exercise and management of other conditions, such as diabetes, can help ensure a wound heals as quickly and efficiently as possible. Seniors should talk to their clinicians about supplements that can aid in wound healing.Fast Facts Seniors should examine themselves regularly for "changing moles" and new growths The best treatment for dry skin is to lubricate with the regular use of over-the-counter lotions and moisturizers. Frequent bathing and showering actually can aggravate dry skin.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Linda Meola, MBA.Linda is the Program Director at the Stamford Health Wound Care and Hyperbaric Centerand may be reached at 203-276-2486 or by email at LMeola@Stamhealth.org

For more information on the author, Wendy Rickenbach Barclay with CarePatrol, CLICK HERE!So many times families are faced with the daunting decision that mom/dad needs some sort of support to continue living at home or worse their health and/or cognition has declined to a point where staying home alone is no longer safe.I hear families say ALL the time that mom/dad wants to stay in their home. That has always been our goal at CarePatrol. Keeping seniors safe, engaged, nourished, and as independent as possible. Having said that, most people do not fully realize the economics of staying at home vs. community-based care options.Did you know that if you are paying for 6-8 hours a day on in-home private duty care that is the same amount you would pay at a community-based care option for 24/7 care and NO one in your home all day staring at you and/or four walls?While I believe that in-home care is always the first option and it may be a permanent option if you can afford $15,000-$18,000 a month for private duty care in your home. However, that is not the reality for most of us. The average cost of a community-based care option is about $4,500-$6,000 a month in a PRIVATE APT...YES, mom/dad would have their own apt. There are more economical options and more expensive options as well. Just trying to give an average.Most families begin their quest by asking friends, neighbors, etc. andwhile those are ALL good ideas it would be hard for any of those resources to have complete knowledge of the 183+ community-based care options in the area or the 123+ private duty care options in the area. Does that friend have in-depth knowledgeof all these options? Do they know the cost of care, pros/cons, and community performance records from thousands of families on these options?Honestly, I dont know anyone other than CarePatrol that can fully answer all these questions for you. Unfortunately, most friends do not know the funding strategies that you can implement to help pay for care. What happens is they send you to the place they know down the street that is brand new with 24/7 nursing and will cost $5,800. You then say my monthly income is $1,500.So you fall in love with that community and leave discouraged because you feel as though you are destined to never have the care you need to stay as independent as possible and reside in the fact that if things progress you will have to go to a nursing home.The point of all this is to partner with a FREE LOCAL expert. Call CarePatrol to educate you on all the care options and ways to pay for care. If knowledge is power then let us give you the knowledge you need to stay safe and independent. Call today at 941-237-0846 or visit Sarasota.carepatrol.com.

For more information on the author, Comfort Keepers of Charlotte County, CLICK HERE!As we enter the fall and winter season this year, things look a little different. Many seniors continue to isolate at home because of the Coronavirus pandemic and this can take a toll on their mental health.Its important for seniors to work with their families, caregivers and health professionals to develop a plan that allows them to safely take part in activities they love and maintain positive mental health through activity and connection.At any age, our health and wellbeing are enhanced by regularly participating in the things that bring us purpose, hope and joy. For seniors, taking part in these activities can be more difficult, older people who feel younger than their age show less brain aging, better memory and less depression. And studies show that staying engaged is important for a seniors mental and physical health. Medical professionals recognize that social determinants of health, especially those that affect mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, impact health outcomes and quality of life.There are always opportunities for meaningful moments and joyful days with a little planning, conversation and intentional action.Fall ActivitiesFall activities tend to focus on connecting with loved ones, enjoying the turning season and spending time outside before the weather gets icy.This year, many people cant see their favorite sports teams play in person. But fall is a dream for seniors that enjoy football, baseball and hockey and there are ways to participate virtually. Seniors and their loved ones can watch together over a video call or have a socially distanced viewing party at home, as long as everyone adheres to recommended safety guidelines.Enjoying fall foliage is an activity in itself, and can be done sitting on the porch, going for a short walk or on a longer hike outside. Raking leaves can even be fun when done with loved ones.Eating is another activity that seems to be more fun in the fall family dinners for those isolating together, baking projects and Halloween fun are all opportunities for seniors to participate in activities they enjoy while maintaining their nutrition goals.Winter ActivitiesThe holidays are filled with opportunities to enjoy music, celebrations with family and community service.Holiday shopping is a fun activity usually done outside of the house. However, online shopping may be the best way for seniors to get their gifts without visiting the mall.Singing, dancing, playing instruments and listening to holiday carols are ways that seniors can enjoy music, no matter what the weather looks like outside. Streaming music services often have a wide selection, allowing seniors to pick their favorites to listen to through a phone, virtual assistant or computer.While there are ways that seniors can serve others year-round, volunteering can be even more meaningful around the holidays. Finding virtual volunteer opportunities is even easier this year writing letters, knitting blankets and finding old coats and sweaters to donate can all be done safely at home.Comfort Keeperscan HelpAt Comfort Keepers, we create individual care plans for every client. These plans include wellness goals that consider physical, mental and emotional health. Our caregivers can help support physician-prescribed diet and exercise plans, provide medication reminders, provide transportation to appointments and help seniors engage in the activities they love the most. And, our caregivers can help senior stay connected with loved ones through video chats, phone calls and care updates. We believe that every senior should experience the best in life. If you have questions about Comfort Keepers uplifting in-home care services, please contact us today.ReferencesAARP. Keep Your Brain Active by Doing Things You Love. Web (video).Science Daily. Feeling Young Could Mean Your Brain is Aging More Slowly. Web. 2018.Forbes. The Risks of Social Isolation for Older Adults. Web. 2017.Lifehack. 19 Fun Activities for Seniors to Stay Active Physically and Mentally. Web.

Anxiety continues to be a disorder that plagues many across the nation. Anxiety does not discriminate it knows no age, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.While it is normal to experience occasional anxiety, those that suffer from an anxiety disorder have persistent and recurring intrusive thoughts and concerns. This affects their daily life, as some avoid situations completely out of worry or fear. There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Often, those that suffer from anxiety disorders can also suffer from depression concurrently.One such treatment option is medical marijuana, and Pennsylvanians can obtain a medical marijuana card to treat anxiety.Marijuana is made up of cannabinoids. These compounds act on various receptors in the brain that play an important role in various bodily processes, such as memory, perception of pain, mood, and appetite. The two most commonly known cannabinoids are CBD and THC:CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound used as therapy and treatment for a large range of medical conditions.THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound associated with the euphoric effects of cannabis.Strains of cannabis exhibit certain characteristics and can often be blended to produce certain effects. The most common way to think about strains is to consider the similarities and differences between indica vs. sativa.Sativa strains can increase serotonin levels and elevate mood, stimulate focus and creativity, and can be known for an energizing effect.Indica strains can stimulate appetite, promote muscle relaxation, and are known for the couch-lock effect.It has been shown that marijuana, specifically CBD-dominant strains, can offer temporary relief for anxiety. When using medical marijuana to treat anxiety, strains with a high level of CBD and a lower level of THC tend to be most effective. Of particular note, CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. Several 2019 studies showed that CBD reduced or improved anxiety and symptoms in patients with a variety of anxiety disorders. Prior to using marijuana for anxiety, be sure to consult your treatment team.At Solevo Wellness, the health and wellness of our patients is our first priority. Patients have the option of reserving medical marijuana online or walk in, no appointment needed.If you have additional questions, please visit us at www.solevowellness.com or follow us on Facebook and direct message our team anytime.

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If youre a caregiver and a perfectionist, you may be facing an uphill battle. Caregiving is a demanding job, and its critical to accept that not everything will be perfect. As a caregiver, there are many things you cannot control, and the most important thing to do is to let go of chasing perfection and simply aim to do your best.Throughout our entire lives, people, maybe even the person youre caring for, have told us that nobodys perfect. That phrase applies to caregiving more than nearly any other situation youll face throughout the course of your life. Learn from your mistakes, but also for-give yourself. If you ever practiced poor judgment, whether it was before your loved one got sick or while providing care, you need to let it go.Caregivers are under far more stress than the average person, and if you dont acknowledge that, youre far more likely to succumb to the causes of caregiver burnout. Being a caregiver is challenging and is often a role that is discounted and marginalized. If at any point you have thought or said some version of, I dont have time to relax due to your obligations as a caregiver, read on. Time is not your enemy, your to-do list is. Put it down and walk away. Really, walk away; just for a few minutes. No need to panic, it is not going anywhere. One powerful key to reducing caregiver stress lies in the wisdom of mindfulness. Being mindful is proving to be one of the most effective ways to take care of your loved one while fortifying yourself. Mindfulness is a necessary core competency for everyone. In the long run, creating space for yourself will keep you grounded and peaceful while allowing you to be of service. Small mindful changes over a period as little as a week can begin to yield positive results and include:Breath awarenessGratitude and journalingConnection to othersNurture and restFocusing on the present momentFor more tips on how to be mindful, visit our website at HomeCareAssistance.com.Editors Note: Home Care Assistance Mindfulness & Caregiver White Paper. For the complete guide, email us at hcachicagomedia@homecareassistance.com.

Hospice care focuses on controlling pain and other symptoms of illness so patients can remain as comfortable as possible near the end of life. Hospice care is highly individualized based on the persons goals for end-of-life care. The hospice team is comprised of doctors, nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), social workers, clergy and volunteers. Expenses may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance plans.There are many misconceptions regarding hospice and hospice care. Some of the most common are:Hospice is a place.Truth: Hospice is not a place, but rather a philosophy of care in which medical, psychological and spiritual support are provided to patients and their families. Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including a persons home, assisted living, nursing homes, hospice in-patient care centers and hospitals.Home hospice always provides a nurse around the clock.Truth: In home hospice, patients receive visits from nurses, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, social workers and volunteers several times per week, but around the clock care in the home setting is not common. Nursing staff is typically on-call 24 hours a day to provide support to patients. Additional resources for care may be needed, such as a non-medical home health care or private duty nursing if the person is in need of 24 hour care at home. 24 hour nursing oversight and care is provided in hospitals, nursing homes and in hospice acute in-patient care centers.If I choose hospice, I am giving up.Truth: Hospice focuses on caring and comforting, not curing. The goal of hospice is neither to hasten nor postpone death. If the persons condition improves, hospice can be discontinued. Choosing hospice does not mean giving up, but rather that the goals of treatment have changed.Many patients and families have chosen hospice care and resources to support them through an end-of-life journey or health crisis. It can be the right option for some patients when the time comes.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Robin Hartman of Liaison-Marketing for Exempla Lutheran Hospice at the Collier Hospice Center. For more information Robin may be reached at 303-425-8000 or by emailHartmanr@sclhs.net

If you are an elderly mom or dad, or an adult son or daughter of an elderly parent and you live far apart from one another, you may like to know about a Geriatric Care Manager (GCM). A GCM is a professional with specific training and knowledge in caring for the elderly. Caring involves understanding the need for and application of social work, psychology, nursing, medical care, home safety and security, and home assistance. A GCM can assess an elderly persons condition and needs, recommend services, and be an advocate for wellness and independence while aging at home. Recently, a friend of mine received a call that his father fell in the bathtub and was being placed in an ambulance for a trip to the hospital. The call did not come from his mother, but from a professional care manager he hired to see after his parents who lived 525 miles away in a suburb of Chicago. His mother pressed her life alert button, the service called her, called an ambulance, then called her care manager who was there in less than 15 minutes. Our friend, her son, was assured his dad was being cared for and the care manager would keep him posted on dads condition. GCMs may be nurses, social workers, or geriatric specialists that are qualified in planning for aging and referring services for the elderly. Youve heard the term plan ahead to avoid problems ahead. Maybe its time to give attention to these things since aging, absent early death, is inevitable. One of these two things will happen and its better to be prepared either way. The website www.caremississippi.org can lead you in the right direction.

Our market downturn over the past few years is making the decision to sell harder for many would be sellers. Having sold Real Estate for the past 25 years, I can attest to how stressful moving itself can be in itself without thinking about where the market has been in the past and how much you could have gotten for your lovely home. Rather than dwell on the past, why not think of the future and what your personal needs will be? Is your current home too large to care for inside or out? Have some of your friends from the neighborhood moved into another community, one that may be more attractive to an over 55 crowd than where you currently live? Is it time to settle into a new-to-you home and surroundings that will fit both your lifestyle and needs for the rest of your life?Since I mentioned the stress families go thru at moving time, lets also talk about the fun it could be and how you can help others that may be in a time of need. Since your new home may not be similar in size to where you currently live, think about the things we all collect throughout the years, from the trinket treasures to multiple kitchen items that have not been used in awhile to the odd pieces of furniture that go mostly un-sat in or just unused. Wouldnt it be a good feeling to invite family members that may have always admired a certain item in your home to take it into their home and enjoy and think of you each time they see it or perhaps donate items you no longer need to a charitable organization that runs sales throughout the year? Giving and being in control at the same time can be an easy way to not only benefit by getting the no longer needed items out of your home but can also make you feel good knowing that you may be helping someone out that is currently in need.Downsizing in preparation for a future move may not be a bad thing for any of us to seriously consider. Why not get ready so when it is time you will not feel the same stress many others do when being forced to prepare their home for a buyer that is looking for openness when walking through your home or when opening closets or looking to see the shelf or countertop space they would have if making a purchase ? The buyers benefit: being able to visualizing their stuff set around the homes they are viewing; YOUR benefit: a possible higher price for your home in less time and keeping yourself busy while questioning am I ready to be a seller?!As a Seniors Real Estate Specialists I am a REALTOR qualified to address the needs of home buyers and sellers age 50+. The SRES Council has awarded me the SRES Designation based on my having successfullycompleted its education program. By earning the SRES designation, as a REALTOR, I have demonstrated necessary knowledge and expertise to counsel clients age 50-plus through major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing or selling the family home. I have received special training, get regular updates from the S.R.E.S. Council, and am prepared to offer options and information needed if you are just preparing for... or are being faced with life changing decisions.Thank you for thinking of me if you are thinking of making a move to be closer to your family or closer to comfort and relaxation. I welcome the opportunity to put my S.R.E.S. designation to good use if only for a one-time consultation.This article*submitted by Angeline Scakett., Realtor, ABR, CSP, CRS, ePro, GRI, SRES(239) 898-0524. Denny Grimes & Co.ANGELINE@dennygrimes.com

Is it any wonder that the Mature Adults of today are choosing Maintenance-Free Living Communities? The over 55 population is staggering at a whopping 78 million individuals in the United States alone! And, as they have reached their prime age for travel, they have also reached their peak earning years, and now consider travel a necessity and no longer an anticipated luxury. The parents of the so called Baby-Boomers often saved their pennies and waited for retirement to travel, but todays travelers are well-seasoned decades before retirement age has arrived. At this point in life, they are travelers looking for a very specific type of experience as they ready themselves for their next excursion. Some are looking for adventure, others simply want to have fun, and yet many seek the more sophisticated venue in their destinations. Either way, theyre all looking for the same thing; immediate gratification! Its important to understand that Mature Travelers are not the passive travelers of yesterday. And, being technically savvy in researching the internet for information, they want to be involved with planning their destinations. They typically have no interest in package deals where they have to visit A, B and C, as theyre likely to have already chosen D, E and F. Another commonality is theyre after creature comforts. And, no surprise, theyre not shy about demanding their version of luxury, be it a quaint and private mountain cabin, the bright lights and sensory stimulation of the Vegas Strip, or the slow, gentle sway of a 2000-passenger ocean liner. They anticipate great food, great views, and, in a nutshell, an all-around great experience. For the majority of them, because they are so interactively minded, the idea of sitting in a tour bus while someone points and describes their current destination, is a complete turn-off to them. This generation of traveler wants the actual experience of feeling, touching and tasting. For this reason, many of the Tour Operators of yesterday have dropped the word Tour from their title and are now promoting themselves as Travel operators. Those once known as Tour Guides are now Destination Experts! My, how things have changed! So, why not choose Maintenance-Free Living Communities, where all you have to do is lock the door behind you while venturing out to your next travel destination!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Water Valley Good Samaritan Community. For more information call 970-674-5529 or email: audreythrash@good-sam.com

For more information on ERA Advantage - Paul Andrews, Click here.If youre planning to buy a home, anappraisalis an importantstepin the process. Its a professional evaluation of the market value of the home youd like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. Its also a different step in the process from ahome inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Heres the breakdown of each one and why theyre both important when buying a home.Home AppraisalTheNational Association of Realtors(NAR)explains:A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised!An appraiser will observe the property, analyze the data, and report their findings to their client. For the typical home purchase transaction, the lender usually orders the appraisal to assist in the lenders decision to provide funds for a mortgage.When you apply for a mortgage, an unbiased appraisal (which is required by the lender) is the best way to confirm the value of the home based on the sale price. Regardless of what youre willing to pay for a house, if youll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal will help make sure the bank doesnt loan you more than what the home is worth.This is especially critical in todayssellers marketwhere lowinventoryis driving an increase inbidding wars, which can push homepricesupward. When sellers are in a strong position like this, they tend to believe they can set whatever price they want for their house under the assumption that competing buyers will be willing to pay more.However, the lender will only allow the buyer to borrow based on the value of the home. This is what helps keep home prices in check. If theres ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the sale price, your trusted real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations in the buying process.Home InspectionHeres the key difference between an appraisal and an inspection.MSNexplains:In simplest terms, a home appraisal determines the value of a home, while a home inspection determines the condition of a home.The homeinspectionis a way to determine the current state, safety, and condition of the home before you finalize the sale. If anything is questionable in the inspection process like the age of the roof, the state of the HVAC system, or just about anything else you as a buyer have the option to discuss and negotiate any potential issues or repairs with the seller before the transaction is final. Your real estate agent is a key expert to help you through this part of the process.Bottom LineThe appraisal and the inspection are critical steps when buying a home, and you dont need to manage them by yourself. Lets connect today so you have the expert guidance you need to navigate through the entire homebuying process.

The Granny Starr Foundation (non-profit) was created to honor photographer, Rachael Collins grandmother, Evelyn Starr Cutler (Granny Starr). Evelyn was born in 1923, spoke seven languages and was ahead of her time. She lived in Indiana for many years and then finally moved to Utah. In 2007, she resided at the Sarah Daft Assisted Living in Salt Lake City. Rachael thought it would be fun to do a free photo shoot for the residents there. The experience wound up being heart-warming and an idea was sparked. Rachael could see the value in bringing this opportunity to a nursing home. The residents could feel loved and special while being photographed, and the families would forever have a photo of their loved one.Evelyn Starr Cutler passed away in December of 2009. A year later, the foundation was born and over a hundred facilities in Utah have had their residents photographed. For some it was the last portrait ever taken. The foundation visits nursing homes, assisted living homes, senior centers and retirement communities to take professional photographs. The residents are then provided with a 5x7 photo. The part its all FREE.Granny Starr has been featured numerous times in the paper and was featured on KSL Studio 5 morning show in 2011. It is Rachaels hope to eventually expand the foundation outside of Utah and reach as many seniors as possible.Later in life as people age, it is less likely for one to go out and get photos taken, especially professionally. Granny Starr Foundation takes pride in being the first and only non-profit professional photography option for seniors. Capture the Wisdom.For more information go to www.grannystarr.org. or 801-645-5790

Aquatic Physical Therapy, especially in a modern therapy pool with a treadmill that can be raised and lowered, offers enhanced care and faster recovery from many medical problems. Modern therapy pools offer monitoring cameras so therapists can watch exercising from multiple angles from the side of the pool. They also have recording capability to use in instructing patients on what they are doing right and wrong. Many also offer therapy jets to relax stiff and sore muscles or for increased resistance.Because of the buoyancy of water, the stress of certain exercises is dramatically reduced if done with Aquatic Physical Therapy. A 200 lb. person in a therapy pool with water at half the persons height only experiences the equivalent of exercising while weighing 100 lbs. Buoyancy reduces compressive forces on joints allowing those with chronic pain to walk with greater ease. In addition, while exercising in a pool, the chance of falling is nearly zero. It is a much safer environment than exercising on land.Aquatic Physical Therapy pools can help with many types of rehabilitation exercise, such as are needed after knee or hip surgery. Because of the reduced impact from exercising, therapy can begin up to three weeks earlier than land-based exercises. Not only does this allow faster recovery, but with exercising sooner, it is easier to prevent deconditioning that comes from waiting too long after surgery for therapy to start.Aquatic Physical Therapy can help those recovering from back surgery, suffering from arthritis, dealing with respiratory problems and those suffering from chronic pain. It can help with rheumatic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.Exercising in an aquatic therapy pool can increase blood flow to an injured area faster. This will increase healing and recovery.Additionally, one of the strengths of aquatic therapy is that it is appropriate for any phase of rehabilitation and for all ages.If you think that aquatic physical therapy might help you, talk to your doctor. He can help access if aquatic physical therapy will be a help with your specific medical issues. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lyle Black, MPT, Director of Rehabilitation for Sunshine Terrace Foundation. He may be reached at 435-754-0281.

As nearly 200,000 men and women of all ages and backgrounds across the nation can attest, the rewards of belonging to a Garden Club go far beyond the pure pleasure of growing things. Joining a local Garden Club is a great way to green your thumb, but a membership also provides an opportunity to expand your interests and build lifelong friendships while bettering your community and the environment. A Garden Club will give you access to people who are experienced in gardening in your locality and you will find their assistance in valuable. Our National Garden Clubs Conservation pledge is: I pledge to protect and conserve our natural resources of planet earth and to promote education so that we may become caretakers (stewards) of our air, water, forest, land and wild life. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. is a 501 3 nonprofit educational organization and a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc.. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. is state wide organization associated with the Pacific Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Garden Clubs, Inc.. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. has fifteen Garden Clubs and almost 500 members. Seven of the Garden Clubs are located in the Treasure Valley. Activities of our clubs include civic beautification funded through grants, charitable donations, and fundraising. Clubs annually sponsor horticulture education and seminars and regularly organize presentations about landscaping, cultivating and growing a wide variety of plants and vegetation. In addition we award annual scholarships to students for the study of horticulture. Flower Show Judges Schools and Landscape Design Schools are offered to our members. Clubs also compete for State, Regional and National awards on a regular basis. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. encourages anyone interested in becoming a member of a Garden Club to contact any of the Garden Cubs listed below or the State Membership Chairman, Janet Petersen at janetnpeter@gmail.com. Go on; why not give it a try. Oct. 2013 Southwest District Garden Clubs of Idaho Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. State President: Karen Mallon 208-853-6108 mallonkl@gmail.com Ada Gardeners President: Beth Suhr 208-375-9310 bethstamp28@gmail.com Golden Garden Club President: Karen Mallon 208-853-6108 mallonkl@gmail.com Long Valley Gardeners President: Jan Morrison 208-382-5613 idasambaho@yahoo.com Merry Tillers Garden Club President: Maggie Williamson 208-871-2718 maggiewilliamson@mac.com Nampa Garden Club President: Cynthia Borron 208-899-6521 cynthiaborron@netzero.net Owyhee Gardeners President: Judy MacKenzie 208-896-4441 trublecumin@gmail.com Payette Valley Gardeners President: Maxine Walker 208-642-6686

Modern Square DancingCan seniors Square Dance? The short answer is YES!  Many seniors in their 60s, 70s and 80s regularly participate in dancing one or more times each week. There are several clubs in the Dallas Fort Worth area that a senior can join for very low cost. These clubs accept singles as well as couples. Many clubs visit other clubs to enjoy and enhance square dancing skills.As the name implies, square dancing is performed in a square with eight other people having two people on each side of the square. A Caller will call out the required formation and the dancers will perform the movements to the music to achieve that formation. Then the Caller callas out the next formation and the dancers move into their positions.  Its a lot of fun and no one ever makes a mistake (well, only one or two times a night).There are many benefits to modern square dancing including:1.     Fun You are part of a group whose purpose is to get together and have fun, fun and more fun.2.     Exercise Moving to music is great physical exercise.3.     Fellowship There is time after each tip to visit plus there are many non-dancing activities including dinners out, picnics, theater, etc.4.     Mental Square Dancing has been proven to increase mental alertness.5.     Coordination Dancers must move to the music at the same time and arrive in the required position thus positioning themselves for the next call.6.     Listening Dancers must listen carefully for the next call then move into position.7.     Low Cost Most clubs will dance one or twice a month and membership can be a low as $10 a month, a bargain in todays world.Unless you already know how to square dance you will need to take lessons. The Texas Reelers and other clubs typically offer lessons once or twice a year.Submitted to Seniors Bluebook February 13, 2023 by Dan Ray | Texas Reelers Square Dance Clubwww.TexasReelers.orgTexas Reelers Square Dance ClubRichardson Senior Center1st and 3rd Friday every month7:30 10:00 pm  Fee: $8.00 Square and round dancing.  Lessons start in March and Septemberwww.texasreelers.org and www.facebook.com/texasreelersContact president@texasreelers.org for details

Nearly 60 million consumers are enrolled in some type of Medicare health insurance. That number is expected to grow rapidly, with more than 11,000 Baby Boomers aging into Medicare eligibility each day.For many of these individuals, this is the first time they wont have an employer giving them access to a health plan. And for those who already have Medicare, they may benefit from understanding their options if they want to switch their coverage.Medicare is complex so it may be confusing to understand.Original Medicare has two parts: Part A is hospital insurance that covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and more; and Part B is insurance that covers care including doctor visits and outpatient services.Part A and B do have coverage gaps. Without extra protection, people on Original Medicare could pay thousands of dollars in deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket expenses, and other costs associated with prescription medicines, long term care, some dental care, hearing aids, and other health services. Thats partly why more than 30 million consumers have chosen to expand coverage through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and/or Medicare Part D plan. Medicare Advantage also called Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans include all the benefits of Original Medicare and many plans also have Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). Additionally, some may have extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and membership to a fitness program. Medicare Supplement plans also known as Medigap can be paired with Original Medicare plans and will help pay for costs not covered by Parts A or B. Some supplement plans provide additional benefits, such as fitness program membership. These plans allow enrollees to keep their primary care provider. Medicare Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage and complement Original Medicare. They can be purchased alongside a Medicare Supplement plan.These three types of Medicare plans are offered by private healthcare companies, such as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and many plans have a monthly premium, which are in addition to the Part B premium.When searching for a Medicare plan, consumers should examine factors including affordability of plans to fit their budget; access to network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies that meet their needs; drug formulary that aligns with medication needs; availability of wellness and preventive care programs; and a health plan with experience they can rely on.People can go to Medicare.gov or visit a healthcare companys website like www.anthem.com/medicare to learn more about Medicare options.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Michele Dube of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut.Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Connecticut Medicaid program. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage organization and a Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal. This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact your licensed insurance agent, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield or visit us on the web. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent or insurance company.

To learn more about Harmony Home Health and Hospice,CLICK HERE.Theres just nothing that compares with the feeling of waking up after a good nights sleep, feeling energized and ready to face the day. Yet for many seniors as many as one in three of them getting enough sleep is something that only happens in their dreams. And sadly, its acommon misconceptionthat insufficient sleep is something we just need to accept as we grow older an assumption that Preeti Malani, M.D., chief health officer and professor of medicine at the University of Michigan wants to correct.According to Dr. Malani, If older adults believe that these changes are a normal, inevitable part of aging, they may not think of it as something to discuss with their doctor. And not discussing it can potentially lead to health issues not being identified and managed.Instead of tossing and turning each night, almost half of older adults experiencing sleeping problems are turning to sleeping medications a habit that can be extremely dangerous as we age. Sleep medications for seniors can double the risk of falls and broken bones, due to the increased dizziness and disorientation they are known to often cause. Older adults are often also at risk of becoming dependent on sleeping medications. And, the risk for car accidents may increase as well, according to Consumer Reports Choosing Wisely campaign.To take it a step further, the concern even includes herbal remedies and supplements as well, which place older adults at risk for a number of additional negative health problems. Even something as seemingly harmless as melatonin can react negatively with other common meds, such as those for diabetes and high blood pressure, leading to dizziness and nausea.A senior having sleep problems should instead talk with his or her primary care physician to rule out any underlying conditions (including depression, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, and heart disease, just to name a few) and to get his or her recommendation on how to safely improve sleep. Several safe alternatives include:Cutting back on the amount of caffeine and alcohol consumed, particularly later in the day and eveningMaking sure all electronic devices are kept out of the bedroom, and ensuring the room is cool and darkEstablishing a sleeping routine and sticking to it, going to sleep and awakening at the same time every dayExploring the services of a professional sleep therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy

Not as many people are aware, but every one of us is impacted by Alzheimers disease.Maybe the disease affects somebody we know - were all just a few degrees of separation away from someone suffering from the disease. We are all indirectly paying the bill as Alzheimers will cost our government $277 billion by the end of 2018, and that does not reflect informal care. Nationally, 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimers, every 66 seconds someone is diagnosed and 1 in 6 women age 65 and over develops Alzheimers. Over 450,000 Floridians have Alzheimers with approximately 40,000 of Southwest Floridians, and 1 in 8 persons over the age of 65 have Alzheimers.Researchers are working around the clock to expand on our knowledge. Many exciting studies are evaluating both diagnostic tools and treatments. Locally, the Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida (NPRC) is conducting eight studies all dedicated to Alzheimers disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). We are learning every day. The more we learn, the closer we get to new treatments. That is reason to hope.Editors Note: Article submitted by Angel C. Duncan, Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida. For more information call the NPRC at 239- 939-7777.

Hello. My name is Cathy Carl and both of my parents reside at Arden Courts of Lely Palms in Naples, FL. What makes my situation unique is that my parents divorced when I was in high school and now their dementia has brought them back together again!In 2010, Mom and I researched facilities in the Cleveland area for my stepfather who had Alzheimers disease. We settled on Arden Courts in Bainbridge, Oh. My stepfather was a resident there for two years before he passed away in November of 2012, one week before his 92nd birthday. He was able to stay at Arden Courts, with the help of Hospice, to the very end of his life.Fast forward to 2014. With Moms health now beginning to decline, my husband and I knew that we needed for her to live closer to us. Once again, I found myself touring facilities, but this time in southwest Florida. We visited many nice places, but based upon our wonderful experience with Arden Courts up north, we decided that Arden Courts of Lely Palms in Naples was the best place for Mom and she became a full-time resident in February of 2015.Little did we know that only nine months later we would be making arrangements for my dad to move into Arden Courts as well. Having accompanied me on numerous occasions to visit Mom and taking advantage of Arden Courts day program, Dad had grown very comfortable with the staff and surroundings at Arden Courts and looked forward to participating in the many activities they have to offer. This made for a smooth transition when Dad became a full-time resident in November of 2015.What I most LOVE about Arden Courts, and experienced in both OH and FL, is the atmosphere of caring! Every staff person at Arden Courts is professionally trained in working with dementia or memory impaired patients. Their expertise is evident in every department from the front office staff, to the programmers, the caregivers, the nurses, the kitchen staff and even maintenance. In my opinion, another distinctive that sets Arden Courts apart is the 10 hours of daily planned activities for the residents, seven days a week. These activities range from exercises to trivia games, Bingo, animal therapy, Bible study, Communion, snacks, singing, movies, live entertainers, field trips and holiday celebrations.In addition to all that Arden Courts offers their residents, Arden Courts provides families like us with endless resources. I now have the peace-of-mind of knowing that my parents are safe and in good hands if I need to be away for a period of time.I would be remiss to not mention the good Lords hand in ordaining all of the details of our lives, including leading us to Arden Courts, and for that, we are most grateful!

Public Health Departments Serve Communities throughout Idaho Idahos seven Public Health Districts were established in 1970 under Idaho Code to ensure essential public health services were made available to the citizens of the State. The Public Health Districts are controlled and governed by a local Board of Health appointed by county commissioners from that district. In the Treasure Valley, Central District Health Department provides services to Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties. Southwest District Health provides public health services to Canyon, Adams, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington counties. While Public Health Districts serve the health needs of low-income families and individuals, they also provide a broader range of services that impact everyone. Food establishment and public swimming pool inspections are conducted by health department staff to ensure safety for all. Child care facilities are inspected for health and safety. Public Health Preparedness staff work closely with local emergency response organizations such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services and health care facilities to plan and prepare for public health emergencies. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics provide supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information and support, and referrals to other health care services for women, infants and children up to the age of five. Limited clinical services such as reproductive health/family planning, sexually transmitted disease treatment, and oral health education and preventive services for uninsured and Medicaid-eligible children are offered. Free or low-cost community-based Fit and Fall Proof classes for older adults are organized and overseen by local public health departments. Fit and Fall Proof classes are led by volunteer peer-leaders and designed to focus on functional exercises that reduce the risk of falling. The Public Health Districts are playing an integral role in chronic disease prevention. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke have risen dramatically over the past several decades due to tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor eating. The Public Health Districts work within their communities to convene and coordinate efforts to increase access to physical activity and healthy eating opportunities and decrease tobacco use within the various community settings such as worksites, child care facilities and schools. Reducing chronic disease is a complicated issue and requires the coordinated efforts of many community partners. Public Health is working to link nontraditional agencies to address the chronic disease epidemic. This is just a sampling of the vast number of services provided by local Public Health Districts to promote healthy people in healthy communities. Jaime Harding, MHS, CHES Program Manager, Health Promotion and Health Policy Central District Health Department Boise, Idaho

1. SRES Realtors communicate with seniors the way they want to be communicated with. Many homeowners want/need to have personal visits verses email, text, or even phone.2. SRES Realtors understand that homeowners may need to have several visits from them before they can gain their trust enough to allow them to put their house on the market.3. SRES Realtors know there may be some physical limitations that the homeowner has that may make showings difficult. The homeowner may not be able to leave the home every time its shown. The Realtor can help them to make an alternative plan for showings.4. Other family members may be involved in the decision-making process when listing the property. An SRES Realtor is prepared and knowledgeable about properties as part of a trust, or properties as part of an inheritance.5. If the homeowner is downsizing to a smaller home or adult community, they may want to consider a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Loan) loan. An SRES Realtor can help them determine if they might be a good candidate for this program, which is specifically for buyers 62+.6. They may be part of a larger Senior Concierge Services program that offers other services related to the move and provides one stop shopping. Services may include senior move management, financial planning, estate sale services, mortgage services, closing attorneys, and elderly law and estate planning firms.7. If the homeowner is moving from another state or city, A SRES Realtor can refer them to a designated SRES Realtor in their departure city.8. A SRES Realtor tailors their marketing pieces and documents to meet the needs of seniors. Larger print, easy to read, and easy to handle.9. A SRES Realtor will make all efforts to price the property at fair market value to maximize the sellers proceeds, while also pricing for a quicker sale. Many sellers need the proceeds to be able to move on. In some cases, they may need them immediately.10. Most importantly, an SRES Realtor cares about seniors, and has made a commitment to cater to their needs!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karla Casertano, Realtor, SRES, RRS - RE/MAX Select Real Estate. She can be reached at 412-287-5541 or by email at KarlaCasertano@remax.net. Visit her website at www.casertanoreagent.com

Proper estate planning requires carefully crafted documents covering a range of matters. One of the most important is a financial, often called a durable, Power of Attorney (POA) which allows you to name the people who will act on your behalf in financial matters if you are cannot, or if you want assistance in doing so. Those people are called your Agents. A POA is a relatively simple and inexpensive document. If properly drafted, a POA should avoid the need for a guardianship proceeding with its considerable and ongoing time, and financial and emotional costs.POAs are not only for the elderly.Mental incapacity can result from severe accidents or health conditions unrelated to age. Additionally, parents of young adults, especially college students, may want to encourage their child to have a POA. Being the parent of a legal adult does not allow you to act for that child as you did when they were a minor.Many married couples assume that because they are married they do not need POAs. That is true for most, but not all, jointly owned assets. For example, to sell real estate, both spouses must sign the deed, or have it signed by an Agent under a valid POA. Also, most married couples have assets which are owned individually, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance, or separate bank or investment accounts. Without a POA, a spouse has no legal rights regarding those assets owned solely by their spouse. Generally, financial or insurance companies will not provide any information to the spouse. Thus, even married couples need POAs.Most people want and, generally, good planning dictates, their Agent to have the same power to make financial decisions as they have, so it is generally a good idea to give the broadest possible powers to the Agent in the POA. This includes the powers necessary to do financial planning if the person creating the power needs to go into a nursing home. This is important because Pennsylvania law says that powers must be specifically granted to ones Agent in the POA; if a power is not specifically listed, the law presumes that the person creating the power did not intend to give it. A durable POA remains effective even if the creator becomes incapacitated or incompetent. Pennsylvania law presumes that all POAs are durable, unless the document says otherwise. Most POAs are effective immediately upon signing, although it is possible to create a POA that only becomes effective when one or more doctors certify that the person is unable to make financial decisions. However, those are generally not recommended because of the difficulties involved in getting the medical certification, and the risk that a bank will want additional proof of incapacity. Also, often fully competent elderly people simply want the Agent to assist with their finances.Importantly, the person creating the POA must have the legal capacity to sign. This means that at a minimum he (she) must understand that he (she) is giving the power to make financial decisions to another person, and must be able to identify that person. Too often attorneys receive calls saying that a loved one had a stroke yesterday and they need a POA. When asked if the person is able to understand the POA, the callers say, Oh no! He (she) doesnt understand anything. Unfortunately, that person waited too long to get a POA.Thus, a properly drafted Durable Power of Attorney is a critical component of any estate planning, and is overlooked at ones peril. Editors Note: This article was contributed by William H Poole, Jr. Esq., attorney at Bellomo & Associates LLC a full-service estate and trust law firm.

Pam's involvement with Care Centers for the elderly, handicapped, and disabled is a true gift. She is a very talented hair dresser who can work in all types of environments and around all kinds of obstacles. The individuals absolutely love getting their hair done. Their faces light up every time Pam is there. The individuals are so pleased when they get that new look it gives them a boost of confidence and a source of independence. They always want to go out and show off their new dos because they are happy with it. The individuals also ask Pam about hair products used on their hair and what they need to do to care for their hair. She does such a great job explaining it so they can understand. It is a true blessing to have someone like Pam to be able to do in-home and facility visits. For many individuals because the wheel chairs make it more challenging to go to a salon and get the services that Pam provides when she comes to the home. She also donates her time and services for Hospice patients.Many of Pam's clients say she is one of the most selfless, compassionate, and genuine people they have had the honor of knowing. They truly believe Hospice Hair (her volunteered service for hospice patients) makes those last few months, weeks, even days better. She has dedicated much of her time and effort into going to homes, and for just one hour, making the people she takes care of feel very loved and cared for. This feeling of care is a different feeling than feeding or bathing them. She is making them feel beautiful. That feeling of beauty is an invaluable important gift. Pam truly loves what she does because she truly loves those she does it for.Note: Pam's Mobile Hair Salon provides free hair services to Hospice patients and $10 services for an in-home or facility visit. To reach Pam, or donate to her cause, call (801) 870-3139.

The National Placement Referral Alliance - NPRA, is a national membership organization formed to protect family choice for older adults. They provide education, promote best industry practices to pursue ethical and professional responsibility in the communities their members serve. The NPRA provides a platform locally from which their members can express their views on industry practices, legislation, rules, and regulations.At the NPRA, our driving force is to improve the processes for the nations senior population; ensuring they are protected and receive proper care. Our agents, care, and service providers have aligned to protect the best interest of older adults and their families. We are focused on regulations, better business practice and much-needed consistency in the senior placement industry. -Scott Fischer, 2019 NPRA Chapter Development Director, and TreasurerThere is a growing need to bring professionalism and Best Practices to this industry. Placement services offer an invaluable service to families when they have high standards.The local chapter Greater Denver Placement & Referral Alliance GDPRA is working diligently with the NPRA to develop additional Best Practices for the GDPRA and hold placement services accountable in Denver and throughout Colorado.Our local leadership is on point to help the industry create best practices, governance and professional development for placement agents and our partners. The GDPRA can inform our aging community about all the resources available to improve their experience and transition. -Cindy Koch, President of the Greater Denver Placement and Referral AllianceBy joining the NPRA, a member will have national and local access to resources, industry updates, events/conferences, educational programming with CEUs, and news. Membership also includes discounts on the national credentials for placement & referral agents. Go to www.npralliance.org/membership for more information about joining our movement.Website GDPRA: www.NPRAlliance.org/GDPRA GDPRA Main Contact: Marnie Biln, npradenver@gmail.com NPRA Main Contact: Scott Fischer, sfischer@NPRAlliance.org

Talking to your loved one about moving into anassisted living communitymay seem like an impossible task.Its common to feel uncomfortable when suggesting to someone that they may need assistance with daily tasks or activities. Brookdale Senior Living talks to families and future residents everyday about how to get the conversation started. With more than 100,000 residents in 46 states calling Brookdale home, the team at Brookdale has learned a few things about what works and what doesnt work. Here are some tips to help approach the conversation in a way thats both beneficial to you and your loved one:Start the conversation early:You dont want your loved one to feel as if you are forcing them to move tomorrow. Begin talking about the possibility of moving into an assisted living community while it is still off in the distance. This will help them feel like its less of an ambush, as well as give them some time to come to terms with the idea.Do research:Having the information and facts about a few localassisted living facilitiescan help you explain what your loved one will gain if they moved. You can list the positives, as well as the negatives, of each facility. By relaying the facts, you can help dispel the negative connotations your loved one might associate with assisted living.Keep it private:Your initial conversation should be held in a comfortable, private setting. Try to minimize the number of people present. You do not want your loved one to feel embarrassed or threatened in any way. By keeping the conversation private, they may feel more open to hearing more.Focus on the positives:When your loved one hears the phrase assisted living community, it may conjure up negative imagery. This is why its important to focus on the positive aspects this lifestyle change. Talk about the services, social opportunities, and security. Explain to them how the move will impact their life in a positive way.Brookdale understands this decision is important, and its not easy to make the choice. But its a process the company will gladly go through with you answering any questions that you may have. The more you gather information, the better decision youll be able to make in the future.Editoris Note: For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com or call 855-350-3800 to speak with a national senior living advisor.

To learn more aboutBrightStar Care, CLICK HERE.Elderly people suffer29 million fallsannually in the United States. When a frail older person falls, theyre more likely than a younger person to suffer severe injuries, such as broken bones or concussions.As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand that falls are among the worst things that can happen to older adults. Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury-related death for people65 and older. Falls that result in hip fracture, for example, can lead to loss of independence, serious health complications, or death.I dont want to scare you if the seniors in your life are active and independent.But fall risk is vital to consider as your loved ones age and their risk for fall-related injuries increases.Why are seniors at high risk for falls?So many physical factors work against us as we age. Our muscles become weaker, our joints become stiff and painful with arthritis, and our ligaments become shorter and stiffer, impairing how we walk.Other coexisting conditions increase the risk of falls, including:Dementia or other brain diseasesDehydrationPeripheral neuropathy (lost feeling in the toes and feet) fromdiabetesLiving a sedentary lifestyleObesity or being overweightPoor visionProblems with the feet or toenailsSuffering from the effects of a strokeTaking certain medications, such as forhigh blood pressureHip fractures are among the most serious injuries an elderly person can sustain after a fall they face a20 percent riskof dying within a year after the injury. And 20 to 30 percent of elderly people who fall never regain their full mobility or quality of life. Once an elderly person falls, theyre at greater risk for suffering another fall in the future.3 tips to reduce the risk of falls for seniorsWhen BrightStar Care starts to care for a new client, our Registered Nurse Director of Nursing conducts a comprehensive health and wellness evaluation to determine lifestyle, medical, and environmental factors that may put their health at risk. A fall-risk assessment is part of this process.We weave risks into their personal care plan so nurses and family caregivers know what they need to focus on to keep the client safe from falls at home. Often, these reviews point to three main areas of risk: home safety, medications, and mindfulness.1. Optimize your loved ones homeHousehold items and fixtures that may seem harmless to you and me can be dangerous to elderly people. Reinforce these tips with your loved one at home, and ask your in-home nurse to recommend other tips for your loved ones home:Bathroom:Install grab bars on shower walls and non-slip sticky pads on the floor of the tub or shower. If your loved one has trouble getting in or out of the tub, consider investing in a bathtub transfer bench to help them get in and out easier.Lighting:Make sure the room is adequately lit and that the client can reach all light switches and pull strings.Furniture:Arrange furniture in such a way that the client can grasp or brace against a firm surface to get up and down easily. Help the client get rid of or store loose, light furniture such as bar stools or rolling ottomans that could tip or give way when the client braces against it, or that could cause them to trip. Sturdy furniture that isnt too squishy also promotes better body alignment, which makes it easier to sit down and get up.Rugs and carpets:Avoid throw rugs and loose, shaggy carpeting. If you must use a rug, affix a durable, non-slip backing to the rug and place it so that the corners are unlikely to flip up.Clutter:Clear pathways of items that arent needed for constant use. This could include storage totes, hobby supplies, reading materials, or other items that could easily be stored and accessed from a shelf or cabinet.Mobility tools:Remind your loved one to set their cane, walker, wheelchair, or grabber out of the way when not in use. These tools are meant to prevent falls, not cause them!2. Review medication side effectsCertain medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or fainting. These increase the risk for falls, especially in older people. Major culprits include medications for high blood pressure, heart failure, pain management, or disturbed sleep.If your loved one has any of these conditions, talk through their prescription list with a BrightStar Care nurse. The nurse can pinpoint dangerous medication interactions or give you peace of mind that your loved ones medications are safe. This is an easy way to avoid falls and other potentially life-threatening side effects.3. Urge loved ones to be mindful of their surroundingsI always tell clients, Look out below! We have a good laugh, but its solid advice. Remind your loved ones to survey their surroundings before they stand or sit.Are kids in the house (and their toys, books, etc.) out from under your loved ones feet?Is the chair theyre about to sit on stable, sturdy, and unlikely to slip?Are your feet firmly planted on solid ground and not a slippery rug?Another big fall culprit is the family pet. The benefits of pet ownership for older people are astounding feeling needed, getting exercise, and having companionship. But those dogs and cats love to be in their owners paths. Clients should double-check every time they sit, stand, or take a step to see if the family pet is underfoot.I often recommend that they add a little jingle bell to the pets collar for extra awareness of the animals whereabouts. And its fun to hear that jingle-jangle when their pet greets them at the door.What to do when a fall happensUnder no circumstances should an elderly person try to get up on their own after a fall not even if they feel no pain from the accident. If theyve broken a hip or another bone, they will do more damage to the fracture and surrounding muscle tissue as they try to get up.A client should call for help immediately after a fall, either to a nearby caregiver in the home or 9-1-1 if theyre in pain or recognize that theyre injured. I recommend clients wear an emergency pendant or carry a small, light cellphone in their pocket at all times for emergency situations.Even if your loved one seems OK after a fall, its important to get them evaluated by a doctor, and to let your in-home nurse know as well. Many times the reason for the fall isnt obvious, and that means there is something else going on with their health.Elderly people often are afraid to let caregivers know they fell. Clients tell us that they worry their family will put them in a home, be angry with them, or strip away some of their independence.I implore you to sit down with your loved one and let them know that their safety and health is your primary concern.Being honest about their well-being will allow you to provide an appropriate level of care while still maintaining their independence for as long as you can. A BrightStar Care nurse can help you approach the topic of fall prevention and reporting with your loved one.

Below is a guideline on choosing the best Caregivers at any agency.Simply ask the below questions to any agency, then record and compare your answers!Does your agency have a drug testing policy? Most agencies: dont have a drug testing policy because its currently not mandatory from the state health department (Colorado), plus it increases costs. These types of agencies could be considered dangerous by allowing themselves to be open for possible issues, law suites, etc. Also, you may find some agencies that do one 5-panel drug test upon hire and to be frank, thats not enough! Instead: try and find an agency that conducts a 14-panel drug test that includes some major pain medications on the panel. Also, ask if they do it upon hire, annually & at random. This will ensure you have a clean Caregiver within your home as long as they are providing care. What kind of background checks does your agency provide? This can be tricky, because not all background check companies are created equal! If the agency: simply conducts a BG check online with any company, you may not be getting the full report. Why you ask? because depending on where the data was pulled, it may be stagnant and outdated, thus your critical results may be tainted. Instead: try and find an agency that conducts at least a 150 point checks that include DMV reports (including DWI and DUI), Social Security trace, county and state-wide searches for felonies and misdemeanors but most importantly freshly updated data! Also, try and use an agency that does the BG check upon hire, annually and at random. This will ensure you have solid, historically clean Caregivers within your presence for the entire time they work in your home. The first visit, do the Caregivers just show up? Most agencies: will do this; they will assign a Caregiver without an introduction. This can be awkward and unnatural because both parties are unfamiliar with each other, their role, duties, etc. Instead: try and find an agency that has an Area Manager that will set up a meeting between the Client and Caregiver for a warm introduction. This is a huge ice-breaker and allows a friendly, comfortable introduction between both parties. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Steve Lee, Founder & Owner of Veterans Aide at Home, a non-skilled home care agency dedicated to Veterans, Spouses and their Widows/ers. He can be reached at 720-326-0319 or by email at steve@VeteransAideAH.com to learn more

Once you understand that depression isnt something your loved one can easily manage without help, it may be more possible for you to offer support and care. Here are some ways you can help:Express your concern. Acknowledge the persons pain without implying that you know how they feel. Listen if they want to talk, but dont try to draw the person out and dont ask intrusive questions. Being withdrawn is often part of the illness. Dont take it personally.Ask how you can help. Your loved one may not have specific suggestions of things that you can do, but they will know that youre willing to be supportive. Offer hope. Remind the individual that depression is treatable, and that they will likely get better. If your loved one is undergoing treatment, gently remind them that it takes time for treatment to work.Give positive reinforcement. Depressed people often feel worthless, and they dwell on their faults and shortcomings. Remind your loved one of their strengths and competencies and how much they mean to you.Keep your sense of humor. Youre likely to feel frustrated and even angry at times. Thats OK but try not to vent in front of the person and dont take your anger out on them. Use humor to diffuse tension and to lighten the atmosphere, but dont make jokes at your loved ones expense.Encourage healthy behavior and activities. Invite your loved one to join you in doing activities or visiting family or mutual friends. But dont push and dont expect too much too soon. Also, gently remind the individual of the benefits of exercise and a healthy diet.The pandemic and mental healthAbout 20% of U.S. adults reported a decline in mental health due to the pandemic. This includes 53% who said that they were very restless and 52% who said that they sat around and did nothing recently due to exhaustion. Caregivers, especially parents of young children who were unable to attend in-person school, reported unusually high levels of stress and anxiety.Next steps:If you think you or a loved one may have symptoms of depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor. It can be as simple as saying that you havent been yourself lately and youd like to talk about it. Counseling (psychotherapy) and medications are common treatments.In older adults with mild depression, psychotherapy can be just as effective as medications. For moderate to severe depression, a combination of psychotherapy and medications is usually best.Mental health apps can be cost effective, portable ways to learn and strengthen your coping skills. Free mental health apps that may be helpful include COVID Coach, Breathe2Relax, Happify, Mindfulness Coach, MindShiftCBT, SuperBetter and Insight Timer. Still, keep in mind that apps should not serve as a substitute for therapy.If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number. If youre feeling suicidal, but you arent immediately thinking of hurting yourself, call a suicide hotline or reach out to a friend or loved one, someone in your faith community, or a health care provider.  For more information:  https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/emotional-health/mayo-clinic-explores-supporting-someone-with-depression/?mc_id=us&utm_source=pes&utm_medium=e&utm_content=engagement&utm_campaign=

The VA Aid & Attendance (more accurately called the Pension Benefit program) is a great program to help war-time vets pay for long term care costs. There are three qualifications.First, the vet must have served for 90 days or more with at least one day during a war period. Actual combat action is not necessary; serving stateside is sufficient if done during the war period.Second, the vet or the widow of the vet, must be 100% disabled or 65 years of age or older. To qualify for the highest benefit amount, the vet or the widow must have ongoing care costs that a doctor has certified are medically necessary such as assisted living or memory care as well as in home care.Third, there is a two-part financial test. Income, as adjusted for this program, must not exceed the highest benefit rate available to the vet or widow. In addition, the net worth of the vet or widow must stay within prescribed limits. (My team can help you sort out the details.)If these requirements are met, the vet may qualify for a benefit ranging from a few dollars to over $2100 per month. The surviving spouse may qualify for a few dollars to over $1150 per month. These extra dollars can be used to help keep a vet at home and bring in extra help as needed, pay for assisted living or allow the spouse to remain at the family home. This is an absolute blessing to those families trying to take care of their loved ones.So if youre a vet, the surviving spouse of a vet, child of a vet, friend of a vet, neighbor of a vet, caretaker of a vet, just happen to know a vet, then you need to get educated on the Pension Benefit or Aid & Attendance program and make sure the vet you know is taken care of. If you need more information, call us (208) 939-7658 or check out our website at www.idahoestateplanning.com.This Article was submitted by Mark E. Wight, attorney, President of Idaho Estate Planning. For questions call (208) 939-7658 or check out our website at www.idahoestateplanning.com.

People often wonder why hearing aids have never been covered by Medicare. Well, this year, there some new options for hearing aids through Medicare Advantage plans. But buyer, beware: these options are not always what they appear.Regular Medicare plans have never offered benefits for hearing aids. A patient who has a regular Medicare plan with no secondary insurance benefits simply has no coverage for hearing aids and sometimes, not even for the testing itself. Supplemental plans only pay towards services that Medicare already covers. The only regular Medicare patients whove ever had hearing aid benefits are those fortunate enough to carry secondary insurance that covers them.Medicare Advantage plans are another story! Beginning this year, people will see that these plans may offer hearing aids. Advertising and hype could make one believe that these will be provided at no cost to subscribers. This is where caution is advised: these are actually discount plans and not benefits in the usual sense of the word.The plans present a list of hearing aids available at greatly discounted prices through audiologists and other hearing aid providers. Even greater discounts may be offered to patients who elect to receive devices by mail-order. This is not recommended by professionals. Anyone whos ever worn hearing aids understands that the reasoning is clear. Hearing aids must be individually programmed by a professional, with (potentially) several follow-up visits for adjustments, before the patient actually begins to receive enough benefit from them to justify the price.Consult with a licensed audiologist to be certain that youre making an educated choice. Do not depend on the opinions of friends and relatives or some guy making internet videos. Your hearing situation is unique. Your chances of success at any price are greatly increased with the proper counsel. In addition, your audiologist may even be able to meet or beat the discount being offered by your plan.As always, audiologists are standing by to help. It only takes a phone call!Editorial Note: This article was written by Laurie Bornstein, MS, CCC/A with Executive Hearing. She may be reached at 972-447-8330, ExecutiveHearing@gmail.com or www.executivehearing.com.

When an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia, it can be a confusing time. Family members, friends and the individual being diagnosed may wonder, what will happen next? What can I expect? What does it all mean?One of the most important things to remember as someone begins their journey through dementia is that the person inside still remains. However, family, friends, and caregivers, need to understand the disease and learn how to best interact with their loved one.Communication is a key area to focus on when interacting with individuals with dementia. Changes in communication that may occur include: Difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings Having a hard time finding the right words Trouble understanding and interpreting what others are sayingCommunication can be challenging; and it is an important piece of our day to day life. When communicating with someone who has dementia, it is important to be supportive and help the person feel comfortable.In order to communicate effectively with your loved one, remember the following tips: Remain positive. You can help set the tone for a positive interaction. Being patient, supportive and upbeat is key. Offer comfort and reassurance. Smile! Shift the way you think about communicating. We are educated on using manners and always asking people How are you? But, for individuals with dementia this question may be difficult to answer. Instead, try saying Hi, its nice to see you. Call the person by name and introduce yourself. For example, try saying: Hi Mom, its your daughter Sara. This can eliminate confusion they may experience if they dont recognize you. Enter their world. Individuals with dementia often arent oriented to current place and time, and their short term memory is not what it once was. Instead, reminisce and revisit old memories. Avoid arguing, criticizing or correcting. If you disagree with something your loved one is saying, dont argue, it will only leave you both feeling frustrated. Go with the flow and dont try to correct what they are saying. Instead, validate them and lead the conversation in a different direction, if possible. Use short simple words and sentences. Simplify your words. This will allow for less information for your loved one to process. Encourage unspoken communication. We can communicate non-verbally as well, through our facial expressions and body language. A smile, a hug, or a handshake allows for positive expression without using any words.As your loved one journeys through dementia, understand that their brain is changing. Each person is unique and may react to things differently. The more you understand the more success you will have communicating with your loved one.Live in the moment, embrace the present and treasure the memories.Editors Note:This article was submitted byStacy B. Kesl, BA, CDPDementia SpecialistAthena Health Care SystemsStacy has over 10 years experience working in Dementia Care and loves educating staff and families on dementia.She can be reached at (860) 751-3900

For more information on the author Lexington Manor - Five Star Senior Living, CLICK HERE.STILL THEY FIGHT. A REVIEWER PRAISES FIVE STAR SAFETY AND RESILIENCY.What is caregiver fatigue?If you provide care for an aging adult, chances are youve experienced caregiver fatigue at some point. Caregiver fatigue, also known as caregiver burnout, has been on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its officially defined as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.Heres the thing: Caregiver fatigue affects not only family caregivers but professional caregivers as well. And that includes the incredible teams of caregivers working in our Five Star communities. At Five Star, we know that COVID-19 has presented challenges for our residents and families. But we also recognize that the pandemic has asked a lot of our own team members, from the sales counselor you may first encounter to the housekeeper who tidies up your apartment week after week. And through it all, our team members have gone above and beyond to give our residents a safe and happy community living experience despite the pandemic restrictions placed upon us all.Thats why we couldnt be prouder of this recent post by a reviewer who left a five-star rating forFive Star Residences of Noblesville, Indiana in reference to our own caregivers:How do you thank the people who have struggled and fought for more than eight months to keep COVID away from their residents? Exhaustion surely has set in, but still they fight to protect the most vulnerable.Whats especially gratifying is the writers recognition of both our relentless commitment to resident safetywe do see ourselves as protecting those at higher risk of COVIDand the heroism of our team members in the face of challenging conditions. Its a testament to our no-nonsense, no-compromise COVID safety precautions and the quality of our entire Five Star team. Were not just proud of this review. Were proud of them.How to prevent caregiver fatigueWhat about you? Do you suffer from caregiver fatigue? Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:Adjust your expectations to prevent guilty feelings. Remember that no one person can do it all.Dont go it alone. Reach out to a therapist or other helping professional to take good care of yourself.Use communication apps like CaringBridge and MyLifeLine to centralize updates on your loved one.Check your town or city web site for no- or low-cost community resources, such as meals-on-wheels, to shorten your to-do list.Find some time for you. Give yourself a regular break you can look forward to.Five Star Senior Living is one of the nations leading providers of respite. With over 260 communities across the country, chances are theres a respite program near you. Click the link above for more information.

Pain is one of the leading reasons people seek medical care. Approximately 50 million adults experience chronic pain. More adults suffer from chronic pain conditions than the number affected by heart disease, diabetes, and cancer combined (Tsang et al., 2008). Chronic pain contributes to an estimated $560 billion yearly in direct medical costs, lost productivity, and disability programs (Institute of Pain Medicine, 2011). Because of this impact, it is imperative that we understand the complexities of living with and treating chronic pain. Chronic pain affects all aspects of life.Medical treatments, including medication, surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy, may be the first line of defense in treating chronic pain. However, psychotherapy can also be effective at relieving chronic pain because it can alter how the brain processes pain sensations. Understanding and managing the thoughts, emotions and behaviors that accompany the discomfort can help people cope more effectively with painand can actually reduce the intensity of pain.Get a Therapist- He/She can help you navigate chronic pain and teach you management techniques.Manage Stress- Stress makes pain worse, stress management techniques will help you cope.Focused Breathing- Relaxes tensions in the body reducing pain. Stay active- Pain and the fear of pain can lead you to stop doing the things you enjoy -causing more pain.Biofeedback- Teaches you how to control normally unconscious bodily functions including pain.Hypnosis or Guided Imagery- Directs your thoughts by focusing on specific images other than pain.Music Therapy- Performing or listening to music can help with pain by creating relaxation and producing endorphins.Know your limits- Be active in a way that acknowledges your physical limitations, dont push yourself to do more than you can.Low-Impact Exercise- Stretching, yoga, walking and swimming can increase endorphins to combat pain.Be social- People with social support are more resilient and experience less depression and anxiety.Have a pain plan. Learn what affects the intensity and duration of your pain, and what helps to make it better.Manage Expectations. Avoid all or nothing thinking. Seek help to learn coping skills to manage pain.You are not in this alone. Let us connect you with a counselor who can help you navigate pain or any other issue you need.This article was submitted by Dr. Mary-Catherine Segota, Dr Segota is a Psychologist with Counseling Resource Services Inc. She can be reached at 407-654-4433 or at www.counselingresourceservices.com

For more information on the author, Good Life Healing Center, CLICK HERE!For over 20 years, Acupuncture has been recommended by both the National Institute of Health and The World Health Organization for over 90 health conditions.Most major health insurance providers offer plans that cover acupuncture treatment, including the Veterans Administration (VA).In July 2020 Acupuncture was added as afirst-time trial to the list of covered services for Medicare and MedicareAdvantage plans. Medicarebeneficiaries are eligiblefor up to 20treatments per year. Most recently, on July 29,2021, HR4803 Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act was submitted to the House ofRepresentatives. When approved, acupuncturists will bepermanently classified as Medicare Providers, makingthis effective treatment universally available to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Are you losing sleep because of your weight? For most of us, the answer is probably. Is there a link between healthy sleep and healthy weight? Definitely.Sleep disordered breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnea, affects a host of things that sabotage you getting to the healthy weight youre looking for.First, people who are poorly rested tend to be sluggish and irritable and will reach for high sugar foods to give them a short-term energy boost. These foods, loaded with sugar and other carbs yield a quick rise in blood sugar, hence the quick energy, at the expense of the steep drop in blood sugar later. This causes the cycle to repeat itself. All the while, with all that insulin release, the body becomes resistant to the insulin and fat starts to accumulate.Additionally, the balance in the bodys hunger hormone and the hormone that makes you feel full and stop eating, gets disrupted with sleep apnea. The result is overeating and no sense of fullness.With the decrease in daily energy to power through the day, exercise becomes difficult and usually stops furthering the weight gain.Finally, it is during deep sleep when the body does its fat metabolism. No deep sleep - little to no fat metabolism. Obstructive sleep apnea deprives you of the most restorative and restful deep sleep.If you are feeling heavier than youd like or simply have no energy to do the things you enjoy, poor sleep could be the culprit.Talk to your family doctor about getting evaluated for sleep disordered breathing including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. At the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Sleep Medicine, were available for your questions as well.___________________________________________Editors Note: This article was contributed by Terry M. Gordon, DDS, AADSM Sleep-Qualified Dentist who is the Dental Director of PA Center for Dental Sleep Medicine.

When it comes to deciding whether a will or trust is best for you, it is important to understand your options and which one is most appropriate for your situation.WillA testamentary will (simply referred to as a will) is a legal document used to transfer an estate to beneficiaries after the death of the testator (the person making the will). Within the will, the testator usually names a personal representative (same as an executor) for the estate. For a will to be valid in Idaho, it must meet specific requirements under Idaho law.Revocable Living TrustsA person, during his or her lifetime, may create a revocable living trust whereby the grantor (the person making the trust), trustee (the person who has legal authority to manage the trust assets) and beneficiary (the person who makes use of the trust assets) are all the same person. After the grantor dies, depending on the trust instructions, the trust assets may be distributed outright or held within the trust and distributed over time or upon the happening of a designated event. Revocable living trusts may be appropriate for persons who own real property in more than one state or have a blended family where spouses have children from prior relationships.Testamentary TrustsA testamentary trust is a trust within a will. A testamentary trust is created upon the death of a person as specified in his or her will. The testamentary trust holds assets within the trust instead of outright distribution to a beneficiary. A common scenario is when parents create a testamentary trust to hold assets for the support of minor children or for college education for children until they reach a specified age. A testamentary trust can also hold assets for the special needs of a disabled child who receives government benefits.Does Having a Revocable Living Trust Eliminate Probate?To avoid the probate process, all assets must be transferred into the name of the revocable living trust. A common misconception is that a list of assets attached to the trust document accomplishes a transfer to the trust. However, the correct way to transfer assets requires an actual change to the title of assets including a home, certificate of deposits, bank accounts and brokerage accounts. Upon death, any assets titled in the name of an individual, not the trust, will be subject to the probate process.For this reason, when a person creates a revocable living trust, it is best to also create a will, called a pour-over-will, as a safety net to assure that upon death any assets titled in the name of an individual are transferred to the trust and distributed accordingly. In Idaho, generally speaking, the probate process can be quite simple and relatively inexpensive.A New or Updated Estate PlanWhether a will or trust is appropriate for you depends on your circumstances. If you already have a will or trust, it should be reviewed periodically to make sure it reflects your current wishes and needs or upon any significant change in your life such as divorce or death of a spouse or beneficiary. Other important estate planning documents include a general durable power of attorney, living will and durable power of attorney for health care.This article was written by Donna A. Schuyler, Attorney, who practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, trust administration, elder law, and guardianship. Donna Schuyler Law, PLLC; www.elderlawboise.com; Phone 208-344-1947

At some point in our life each of us will experience the loss of someone we love dearly. With loss comes grief. Although grief is a universal emotion it may be one of the most intimate and personal feelings we ever experience. Losing a loved one evokes anxiety and feelings of loneliness that we may have never known before. Even though we may be lucky to have family and friends to support us, we feel alone in our grief.There may be times when grief seems everlasting and the pain and discomfort feels like it will never dissipate. It is true that grief has its own life span, but there are identifiable stages of grief that can help individuals navigate through their journey. Immediately following a loss you may feel numb. The responsibility of focusing on medical care for your loved one, making final arrangements and managing the paper work that comes after a death may sometimes shadow the reality of your loss. When all of the housekeeping is complete you may even experience a feeling of disconnection wondering if your loved one is really gone. When the realness of the situation begins to seep through, an extreme sadness may overcome you. This stage is often the most difficult and most frightening. It may also be the longest lasting stage. Over time this sadness will decrease and you may feel a reluctant acceptance of your loved ones death. As this acceptance takes hold you will realize that life does move forward and you can return to living even without him/her present each day. Life will be different, but you will experience joy again.Our society has made great strides in understanding end-of-life issues as they relate to the patient we still have a long way to travel to understand the impact of loss on those who are left behind. Friends and family members may suggest you move on or get over it. Grief is not something you have control over. Sometimes the loneliness of grief causes us to forget that help is available. Supports groups and individual counseling are available. It is when you are experiencing your lowest moment, that reaching out is most important. With time and support you will be able to look forward to the future once again. Editors Note: Judith Pilchik Zucker, LCSW, is a Bereavement Coordinator and Counselor with the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (SBHPCC). For information about bereavement programs and services offered by the SBHPCC, please call 973-322-4817 or visit www.sbhcshospice.com.

For more information on the author, AVOW, CLICK HERE!Linda Travis is no stranger to hospice: she has experienced its whole person approach to care as a family member of a patient. But it wasnt until Linda served as a daily caregiver for an Avow Hospice patient that she truly experienced the difference hospice care can make in patients and their families and friends alike.In 2021, Linda became a caregiver for Amber*, a dear friend since high school who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. When Amber needed daily care as her illness entered its final stage, Linda stepped up, joining Ambers family in tending to Ambers needs.The relief we felt when Amber joined Avows hospice program was immediate, like a weight lifting off our shoulders, Linda recalls. Suddenly we had a whole team of calm, experienced professionals to help us with caregiving and to talk with us about how we were coping. The nurse and social worker came to the house, medicines and equipment were delivered, people from Avow called us to see what we needed all of it was wonderful.Avows massage therapist and music therapist eased Ambers journey as well. After her massage, Amber looked so deeply peaceful and took a long, restful nap, Linda remembers. We also saw a great change in herduring her music therapy session. The therapist played Somewhere Over the Rainbow which was special to us as Ambers family and ours had shared a Hawaiian vacation, Linda says. Am-ber stopped grimacing, and we could see her eyes moving even though they were closed. Her breathing slowed and relaxed.As Ambers death approached, the Avow team seemed to magically start coming more often, says Linda. They were warm and caring in how they addressed her, positioned her, helped her as a human being whodeserved dignity and compassion. In Ambers final hours, the Avow nurse sat at her bedside, playing calming music from her phone to relax Amber. She reassured Ambers family members, who were not always comfortable being in the room as Amber declined. To all of us, the Avow nurse felt like a member of our extended family. It was so reassuring to have her there as Amber passed.Compassionate, dignified, personal care thats what Linda found at Avow. The services Avow provides are invaluable. I saw them from all aspects. Its a wonderful program.

To learn more about Oasis Senior Advisors - Northern Colorado, CLICK HERE.Understanding the challenges, diagnosis and options availableAlzheimer's disease can be one of the most emotional and devastating diagnoses that effects an individual and their family. As a progressive brain disorder, the disease depletes memory and thinking skills, making even daily life tasks difficult. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5 million Americans may have some form of Alzheimers. It is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Although extensive global research continues to explore the causes and treatments, unfortunately no cure currently exists.Alzheimers disease damages the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls the formation of memories. Vital nerve cell connections to the brain also begin to deplete which prevent the brain from sending messages to the body's muscles and organs. Over time, as nerve cells perish, other parts of the brain are altered.Simple activities like preparing a small meal, spending time outdoors or driving a car become more difficult for your loved one. As the disease progresses, your loved one can get lost easily, misplace items and even become confused doing the most basic of tasks. As the disease advances, some personalities can develop into a worried, angry, or even violent state.Treatments for Alzheimers disease can include a variety of options and modalities. Working with professionals such as an Occupational Therapist, Neurologist and Geriatrician can help greatly. Cognition-enhancing medication can also prove helpful for some people. Research that is helping loved ones and caregivers establish a better quality of life with Alzheimers disease is on-going but keeping your loved one safe is often the greatest challenge.Oasis Senior Advisors of Northern Colorado can provide you with support and guidance when you feel its time for your loved one to move to a memory care or assisted living community. We offer many free resources so you can feel confident in your senior housing selection. To learn more, visit oasissenioradvisors.com/northern-colorado or call 970-218-5982.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Stacy Wagner, Senior Living Advisor withOasis Senior Advisors Northern Colorado. She may be reached at 970-218-5982 or by email at: swagner@youroasisadvisor.com

Theres a nagging clich about life coming around full circle. But, never does it seem more real than when one of our parents starts to visibly age and requires assistance for otherwise-normal activities.Yet, even as our parents start to age, the rigors of a full-time job dont seem to dissipate. So, what happens when you want to be there for Mom and Dad, but you still need to draw in a paycheck?Well, this is where a live-in caregiver steps onto the scene. Whether a caregiver comes to tend to your loved ones daily affairs while youre at work or moves in on a more permanent basis to oversee things, they offer tremendous reassurance that everythings going to be alright.Below, well break down the details of what, precisely a live-in care provider offers. There are a rainbow of options, depending on your loved ones needs. And, no matter which direction you take, comfort lies at the core of it all.Comfort GiverThe first (and perhaps best) way to describe a live-in care provider is a comfort giver. Their presence offers a certain level of comfort for friends and family members who are concerned about the well-being of an elderly loved one.No longer do sons and daughters have to worry that their elderly parents may have slipped or fallen. No longer do they have to send up a flare if a phone call isnt answered. Its established that someones close at hand and caring for their every need.Live-in care providers also provide comfort for someone whos aging, as well. Consider how we spend our lives curating our home. Its our safe haven, our safe space.When the trials of aging start to take their toll, its far more reassuring to endure lifes difficulties from the comfort of a living room surrounded by family photos or a bedroom that was painted and decorated by their spouse many moons ago.Live-In Caregiver Vs. Daytime CaregivingOf course, many of us would love to welcome our elderly parents back into our homes and care for them the way they cared for us as children. Yet, often, the demands of life require us to maintain a daytime job. When our hands become tied like this, there are a couple of options.Live-In CaregivingLive-in elderly care means your family member will have an in-home caregiver who works four or five days a week, providing round the clock care. So, while youre at work, your loved one will be cared for. Even if youre working a double shift, theres no fear; your loved one will be cared for.In this situation, the live-in senior caregiver must be provided a bed where they can rest for eight hours a night (with, of course, the stipulation that this sleep may be disrupted by the needs of their client). Theyre also given a period of rest during the day where another caregiver can come in or a family member can take over.Daytime CaregivingIf youre able to move an elderly loved one into your home, but cant be around all day, this may be a lovely option for you. A daytime caregiver will arrive to oversee the health and safety of your loved one while youre at the office.Typically, when you come home, youre on duty to care for your loved one. But, whats nice is that the same daytime caregiver can sometimes step in to help with the occasional evening affair. And, of course, if you work an evening shift, then you will be able to find someone whos available for overnight caregiving until you come home again in the morning.24-Hour CaregivingTwenty-four-hour caregiving may sound a bit like live-in elder care. But, its actually more intensive. This is for someone who cant be left unsupervised (i.e., during an eight hour period of rest). Perhaps theyre prone to falls or need constant medical attention.In which case, 24-hour caregiving is provided by two or three caregivers who work in shifts. There wont be an eight-hour sleep break or a daytime break. Rather, someone would be on guard at all times, providing the utmost care for your aging family member.Types Of Care ProvidersAside from live-in vs. daytime (or nighttime) providers, there are also varying levels of training that you can consider when looking for the perfect match. Heres a breakdown of some of your best options:Licensed Practical Nurses & Registered NursesA licensed nursecan provide skilled care for a number of situations. They may come in hourly shifts, or more frequently, to administer medication, provide post-surgery care, tend to wounds, provide ventilation care, or monitor vitals.This is, of course, for someone who needs diligent medical attention or someone who may be recovering from a difficult surgery. Having a registered nurse enter a home is a wonderful way to know your loved one is being cared for by a trusted member of the medical community.Certified Nursing AssistantOf course, another member of the medical community thats not to be overlooked is a nursing assistant or home health aide. These are friendly folks who can assist with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, shaving, skin care, ambulating/transfer, transport/escort, toileting, supervision, reminder medication, prepare meals/feeding, laundry/change linens and light housekeeping.A home health aide may fall nicely into the category of daytime care listed above. This is someone who can oversee your loved ones daily routine, from breakfast to afternoon bridge with their friends, to an early supper before a member of the family arrives home for the evening.CompanionAnother alternative is a companion. This is for someone whos just looking for a bit of compassionrather than hands-on care. Perhaps a companion will drive Mom or Dad to the local movie theatre to catch the latest Tom Cruise film.Or, maybe theyll stay at home and enjoy a couple episodes ofGreys Anatomywhile playing a robust game of gin rummy. This is someone whos going to keep your loved ones mental health in tip-top shape and also help ward off any feelings of cabin fever.Does Insurance Cover A Caregiver?Thankfully, most long-term care insurance will cover the services provided by a registered caregiver. Of course, thats not to say that whats covered doesnt vary from policy to policy.If you work with the right referral agency, they can not only pair you with the perfect caregiver out there, but they can also help you master the game of ping pong that comes with a phone call to the insurance company.For example, the team here at Just Like Family loves to assist our clients as they navigate the nitty-gritty of an insurance policy. We also provide the documentation necessary to start your policy benefits and keep them going.Start The Process For A Live-In Caregiver TodayDo you feel the weight lifting off your shoulders as you consider the multi-faceted nature of a live-in caregiver? Whether its preparing tea, doling out medication, or helping a loved one move around safely, theres a lot to be gained by entrusting the supervision of a loved one to a caregiver.Here at Just Life Family Home Care, we offer the support your loved ones need by referring qualified home health care caregivers to come to their home and live the most independent life possible. Our mission is to provide tailor-made solutions to each familys needs. Whether youre looking for a Registered Nurse or a Home Health Aide, we can connect you with someone truly special.Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with a representative. Together, well shape out a plan of action that will ensure the health, safety, and comfort of your loved one. Wouldnt it be nice if we all slept in peace again, starting tonight?Submitted and Written By: Just Like family Home Care - click here for more information

Recent research has found important connections between cardiovascular wellness and brain health. So important are these links that the Center for Disease Control and the National Alzheimer's Association has launched Maintain Your Brain initiatives. A daily walk can benefit both physical and mental health for all ages and provide powerful benefits for your brain according to the 2005 Sept 22/29 issue of JAMA, the Journal of American Medical Association. The article notes that older adults who walk the most have lower risk of dementia and intellectual decline.We all know the obvious benefits of exercise but knowing the statistics of what happens to your body if you are not active may be motivating, because every system of the body is affected, according to the Journal of Neuroscience, Sept. 2005. Immobility affects strength, which decreases 10-20% per week of immobility. Meanwhile muscle strength decreases 15% per decade from age 50-70 and at a rate of 30% after the age of 70. Bone density - of particular concern for women - can decrease 1-2% for every week of immobility. Cardiovascular resting heart rate increases 1 beat for every 2 days of immobility. The respiratory system is affected with mechanical restriction of breathing, building up mucus secretions. A general lack of flexibility causes muscle contractures. And skin is affected with decreased immobility causing edema or fluid retention and general breakdown of the skin. Knowing this, it's time to get up off the couch!Exercise derives its meaning from a Latin root meaning to maintain, to keep, to ward off. In order for exercise to be successful, according to medical professionals, exercise should be planned, structured and repetitive to improve or maintain physical fitness - even a simple walk 30 minutes a day will be helpful.Every year there are a multitude of walking events that offer walk opportunities to raise awareness of health issues and provide fun ways to stretch your walking goals. Examples include the Alzheimer's Memory Walk, see www.alz.org/memory walk, or for a bigger challenge check out the breast cancer 3 day walk at www.the3day.org. Beginners should review www.thewalkingsite.com, which offers advice on how to begin a walking program. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step start now.Editor's Note: This information was submitted by Emma Justice, MSA, Marketing Director at Senior Care & Activities Center Adult Day Care. She can be reached at 973-783-5589.

Loneliness among seniors has become an epidemic. Feelings of depression and isolation are also commonly reported among our elders.Heres some good news: At the University of California they have found that cultivating gratitude can have amazing benefits to a persons health and well-being. The study showed cultivating gratitude on a regular basis resulted in higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism and energy. It was also found that the people who practiced gratitude have less depression and stress, and are more likely to help others and exercise more. According to the science, people who feel grateful were also more likely to feel loved. Gratitude can be an easy thing to add to your activity calendar. You could easily start a Gratitude Club that meets every Friday over coffee to discuss the week in a positive light. Start with asking everyone in you group who their hero was this week. Ask them to discuss why they are thankful for their friends and/ or family. Brainstorm a way to make a positive impact in the home or their community. The great thing about gratitude is that its not just for seniors, but caregivers, staff and you will get a positive boost from it as well! Change up your programming, your seniors will thank you. Make it easy to add to your activity calendar. Visit artyourservice.orgfor cultivating Gratitude program in-abox. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jen Tindall from Art Your Service and may be reached at 416-500-3435 or by email at jen@artyourservice.org

An adult daycare center is typically a non-residential facility that supports the health, nutritional, social, and daily living needs of adults in a professionally staffed, group setting.Adult day programs are for elders who need a place to stay during daytime hours because they have difficulty functioning alone.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

The therapeutic qualities of interacting with horses has long been known.Horses have an un-canny ability to reduce anxieties, restore a sense of calmness and bring great joy to those around them. This is especially true for those who are challenged by Alzheimers disease, as well as other forms of dementia. The act of petting, feeding and engaging with these gentle, intelligent creatures establishes an organic connection that many other methods are not able to achieve.Creating opportunities for individuals living with dementia to experience high-sensory activi-ties, such as interacting with horses, is important in memory care communities. Families want to know that their loved ones are engaging in surroundings that are stimulating and meaning-ful to them. And, since so many families have long enjoyed having pets in their households, ac-tivities that involve animals in memory care communities are particularly well regarded.Therapy that involves multiple sensory stimulation activities often leads to a reconnection to past experiences for those with dementia. Animals are a great example of creating this kind of connection. Many might consider a visit to a stable simply as a fun activity, which it certainly is. However, there is a deeper therapeutic value that can prove transformational, especially for memory care residents. When Porter Place Memory Care, in Tinley Park, IL, recently introduced full-size horse therapy at their community, six of their residents saddled up and rode through the courtyards. It was fun, but the experience also helped them connect, both to the animals and those around them.Families should seek opportunities to engage their loved ones with memory loss with animals. Whether it is a majestic horse or a small puppy, the experience can bring beautiful moments of joy to all.Editors Note: Article submitted by Bobbi Kelley, Community Relations Director for Porter Place Memory Care, Tinley Park, Illinois. Bobbi may be contacted at 708-781-1050.

To learn more aboutChancellor Gardens at Clearfield - MBK,CLICK HERE.Moving to a senior living community can bring many benefits but one thats often overlooked is the sense of belonging and connection missing when a senior living at home begins to become isolated. Isolation can be a natural outcome of professional retirement, losing a spouse, family moving away, medical issues or a change in activities.There are a number of signs that a loved one is beginning to feel the effects of isolation and that their emotional health of beginning to deteriorate. Its important to be aware of these signs because a decline in emotional well-being generally leads to a decline in physical health as well.Telltale Emotional Distress SignsHere are behaviors that can indicate your loved one is in need of more connections, more activities, more structure and more support:HopelessnessRestlessnessSeeming "on-edge"Difficulty coping with everyday stressIncreased irritabilityExcessive worryingImpulsivenessMood swingsThe Antidote for IsolationIf you notice one or more of these signs, its time to consider a more promising living environment for your loved one it may be the best decision you could make for the entire family. Moving to a senior living community can often breathe new energy and purpose into an individuals life.At MBK Senior Living communities, we can attest to our new residents experiencing increased optimism, a more positive perception of aging and a new appreciation for this stage in life. With so many opportunities for socialization, companionship and fun, life can look and feel very different. Worries dissipate because our residents can be assured that virtually all of their needs can be easily met. Plus having a daily routine, regular (and delicious!) meals and more structure is also important.Starting The Dialogue NowThe potential need to move can be a difficult subject so family members often postpone this conversation, despite signs that there may be a decline in a loved ones physical or emotional state. At MBK Senior Living, we can offer families guidance on how to begin this discussion sooner rather than later.Most important is to not wait until youre faced with an emergency situation to start this conversation with a loved one, said Christy Van Der Westhuizen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for MBK Senior Living. No matter how self-sufficient a parent or spouse may be, planning and knowledge of available resources will give everyone greater peace of mind and the ability to make better informed decisions.Use Our Caregiver Assessment ToolTo help jump-start this important discussion, schedule a private tour together at one of MBK Senior Livings 33 communities. In addition to becoming more educated about options, touring an MBK community can provide insight to preferences and shatter common misperceptions.Theres often a misconception that moving to a senior living community strips away a seniors independence when in actuality the opposite is true, said Van Der Westhuizen. Freed from the burdens of home maintenance, our residents discover increased independence, newfound conveniences and services right outside their doors, and more time for connections with friends and neighbors.Bringing Hope BackWhen someone is in emotional distress, hopelessness sets in, followed by isolation and inaction. Its difficult to seek companionship and activities when its too much effort which is why a dynamic senior living community can organically restore hope for your loved one. Being surrounded by others in the same age group, and by compassionate caregivers, in a beautiful home-like setting can mean a new lease on life. We invite you to come see for yourself at MBK Senior Living. We look forward to welcoming you!

Diversity within the family unit today can cause much confusion over who is in charge when you die. Many believe a power of attorney will take care of everything when death occurs. But unfortunately the power of attorney ends with death. Therefore this can create challenges with family members who have the right for example to authorize cremation. The next of kin will be determined as the next living blood relative. This may be a long lost daughter you have not talked to for 20 years who is the only child or shares equal rights as the other children regarding your disposition and service arrangements.This can be avoided if you plan ahead of time. If a pre-arrangement with a funeral home is made, you can sign your own cremation authorization in the state of Florida, which authorizes the funeral home to move forward without the signature of a family member in the case where that person is estranged from the family. At Fuller we work with families ahead of time to plan their wishes for several reasons to ensure their wishes are met, to sign paperwork ahead of time ensuring this issue doesn't arise, relieving the emotional burden from their family which can cause overspending, and locking in todays price if they pre-pay for their services with the various payment plans available. As parents we have always planned and taken care of everything for our family why stop now?Editors Note: This article submitted by Jan Smith, Managing Partner of Fuller Funeral Homes-Cremation Service, 239-592-1611.

Im excited to share with you our personal journey that lead to the formation of my family run business, Home Care Preferred.After 25 years in my H.R. executive role I was finally enjoying my life of retirement in sunny FL playing golf, tennis & boating. Then one day, I received a disturbing call from the assisted living facility that my in-laws resided in. The facility had made the decision to separate them due to my father-in-laws severe dementia. The process was to move him to a secured area. My husband and I could not imagine separating them after 60 years of marriage so we moved them closer to us. We hired caregivers 24/7 to assist them and they loved the personal care!My next calling was from my brother-in-law. My sister had an aneurysm and was fighting for her life. After brain surgery, she remained in critical condition and on life support for weeks followed by intense rehabilitation. Again, coming out of retirement, I cared for her for three months until she returned home, fully recovered.Shortly thereafter, my nephew called on me to come offer family support and end of life care to my beloved brother. The diagnosis was esophageal cancer. My brother was dying. With the support of myself and his family, my brother was able to pass in his home surrounded by loved ones.The years of caregiving continued. I began to feel that this was my calling. It was then that my daughters and I, who all have medical backgrounds, decided to open a home health care service to help others.Ashley Green, my honorary daughter, has her Masters in Health Care and is currently a Captain in Army Reserves Medical Unit. Heather Blackburn is an R.N. with Clinical Education and Development experience. Ashley Crandall was a respiratory therapist for 9 years in the Army and over 10 years of Corporate Finance experience. My husband, Lee Schmachtenberg is our CFO and Attorney. Lee has 35 years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. He is also a former JAG officer and served as Commander of an American Legion Post.We have appointed our dear family friend, Diane Schroeder, as our RN. Diane comes with 40 years of experience, 10 of which are in the Home Health field.Our passionate teams knowledge, skills and abilities, plus our unbridled enthusiasm to be the best makes us the ideal choice when premier home care is preferred.When quality of life at home is preferred, call 239-302-9090. Servicing Collier & Lee Counties. N.R. Lic # 30211851

Staying calm, healthy, and productive may not be the first thing on your mind when emptying a home after a loss. But the better you feel, the easier a trying task will be to complete.While I am not a medical professional, I believe the healthy habits outlined in this article are what enable me to empty my Clients homes quickly and efficiently. If you are planning to empty a Loved Ones home yourself, perhaps you will find some of these tips useful.EATING While on the job, we like to increase our intake of high magnesium foods like organic dark green vegetables, chickpeas, and other beans. In our experience, because magnesium is a natural tranquilizer and muscle relaxer, its intake minimizes the aches and pains that can come with hard labor.BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Every home on the planet contains dust and germs. In our experience, an emotional time coupled with the stagnant air inside a home can put stress on the immune system. We find that eating onions and garlic (sulfur compounds) as well as organic multicolored vegetables (beta-carotene) help us prevent infection. To avoid respiratory illness, we like to take vitamin C and zinc supplements throughout the day. We also enjoy drinking a hot homemade beverage made of water, apple cider vinegar, lemon, raw ginger, and honey.INCREASING ENERGY If we are under a deadline and short on sleep, we eat Alaskan salmon omelets first thing in the morning to get a big boost of B12. We take B-complex and B12 supplements to maintain this high energy throughout the day.AVOIDING SUGAR AND ALCOHOL Sugar and alcohol provide the seemingly positive feelings that come with dopamine hits, but ultimately, these benefits are just temporary. In reality, sugar and alcohol have anxiety forming capabilities. Therefore, you may want to consider avoiding sugar and alcohol when cleaning the home of a Loved One who has passed away. We think that kombucha and stevia are great alternatives to alcohol and sugar. Weve also found that limiting our caffeine intake helps us maintain a calm composure in stressful situations.SLEEPING We have all had the experience trying to manage racing thoughts when its time to sleep. Magnesium citrate, tryptophan, and taurine have each helped us with relaxation and late-night anxiety reduction. *Other tips* Listening to relaxing music like Larraji or the Light in the Attics New Age collection while were working helps keep us calm. Finally, no matter how busy things seem to be, at least once a day, we like to take a break to stretch and then sit quietly in the fresh air for 20 minutes. Finally, organizers Marie Kondo and Margareta Magnusson highlight the importance of saving sentimental items and family photos for last when putting a home to rest. This is because these belongings tend to prompt feelings that may interfere with our productivity. Saving these items for last or better yet, removing them from the property and reviewing them later may hasten the process overall and allow you to concentrate on the larger task at hand: that is, preparing your Loved Ones home for rental or resale. Best of luck as you complete this task.Editors Note: Article Submitted by: Pamela Martin, Owner of Long World Services she may be reached at 312-286-0586.

For More Information on the Author Paul Andrews, ERA Advantage Reality, CLICK HERE!Analyze why you are selling -If you understand your motives, you will be able to better negotiate and to get what it is that you want, whether it be a quick sale, high price, or somewhere in the middle.Prepare your home for the buyer -Maximize the strengths of your property and fix up its weaknesses. You want the buyer to walk away from your home with a lasting good impression.Find a good real estate agent that understands your needs -Make sure that your agent is loyal to you, and can negotiate to help you achieve your goals. In addition, they should be assertive and honest with both you and the buyer.Be prepared for negotiation -Learn and understand your buyers situation; what are their motives? Can you demand a big deposit from them? Try to lock in the buyer so that the deal goes through.Negotiate for the best price and the best terms -Learn how to counter offer to get maximum value from every offer.Make sure the contract is accurate and complete -Be honest with your disclosures; you do not want to lose the deal because you were lying or diminishing your homes defects. Insist the buyers get a professional inspection. This will protect both you and the buyer.

Hearing Services And Resources include private, non-profit and government organizations providing resources and hearing services. There are many programs available that are on a sliding scale and income qualifying.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

Its very difficult when your loved one has been diagnosed with Dementia because there are so many questions surrounding that news. And now you find yourself in the position of caregiver which can be difficult and overwhelming especially if youre still working and have a family.One of the most important things to remember is youre not alone. In 2017, 16 million caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia's provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care (Alzheimers Association). There are many places you can gather information, professionals you can speak to, support groups to attend and services that are available to assist.Some important steps in providing care: Use a positive approacho Give short, simple informationo Simple choiceso Ask them to helpo Always say thank you so they know you appreciate what they are doing Break tasks up into small stepso By doing this you eliminate the frustration for both of youo Give one task at a time Use music its great therapy and provides relaxation Reminisce about the times they remembero Know their history so you can talk about ito Laugh with themo Use words they usedo Create a memory jar where family and friends write down their favorite memories and you can read them to your loved one Ask for helpo Friends, other family, home care agenciesBeing a caregiver is a very difficult job. You cant take care of someone else if youre not taking care of yourself. Its so important to make sure you have time off and step away from caregiving to relax. Caregivers who do not take a break have high levels of stress, health issues and become angry. Schedule time for dinner, shopping, a movie date or a long weekend away. Allow your family and friends to help or use a local agency that provides dementia-trained caregivers.One of the more difficult things to do is leave your loved one with someone else when youve been the primary caregiver. Take the time to interview local agencies and find the one that you feel can provide the care your loved one needs. Ask if their caregivers are trained in providing dementia care. Find an agency that can provide you peace of mind so you can truly relax and take a break.The caregivers at Visiting Angels of Lancaster, Hanover and York are trained in providing dementia and palliative care and other specialized care, call us we can help!__________________________________Editors Note: This article was contributed by Sandy Sferrella-Taylor, Public Relations Manager at Visiting Angels of Lancaster, Hanover and York.

Care for your feet so they can care for youDid you know that by age 50 the average adult has walked 75,000 miles? And with life expectancy going up each year, that is many more miles that we should expect to walk.No foot pain is normal, even as we age. Many of our older loved ones may chalk up foot pain to the aging process and ignore it. Worse yet, they often cut back on activities to try to prevent pain, causing other health risks. Our feet often provide early indications of conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or circulatory disease. All pain should be referred to a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.According to the US National Center for Health Statistics, impairment of the lower extremities is a leading cause of activity limitation in older people. The NCHS also reports that one-fourth of all nursing home patients cannot walk at all, while another one-sixth can walk only with assistance. Poor foot care can contribute to these statistics. However, there are solutions.The most important solution is daily foot care.Often, care beyond the daily bath or shower is difficult for older adults due to challenges bending down or seeing their feet, so its important that we help out weekly, if not daily.Some things to pay attention to include:Toenail length. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and kept short enough so they do not press on neighboring toes.Blisters, cuts or scratches. These can lead to infection if ignored. Thinner, aging skin can make it easier to bump or bruise our feet, allowing for the entry of bacteria.Dryness. Cracks in the toes or heels can also allow bacteria to enter. Moisturize regularly with a moisturizer made specifically for feet.Callouses or corns. These are often signs that perhaps shoes are not the right fit.New moles or discolorations. Check for any new moles or discolorations, including between the toes and on the bottom of the feet. Immediately bring these to a dermatologists attention.Swelling. Many health risks, including diabetes, injury to the leg, or circulatory issues, will show up as swelling in the feet.Sensitivity or lack of sensitivity. Either one of these can signal nerve damage and should be investigated right away.Sources: American Podiatric Medical Association and Australian Podiatry Association SourceChoosing a PodiatristFeet are complex anatomical structures that require expert care. Be sure your loved one is seeing the most qualified healthcare professional to treat their feet by looking for DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) after his or her name. This means a physician has completed years of rigorous foot and ankle training in podiatric medical school and hospital-based residency training, making him or her uniquely qualified to care for this part of the body.Source: American Podiatric Medical AssociationTime for New Shoes?A properly fitted shoe should have the following characteristics:At least one inch (a thumbs width) between the end of the shoe and the longest toeRoom to pinch some material at the sides or top of the shoe for widthA shape that matches the shape of and conforms to the foot (No human has a foot shaped like the point that many dress shoes have. Flip flops and unsupported sandals can lead to falls.)A firm heel area (Press on both sides of the heel area to ensure that the heel is stiff and wont collapse.)A flexible shoe box to allow for a natural heel to toe walking patternA firm sole (Try to twist the shoe from side to side. It shouldnt twist in the middle.)A shoe with a firm sole and soft upper that can be laced, buckled, or strapped to the foot is best for daily activities. Measure both feet late in the day and buy the shoe that fits the larger foot. If your podiatrist has prescribed orthotics, take them with you and try them out in the shoes youre considering.Sources: Advanced Foot and Ankle Care Centers, Australian Podiatry Association, American Podiatric Medical Association and US Department of Health and Human ServicesTesting the Shape of a Shoe for FitRemove the insert of the shoe and trace it on a piece of paper. Have your loved one stand on the tracing and trace their foot. Their foot should fit within the boundaries of the insert tracing.Written & Submitted By: Gulfshore Home Care- click here for more information*

Non-Medical Home Care - In-home support services that focus on non-medical care on a daily, weekly or 24/7 basis. These services can include personal care, housekeeping, errands, respite care, meal preparation and social contact. Aids can be hired part-time or full-time, depending on the needs of the client. Most providers offer hourly rates with discounted rates for full days and overnights. These agencies are private pay, meaning the client pays out of pocket or through long-term care insurance.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

Everyone worries that long-term care costs from a stroke or major illness can deplete their life savings. What should you do? Most people don't like to think about the financial and emotional toll that can happen when a terrible illness occurs. Or about how they'll pay for it or what the effects will be for themselves and their loved ones. Many don't plan ahead.There are things that you can proactively do to prepare for long-term care expenses. Solutions range from purchasing long-term care insurance to engaging a qualified attorney to help you with a special type of estate plan designed to save as much of your assets and income as legally possible. If you set up your legal and financial affairs ahead of a major illness or stroke, chances are your plan will preserve that much more of your assets and income than you would have if you had waited.Your attorney will need a complete list of your current assets and income to help you plan. Gather copies of bank and brokerage statements, deeds and other documents, as well as a copy of your last two income tax returns. Also list all of your liabilities, such as home mortgages and car payments. From there, the attorney will review whether and how you might qualify for government benefits that can help pay for nursing expenses associated with serious illnesses and disabilities.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Michael B. Hill, Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Attorney. Contact him at www.sbshlaw.com or hill@sbshlaw.com. 2011 Michael B. Hill.

A couple months ago, Ray Andrus retired from decades of working for big names in construction. Now he's doing smaller projects for people he's never met and it may be some of the most rewarding work he's ever done."We all need to help each other and perhaps the best help we can give is to those who need the help the most," he said.Andrus, 69, recently responded to a newspaper article asking for volunteers to perform odd jobs at the homes of the elderly and disabled in Davis County. He has committed 20 hours each week to fixing minor electrical problems or leaky faucets, digging up broken sprinklers, replacing light bulbs and getting caught up in a friendly conversation or two.Andrus' commitment was a huge boon to the Do Unto Others program that Rocky Mountain Care Foundation launched this summer. An earlier countywide assessment had revealed large gaps in the services available to the two populations and Rocky Mountain's Dede Fluette was excited to get something started.She had previously worked for similar programs in neighboring counties and continues to be shocked that "someone pays me to do this we just do good deeds and nice things for people."Fluette feels the elderly generation deserves star treatment."They are the most vulnerable and the most deserving population," she said. "It's not like you can say to an 85-year-old woman 'go get a job.' They've kind of put in their time and if we can help them, then that's great."The same is true for the disabled population the program assists, Fluette said."I don't think that just because they can't get up on the roof and fix a swamp cooler that they can't live independently in their own home," she said.The Do Unto Others program in Davis County has a few requirements. Beneficiaries must be living at 150 percent of the federal poverty level, be 60 or older or living with a disability, own their home and live within the boundaries of Davis County. The program teams up carefully screened and experienced volunteers to help with minor home repairs and limited seasonal yard maintenance.For more information contact Rocky Mountain Care Foundation at 801-397-4160Editors Note: This article was submitted by Wendy Leonard. Wendy is a reporter with Deseret News and may be reached at wleonard@deseretnews.com

Hearing loss the subject can invoke a wide spectrum of reactions. From selective hearing jokes to a real burden on relationships, working in the Hearing Healthcare field exposes you to them all. But how serious is hearing loss and how important is the need to treat it? There is more and more research being done in this area, and the results are coming in. The results show a direct link between hearing health and brain health. Its no secret the two are connected. For years, audiologists and hearing instrument specialists have been coaching hearing aid wearers that the brain needs to adapt to the new sounds (sounds you may not have heard in your hearing impaired state) that a hearing aid wearer will experience.One of the studies, conducted by Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging in 2011, revealed that participants who had moderate or severe hearing loss were more likely to develop cognitive issues including dementia. The study did not immediately determine whether treating the loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants would result in a different outcome, but a large majority of researchers believe it would. One reason being the findings of a 2013 Johns Hopkins study that links auditory deprivation (the absence or reduction of sound signals reaching the brain) to cognitive decline. And thats not all, other effects of hearing loss can include depression, isolation, reduced social activity, and an increase in stress.So listen up! While its not definitive that hearing aids can prevent dementia, it is definitive that they improve brain stimulation, improve communication, and assist in social situations. If you suspect that you or someone you care about has a hearing loss, its time to get it checked out. You may find out youve been missing more than you think.This article was submitted by Ryan Oberholtzer, Hearing Instrument Specialist with Darrell M. Sipe Opticians and Hearing Aids.

Thinking about long-term care placement is never easy. The move into an assisted living facility or nursing home almost always means a loss of at least some independence, and for many people the cost can seem overwhelming.For veterans with a documented service-connected disability of 70 percent or greater, financial assistance may be available to cover the entire cost of long-term care. The key to accessing this Veterans Administration benefit is finding a VA contract nursing home or state veterans nursing home in your area. Some privately or corporate owned nursing homes have obtained contracts with the Veterans Administration to provide long-term skilled nursing care to these service connected disabled veterans, which is paid entirely by the VA. State veterans nursing homes, too, are able to provide the same service.For veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 70 percent who need long-term care specifically because of their service-connected disability, the same benefit may apply. In these instances, detailed medical records documenting the need for long-term care is directly related to the veterans service-connected disability is absolutely necessary prior to admission into a state veterans or VA contract nursing home.Veterans wanting more information about VA benefits for long-term care, or finding the nearest state veterans nursing home or VA contract nursing home should contact the Veterans Service Officer for the county where they reside. Typically, this information can be located in the county government section of the phone book.For qualifying service-connected disabled veterans, this VA benefit eliminates the financial concerns frequently associated with long-term care.Author:Lisa Seley of the Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Home in Florence, CO

Dan F. and the fourth graders from Naramake Elementary School were all smiles at Brightview on New Canaan in Norwalk, Connecticut last month when they got together for a variety of arts and crafts projects.One of the art projects lollipop flowers made from brightly-colored construction paper and Tootsie Roll pops were quite a hit, and tasted even better.Dan, an 86-year old retired attorney and World War II Veteran loves watching sports and playing cards. Hes also a history buff and thespian, having performed at a local community theatre in New Canaan for years.But, on this day, the kids had his full attention.Connecting with the youngsters from the school was a terrific experience, said Dan. It was also very rewarding. Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious, and makes me feel great. We cant help but smile.And the smiles were wide as Dan and other residents teamed up with the students.Something special happens when you bring seniors and students together, explained Diane Gagliano, one of two Community Sales Directors at Brightview on New Canaan. They laughed and shared stories and had fun. It was a tremendous experience for everyone residents, students, and even for, us, the associates here. It was a great collaboration.Added Maria Owens, Community Sales Director and Dianes sales partner, The benefits from intergenerational programming and social interactions are incredible. Everyone learns from one another and grows together.The students are planning a return visit later this spring, in May, and will partner up with residents to explore Patriotic themes.We hope to continue this partnership with Naramake as well as several other schools in the area, concluded Diane. It is so valuable for everyone.Brightview on New Canaan features Assisted Living and Wellspring Village, a specially designed neighborhood where people living with dementia lead full, engaged and meaningful lives.Located at 162 New Canaan Ave in Norwalk, Brightview on New Canaan has been serving seniors and their families for over a year. The community opened in January, 2016.For more information, please contact Diane Gagliano or Maria Owens at 203-857-1836.

As the population continues to age, the elderly are becoming more and more vulnerable to scam artists. These scams can come in many forms, both legal and illegal, that impact negatively on the vulnerable elderly.Seniors are often the target of these schemes because they are easier to prey on than younger people. By their nature, seniors are more trusting, and in many cases, are unlikely to report fraud to the proper authorities. Even when seniors report these crimes, they are often poor witnesses. Their age and memory make them poor candidates to report needed details to prosecute these individuals.Fraud comes in many forms: identity theft, telemarketing scams, counterfeit drug scams, loan fraud, home improvement fraud, prizes and sweepstake scams, mail fraud, information mining, internet scams, the sale of legal goods and services that are totally unneeded, and lastly, Medicare and Medicaid fraud.One kind of scam involves caretaker theft. Seniors are becoming more and more dependent on care takers, be they family members, or live-in employees. Eventually the senior can become completely dependent on the caretaker and unscrupulous caretakers take advantage of these situations. Children should be ever watchful when in these situations. I have had cases where seniors have given away homes and other very valuable assets to their caretakers. New Jersey has laws to protect seniors in these situations and if you suspect such abuse, please see an experienced elder law attorney immediately.Seniors and their families need to become educated in ways to protect their nest egg and their safety. Most fraud occurs when seniors are alone, childless or have little contact with their children. Seniors can protect themselves by seeking help from trusted relatives and professionals. Many times they resist this help, thinking that they may lose control of their lives. They must be persuaded otherwise. See an attorney to obtain a financial power of attorney, will and living will is a good start. Hiring a geriatric care manager to evaluate the seniors needs can prove invaluable. If you have any desire to discuss these issues further, we will provide you with a free initial consultation.Finally guarding your credit information, being aware of imposters and being a smart consumer are the best things they can do.Editors Note: Michael A. Manna is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Boston College and a Cum Laude Graduate of Boston College Law School. After working in the tax department of the CPA firm of Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co., Mr. Manna entered the private practice of law in Ridgewood, New Jersey in 1975. Mr. Manna is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts and is a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States. He is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Over the past thirty years, Mr. Manna has had extensive experience as a lecturer on legal topics for various boards of education and educational institutions. He can be reached at 201-447-2800.Author:Michael A. Manna

Providing care and assistance to a loved one is not easy.Many adult children and spouses struggle with juggling work, home life, and caring for their aging loved one. As you wear the many hats of a caregiver you may find the stress negatively affects your work and wears on your health and relationships. There may even be times when this caregiving role does not feel loving or satisfying to you. Whether your loved one lives at home or in a facility, nearby or far away, an Aging Life Care Professional (formally known as a geriatric care manager) can be very helpful.Contact an Aging Life Care Professional (www.aginglifecare.org) when:You worry, are stressed out, or overwhelmedYour loved one has difficulties being safeYou notice changes and do not know where to turnYou need help communicating clearly with othersYou do not have family who can helpThere are increased medical or psychological issuesYou need assistance with necessary arrangementsYou need regularly check-ins for your loved oneYou can use some help coordinating appointmentsYou need someone to respond to emergenciesYou want an independent evaluationFamily members are at odds regarding care decisionsYour loved is not happy with their current situationFamily needs help dealing with difficult behaviorsYou have feelings of guilt, anger, and resentmentEditors Note: This article was submitted by Colleen Daugherty with Senior Life Solutions. To learn more about Aging Life Care Professionals or Senior Life Solutions you may contact Colleen at (970) 282-7975 or by email at Colleen@SrLifeSolutionsLLC.com 2016 Senior Life Solutions. All Rights Reserved

Thinking about long-term care placement is never easy. The move into an assisted living facility or nursing home almost always means a loss of at least some independence, and for many people the cost can seem overwhelming.For veterans with a documented service-connected disability of 70 percent or greater, financial assistance may be available to cover the entire cost of long-term care. The key to accessing this Veterans Administration benefit is finding a VA contract nursing home or state veterans nursing home in your area. Some privately or corporate owned nursing homes have obtained contracts with the Veterans Administration to provide long-term skilled nursing care to these service connected disabled veterans, which is paid entirely by the VA. State veterans nursing homes, too, are able to provide the same service.For veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 70 percent who need long-term care specifically because of their service-connected disability, the same benefit may apply. In these instances, detailed medical records documenting the need for long-term care is directly related to the veterans service-connected disability is absolutely necessary prior to admission into a state veterans or VA contract nursing home.Veterans wanting more information about VA benefits for long-term care, or finding the nearest state veterans nursing home or VA contract nursing home should contact the Veterans Service Officer for the county where they reside. Typically, this information can be located in the county government section of the phone book.For qualifying service-connected disabled veterans, this VA benefit eliminates the financial concerns frequently associated with long-term care.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lisa Seley of the Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Home in Florence, CO. For further information, they can be reached at 719-784-6331

Nobody wants to go to the hospital, but sometimes you have to. Thats why its a good idea to prepare by doing your homework.Plan aheadMost people dont have a conversation with their physician about hospitals until it is time for an admission. I advise people to have that conversation early, says Rick Wade, senior vice president for communications at the American Hospital Association. Ask what hospitals your doctor practices at, and why, he says.If you know you will be having a particular procedure, You can ask your doctor which hospitals are best in your area, suggests Patrick Roney, M.D., physician at an Erickson community.Interview the hospitalCall or visit the hospitals you are interested in using, and Dont be afraid to ask questions, says Wade. Hospitals appreciate patients who are highly aware and involved in their care.Make a list of questions to ask the hospital. Depending on what is most important to you, some valuable questions might include: Does the hospital provide short-term rehabilitation or home health care services after your stay? If there is any concern about the quality of care, who do you call? Is it possible to have a family member stay overnight in your room with you?Avoid an infectionIts always important to be aware of infection in the hospital. You should avoid letting anyone give you an intravenous injection without putting on gloves.Also, Dont be bashful about asking people to take precautions. If someone comes in your room, point them to the sink. When your friends or family come to visit, tell them to wash their hands, says Wade.Check your chartBecause your current medications and allergies may not be accurate in the hospitals record, Wade recommends you, Become familiar with your medical record, particularly what medications you are on and what allergies you have. Take that information with you when you go to the hospital. If a friend or family member goes with you, make sure they know these things too.Also make sure your blood type is listed correctly, says Roney. If you have any problem with anesthesia, make sure it is listed in your chart too.Use these tips from the experts, and your next hospital visit is sure to be a smarter one.Editors note: This information was provided by Cedar Crest, an Erickson community in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, that offers independent living in a full-service retirement community. Renaissance Gardens, the health care neighborhood at Cedar Crest, provides Respite Care, Short-Term Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, and Long-Term Care to people living inside and outside Cedar Crest. For more information, contact the Health Care Counselor at Renaissance Gardens by calling 973-831-3755.

Validus Senior Living announces the Grand Opening of its newest memory care community, Inspired Living at Bonita Springs, located at 27221 Bay Landing Drive.Inspired Livings hallmark is personalized care for those with Alzheimers, dementia or another type of memory loss.Inspired Living at Bonita Springs consists of 72 memory care suites and features the latest resident location technology, including an emergency call system and keyless door locks. This technology enables family members to participate and engage in the care of their loved ones regardless of distance, giving them a sense of comfort and peace of mind. It also empowers residents to explore the expansive but secure campus with confidence, knowing caregivers are there if they are needed.Our new community is one of the most technologically advanced memory care communities ever seen in Florida. But what makes us stand out from the rest is our personal approach to care, said Validus Senior Living CEO Steven Benjamin.Caregivers use a Positive Approach to Care, based on the teaching of renowned expert Teepa Snow, which focuses on what each person still can do, not on what abilities they may have lost. Programs are tailored to residents specific interests, abilities and needs and support their mental, social, spiritual and emotional wellness.Fresh, chef-prepared meals are served daily, featuring visually appealing, portion-sized gourmet food. Dining hours are flexible with snacks and refreshments available anytime.The beautifully landscaped courtyard at Inspired Living at Bonita Springs features a gazebo with butterfly garden, raised flower beds, walking paths and seating areas giving residents the option to seek out friendly conversations with new friends or to simply enjoy a little fresh air and nature on their own.Other services include daily suite tidying and weekly deep cleaning, plus full laundry service and on-site therapy services. Licensed nursing is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days week.Editors Note: For more information or to arrange your own personal tour of the community, please call Inspired Living at Bonita Springs at (239) 330-2119.

Senior living communities offer many benefits, including maintenance-free living, chef-prepared meals, and plenty of amenities. But some of the most crucial benefits of senior living communities are the many opportunities for seniors to interact with others, make connections, and stay social.  Assisted living and independent living communities are the perfect places for seniors to meet and interact. From sharing meals and playing cards to attending fitness classes and going on outings, the chances to socialize with others are limitless.    Socialization is essential to seniors overall health and well-being. The emotional, physical, and cognitive benefits of socializing all contribute to seniors wellness as a whole. In fact, many people believe that socialization is the secret ingredient to a healthier, happier life. In a study by the Mather Institute, 69% of older adults reported that moving to a senior living community improved their social wellness, and therefore, their overall health.  In honor of July being Social Wellness Month, lets dive right into the many ways socialization improves seniors overall wellness. Mental and Emotional Health Benefits of Staying SocialMany people struggle with depression, anxiety, and isolation as they age. Whether they experience loss, live alone, are far away from loved ones, or have limited mobility to visit others, there are plenty of reasons why so many older adults are facing these mental health issues. Socialization is one significant way seniors can improve their mental health. Interacting with others is a natural way to stave off loneliness and isolation, which in turn reduces anxiety and depression. Socializing also improves peoples moods and provides a sense of worth and belonging within a community. Overall, positive interactions with others increase self-esteem and feelings of purpose, which also greatly contribute to improved mental health.  Physical Health Benefits of Staying SocialSocialization naturally requires seniors to be more active as they participate in activities with others. Having a strong social life helps seniors stay engaged and reduces their stress levels. As we know, decreasing stress is one of the best things you can do for your physical health. Because of this reduced stress and other factors, staying social improves seniors cardiovascular health and immune system. It also lowers the risk of developing many chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Studies have even shown that older adults who socialize more frequently actually live longer than those who do not. All the more reason to start getting social!Cognitive Benefits of Staying SocialNot only does socialization have numerous mental and physical health benefits, but it also has many positive impacts on the brain. In fact, studies have shown that social engagement actually slows peoples cognitive decline. Participating in conversations and group activities stimulates seniors minds and keeps their brains sharp. This in turn leads to improved cognitive function and memory skills. A study from the American Journal of Public Health showed that older women who had a social network had a reduced risk of dementia, and experienced delayed or no cognitive impairments. Another study found that seniors with no social connections were over 2 times more likely to experience cognitive decline than those who had 5 or 6 social connections. And, seniors who felt lonely had more than double the risk of developing Alzheimers disease. The cognitive benefits of socialization are clear, and they are powerful. Social Activities for Seniors in Southwest FloridaThere are plenty of activities, groups, clubs, and organizations available for Florida seniors who wish to stay social and active. And with over 4.5 million people over the age of 65 in the state of Florida, there are plenty of seniors to meet. Factor in the nice weather year-round, and there are countless opportunities for seniors to meet others and get involved in a wide variety of activities.Below are some socialization opportunities for seniors in Southwest Florida.Senior Friendship Centers(Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Lee County, Sarasota, Venice)Photo credit: Senior Friendship CentersThis organizations mission is to build vibrant communities through advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment for seniors. They offer many opportunities for seniors to socialize at their Activity Centers. At these locations, seniors can gather, have coffee with friends, take classes, exercise, play cards, attend special events, listen to live music, and more.YMCA of Southwest Florida(Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Englewood, Fort Myers, Lakewood Ranch, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Venice, Florida)Photo credit: YMCA of Southwest FloridaThe YMCAs Active Older Adults program holds many social gatherings for seniors, including bingo nights, barbecues, holiday parties, dances, Senior Olympics, group exercise classes, tennis and pickleball leagues, and more. Lehigh Acres Senior Citizens Center(Fort Myers, Florida)Photo credit: GoogleThis non-profit organization provides opportunities for seniors to meet others, stay active, volunteer, learn, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some of the programs they offer include billiards, Tai Chi, jewelry making, karaoke, yoga, Zumba, Mahjong, cribbage, various day trips and many more.Town Square(Sarasota, Florida)Photo credit: Town SquareTown Square is a 1950s-themed adult day care center in Sarasota, Florida. They offer a wide variety of immersive, nostalgic activities and spaces for seniors to enjoy with peers, including classic films, vintage garages, diners, salons, and art studios. They also offer Reminiscence Therapy, which is designed to help those with dementia or Alzheimers reconnect with their past memories. Adult day care centers such as this one are a good option for seniors who do not live in residential senior living communities but do require some personal care. The Sunshine Senior Center(St. Petersburg, Florida)Photo credit: Sunshine CenterThis senior center in Tampa Bay is a great option for older adults to gather for support, socialization, fitness and other services. Some of the socialization opportunities available at the Sunshine Senior Center include fitness classes, congregate dining, day and overnight trips, card games, dancing, crafts, seminars and more.Helping Your Senior Loved Ones Stay SocialMaintaining an active social life is a surefire way to improve your senior loved ones quality of life. With improved self-esteem and sense of purpose as well as enhanced cardiovascular health and cognitive function, the benefits of socialization are endless.One major way to ensure your loved one gets the social engagement they need is by moving to a senior living community. With full daily schedules of events, activities, classes, and outings, there is always something exciting and social happening at a senior living community. Residents can interact with others, find people with similar interests, and build connections with ease.But how do you find the right community?Thats where Florida Senior Consulting comes in. We are a family-run, Florida-based company that helps seniors and their families find the best senior living. We make your loved one part of our family and make sure they get the care they deserve, even after they move in.Our expert senior advisors have decades of experience in the field and are familiar with every community in the area. We can help match your loved one to the perfect community based on their interests, preferences, and needs.We believe senior living should be on our terms, and the choice should always be yours.To start enjoying your golden years, call us at (800) 969-7176 or visit us at FloridaSeniorConsulting.com

Refers to persons specifically trained to help individuals with their personal care needs and activities of daily living (ADLs). These services include assistance with bathing, showering, shampooing, dressing etc. Other tasks may be assigned to aides per individual agency and family negotiations/contract. Home Health Aides are available for just a few hours per week up to 24-hour care on a temporary or long term basis.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

Evaluating an Adult Day Health ProgramAdult day health (ADH) programs provide professional care and companionship for older adults and adults living with cognitive or medical challenges. ADH programs include a variety of health, social and support services in a safe, caring environment.When searching for an ADH Center for your loved one its important to look for licensed and accredited programs. Youll also want to find a center that is local, affordable and offers the right level of care for your loved one.LocalIts best to find an adult day health provider that is close to your home or work and has hours suited to your schedule. You may also want a program that offers transportation to and from the center.AffordableWhile other options including in-home health and nursing home care are typically more expensive than adult day health programs, you want to ensure that the program you select is affordable and fits within your budget.Level of CareEach ADH center offers its own unique programming. Youll want to evaluate potential ADH programs on the activities they offer participants, health monitoring, nursing care and physical therapy services, nutrition offerings and services and accommodations for physically or visually impaired.While most ADH centers offers some level of the above services, youll also want to ensure that the program offers support services tailored for you and your loved one.Caregiver SupportSeeking support and maintaining your own health are key to managing your role as a caregiver. Many adult day health programs offer caregiver resources that provide information and referral services to support the care of your loved one.Inclusive EnvironmentMassachusetts became the first state in the country to require all state-funded or licensed providers of services to older adults complete training in how to provide meaningful care of LGBT older adults and ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults can access services.Finding and selecting the right ADH program for you and your loved one can be daunting. Make sure you contact the centers you are interested in to discuss their program offerings and services. Visit the centers in person and observe the atmosphere, daily activities and staff interactions with participants.This article was submitted by Michelle Holmberg, MA, the director of services for Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., CESI operates four centers in Eastern Massachusetts that focus on the holistic approach outlined above, empowering seniors to age in place. Michelle may be reached at 781-863-1166 or by email at m.holmberg@elderdayservices.org.

To learn more about Inspire Health Clinics, CLICK HERE.Whether you run for miles or sit around the house, the health of your feet is vital for walking, running, or just about anything that requires your lower body for movement. Read on to find out how to best protect your podiatric foundation.We tend to not think of our feet unless there's something wrong, but the lowest part of our body is crucial for so many things we take for granted. Whether its supporting our weight, keeping our balance, or just the act of standing or walking (our feet endure hundreds of tons of force daily from normal tasks), our feet play a vital part of our everyday activities. Proper care for your feet is good for your whole body, so lets look at the best ways to treat foot problems, foot exercises, and the best equipment to help keep your feet healthy.Residents of South Jordan, Utah, looking for help with foot problems can rely on the comprehensive care of Dr. Matthew Graff and the experienced team at Inspire Health Clinics. We offer cutting-edge treatments for podiatric care, and innovative family care for patients of all ages.Common foot problems The pain you could be experiencing in your feet may be the result of these problems:Fungal issuesExcessive foot sweat and other damp environments like showers and pools can lead to problems like athletes foot or fungal nail infections.Structural issuesJoint and musculoskeletal problems can make your feet very uncomfortable, like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Some conditions can cause the feet to become misshapen in some way, leading to pain and other complications like bunions, claw toe, hammer toe, or flat foot.Growths This can be anything that causes abnormal tissue to grow on your feet, such as corns and plantar warts. Blisters are a mild annoyance, but are examples of growths that can cause pain.Irritations Inflammation of the bone and tissue in your feet can lead to things like sesamoiditis, gout, and metatarsalgia (stone bruise).Best ways to take care of your feet Here are some basic practices you can use to provide your feet with better care:Keep your feet clean and dryDon't share pedicure utensilsAvoid sharing shoesDon't shave callusesGive yourself foot massagesSoothe irritation with a vinegar soakThe first tip is the easiest way to avoid many future foot issues. Cleaning your feet regularly and keeping them dry will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and dry skin from causing numerous foot problems. Soaking and massaging your feet will help relieve pain and promote blood circulation.Best exercises for your feetIn addition to massaging and soaking your feet, exercises are a great way to keep your feet limber and relaxed. These include exercises like point your toes, raise your heels, squeeze your toes, roll a ball, and stretch standing up and sitting down. Once done, you can relax your feet in a bath with Epsom salts.Best shoes for your feetGetting proper shoes is a big part of foot care, because you spend so much time in them whether you're active or not. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, and you need enough depth in it so your toes don't touch the top. When you stand up, you should have about a half an inch of space between your big toe and the front of your shoe. It also helps to walk around in shoes to make sure there isn't any rubbing or slipping. Cloth shoes are best for leisure activities, and sneakers are best for running and sports.The best practices for proper foot care are easy to implement and can make a world of difference in the comfort of your foot, as well as avoiding any harmful conditions. If you're having foot problems and need help, make an appointment with Dr. Graff and Inspire Health Clinics today.

For more information on the author Family Spine Care Institute, CLICK HERE!Arthritis in the Lower BackArthritis, specifically in the lower back, typically originates within the spine. A lot of patients suffer from this chronic pain in the Venice, Florida area.Most patients describe it as a deep, gnawing pain that never goes away. It may even create stabbing pains throughout the day. It is usually worse in the morning before there is a chance to move around and loosen up the joints, but it is a pain that is always there.Treatments to Try on Your OwnExercise and movementA heating pad applied to the painful areaAlternating hot and cold compressesA heating patch that stays on the skin all-dayIf the pain does not subside with these treatments, or if you have had the pain for a long time, there are some treatments we can do in the Family Spine Care office.Lumbar Facet InjectionFacet Joints are what connect the spinal vertebrate together. They prevent the vertebrate from rubbing together. When the Facet Joints wear away, then there is a bone-on-bone rubbing action That creates the pain.The Lumbar Facet Injection is injecting a numbing medication (such as lidocaine) into these facet joints. Cortisone, an anti-inflammatory, may be used as well.The relief lasts anywhere from a week to a year.If the relief lasts very little time, then you may consider another treatment.Radiofrequency AblationA medial branch nerve wraps through the spinal column and facet joints. Under X-ray, Dr. Omar Henriquez uses a special needle with a heated tip to deaden this nerve which was causing pain.Pain relief from a Radiofrequency Ablation typically lasts six months to two years. Then the nerve wakes back up, at which time we can do the same treatment again. The treatment only takes about 20 minutes, and its done completely in our Family Spine Care office, just like all of our other treatments.

Seniors BlueBook, York SOS and SING are conducting a service project for ALPHA (the Alliance for Low Income Personal Care Homes Advancement).ALPHA Residents are typically the most vulnerable, with little to no financial resources and care needs that exceed independent living. Without an ALPHA home, many of these residents would end up back in the hospital. ALPHA providers are typically reimbursed for their services at the rate of only $37 per day ($1129 per month) which is supposed to cover room, board, and all care costs!While ALPHA is working with officials to get this reimbursement amount raised, the providers would appreciate donations of the following items, in any quantities:Paper TowelsHand-soapHand-sanitizerMasks GlovesTowels*Wash cloths*Single fitted sheets*Single flat sheets*Single size blankets*PillowsPillowcases*FlatwareWord search/puzzle booksAdult coloring books, colored pencils.Individually packaged craft projectsIndividually packaged snacks - possible bingo prizesPlaying CardsJigsaw puzzle mats*= New or Gently Used are AcceptableThese items can be ordered via Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/29GPJUYBKJN3N?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR3Z2oYw76W0JlsKPmu5qpiVlBHxJyL5pAigR3GVn3Umw323_WbKg3LNVn0as well and shipped directly to 35 Conifer Ln. York PA 17406 ATTN: Cynthia ALPHA Alternatively, these items can be purchased and dropped off at either35 Conifer Ln. York PA 17406 or at Good News Consultings Office in the York County Economic Alliance building at140 Roosevelt Ave York, PA 17403(Front Door, 2nd Floor, the donation box will be next to the elevator.) Please coordinate with Cynthia 717-917-3512 or Cynthia.gartman@seniorsbluebook.com

To learn more aboutRevel Province, CLICK HERE.The real estate market is booming across the United States and its truly a sellers market. According to experts, now is the time to sell your home if you are in a position to move. Americans need to know that the housing market will not be on fire like it is today forever. Rates will not stay this low and neither will inventory, says Jared Kessler, CEO of EasyKnock and Forbes contributor. Americans who are waiting to sell should not wait. I always say its better to act when you can, not when you have to.Here in Colorado Springs, residential real estate inventory is down 13% and prices are up 3%, compared to the same time last year. Revel offers incentives for individuals selling their home and moving to one of our communities. You can receive up to 50% off your first three months rent through our Home Sale Program. We also provide services to make the move as easy as possible, including assistance with rightsizing and moving.Imagine the freedom of living in a brand-new home where your time spent on the constant fix it jobs around the house is replaced by resort-inspired amenities an art and creative studio, a modern-American restaurant, a luxurious pool, a relaxing spa, and more. At Revel, you can sip on your favorite brews at the pub while laughing with friends, relax poolside with your nose in a book in the afternoon sun or watch your favorite movie at the theater steps away from your front door. Revels monthly leasing prices are inclusive of housekeeping, meals, transportation and utilities leaving you more time to enjoy what matters most.

Short-term rehabilitation is designed to help people make a safe and comfortable transition between post-acute care and home. Typically lasting 21 days or less, short-term rehab can be extremely beneficial following a surgery or hospitalization after an injury, stroke or major medical issue.One big benefit of short-term rehab is that it can target a variety of needs. Many programs offer physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and cardiac rehabilitation services. By offering a comprehensive array of therapies and rehabilitative services, short-term rehabs can address each patients unique needs.Another benefit of short-term rehab facilities is a more comfortable environment. Hospitals can often feel clinical, but the right rehab facility is clean and modern with a warm, comforting ambiance. Many rehab centers also offer amenities such as rehabilitation gyms, concierge services, private rooms and bathrooms, and cable TV and WiFi access.Staff is key to the rehabilitation experience, too. Its essential they are qualified and experienced, but its also important to be attentive, caring and empathetic. Employing a sufficient number of staff is critical as well, as health and recovery issues can arise when patients needs arent met promptly.Short-term rehab programs are often located within skilled nursing facilities, meaning that if a short-term rehab patients health takes a turn, they are able to easily move that patient into skilled nursing for more intensive care until a strong recovery is made. This puts less stress on the patient during a vulnerable time, as transitioning between facilities can be difficult and disorienting.When choosing short-term rehab care, its important to select a program that meets your needs. Do your research: ask lots of questions, talk to current or former patients and have loved ones visit the facility. Not only does an informed decision make for a more comfortable rehab experience, it can maximize recovery.To learn more about the short-term rehab programs at EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Weston and EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill, please call 781-891-0777.This article was submitted by Rodney Gonsalves, Regional VP of Operations at Epoch Senior Living

This is a common question from clients, especially from baby boomer and senior clients. When I ask them why, they usually say they were told that is the best way to protect the house and stuff from the nursing home. As an elder law attorney, I always answer that doing so is very risky, and rarely worth the potential benefit. Often, people get confused with what they can, vs. what they should do. The tax laws allow a person to give away $14,000 a year to every family member. The same family could also give away $5.49 million from each spouse. Essentially, most of us could give our assets away without owing any tax. (You might have to file a gift tax return if over $14,000, but owe no taxes). However, should you?Consider these points.First, a gift is non-taka-backable. You may chuckle, but it is true. Once the gift is made, it is irreversible. What if you and your child don't see eye to eye in the future, or your child gets divorced, has a stroke and needs a nursing home, or is responsible for a horrific car accident? These are real-life occurrences, with significant consequences for the property you gave them. Also, a gift can result in significant capital gains if the child sells the property later.The better path is for the parents to retain the asset in their names, or have them in a trust that they control, which will give a stepped-up basis on the propertys value at their deaths. Although the children will pay 4.5% inheritance tax, with a stepped-up basis they will avoid a 15% or 23.5% capital gains tax. Also, what if your child dies before you? The childs Will probably leaves all assets to the childs spouse, your in-law, who will certainly take care of you. What happens if the spouse remarries? Are you still as confident? Further, if you or your spouse apply for Medicaid, there is a five-year lookback penalty period for all gifts you made. These situations may not occur, but the risk is not worth taaking when there are ways parents can largely control their assets and still receive asset protection and a stepped-up basis. It is important to talk to a certified elder law attorney to help you weigh the risks. Editors Note: This article was contributed by Jeffrey Bellomo, a Certified Elder Law Attorney and Principal of the law firm of Bellomo & Associates, LLC.

At St. Anthony Hospitals Health Passport, we know that good health is a result of many different factors. Whether you are looking for Medicare and health insurance counseling, want to expand your horizons with history or computer classes, need help understanding your opportunities to receive public benefits, or want to join an innovative volunteer program, you will find Health Passport an invaluable resource. Plus, you'll be connected with dynamic group of well-educated, engaged Coloradans who want to learn how to live better, be healthier, stay active, meet interesting people and contribute to their community.HealthPassport The Original offers health & wellness education, lifelong learning and travel opportunities. Membership is FREE!o Health Passport members receive a quarterly course schedule offering upcoming events and classes, including health topics, computer classes, excursions, and overnight travel.o Learn to live better through participation in one of our chronic disease self-management programs or fall avoidance series.Health Passport Links offers programs such aso BenefitsCheckUp Colorado, a program designed to help older adults find public and private programs which may assist with the expenses of health care, food, utilities and more. The screening is free and confidentialo RxAssist , a free telephone counseling service that helps determine if there are programs available to lower the cost of your medications.o Have questions about Medicare? Health Insurance Counseling for Seniors is a free, full-service counseling program that provides information to seniors about Medicare and other health insurance issues of interest to older adults and the disabled. We do not recommend, endorse, or promote any insurance company, policy or agent.Want to be more active by volunteering in your community? Health Passport offers a wide range of meaningful volunteer opportunities including our Reconnect Leadership Project, where volunteers provide support and information to patients and their families about their current and future health care needs and assist their families in their transition process home from the hospital. Need more information? Interested in one of our many programs or in volunteering? Call 303-629-4921 or toll free, 1-866-550-2752, or find us online at www.myhealthpassport.org.

How Long Will It Take To Declutter?Each project is different. And everyone has different organizational needs.  It is hard to judge ahead of time how many hours are needed for each project. Quite honestly, it depends more on you than us. It depends on how much we can accomplish together, how much you do on your own between sessions, howquickly you can make decisions, and how much organizing is required.  However, some spaces only take one 4 hour session while others can take several sessions.

What is LIFE? LIFE is a program that allows seniors, 55 years and older, to live independently while receiving services and supports that meet the health and personal needs of the individual.Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) is an all-inclusive, comprehensive program that helps people maintain their independence in the community through supportive services.The program is known nationally as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). LIFE Pittsburgh is a local, nonprofit program that has served those most in need for over 21 years. LIFE Pittsburgh provides comprehensive and integrative care to seniors who need extra assistance to continue to live in the community independently and wish to stay in the community, instead of a long-term care facility.At LIFE Pittsburgh, older adults are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. They receive the very best care from dedicated geriatric care professionals without sacrificing their independence. Primary care and community services are provided through the Adult Day Health Centers and through the in-home program based on an individuals needs. The continuous coordination of care sets LIFE Pittsburgh apart from any other care model, which ensures quality of life to its Participants. Each Participant is cared for by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals including a primary care provider, social worker, dietitian, physical therapist, occupational therapist, recreational therapist, personal care assistant, etc. to ensure the participant is staying in the best possible health.This team approach has been proven throughout the United States to provide the most coordinated, proactive care, so that the participant can enjoy the best possible quality of life. Eligible participants are 55 years old or older, live in the designated service area, meet the states medical requirements for nursing facility level of care, and are able to live safely in the community.LIFE Pittsburgh has adapted their services over the past year to provide continual care to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are dedicated to continuing to provide care to keep our Participants safe and healthy during this time and beyond. While they are adapting their process, they are also committed to continuing to enroll new Participants into the program, as they are a valuable resource to those that need help.Editors Note: For more information about LIFE Pittsburgh, please contact them at 412-388-8050 or visit their website at www.lifepittsburgh.org.

When hiring a new candidate to join your healthcare team, you must take precaution to do your due diligence in the searching, interviewing and recruiting phases.Failure to do so, will result in spending time and money on a candidate that will eventually leave after a couple of months because of a poor fi t. The consequences could be very taxing to your company. Luckily, there is the option of hiring an outside recruiter. A specialist who knows the ins and outs of every healthcare position and can use their expertise to allow them to avoid these 6 things:Your employees are the representation of your company.Here are 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring in Healthcare:The Wrong Job Ad.Remember that employees are just as important as your customers, patients and clients. They build your company up and help generate revenue. In order to lure the correct candidates, it all begins with the job ad. Highlight what makes your company unique. Dont make the ad overly complicated and properly define the job role and required qualifications. Make sure the job description is clear and concise.Omitting Important Keywords.Optimizing ads are just as important as the ads themselves. With all the different online job aggregators out there, you must know the best tags, geographic areas and keywords with which to label the ads. Know that these keywords are how potential candidates can find you. They are often the deciding factors that will entice the candidate to hit apply.Researching the Competition.Research similar facilities to help you both in understanding what works and what does not. Learn what thesalary ranges are, benefits and bonuses being offered by competition or other healthcare organizations. What do you offer that they dont? Utilize that information to create your own packages!Your Culture.Your employees aretherepresentation of your company. You must ensure your interview process includes questions to help weed out candidates that will not fi t your company culture or exemplify your mission statement. This will save you from the pain of having to fill the position multiple times. Find the right person who possesses the right strengths for the position. Then stick to those, dont be lenient on the requirements or necessities of your company.Hiring for the Wrong Reasons.Dont hire someone because you need someone ASAP. Thats desperation. Save money and stress by waiting until the perfect fi t does apply. If you arent getting enough qualified candidates, its a sign that something in your ad or requirements must change.Failing to Check References and Licensing.This is especially important in the healthcare industry as failing to do so may result in lawsuits against your company. Make surepaperwork is real and relevant. References can often be falsifi ed to fl uff their resume. By checking these references, you can better understand their attitude and work ethic, successes and even failures.Having an entire hiring and on-boarding procedure is key in ensuring that you will fi nd the greatest fi t for your open position and company. Continue to improve your hiring process. If you are unsure how to create and implement a hiring procedure, you may want to consult with a seasoned healthcare recruiter. Healthcare recruiters know how to fi nd those special candidates who may be waiting for the right position.Editor's Note: Brad Olswang is the Founder, President and Executive Recruiter of Healthcare Recruiting Specialists. Brad graduated from Indiana University with a double major in Psychology / Religious Studies and went on to receive his Masters from Yeshiva University School of Social Work. Brad began his career in healthcare as a Service Coordinator at a local skilled nursing community and from there embarked on his true calling as a recruiter. After nine years in partnership, Brad decided to go off on his own. Since then, he has enjoyed great success in building the ? nest healthcare recruiting company in Chicago. Brads extensive knowledge of the local market, his vast network of professionals, and easy manner makes him Chicagos go to choice for businesses and candidates alike. In his free time, Brad is very active in the local community and enjoys time with family and friends.Article on page 56-57

As a Nation, improved longevity is a reality. Enhanced medical care, better diet and exercise, and less invasive medical technology are adding years to our lives. Living longer is a blessing but can propose significant financial worries.Here are the main reasons to consider protecting yourself by investing in Long-Term Care insurance. The odds are in your favor that you will need it. The cost of care is steadily rising. Family member cannot be counted on. Family sizes are shrinking. Self-insuring is not a reasonable option. The Government will be trimming benefits, not enhancing them. Assistance is currently being scrutinized for a reduction. The Medicaid program is even more fragile.The Long-Term Care plans offered today have many options and innovative benefit parameters to help put together an affordable policy to offset these financial woes. There are even plans that offer your premiums back. Regardless of how you tackle this problem, you must act before a health problem arises. It is MUCH less expensive to seek this protection BEFORE poor health makes it difficult or impossible to purchase.You will never save money by waiting until you are older, even though you will pay premiums longer statistically before you need the benefit. And the healthier you are the less you will have to pay for premiums. Be smart, plan ahead.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, 239-274-6678, www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com

Absolutely, finding better treatments and cures for diseases takes a large team, from basic science to clinical researchers, medical teams, clinics, hospitals, research centers and most importantly, participants who volunteer to be in clinical studies also known as clinical trials. Dr. Kerwin, with the assistance of participants like you who volunteer to be in clinical studies, has specialized in clinical trial research for Alzheimers and other neurodegenerative diseases for more than 15 years. While many people have a general concept of what a clinical trial involves, for most, the process is unfamiliar and in this article we will provide an overview of what to expect and an understanding of the process.A few definitions:Study Participant: a person who volunteers to be in a clinical trial/study, signs informed consent to under-go study procedures such as blood work, imaging, completing questionnaires, memory testing, etc.Informed Consent: the process of learning about the possible risk and benefits of being in a study before volunteering to participate, the study team is responsible for giving you this information and answering questions before the study begins.Ethics Committee/institutional Review Board (iRB): this is an independent committee that provides oversight for participation safety during a clinical trial. All clinicaltrials must have IRB approval and oversight. Protocol: the study plan developed by the research team to determine if a medication is effective over current treatment or no treatment.During a clinical trial, participants receive an investigational treatment according to a research protocol and under the close supervision of a physician and research team. The goal of the clinical trial is to determine if the treatment is safeand effective for the disease being treated.are there potential benefits? Participating in a clinical trial provides the opportunity to:Have a more active role in your healthcare Help improve medical care for others by contributing to medical researchAre there potential risks?As with any medical intervention there are risks of participating in a clinical trial that are discussed with you in detail before you consent to be a participant in any clinical study.Dr. Kerwin and Kerwin Research Center specialize in clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of neurologic diseases such as Alzheimers, Lewy Body Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multi-system Atrophy, Mild cognitive impairment. To find out about current clinical trials in the DFW area call 214345-4449 or visit: www.KerwinResearchCenter.com or www.clincialtrials.gov. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Diana Kerwin, MD. Dr. Kerwin is the medical director of the Kerwin Research Center & Memmory Care. She is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. She may be reached at 214-345-4449.

I wouldnt say my mother was ever a social butterfly, but since Dads passing the home health nurse and physical therapist had become the weeks highlights. We just could never get there often enough! Then the pneumonia and fall in the bathroom last winter scared us all.My brother said there was no way Mom could afford a senior home because a coworker told him what it cost for his dad. I did an internet search and made a few calls but there were so many types, terms, and care levels that I gave up. My brother and I both have full time jobs!A few weeks later I had coffee with a friend whose elderly neighbor just moved into a retirement community. They had an advisor who helped the family discover the right place for free. My call to the advisor gave me incredible hope! He came to Moms home and asked about her health, where we lived, Moms lifestyle before last winter, her finances, and just listened to our story. Right then, the advisor described some communities that seemed exactly what Mom needed. I was totally surprised how Mom responded it was like she was catching the vision of what it would be like to share everyday life with others again!We toured four assisted living communities, met staff, observed resident activities, viewed units, and sometimes had lunch. We returned for a second and even one third tour. Our advisor was with us on as many tours as we wanted, and he helped us compare our feelings, observations, and costs.Well, it has now been four months since Mom made the big decision. I am convinced this went so well because we just patiently gave her more information, showed her what assisted living looked like, and considered the little things that made a huge difference. The same home health nurse and physical therapist are still seeing her. Now we visit Mom and hear stories about who moved in, the ladys son who builds rockets, and the teenager who plays violin and is coming this afternoon. The word thrive comes to mindand relief.Byline: Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jim Ver Meer, Owner and Advisor of Senior Living Decisions. You may reach him at719-629-9224or by email at start@seniorlivingdecisions.com.

Rosemary Thomas proudly endorses physical fitness and the saying, If you dont move it, you will lose it. After two hip replacements and fluctuating weight, she knew she needed to step up her fitness routine to regain mobility. Joining SilverSneakers provided her with the consistency she desired and the confidence she needed to begin fine-tuning her body. In addition to attending SilverSneakers classes regularly, she loves cardio and dancing. Thomas encourages others to get active and says, Dont meet me at the gym; beat me getting to the gym. In 2016, Thomas was selected as one of 10 finalists for the SilverSneakers Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award due to her inspiring story of improving her health and happiness, and being a dedicated fitness champion.With SilverSneakers, older adults can get active and feel great, at their convenience and at no additional cost. More than 14.5 million people are eligible for the SilverSneakers benefit through more than 60 health plans that include the nations leading Medicare Advantage health plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans. As Thomas story shows, fitness is personal. Each individual should exercise where, when and how they want. That's why SilverSneakers has built a national network of more than 13,000 participating locations and fitness centers use the pool at one location in the morning, jog on a treadmill at another in the afternoon And take a class at another gym in the evening. In addition, the program includes SilverSneakers FLEX, with more than 70 unique types of classes in convenient neighborhood locations, such as churches, recreation centers and older-adult living communities. Celebrating more than 25 years, SilverSneakers is the nations leading community fitness program designed specifically for older Americans. No other program has such a rich history and experience in older adult fitness. What began in 1992 as a first-of-its-kind class for older adults, has now grown and evolved to accommodate all fitness levels, from Baby Boomers and beyond. This article was submitted by Tivity Health. For more information about SilverSneakers or to check elegibility, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-877-402-6753. In addition, our Spanish customer service team is available at 1-888-617-6392.

This program is a partnership between Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation (IVERS) and Connections Area Agency on Aging. You must have an open case with IVRS to be referred to our Employment Specialist.Our Older Worker Employment Specialist works with adults age 55 and older who have a verified disability and are working with Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Their disability is a barrier to finding or obtaining employment. The Older Worker Employment Specialist's role is to work with Job Candidates to identify barriers and work towards their job goal. In the process of working with Job Candidate, the Job Candidate receives help to build on job-seeking skills, completing applications, practice with role play for interviews, creating resumes, and contacting employers.Our Older Worker Employment Specialist also networks with local employers and businesses within the 20 counties served by Connections, sharing information about the program as well as identifying jobs, and matching Job Candidates with jobs/employers for the best fit - always advocating for businesses to hire work-ready candidates.The goal of the program is to secure and main successful job placement of each Job Candidate, working with both the employee and employer. The Older Worker Employment Specialist works during this time to help the Job Candidate learn about the job and provide mentoring as necessary. Contact is made at least twice per month by phone, email, face to face visits, etc. depending on individual need. Once placement is made and the Job Candidate is confident in the position (90 day time frame) they are closed successfully with IVRS but OWEP will provide follow along for 1 year!Older workers bring experience, skills and lifelong knowledge into the workplace, making them valued, work-ready employees.Eligibility CriteriaOlder Worker Employment Program QualifiersMust be age 55 and olderMust have a disability that is a barrier to employmentIs off the Vocational Rehabilitation waiting listDoes not required Supported Employment ServicesIs not currently working with a Senior Corps Senior Employment Program (SCSEP) such as Experience Works, AARP, Senior Services of AmericaJob Candidate ProcessThe Job Candidate comes off of the waiting listThe Job Candidate's information is reviewed for the Older Worker Employment Program qualifiersThe Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor completes and sends the referral packet information to the Older Worker Employment SpecialistThe Employment Specialist will contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to schedule a meeting with the Job Candidate and the Counselor.The Older Worker Employment Specialist RoleThe Older Worker Employment Specialist assists Job Candidates in the following ways:Completing various vocational assessments and identifying a job role.Enhancing job seeking skills, completing applications, preparing for interviewing, writing resumes, and contacting employers.Working with employers to create positions that may be otherwise difficult to fill.Matching positions with the expectations of the employer and with the skills and abilities of the Job Candidate in mind.Advocating with businesses to hire work-ready job candidates.Helping employers identify job-ready candidates in an effective manner and offer options for hard to fill positions.Tracking and ensuring training of job candidates who are newly hired, so that they become familiar with and understand the workplace culture, expectations, and how to handle situations on the job.Discussing how the job candidate is adjusting to the new job and providing guidance as needed.Providing follow-up contact for up to one year after an individual is stable in employment.Establishing successful and effective networks of connections with business customers and the Aging Network.Communication and collaborating with Iowa Vacation Rehabilitation Service (IVRS) staff to provide assistance to job candidates.Informing the IVRS Counselor of the job candidates 'progress at least twice per month and sending case notes on a monthly basis.Article Submitted by Connections Area Agency on Aging

If you have a wound that has not healed, consider seeking help from the NCH Healthcare Systems Wound Healing Centers. The methods employed by the centers have established an impressive record of healing wounds that others thought hopeless, including many that might have required amputation. Carefully researched methods allow patients to receive state-of-the-art treatment of wounds that have resisted healing despite months, or even years of conventional treatment.About five million Americans suffer from chronic wounds that wont heal. Often, these wounds wont heal due to a variety of factors such as age, diet, circulatory problems, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, and smoking. These wounds can become infected, requiring amputation in extreme cases, if not treated in a timely and effective manner. The Wound Healing Centers at Naples Community Hospital offers a comprehensive program that includes state-of-the-art treatment for non-healing wounds. We can help with wounds such as: Any wound which has failed to show signs of healing for more than 30 days Any wound which has not responded to previous treatments or therapies Post-operative infections Slow or non-healing surgical wounds Diabetic foot ulcers Lower leg ulcers Pressure ulcers Chronic bone infection (osteomyelitis) Gangrene Crush injuries, Compartment Syndrome and other traumatic ischemias Skin tears or lacerations Radiation and other burns Failing or compromised skin/muscle grafts or flaps Insect or dog bites Decompression sickness Necrotizing soft tissue infections LymphedemaThe NCH Wound Healing Centers offers a variety of specialized treatments, including: Doppler Evaluation of Pulses Transcutaneous Oxygen Monitoring (TcP02) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO2T) Wound Debridement Wound DressingsMost treatments at wound healing centers are covered by Medicare/ Medicaid, HMOs and other private insurance plans. Wound centers are experts in caring for people whose wounds have resisted traditionaltreatment. Constant communication with your personal physician insures a plan will be developed based on yourspecial needs. Once your wound is healed, you will return to your doctor for follow-up care.Editors Note: This article was submitted by NCH Healthcare System Wound Healing Centers with several locations to serve you call 239-403-2600 for more information.

Motivated by heart-breaking stories her own mother told about growing up in foster homes and determined to protect children in that situation now, Elaine Ellis became a Guardian ad Litem volunteer six years ago. Mom wasnt abused like many were back then, but she wasn't loved either, Elaine recalls. Now, she's working to make sure children in state custody, like 7-year-old Sarah and her 8-year-old brother, Elijah, are treated the way she wishes her Mom had been. Twice last year Sarah and Elijah needed someone in their corner, and both times Elaine was ready to stick up for them. The children's father disappeared years ago and their mother, Linda, fell and hit her head while working in Lewiston. Her injuries required a long hospital stay and months of rehabilitation. Doctors said it would be at least a year before she could care for herself and the children. With no one to care for them, Sarah and Elijah were placed in a foster home to wait for Linda to recover. Sarah and Elijah were devastated when I met them, Elaine said. I've never seen two sadder kids. Elaine visited them regularly - working hard to earn their trust in the months that followed. She took them books and blankets, checked on their grades, and listened to their stories about their Mother and all the things they would do when she was well. It was two months later that Sarah shared a secret with Elaine - a teenager in the foster home was abusing her brother, she confided. Elaine reported the abuse and Sarah and Elijah were immediately moved to another foster home. In the meantime, Linda's therapy progressed. Her condition improved enough to have visitors, and Sarah and Elijah were ecstatic to learn they would be able to see their mother over the Holiday break. Every time Elaine visited they were making plans for the visit. It was only four days before Christmas when Elaine got a frantic phone call from Carrie, the foster mom. Carrie told Elaine the arrangements for the children's Christmas visit with their mother hadn't been finalized, and no one at the Department of Health and Welfare had given approval for the trip. The person with the authority had left town, Elaine said. I just couldn't stand for them to have that kind of disappointment. It took dozens of calls and three trips to state offices but Elaine finally found someone with the authority and willingness to approve the trip, but there were still no travel arrangements. Finally, on Christmas Eve, Elaine found friends from church, foster parents, who were traveling to Lewiston and had room for two more passengers ensuring Sarah and Elijah would spend Christmas with their Mom as promised. There wasn't anyone to watch out for my Mom, Elaine said, I'm happy to be part of a program that watches out for kids like her now. Names changed to protect the identities of those we serve. This year over 1,100 children in the Treasure Valley were placed in foster care because of abuse or neglect. Family Advocates has trained over 350 volunteers to provide a voice to children in foster care through the Guardian ad Litem program. Family Advocates is in need of 120 additional volunteers to help meet demand and ensure all children have someone to stand up for them in times of need. If you are interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem and making a difference in a child's life contact Brad Talbutt at 345-3344 or email bradt@familyadvocate.org. No experience is required. Family Advocates provides all volunteers with training and supervision by experienced staff.

Aging in Place is a strategy that supports people remaining in their residence of choice for as long as they are able and as their physical abilities change. Our traditional homes and communities in America dont necessarily provide the flexibility required to age in place. A house presents increasingly difficult physical obstacles for seniors (stairs, basement & attics, and standard bathrooms).One viable proactive option is an assisted living community. By moving to a more appropriate residential setting seniors can organize and down-size so they can continue to live in comfort without the burden and demands of owning property. Families can proactively support their loved ones instead of needing to react to challenging situations with limited options. Residents of assisted living communities easily transition in and out of daily routines and chores with an a la carte menu of services customized to meet each resident's evolving needs. Adjustments to chores such as; laundry, meal preparation, distribution of medications, transportation and other services can be adapted to match the changing lifestyle needs of a person aging in place. Knowing these personal services can be changed as needed is reassuring to seniors and to their families.The most beneficial component of an assisted living community is safety and oversight. Aging in place in an assisted living environment comes with the security of knowing that trained and qualified professionals are always nearby to help residents with medical emergencies or logistical challenges.An assisted living environment can enhance independence, relieving the resident of the worries associated with owning a home while offering a variety of activities, discussion groups, and entertainment options. New friendships are made; old friends visit and enjoy the amenities as guests of assisted living residents. Special events and holiday celebrations weave a sense of community thats a healthy counterweight to the threat of loneliness and isolation that may come with aging. Spiritual support is often offered across all religious traditions.Embracing the Aging in Place mentality is a positive way to approach our senior years. It requires careful thinking, advanced planning, and exploring options that allow seniors to live in a flexible, independent environment. Assisted living communities should be part of the discussion. Seniors who can access adaptable services to meet their changing needs have minimal disruption to their lives and focus on being positive and productive members of a community that respects and values them the very definition of successful aging in place!This article was submitted by Scott Brigante, Director of Communications &Community Outreach for Youville House/ Youville Place Assisted Living.

My squadron received orders to ship out to destination PLUM. We left Salt Lake City on October 21, 1941. We arrived in Manila noon November 20 on Thanksgiving Day. We were served sauerkraut and wieners for Thanksgiving dinner. We left Manila November 29th for the island of Mindanao to set up an airbase.On December 8th, 1941, instead of the 7th due to being on the other side of the International Date Line, we learned that Pearl Harbor had been attacked.On May 6th word came that all the Philippine Islands had been surrendered to the Japanese. We were taken as prisoners of war to a Philippino army camp in the middle of Mindanao. We were moved from this camp October 17th and shipped to the Davao Penal colony. Others were shipped down from Manilla to help run the colony, these were the men who had survived the Bataan death march and were in very poor health.May 1944 we received the first letters from home since leaving home and it was one and a half years old. June 6, 1944 we were shipped to Japan. The trip took 3 months of deplorable conditions, which normally took 10 days. Arrived at Moji, Japan, September 1, 1944 where we were to work in the copper and acid factory. For two weeks we drilled out on the cold beach with only a hat, shoes and underwear on.On June 18th, 1945 we had the first bombing of our factory by the allied forces. August 15, 1945 stopped work at the factory and on the 24th we were notified that the war was over. It came just in time for me as I had a hard time getting any sleep for many nights due to the fleas, bed bugs and lice that were about to get the best of me.On September 4, 1945 we marched out of camp waving flags some of the men had made, while U.S. and British planes buzzed overhead. I arrived back in Salt Lake City, October 21, four years to the day after leaving.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Carole Autrey, Director of Senior Care Associates. She may be reached at 801-424-1444 .

We are Help Heal Veterans, founded in 1971. We provide FREE therapeutic arts and craft kits to military service members, to veterans receiving medical care, and to soldiers overseas. The HHV craft kits provide physical benefits to include improving hand eye coordination and manual dexterity; and psychological benefits, such as relieving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and depression. We work closely with veterans and clinicians to design and provide the right HHV craft kit to meet the veterans specific needs.Each week, Help Heal Veterans supplies hundreds of kits to military service members to veterans receiving medical care, and to soldiers serving overseas. These kits are assembled from the ground up by veterans and family members working in the USA. All of the HHV craft kits are made in the USA, mainly in our production facility in Winchester CA.Kits include a wide variety of crafts such as leatherwork, models, woodwork, jewelry, needlecrafts, poster art, and many more.HHV craft kits come at no cost to the veteran. This is made possible by thousands of caring contributors wanting to express their love and appreciation to Americas heroes.Locally, the Maywood, IL Help Heal Veterans Community Based Arts and Craft Center is located at 615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Maywood, IL. We provide veterans a place to come and choose their craft kits to take home to work on, or they can work on the kits at the center. HHV staff at the center also hold monthly workshops, which veterans can attend and receive hands on instruction about how to assemble a particular kit. HHV staff members are Craft Care Specialists who are highly trained to provide help and support to our nations heroes. Through the HHV community outreach program, Craft Care Specialists can, and do, deliver craft kits directly to any facility serving veterans in the Chicago and suburban area.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Rose Schmidt, Craft Care Specialist with Help Heal Veterans and may be reached at 708-356-6243. chicago1@healvets.org

To learn more aboutFront Range Eye Physicians, PC, CLICK HERE.Dry eye is a common condition when your eyes do not produce enough self-lubrication. It can occur if you are not producing enough tears, or if you are producing tears but they are of poor quality. Dry eyes can cause burning, stinging, foreign body sensation, cloudy vision, redness, and even more tearing!Blepharitis is a condition in which your eyelids become inflamed. The oil glands at the base of your eyelashes become blocked, irritated, inflamed, and sometimes red. Oil is a very important component of your tear film, so blepharitis can worsen dry eye, leading to further irritation and discomfort of the eyes.In places like Colorado, where the climate is quite arid, people are more prone to dry eye and blepharitis. Air conditions, such as poor air quality due to smoke, can make these eye conditions worse.To treat dry eye or blepharitis, it is important to first be diagnosed by your eye physician to rule out other causes of eye discomfort, blurred vision, or red eye. With the advice of your doctor, you may try over-the-counter artificial tears, prescription drops, eyelid scrubs, warm compresses on your eyelids, and omega-3 fatty acid vitamins to improve symptoms.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Sarah Dech, MD of Front Range Eye Physicians PC, in Longmont. She may be reached at 303-772-3611 or by email at, manager@frepeye.com

To learn more about how SYNERGY HomeCare,CLICK HERE.Love. Family. Home.These words are personal. They are the very words that drove your search. You came to our page hoping to keep a nurturing, safe environment for you or a loved one, wherever home may be. We are here to help you sort through all of this. And we consider it a privilege to do so.Like you, we at SYNERGY HomeCare, know that some of the most valued people in our lives require special attention and dedicated care. Trying to provide that all by ourselves is certainly not easy; maybe even unsafe. It can certainly be rewarding and fulfilling, but it can also be overwhelming and all-consuming. If you or a loved one, need assistance, we are here for you.

Learn how Holistic Aging's Life Care Management services focus on helping older adults in Pittsburgh age well. Bobbi and her staff of professional experts help families find quality solutions and support, by caring for the whole person in a compassionate, competent, and controlled manner.

Senior Living and care is an extreme sport. Timely medication, good nutrition, discrete assistance, and new friends can breathe new life into. . . life. Finding and affording the right solution, however, is not easy. It can involve higher costs than home ownership, require as much trust as marriage, and have more murky complexity than a car lease. Fortunately, some helpful resources exist to help with costs.HOW MUCH DOES LONG-TERM CARE COST?In Dallas Fort-Worth, assisted living averages $3,700 per month and nursing home care roughly $4,600, according to Genworth's comprehensive annual study updated early 2016. Each is almost 40% higher than 10 years ago, outpacing national growth rates. Over the last three years, however, the story is different. Over that time, DFW nursing home costs are flat and assisted living costs are down.Most of 2015 saw an assisted living community open in DFW every 15 days accelerating to one every 6 days in 2016. Rapid inflation had pushed local prices well above the national average, but growing competition has nearly bridged this gap. For those able to afford care, there are a lot of options.WHO PAYS FOR LONG-TERM CARE?Medicare doesnt cover long-term care beyond a 100-day skilled nursing benefit. Medicaid is the primary payer for nursing homes, but is very limited for assisted living. For most families, assisted living costs are paid by a combination of the below: Long-term care insurance: Financial product protecting against long-term care costs. Benefits are generally triggered by qualifying care needs. Veterans Pension: Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits: Flexible monthly benefit for qualifying veterans that can exceed $2,000. Qualification is based on military service, income, assets, and care needs. Personal residence: Sale or rental of home, reverse mortgages, and equity loans Savings and income: Social security, pensions, retirement accounts, and other savings, including gifts from family members. Long-term care benefit plan:Converts life insurance into a special account to fund long-term care. Senior care bridge loans:Provides for care costs on a short-term basis until anticipated funds are available.Senior Placement Agents specialize in navigating these types of resources and care options. They meet in person with families to determine the best options for their unique needs.Editors Note: This article was submitted by John Alagood, CSA. John is the Area Owner of Senior Care Authority and may be reached at (469) 333-8833 or by email at john.alagood@seniorcareauthority.com

You may have been advised to consider hearing aids even though you believe you just dont have that much trouble. Better hearing in noise. Noisy environments are a challenge even to those with great hearing. If you have even a slight hearing loss, much more of what youre trying to hear gets drowned out. This is because many speech sounds become muffled in noise. Hearing aids can help reduce background noise and preserve the speech clarity that is necessary to hear in spite of noise. Tinnitus reduction. Even mild hearing loss can be associated with ringing or other sounds in the ears, or tinnitus. When hearing is improved by hearing aids, this often reduces those sounds. Todays hearing aids may be programmed in ways to mask the tinnitus or allow you to work with your audiologist to create a tinnitus therapy program customized for you and your hearing loss. Increased energy. Straining to hear tires a person out more than most people realize. When you can relax knowing that you will likely hear most conversations well, it gives you more energy to focus on other things. This one is often overlooked. If you have a hearing loss, especially when one ear hears better than the other, it can be difficult to determine the source of something like an ambulance on the road. Where is it coming from? Is it behind me? Do I need to move? Improved memory. There appears to be a relationship between untreated hearing loss and early onset of dementia and/or memory loss. It is easier to commit something to memory when ALL senses were involved in forming that memory. And lets be realistic: you cant remember what you didnt hear or heard incorrectly.Todays hearing instruments are tiny computers that address hearing loss in all new ways. The sooner you let these tiny little miracles help you hear, the better-equipped youll be to deal with lifes other problems!Editorial note: Written by Laurie Bornstein, MS, CCC/A with Executive Hearing. She may be reached at 972-447-8330, ExecutiveHearing@gmail.com or www.ExecutiveHearing.com.

Addiction rates are increasing in older adults. 17% of this age group struggles with substances and by 2020 the number is expected to double. Prescription overdose deaths in older adults outrank heroin overdoses in young people.The term accidental addict is often associated with adults 50 years and older who develop problems with alcohol or other drugs. They may have prescriptions for prescription pain pills, sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medications. Mix that, with more free time, isolation, their usual one or two drinks along with a slowing metabolism and the potential for addiction becomes greater.Stigma, shame and denial prevent people from getting help. Sometimes, its difficult to distinguish between the signs of aging and those of alcohol or other drug misuse, delaying necessary treatment.While a personal decision is the first step in facilitating and maintaining sobriety, additional support from members of a healthcare team like prescribers, therapists, social workers and family members, go a long way in improving the odds of successful rehabilitation. Home health agencies are playing an integral role in providing these essential supports to a recovering member.At some home health companies like Middlesex Healthcare Services, one of the main objectives is to receive you in whatever state of recovery youre in and become part of your journey to rehabilitation. They can assist with medication management, extensive education on proper medication use, desired effects and adverse effects. They can monitor response to medication and offer much needed liaison with other healthcare professionals to ensure successful treatment.As part of the recovery process, they recognize the challenges of planning and adhering to the regular appointments with therapists, caseworkers, psychologists and prescribers. Some agencies offers two free rides every month for your appointments.If you are concerned about a loved one, or your own potential for addiction, please reach out to an experienced professional for guidance on a program designed specifically for the older adult. The good news is that people respond quickly when they get the right help.Please feel free to call us at (978) 655-4749 to discuss your rehabilitation needs and options available.Submitted by: Mercy Irura, RN, Middlesex HealthCare Services

Home care provides seniors with the choice to age at home and promotes peace of mind and wellness for family caregivers. For seniors with challenging physical and cognitive impairments who require help with activities of daily living, home care is the solution. But home care also benefits those who are still in good health.Can You Benefit from Home Care Services?First In Care private-pay home care is an innovative solution that helps seniors maintain healthy and active lifestyles. Our caregivers receive professional training, enabling them to assist in daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, transportation, running errands, and light housework.More importantly, First In Care caregivers provide companionship and mental stimulation by engaging clients in conversation and other activities. They communicate with clients families and healthcare professionals to ensure continuing safety by alerting them to potential signs of declining health or other risk factors.Editors Note: For more information on First In Care, visit us online at www.firstincare.com or call us 24/7 at (941) 746-8400.

In todays climate, home is more important than ever. Many active older adults have chosen The Winslow in West St Paul as their place to call home, their refuge during uncertain times to shelter in place and create a community of new friends, all while living in a resort-style community. We asked a few of our residents to share why they love living at The Winslow. We think you will too!I get such a smile on my face when I think of it, when I tell people its where I live. I look around and realize I am not dreaming, I am really here. I never thought Id have something this wonderful for myself, all of these marvelous amenities! I feel so special!! The staff, you couldnt ask for better peopleeven before I moved in they were so kind and caring. I love my brand new home. Its elegant. I feel so safe. Its so nice to be able to wait inside when winter comes for your ride. We will live longer and happier here. All your greatness here at the Winslow shines. Sometimes you have to wait, my my how worth it, it can be. I am so grateful. Edna B.The apartment was well designed and constructed. All the appliances were well chosen and made me, a bachelor, learn how to cook. There is an outside patio where we all started gathering in the warm sun. Sometimes we light up the grill and cook things for all to enjoy. Or we get the urge to order a pizza to share and continue our friendship. -James W.My apartment is a very spacious 2-bedroom corner apartment. I get natural light throughout the day. Everything at the Winslow is new and clean, I love that! The floor plan is great for entertaining. The center Island is large so you can seat several people but also functional because it has storage. The closets are great and the washer and dryer are in the unit. I also have a designated underground parking place. -Linda K. Editors Note: this article was submitted by Stefanie Sokup, VP of Marketing with Real Estate Equities. For more information visit www.winslowweststpaul.com or call 651.228.7665.

Are you worried about the impact of a Nursing Home stay on you or your spouse? You are not alone as the majority of older adults worry about this same possibility. When a nursing home admission crisis occurs, it is understandably overwhelming. How will I pay for Nursing Home Care?Medicare coverage is available in many cases but is limited in payment duration. Long Term Care insurance can do wonders in protecting our assets and may even increase your chances of gaining admission to a competitive health care facility, but most consumers have opted out of this insurance due to high premiums. Once we have exhausted Medicare benefits, paying privately becomes inevitable, until one becomes eligible for Medicaid (Medical Assistance) benefits.Must I spend all of my assets if I am admitted to a Nursing Home? Under Medical Assistance, the spouse who is NOT in need of nursing home services, (the Community Spouse) is afforded substantial protections that provide the necessary means to continue living at home with assets and income to support them. However, understanding and benefiting from these protections is a difficult task especially given the fact that information is not readily available and few professionals specialize in educating seniors in this critical area.What can I do to lessen the impact of a Nursing Home stay?It is never too early to initiate planning. Everyone should have a Financial Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Power of Attorney with Living Will instructions these all are essential documents that allow our trusted agents to protect us in difficult times. In addition, these documents should be specifically drafted to meet our goals including asset protection powers for our spouse.Consider contacting an attorney who focuses in Elder Law today! An Elder Law attorney can help you create an effective plan to protect you and your spouse should a nursing home admission become inevitable. Peace of mind is achievable!___________________________Editors Note: This article was contributed by Shawn Pierson, Elder Law Attorney in Lititz, PA.

Naples, Florida is full of delightful sights; Cruise Naples connects with them all. Enjoy five daily 1.5 hour narrated cruises aboard the M/V Double Sunshine. See luxurious mansions. Catch a glimpse of dolphins, manatees, bald eagles and more while discovering Gordon River history. Enjoy twinkling harbor lights during our spectacular sunset cruise departing daily one hour before sunset! Also choose a savory Wine & Dine Cruise or explore with our weekly Kids Cruise.Cruise Naples also offers private boat rentals. Cruise at your own pace with a new, easy operation Hurricane deck boat equipped with cruise chart, safety gear and a Bimini top for added sun protection. Enjoy lunch at beautiful Marco Island or take the family calm bay fishing.At Adventure Naples, a division of Cruise Naples, exploring has never been more fun! Catch grouper, snapper, redfish and more during one of our daily deep sea, coastal, private or calm bay fishing charters. Party boat charters are also offered daily for the group fisherman.Explore Naples inland waterways on your own with a Jet Ski rental! Encounter dolphins up close or adventure through a vast mangrove jungle with an experienced guide during a guided Jet Ski adventure tour! Custom beach picnics, shelling adventures and more are also available.Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Cruise Naples. For more information they may be reached at 239-263-4949 or on the web www.cruisenaplesflorida.com

Eighty-three year-old Iola Wagner felt a mixture of both excitement and nerves as she entered the auditorium of the Elizabeth Stewart Treehouse Museum in Ogden, Utah.This was a moment shed spent weeks preparing for, and a day shed long been awaiting.When it finally came time for her to take the stage, Iola sat down, took a deep breath and began reading aloud.This wasnt the first time Iola had taken this stage. In fact, shed been here plenty of times before. After a 31-year career teaching in Utahs Weber County School District, Iola spent another 15 years reading stories to children, conducting tours, and even playing the part of many favorite childhood literary characters such as Mother Goose, Old Mother Hubbard and Miss Marple at the Treehouse Museum as a volunteer. It wasnt until Iolas deteriorating vision became a challenge that she eventually gave up reading aloud at the Treehouse Museum.Knowing just how much reading at the Treehouse Museum meant to Iola, her senior living community, Mountain Ridge Assisted Living, stepped in. Through the communitys innovative Vibrant Life activity program, Mountain Ridge granted Iolas wish, arranging for her to read to children at the Treehouse Museum once more. Known as Livin the Dream, this incredible component of the Vibrant Life program is designed to help residents at Integral Senior Living-managed communities like Mountain Ridge turn their dreams into reality whether its an old passion or a newfound curiosity.So when Iola recently returned to the Treehouse Museum stage, it wasnt long after she began reading that she noticed her nerves had subsided and shed reached the end of Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? To her amusement, the audience wanted an encore and Iola provided, reading Green Eggs and Ham to the auditorium of children, friends, family, fellow residents and others in the Ogden community who had gathered to hear her read.When asked about her Livin the Dream, Iola described the experience as an absolute delight! It was like going home, she said.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erika Anderson. Erika is the director of Sales and Marketing at Mountain Ridge Assisted Living, and may be reached at 801-791-7654 or by email at MountainDSM@ISLLLC.com.

To learn more about Highland Glen - MBK,CLICK HERE.Its American Heart Month! A great time to join the battle against heart disease and celebrate our bodies most important muscle the heart! Here are five ways you can keep the beat and stay heart healthy this month and all year long.1. Wear RedAccording to the American Heart Association, heart disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women. That staggering statistic boils down the fact that heart disease is more fatal to women than all forms of cancer, accidents and diabetes combined. To shed light on the importance of heart health, the first Friday of February is Wear Red Day. To help fight to end heart disease, consider having your own Red Day and donating to the American Heart Association to support research and heart disease awareness.2. Eat Heart HealthyFruits, vegetables and legumes contain flavonoids (a group of phytonutrients or plant chemicals) that offer anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits, as well as being associated with cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease prevention. At MBK Senior Living communities, our culinary team offers a diverse daily menu of delicious and heart healthy options that utilize healthy fats as well as a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.3. Stay ActiveAdults should aim to exercise for approximately 30 minutes a day. In addition to getting your blood pumping, regular exercise also helps seniors with balance, agility and maintaining their independence. Consider joining a walking group, taking a yoga class, jumping into a water aerobics class or working with a trainer. At MBK communities, our MBK Fit programs support residents overall wellness, and achieve a wide range of fitness goals.4. Be SocialWho knew that being social can reduce the risk of a stroke? Fact is, being social can lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation in your body, as well as boost your immune system, encourage good habits, delay memory loss, and relieve pain. Through our Mind+Body Wellness program, residents find a host of resident enrichment activities, events and outings that provide ample opportunities to connect and be social.5. Cheers & ChocolateStudies have shown that consuming dark chocolate and red wine (in moderation) can provide a number of benefits for your heart and overall health. Both include resveratrol, an antioxidant that is associated with lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, suppressing cancer cells, and slowing down the slow down age-related cognitive decline.

Refers to "round the clock treatment" in a home environment. The care may be shared by multiple caregivers or a single caregiver.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

Assisted Living (AL) What is it? According to Google, it is housing for elderly or disabled people that provides care, housekeeping, and prepared meals as needed. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with some taskssuch as bathing, meal preparation, and dressingbut who do not require constant care. Assisted living communities are not synonymous with nursing homes. At the heart of an assisted living environment is a thriving and vibrant senior community, as opposed to a nursing home facility that offers round-the-clock medical care from certified nursing staff.Other assisted living resources include staff members on-hand to help residents with eating, mobility, and medication reminders, also known as ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). Seniors enjoy three meals per day and snacks from a dietitian-supervised menu.Your loved one will have the ability to participate in a wealth of activities, including social, recreational, and wellness programs, activities and crafts, community outings, and outdoor activities such as gardening. Many assisted living communities include off-site transportation for shopping, banking, and cultural events.The benefits of assisted living can be many. Senior citizens can maintain their independence and dignity, while giving their adult children peace of mind, knowing that there are caregivers available 24 hours per day, for their parents or loved one. Peace of mind is priceless. Aside from nutrition, there are activities which will keep a person social. There are also spiritual programs, as well as creative, intergenerational and physical ones. Most assisted living communities will also allow pets.As you compare senior housing options, be sure to keep in mind both your loved one's current and future needs. For more information on senior housing options, you can visit www.alfa.org.

Mediation is an informal process during which a neutral third party helps people negotiate mutually acceptable agreements. All participants in mediation are encouraged to actively participate in the process. Mediation is a "party-centered" process in that it is focused primarily upon the needs, rights, and interests of the parties. The mediator uses a wide variety of techniques to guide the process in a constructive direction and to help the parties find their optimal solution.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) vary greatly in their ability to provide high quality individualized Rehabilitation services to patients. Patients, families, & healthcare professionals often choose a SNF based on geographical factors, physical plant (e.g. interior/exterior design, meals, availability of private rooms); also, often used in the selection process is an environment that is clean and odor-free, as well as positive regulatory agency reports. Although these factors can play a role in the decision making process, other very important factors that should be considered are often overlooked. Successful Rehabilitation, measured by positive functional outcomes, can best be achieved in facilities that provide highly individualized Rehabilitation services -- where there is a close working alliance between patients/families/caregivers & a highly skilled team of healthcare professionals. The goal of this team is to maximize a given patients physical, functional, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, & leisure potential --often after life changing/catastrophic illness. Healthcare professionals that should be part of this team include primary care physicians (PCP), and physiatrists, who should work closely side by side. While the PCP attends to the general medical needs of the patient, the physiatrist --a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation -- attends to the patients individualized Rehabilitation program. The physiatrist serves as the team leader of a group of individuals, which include, but is not limited to: occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, social workers, recreational therapists, patients and their families/caregivers. Also important to the Rehabilitation process is around the clock availability of highly qualified nursing staff, as well as the easy availability of other healthcare consultants as needed. There should be close attention to the proper equipment needed for rehabilitation and the actual amount of time that a patient actively participates in the rehabilitation program, and this should reflect the actual needs of the patient. The proper matching of a specific patients need for rehabilitation services and the services that a specific SNF can actually provide, will help to maximize a successful rehabilitation outcome; this is turn, will help to minimize psychological & financial difficulties for the patient and their family -- during a usually very stressful period in their lives.Editors Note: This article was provided by Jose A. Alonso, M.D., full time physiatrist on staff at Prospect Heights Care Center. Dr. Alonso is the Medical Director of Rehabilitation Medicine Services, Prospect Heights Care Center located at 336 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ, The PM&R Center, P.A., Englewood, NJ and Assistant Clinical Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York. He can be reached at 201-678-1800.

When you think of movers and shakers Denise DeGemmis name should come to mind.After more than 2 decades of entrepreneurship in Naples, and as a Luxury Relocation specialist, Denise and her compassionate and energetic staff have the ways and means to professionally guide you and your family through your move, downsize, sale and reorganization of your home. Even through the most difficult times, their many hands make for light work.Previously a full time realtor with John R. Wood, Denise works hand in hand with Realtors. If you have already secured a realtor Naples Move Managers works in conjunction with your preferred realtor to get your home ready to list, sell and moveIf you are searching for the perfect realtor to suit your needs, Denise is an affiliate member of NABOR and a sponsor of WCR. And is happy to introduce you to the real estate specialist that will take care of you.As a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers, Naples Move Managers has access to worldwide resources to facilitate your move locally, long distance or internationally. As Move Managers, they facilitate your move or downsizing project from simply shipping fine china to coordinating an entire estate.Most of their clients have accumulated many belongings over a lifetime and are ready for the process so aptly named rightsizing.Naples Move Managers takes the daunting tasks of coordinating, reorganizing, staging/re-purposing, shipping & donating to simplify and de-stress the process so that you can concentrate on YOU. Their services are offered with a smile and some laughs, and a great deal of compassion and patience. Whether you have family locally or helping from afar, Denise puts together your professional team, whether you are just starting, mid way through the process or just need to finish up.For peace of mind, trust in their years of experience and countless moves.Editors Note: Contact Denise at 239-560-4466 and visit their website www.naplesmovemanagers.com for a complimentary estimate and pleasing introduction. Its more than just moving...let them help!

Facing the holidays after the death of a loved one is difficult, especially the first few years.The bereavement experts at VITAS Healthcare offer suggestions to helpyou and your familycope, enjoy time together, and honor a deceased lovedone during the holidays. Ask each family memberfor theirthoughts/preferences about participating in holidaytraditions.A family meeting will help you discuss the role your loved one played in your holiday traditions.By talking about what youll miss most about your loved one's absence, you and your family are taking the first stepto copewith your grief. Reviewholiday-associated activities. Consider what to keep and what to change.If you and your family decide to continue with holiday family traditions, allow someone to fulfill the role of your loved one.Each member of the family should do only what they feel most capable of handling, and everyone should honor the choices made by the entire family.This is a time to be kind to yourself and to help others understand how you feel and what you need. Decide how to include the memory of your loved one.Achair may be empty, but your loved one will be present in your mind and heart. Look through photo albums and tell stories about your loved one who is gone. Respond toinvitations.Plan to be with people you enjoy, even if just for a few moments. Ask a friend to accompanyyou, andstay only as long as you want. Allow yourself to decline invitations you dont want to accept. Realize that your fear of the holidays may be worse than the reality.Allow yourself to enjoy golden moments when you can see the joy of the season. Your loved one would want that for you.VITASoffersfree remote grief support groups. Led by bereavement specialists, these sessions provide information and guidance to those experiencing grief and loss. Learn more and sign up atVITAS.com/grief.Rikki Muro, RN, MSN, is general manager for VITAS Healthcare in Chicago. For more information about end-of-life care options, call VITAS Healthcare at 866.759.6695 or visit VITAS.com.

A patient is seen by her physician every month; she complains of weight loss and confusion. She is given referrals to specialists and told to follow up. Month after month; the same story. The referrals sit in her purse because she cant ?gure out how to navigate the phone tree at the specialists of?ces. The weight loss and confusion continue, month after month. Shes lost over 50 pounds in 5 months and she now cannot ?gure out how to work her cell phone, much less make the appointments. Shes embarrassed to tell anyone that she cant do these simple things, so they go undone and her health continues to decline.What this patient needs is a case manager and the broad network of support the CM RN/SW can access to help this patient navigate through all the phone calls, appointments and paperwork. The case manager meets with the patient and her family, assesses the situation and creates a plan to most effectively support this patients needs. In this case, the physician agrees that home health services are in order; home health RN, ST, OT, PT and MSW are activated and community services are accessed for meals and transportation, pending more definitive diagnostics. The case manager coordinates care by working with the primary care and specialists offices; communicating the situation and schedules the necessary appointments for the patient with their input. All the while, the case manager keeps the lines of communication fl owing between patient and all care providers.As illustrated by this scenario, the Case Manager RN/SW is the key to reducing the fragmentation of healthcare. Case Managers are an integral, but underused part of the healthcare team. This is simply because the awareness of their existence is not in the mainstream.For Our Patients and Their Families: Anyone who has any form of health insurance can access a case manager by calling the number on the back of their insurance card and asking to be connected to a Case Manager. Case managers are embedded in hospitals, clinics, community service agencies. Every person deserves a case manager as their corner; they advocate, coordinate and collaborate for the good of their patient and their family. If you need help to find a Case Manager, please feel free to contact us at info@cmsa-chicago.org. We will be happy to connect you with resources to find a Case Manager.For the Healthcare Team: Just as Case Managers provide guidance and support for their patients/clients, one organization is providing more support, resources, forums, and outlets for the case management community more than any other, Case Management Society of America/CMSA. CMSA Chicago is the localprofessional organization, providing education, networking and support to the entire Case Management community from the CM RN and SW to the service providers supporting our patients in their individual situation and beyond, CMSA Chicago brings everyone together to make navigation of healthcare easier for the most important member of the healthcare team; the patient/family!CMSA Chicago is here to support the entire case manager community from Case Manager RN/SW in every setting, across the continuum of care to the myriad of service providers who offer a full spectrum of support to our mutual patients. We encourage you to attend an upcoming event and connect with your professional organization. More information is available atwww.cmsa-chicago.org.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Colleen Morley DNP RN, CMCN, ACM. Colleen is President Elect of CMSA Chicago. She can be reached at colleen.morley@cmsa-chicago.org.

Nurse Next Doors unique concept of Making Lives Better through Happier Aging has had a powerful impact in their clients lives.They help their clients rediscover activities and interest they thought they had lost forever or can no longer do. Nurse Next Door caregivers are passionate and empowered to find those happiness gems with their clients and have them come to life during each visit.They make it meaningful, memorable, fun, unusual and unexpected.These constant positive experiences lead to happiness and fulfillment with each client; which in turn promotes overall health and well-being. Its a wonderful and caring client experience!Nurse Next Door is locally owned by Christopher and Ellen Peacock. If you or someone you know needs assistance and could benefit from Happier Aging, please call Nurse Next Door where a live person answers the phone 24-hours a day. At Nurse Next Door, Its about Caring, not just Health Care.Editors Note: Article submitted by Nurse Next Door. For more information call (941) 222-0920 or email sarasota@nursenextdoor.com.

Cooking for one or even two, presents challenges as we age. It can be dif?cult to shop and prepare healthy, well-balanced meals on a daily basis. Did you know the Older Americans Act provides grants to State and community senior organizations to help provide a healthy, well-balanced meals for older adults?Through the Community dining and home delivered meal programs, seniors struggling with isolation and loneliness or those who have difficulty buying or preparing meals for themselves have two great options! Older adults who have transportationcan get a healthy meal and spend time with friends in a community dining setting. Homebound seniors, unable to shop, prepare or obtain meals, can also receive a nutritious meals delivered to their homes up to five days per week, often by a friendly volunteer. Community dining meals and those offered to homebound older adults are approved by Registered Dietitians and provide 1/3 of the daily nutrition needs of the average older adult. Older Adults must be 60 and older to qualify to receive meals or be a disabled person or spouse residing with an eligible individual. There is no income or asset requirementfor community dining or home delivered meals. A suggested donation is requested and appreciated for all meals, however it is also not required. No one is denied a meal if unable or unwilling to contribute. While the importance of offering nutritious meals to older adults cannot be overstated, having the opportunity to join others for a meal in a community setting is a great way to get out of the house and see other people. No one likes to eat alone and having the ability to join others who are the same age, with a similar history and experiences can make for an enjoyable dining experience!For homebound seniors, having a friendly face greet them each day while delivering a nutritious meal, can be something to look forward to and serve as a daily well-being check. For more information on Community and home delivered meals, a contact list has been provided. If your County is not represented on this list, please call your local Agency on Aging and they will be able to assist you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Leslie Edstrom, Community Planning Division Manager for The Agency on Aging Northeastern Illinois. Leslie has a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Gerontology.

Outpatient rehabilitation begins with a thorough evaluation of the patients condition and needs. During the evaluation, the patients current level of ability is assessed and the desired treatment outcomes are established. Following the evaluation, a rehabilitation therapist determines which treatment methods will achieve the patients rehabilitation goals.Treatment methods may include: hands-on therapy to address joint mobility and deep tissue needs; patient-specific exercise and strength training programs; or pain and swelling management. When necessary, therapists teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices such as splints, crutches, prostheses and wheelchairs. Therapists also instruct patients in at-home activities that help speed rehabilitation recovery.Most rehabilitation therapists, which include Physical, Occupational and Speech therapist, treat a wide range of physical and neurological disabilities and many specialize in areas such as, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, oncology, neurological, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.Rehabilitation therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, including, but not limited to, physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, and social workers.Outpatient rehabilitation can help treat the following conditions:AmputationArthritisBack and neck pain/injuryBalance disorderCardiac conditionsConcussionCognitive deficitsDevelopmental disabilityFractureIncontinenceLimb deficiencyLymphedemaNerve injury/repairNeuromuscular diseaseOrthopedic conditionsPainPulmonary conditionsSpinal cord injurySpeaking difficultiesSports injuryStrokeSwallowing difficultiesThe goal of physical rehabilitation is to restore each patients personal independence and to help patients achieve the highest level of function specific to their condition.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Brad Chewakin, PT, CMPT and Kim Duncan, MA, CCC-SLP. They are managers for Adult OP Rehab with Memorial Hospital, part of University of Colorado Health. Brad Chewakin can be reached at 719-365-1835 and Kim Duncan can be reached at 719-365-6543.

Grow Your World and Green Your Community by Joining a GARDEN CLUB As nearly 200,000 men and women of all ages and backgrounds across the nation can attest, the rewards of belonging to a Garden Club go far beyond the pure pleasure of growing things. Joining a local Garden Club is a great way to green your thumb, but a membership also provides an opportunity to expand your interests and build lifelong friendships while bettering your community and the environment. A Garden Club will give you access to people who are experienced in gardening in your locality and you will find their assistance in valuable. Our National Garden Clubs Conservation pledge is: I pledge to protect and conserve our natural resources of planet earth and to promote education so that we may become caretakers (stewards) of our air, water, forest, land and wild life. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. is a 501 3 nonprofit educational organization and a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc.. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. is state wide organization associated with the Pacific Region of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and National Garden Clubs, Inc.. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. has fifteen Garden Clubs and almost 500 members. Seven of the Garden Clubs are located in the Treasure Valley. Activities of our clubs include civic beautification funded through grants, charitable donations, and fundraising. Clubs annually sponsor horticulture education and seminars and regularly organize presentations about landscaping, cultivating and growing a wide variety of plants and vegetation. In addition we award annual scholarships to students for the study of horticulture. Flower Show Judges Schools and Landscape Design Schools are offered to our members. Clubs also compete for State, Regional and National awards on a regular basis. Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. encourages anyone interested in becoming a member of a Garden Club to contact any of the Garden Cubs listed below or the State Membership Chairman, Janet Petersen at janetnpeter@gmail.com. Go on; why not give it a try. Oct. 2013 Southwest District Garden Clubs of Idaho Garden Clubs of Idaho, Inc. State President: Karen Mallon 208-853-6108 mallonkl@gmail.com

Everyone should be able to receive the care they need to stay in the place they love home.And family members will enjoy peace of mind knowing their elderly loved ones are receiving the right services to help them age in place, safely and independently.Lee Healths Senior Care Choices can provide answers at a time of uncertainty, whether you live out of state or down the block from your loved one.In other words, were here for you.Senior Care Choices: The Experts in Aging WellOur Nationally Certified Aging Life Care Professionals coordinate and oversee services that enable your loved ones to continue living safely at home. Our team represents the standard of excellence in the profession. We provide non-biased professional services that meet the best interests of our clients.The best decision for your aging parentRest assured that choosing our experts will lead you and your family to actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those you love, reducing worry, stress and missed work for family members who may live elsewhere. For more than 20 years we have advocated for families who are caring for older relatives.Were available 24/7 to ensure your loved ones care remains consistent, compassionate, and caring, even in emergent situationsOur affiliation with award-winning Lee Health offers immediate access to comprehensive hospital-based resourcesWhen you choose our licensed professionals, we will:Conduct an in-home comprehensive needs analysis of your loved ones abilities and limitations. This assessment includes a review of medications, an environmental evaluation, a dementia screening, and a review of financial, legal and medical conditions.Develop a Care Plan with input from family members and medical providers.Coordinate the implementation of the Care Plan and monitor the services or living arrangements.Coordinate the delivery of medications, meals, medical equipment, Personal Emergency Response Systems and other items.Arrange for in-home services, such as caregivers, laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation, and the installation of grab bars or other assistive devices.Investigate benefits of home care, assisted living, nursing homes or other supportive services.Conduct regular, personal visits with your loved one to ensure their continued health and well-being.Senior Care Choices can help your loved one age safely, comfortably, and independently at home.Editors Note: To learn more about how our Certified Aging Life Care Professionals can provide you peace of mind and your own sense of independencewherever you livecontact us at 239-225-7718.

So often today, we are reminded of the importance to take care of ourselves and plan me time each day to refresh and recharge. However, many people caring for a senior loved one feel unable to find much alone time and risk feeling emotionally burned out from caregiving. Combine that with the heavy strain on their physical and financial well-being, and its easy to see why caregivers often struggle. Research has shown that caregivers frequently deal with feelings of anger, guilt and isolation from family and friends. They also may experience physical symptoms, including exhaustion, loss of appetite, weight loss/gain, heartburn, suppressed immune system and more. Numerous studies have shown that increased levels of stress can lead to high blood pressure, which could ultimately lead to a stroke or heart attack."Caregiving is one of the most difficult challenges that families will face. It affects a family physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is important to notify your healthcare provider of any caregiver challenges that you face," said Dr. R. Scott DeLong, Geriatrician with LGHP Geriatrics and the Medical Director at Spang Crest, a Luthercare community.The good news is that there are ways to combat the stress of caregiving. Knowing youre not alone is very important. Joining a local support group and becoming part of a community of people going through shared experiences can offer you encouragement, information and optimism and combat feelings of isolation. Many senior living communities, including Spang Crest, hold monthly support groups. Look for one near you.Its OK to ask for help from other family members and friends. They may not realize the responsibilities you are carrying. By scheduling caregiving assistance from others, you can run errands, socialize or simply take a walk around the neighborhood to return feeling renewed and better able to care for your loved one. Additionally, reaching out to a trusted friend, neighbor, relative, or clergy member for emotional support can be a much-needed resource. Finally, reach out to a local senior living community or a senior advisor for suggestions on where to turn for additional help.Editors Note: This article was contributed by Nicole Lithgow, Admissions & Marketing Coordinator at Spang Crest, a Luthercare senior living community in Lebanon, PA and Amy Kenn, Luthercares Communications Director.

Happy Holidays! The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Enjoy these Christmas performance clips presented by the Spectacular Follies.

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There is a significant movement by seniors that wish to create an environment where they can Age-in-Place, either within an existing home that is upgraded, downsizing to a more comfortable square footage, adding smart-home technology, or perhaps to discuss the option of an ADU.These home environments must be safe, in a walkable area, maintain a sense of community, independence and allow for seniors to Age-in-Place.Some seniors may not want to give up their family home, even if it no longer suits their needs. My goal is to be able to help clients create a network of services to simplify your life so you can age in place safely, as long as possible. Florida Complete Realty offers services to help you buy and sell real estate, and also offers project management services to ease the process of implementing upgrades and undergoing renovations. I can assist by giving clients guidance on upgrading their property with more accessible features so they can safely remain in their home for as long as they are physically able.Let me and Florida Complete Realty help you find just the right choice that will fit your lifestyle and meet your future goals.

If you have recently become a person with a disability, a temporary limitation from surgery or injury, or youre a senior and realize your driving skills have declined over the years, dont self-diagnose about the type of adaptive equipment you may need. Follow these simple steps to find the correct equipment to keep you independent:Step 1: Start with yourphysicianand discuss your concerns. They will diagnose your problem and may recommend visiting a specialized occupational therapist trained on adaptive mobility equipment called a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist(CDRS).A CDRS evaluates your skills, restrictions and abilities to decide if youll be able to drive with vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment. Determining your unique needs allows for the correct equipment to be installed.Step 2: Find your nearest National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association(NMEDA) Certified Shop. This is very important. Modifying your vehicle will likely change safety features, functionality and structural makeup. Making sure you use a NMEDA shop ensures all safety and installation guidelines are followed and that warranties will be upheld. ANY shop trying to install adaptive equipment without these certifications is in violation of National Transportation Regulations. This can put you at risk and liable for any injury caused to you or someone else.Step 3: Relax and trust your team! The great thing about a NMEDA Certified Shop is that they will work hand in hand with your CDRS to make sure you get the best fit in equipment. No matter if it is hand controls, chair ramps, lifts, restraints or something else, they will also train you on proper use and help direct you to agencies that may help with the cost of installation and maintenance. They are there for YOU and are dedicated to helping you along the way.When you decide youre ready to explore the options of accessible equipment or purchase a van, consult with your nearest NMEDA Dealer and they will help you get started.Editors Note: Brought to you by Mobility Driven, your closest NMEDA dealer between Salt Lake and Denver. Call (970)712-1435

The Longest Day is all about love. Love for all those affected by Alzheimers disease. On the summer solstice, June 21, 2018, participants will team up to do an activity they love or an activity loved by those affected to help end Alzheimers. What people do on The Longest Day is up to them! This is a way to honor someone living or lost to the disease by selecting one of their favorite hobbies, or select an activity that honors a caregiver. Or, do what they are passionate about to recognize this important day.To demonstrate the commitment our participants have to our fight, we ask each team to raise funds and awareness to fuel the efforts of the Alzheimers Association. From face-to-face support to online education programs and promising worldwide research initiatives, all donations raised make a difference in the lives of the millions of people affected by Alzheimers today and those who will face the disease tomorrow. Every dollar raised helps to strengthen our impact while moving us closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimers disease.More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease, here in Pennsylvania 400,000 people are affected by Alzheimers disease or related dementia. There are 15 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimers or other dementias. Last year these caregivers provided an estimated 18.2 billion hours of care valued at over $230 billion. These caregivers are our inspiration for The Longest Day, we want to show them our support for their fight and help end this disease.You can show your support for those affected by this devastating disease by registering youre Longest Day team today. Visit www.alz.org/tld to register, build your team, set your activity and start raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimers Association. If you have any questions about The Longest Day or any of the programs and services offered by the Alzheimers Association call our Helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800.272.3900

Companies offering senior-oriented health coverage and Medicare supplement programs.In a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare beneficiary pays a monthlypremiumto a private insurance company and receives coverage forinpatient hospital ("Part A")andoutpatient ("Part B")services. Typically, the plan also includesprescription drug ("Part D") coverage.Many plans also offer additional benefits, such as dental coverage or gym memberships.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

Family caregivers possess an enormous amount of knowledge about what their elderly relatives need, but sometimes making decisions about services and coordinating them over time can be overwhelming. In this case, additional professional advice and expertise can be very helpful. You do not need to do this alone!A geriatric care manager (GCM) is a professional who has specialized training and experience in providing care for older adults. Most GCMs hold graduate degrees in social work, gerontology or nursing. The primary role of the GCM is to lift the burden off of family members and other caregivers, so that they can resume their role as spouse or child, uninhibited with burden of care planning, monitoring and coordination.GCMs are experienced in working with families, evaluating needs and dealing with complicated family dynamics. They will make home visits and assist in determining eligibility for resources. GCMs interface with family members and professionals from different areas, such as, legal services, health care, and housing. Families can choose what they need help with. These professionals can:Make an assessment about the need for homecare and other services;Develop a care plan about the specific services needed;Coordinate home and medical care and hire home care workers;Monitor home care services and make needed adjustments;Secure respite care when needed;Provide assistance to families in addressing legal and financial issues;Assist in dealing with the complicated government benefits;Make placement recommendations;Provide education, information and referral resources; andDirection on guardianship or conservatorship.It is the forte of GCMs to answer questions involving in-home assessments, care options, home care, finding the best living arrangements, community resources, alerting children who live at a distance, and other legal and financial issues. By being able to explain options, arrange for services, coordinate care and monitor changing needs of individual clients, GCMs provide continuity and serve as valuable resources.GCM fees are dependent upon the combination of services to be provided and the complexity of the individual situation. The typical scenario might be: client contacts the GCM for an initial consultation, the consultation is followed up by an agreement to perform a needs assessment, after which a meeting is scheduled between the GCM and the client to discuss the findings. After the assessment is complete the GCM provides a range of care options for the family.Author: Todd Chambers, L.C.S.W. Todd is the owner of All the Comfort of Home, Inc. a provider of homecare and geriatric care management services. He can be reached at 303-346-1292.

Making Trips Fun & SafeIf youre caring for someone with memory impairment, taking them on an outing is one of the best things you can do for them. Even short excursions will provide exercise, fresh air and stimulation of the senses.Memory loss can present some unique challenges, but with a little understanding and preparation, you can up your chances for pleasant, meaningful experiences.Identify and avoid your loved ones triggers. Memory-impaired individuals often have unique triggers that can lead to agitation and confusion. In some cases, triggers may be related to sundowning and disorientation to time. In other cases, theyre related to overwhelming crowds, noises or new technologies. Make sure to take your loved ones sensitivities into account when choosing the time and place for your outing.Talk to employees and managers at potential venues. Call a day or two ahead and explain that youre considering bringing a memory-impaired guest. Ask if theres anything you should know about the environment, and if the venue can do anything to make the experience easier. Many restaurants and businesses are happy to find creative solutions, such as seating you in a quieter location or prioritizing your order.Back to the past. Your loved ones history can be a great source of inspiration when planning a trip. Think about what they did for a living or what their hobbies were and draw from that past. This can help reactivate memories and create a meaningful, enjoyable experience.Think slow; think simple. Its usually a good idea to avoid exposing your loved one to a lot of hustle and bustle. Look for locations with a slower pace, where you can take your time without facing the pressure of large crowds. Nature obviously fits these criteria quite well, and a relaxing trip to the park is usually a good call. But there are plenty of indoor activities you can enjoy as wella museum, especially on a less busy day, is an excellent place to keep your loved one engaged while moving at your own pace.Remember, the keyword here is preparation. By taking your loved ones needs into account, you can prevent problems before they arise and have a wonderful time together.----------------------------This article was written by Alicia Seaver, Director of Memory Care at Bridges by EPOCH communities in Norwalk and Trumbull. To learn more about our Fairfield County communities, visit www.BridgesbyEPOCH.com or reach Alicia ataskalicia@bridgesbyepoch.com.

Each year one in four people over the age of 65 years old experience a fall? More than 800,000 patients are hospitalized due to falling. This presentation by Martha Bonilla and provided by CC Young Senior Living, will provide valuable insights and tips for preventing and recovering from falls.Click on the photo to watch the video.To learn more about CC Young:CC Young Assisted Living|CC Young Memory Support|CC Young Skilled Nursing|CC Young Adult Day CenterPHONE(214) 305-9662

This training is aimed at improving and propelling sales calls for Healthcare and Senior Care sales individuals. This session is appropriate for Business Development Coordinators, Managers and Directors in the Healthcare/Senior Care sectors and their supervisors. You can only manage what you know how to do yourself! Improving and Propelling Sales Calls! What skills are needed to plan and execute an effective sales call campaign? Is it a mindset? What do you say? How do we get the prospect from inquiry to making that buying decision?

Veteran's ContractsMonarch is honored to serve our veterans who have given so much to our country, offering them the best experience in senior living.We are proud to have contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Community Care Network (VA CCN) in many of our facilities. While these communities are not federally-operated Veterans Homes, the contracts allow qualifying veterans to receive services through Monarch. This contract allows Monarch and the local VA to work together by consolidating all community care programs and build an integrated health care network to improve Veterans access to high-quality care both in VA and in the community.VA created the VA CCN program to assist Veterans who cant get necessary services from a VA provider either because the services arent available or the VA provider is too far away. Before a Veteran gets care or services from a VA CCN participating care provider, the VA must issue a referral for an episode of care. VA referrals will include an authorization for a specific standard episode of care. The referral will include a start date and an end date, along with a specified number of visits and/or services. Monarch will work directly with your provider and CCN case manager to obtain prior authorization for the stay.Monarch homes with a VA contract:Hillcrest Rehabilitation CenterOaklawn Rehabilitation CenterThe Estates at GreeleyParmly On the LakeThe Estates at RosevilleThe Waterview WoodsThe Waterview Shores

I hear it every day while I am showing people around our Assisted Living building, Wow, this is nothing like I thought it would be. What they are referring to is that they expected to see Nurses stations, people in scrubs, people with sad expressions that look like they have been sitting in the same wheel chair and position for days with no attention, and last but not least they expect to smell a strong odor that reminds them of years gone by when they were forced to go visit an Aunt, Uncle or Grandparent in an Old Folks Home. The memories haunt them to the point where they cannot even fathom suggesting moving Mom and Dad into a place like that. Fortunately, those places are few and far between. There has been a tremendous improvement to what you remember as the Old Folks Home. Many dont understand what Assisted Living actually is.An Assisted Living Community is the perfect option for many people of different care level needs. We have people in our community that drive and are still independent. They may have moved in when they had a spouse whose health was declining and they needed help caring for them. Then after their spouse passed, they chose to stay because it felt like home. We have some residents that did not want to burden their children later in their life, so they made the decision to go ahead and move in now. Others have become tired of doing yard work and keeping up a house, cooking for themselves, or are lonely and want more interaction with people in a similar situation. Many dont want to move twice therefore they go ahead and move into an Assisted Living Community before they need a lot of help.There are those who have reached the point in their lives where they are becoming a bit confused with their medicines, they may have trouble keeping up with what time, day, or year it is, or they may have begun to have frequent falls and trips to their doctors office or ER.We have residents who need more help such as someone with a dementia diagnoses. Yes, they too may remain in an Assisted Living Community as long as they arent a wanderer, or combative towards other residents and staff. Residents can even have outpatient rehabilitation, hospice or palliative care within their own apartment.So as you can see, Assisted Living covers a very broad range of living situations and care needs. Please consider an Assisted Living Community when you are searching for that perfect fit for yourself or a loved one, as you too may be surprised when you discover what Assisted Living actually is. 'Editors Note: This article was written by Kristi Vance, Sales and Marketing Director at Bethesda Gardens Frisco. She may be reached at 469-766-4101/903-821-3780.

To learn more about Omaha Senior Resource Group, CLICK HERE.The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in five senior falls can lead to broken hips, broken bones, and even traumatic brain injury. As a caregiver, how much should you worry about elderly care and keeping your elderly loved ones from a fall? How much do they know and are they taking the right precautions? How do you begin a conversation with them about how to remain safe without giving up too much of their independence? And just because you start the conversation, it doesnt mean that your elderly loved one will listen to or like your suggestions. The key is to start the conversation and continue it until they have a good understanding of the dangers they could face.Here are some areas that you can focus on to keep the conversation going:Be Sensitive to How They Handle Information. Aging is not easy for most seniors, and there are a lot of emotions that go with it. Keep in mind that they are changing almost daily, in physical and emotional ways and that will affect their confidence or self-worth, which may be decreased more with feelings of loss of independence. It may be a difficult conversation from both sides, yours and theirs. Go slow.Do Proper Investigation. The more facts and statistics about senior falls you have to take to the conversation, the easier it may be to discuss, as they would feel youre not simply singling them out. For elderly seniors, they may not feel so stubborn to listen to the information if they know they are part of a large group of seniors with that experience. When they hear that one out of every three Americans over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year, they realize that they might be more at risk than they thought. Facts and figures may be your friend!Use A Fall Risk Assessment Tool. I only fell once, and it was a fluke! If this sounds youre your elderly loved one, they may need a little help to understand the dangers. A fall risk assessment tool is an excellent way for them to gauge their actual risk level when it comes to senior falls and could provide the information they require to decide on a fall prevention plan. Many websites offer these tools to gauge their risks of falling and match them with the best tools for alerting help based on their lifestyle.Finances. The reality is that senior falls contribute to billions of dollars in healthcare bills each year. Yes, billions! Many of the expenses are incurred each year by using ambulances, ER visits, extended hospital stays, surgeries and then rehabilitation or home care after a fall. Personal insurance will cover part of it but may not cover everything. Your discussion must also talk about how they plan to pay for a fall if it does happen. Being honest about the possible expenses will help them come around and put together a fall prevention plan that works for them.What youre trying to do and build your elderly loved ones a safety net, so that if they fall in the bathroom or while you are not with them, they know immediately what they need to do and which course of action to take.A medical alert systemis the most effective safety net you can provide for your loved one. It will keep them connected to an emergency operator 24/7, so that no matter when they fall, theyll have speedy access to help.Medical alarms provide peace of mind for the individual and their family. With a medical alert system an older adult can summon help at any time. The button worn by the older adult is waterproof and can be worn when bathing. It is small and light weight and easy to wear. In-home systems use either a land line or cellular phone to connect to our monitoring center.A medical alert device is a great first step in elderly fall prevention. As a family caregiver, taking more precautions can mean making modifications to their home, implementing a new exercise routine or changing their diet, these measures can keep your elderly parent protected. For information about Medial Alert Devices or other services that the OSRG members offer, contact us at 402-934-5500 or email us at info.OSRG@gmail.com.

Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical, functional, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. Massage involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

These communities are either licensed assisted living facilities that specialize in delivering care to victims of dementia or a unit of a skilled nursing facility. The same licensure rules apply. Communities are typically bedroom-style rental units with common areas for dining and activities. Many are locked for residents safety. Staff is usually specially trained for the special needs of this population. Amenities vary. Services include meal plans, cable television, local phone calls, housekeeping, laundry maintenance and transportation. Personal assistance with ADLs available. Rates also vary from all-inclusive to base rates with levels of care/point system for care.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}##listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

As we age, prioritizing elderly health and wellness becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining a fulfilling and vibrant life. Aging gracefully is not just a matter of passing years; it's about embracing a holistic approach to well-being. Physical fitness remains a cornerstone, with regular exercise helping seniors maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. Equally important is a balanced diet tailored to meet the changing nutritional needs of seniors, supporting vital functions and warding off age-related illnesses. Yet, elderly health encompasses more than just the physical. Mental and emotional wellness play an equally significant role. Engaging in cognitive activities, staying socially connected, and nurturing emotional resilience are all integral to fostering a robust sense of well-being in our golden years. By prioritizing elderly health and wellness, we empower seniors to enjoy a life rich in experiences, purpose, and contentment.In the pursuit of elderly health and wellness, it's essential to recognize that age is not a limitation but an opportunity for growth and self-care. Seniors have accumulated a lifetime of wisdom, and by investing in their health, we ensure they can continue to share their unique perspectives and contributions with the world. A focus on elderly health is an investment in the longevity and vitality of our older loved ones. It's about providing them with the tools and support they need to live life to the fullest, embracing each day with resilience and optimism. By championing elderly health and wellness, we celebrate the richness of life at every stage and honor the invaluable role seniors continue to play in our families and communities.

Welcome to Know How to Go, your one stop for information on all your travel needs in southwestern Connecticut. This program is designed to enhance peoples access to their communities by identifying the best transportation service to meet the unique needs of seniors, individuals with a disability, and veterans. Our purpose is to provide you with a host of valuable travel-related information about all transportation services in the southwestern region of Connecticut. From the public bus to accessible taxi service, we will let you know your transportation options along with special programs and discounts for each service. As the Regional Mobility Management team for southwest Connecticut, we are also tasked with gathering information about transportation challenges you face and helping to find solutions. Together with our community partners, the Regional Mobility Manager at The Kennedy Center will work with you to connect you with the best service available in your town and beyond.Funded by Federal Transit Administration and CT Department of Transportation dollars, the Regional Mobility Manager works closely with all local transportation providers including: Greater Bridgeport Transit; Norwalk Transit District; CTTRANSIT Stamford; Milford Transit District; Valley Transit District; CT rides; volunteer driver programs; taxi services; and rail transit providers to provide the most comprehensive service to meet your individual needs. We also collaborate closely with our network of human service agencies and other service providers in the region. The Regional Mobility Management programs service area includes the coastal towns between Greenwich and Milford and north to the Valley region. For a map of our service area, click on the Guidebook of Services on our website at www.knowhowtogoct.org, or contact the Regional Mobility Manager at the number below to request a hard copy of the Guidebook.The Kennedy Center, Inc., a non-profit agency that provides a wide array of services for people with disabilities, seniors and veterans, administers the Regional Mobility Management program. The program is guided by a Steering Committee whose members consist of a variety of stakeholders in the Bridgeport/Stamford Urbanized Area including representatives from the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, Greater Bridgeport Regional Council, Valley Council of Governments, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Greater Bridgeport Transit District, Norwalk Transit District, Valley Transit District, and others. Steering Committee membership is open and participation is welcomed and encouraged from all who are interested in improving transportation services and options for people with disabilities, seniors and veterans in southwest Connecticut.For more information about the Regional Mobility Management program or transportation services in your area, please contact Margaret Mixon at 203.365.8522 x. 263. Be sure to visit our website at www.knowhowtogoct.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/knowhowtogo, and follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/knowhowtogo

Communication in Long Term Care Settings: Tips for LTC FacilitiesCommunication between Long Term Care Facilities with a family member, can go a long way and set a very strong foundation for the families to feel assured and safe with their loved ones care. With the set back of COVID-19, along with other barriers there has been a change in the typical customer service communications. There are many psycho-social studies that show there is already a lot of guilt, stress, anger, exhaustion, financial burden, and distrust by the time that they reach the point to admit their loved one in LTC setting. It is crucial to be extra sensitive about his matter when assisting a family member in this process.Long Term Care Communication Tips:Reduce Confusion: Upon admission is the best time to reduce confusion by taking time to explain Director Roles, also be sure to provide them with their cards so that they can make notes of who will be calling and the purpose of the communication.Visitation: It can be very frustrating for families when they do not understand or have a very clear picture of the visitation process.High Communication: Communication is key, when you are dealing with peoples loved ones, whether it is financials, health insurance, hospitalizations, new treatments, progress, or onset of new illnesses. Communications leads the way to a happy family and a happy resident.This article was submitted by Valerie Niebrand withHighlands Guest Care Center.

The winter months can be especially difficult for seniors. With snow and ice on the ground, slipping and falling is a real danger, resulting in serious injury or even hospitalization. Luckily, there are some practical steps that caregivers and seniors can take to keep safe during the winter months.Keeping Walkways Clear of Snow & IceThe most important step in preventing falls is keeping outdoor walkways clear of snow and ice. This includes not only your driveway and sidewalks, but also any areas where you may need to pass such as entryways to buildings or public transportation stops. Investing in a reliable snow shovel or snow blower will make it easier to keep these areas clear, although many services offer snow removal at an affordable price so you dont have to do it yourself. Its also important to use rock salt or kitty litter on icy patches; these items provide better traction and help prevent slips.Dress AppropriatelyProper clothing is essential for staying warm while outdoors during the winter months, but it can also help protect against falls. Shoes should have non-slip soles that provide additional grip on slippery surfaces; boots with treads are ideal for this purpose. Additionally, garments such as hats and gloves should fit snugly so they dont get caught on anything when walking outside. Lastly, dressing in layers helps retain body heat while still allowing for movement without feeling weighed down by bulky clothing.Get Help When NecessaryIts important to recognize when assistance is needed while out in the cold weather; getting help from a friend or family member can be invaluable when navigating slippery surfaces. Additionally, using assistive devices such as walkers or canes provides support when walking outside and helps reduce stress on joints that could otherwise lead to falls. For extreme conditions, it may be best to limit outdoor activities until warmer weather arrives; if this isn't possible, then look into using transportation services like ride-sharing apps or buses that allow you to stay off your feet entirely until you reach your destination safely.As we head into winter months with colder temperatures and snowy conditions all around us, it's essential for seniorsespecially those who live aloneto stay aware of their surroundings and take precautions against slipping or falling on icy surfaces outside their homes. Clearing pathways of snow and ice combined with proper clothing outfits for warmth will go a long way toward ensuring safety during these treacherous times of yearbut don't forget about reaching out for help when necessary! With just a few simple steps taken ahead of time, seniors can enjoy their winter days knowing they're doing everything they can do remain safe while outdoors in cold weather conditions! Stay safe and warm this winter! Your Friends at Seniors Blue Book Utah

It is not uncommon to experience increased aches, pains and joint stiffness as we age.hen it comes to the spine,somedecline in function and flexibility may be expected.Heres what you should know about what happens to your spine as you age, and ways to help prevent back pain and injuries.Common spinal conditions in older adults may manifest themselves in symptoms such as early morning back pain, leg pain when standing and walking, loss of height and more. Spinal arthritis develops as the cartilage separating the facet joints gradually breaks down over time. Symptoms include low back pain and stiffness that seem worse in the morning and at the end of the day, including after an extended period of physical activity. Osteoarthritis may also cause radiating leg pain known as sciatica. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in low back and leg pain that characteristically occurs while standing or walking but dissipates once you sit down or lean forward. Pain may also occur with symptoms of sciatica including tingling and numbness in the buttocks and legs. Disk degeneration and narrowing of the spinal canal may occur as the natural part of the aging process. These changes cause spaces in the spine to narrow and press against the spinal nerves. Many people with spinal stenosis also have spondylolisthesis, where one spine bone slips forward over the one below. Nerve pressure from these conditions can result in leg pain, tingling, or numbness that gets worse when walking or standing, and improves when sitting or bending forward.While not all back pain can be avoided, it is never too late to start protecting yourself against preventable spine problems. This starts with exercising regularly to keep off excess weight and strengthen the core muscles in your back and abdomen. Strengthen your core muscles through targeted exercises including aerobics, and stretching. Practice proper posture and make necessary ergonomic adjustments. Avoid lifting objects that are heavier than 25% of your body weight. Eat a balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods and vitamin D to keep your bones strong. If you are a smoker - stop smoking! Consider purchasing a more supportive mattress or try a new sleeping position. Find ways to relax and loosen your back and neck muscles at the end of each day. Be practical about your exercise routine and avoid overdoing it with repetitive movements that can lead to muscle strains and sprains.If you suffer from chronic back pain or conservative treatments are no longer working, consult a spine specialist like the physicians at Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates. Learn about what could be causing your pain and possible treatment options. Recurring and debilitating back pain is never normal and can be mitigated with the right assistance.Editors Note: This article was written by Alan Villavicencio, MD. Dr. Villavicencio is a physician with Boulder Neurosurgical & Spine Associates and may be reached at 303-938-5700, or by email at: info@bnasurg.com

Note: Anger, divisiveness and discord may have dominated the headlines in 2019, but as the late Fred Rogers once said, even in scary times, there is goodness. In this year that brought his spirit to life through the inspiring film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, we are lifted by his reminder: When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.Indeed. To close the year on a positive and hopeful note, this week we introduce you to some of the helpers in your neighborhood.Merri Fefles is both haunted and buoyed by something her late mother once told her.She said, When you get to be a certain age people stop looking at you. You become invisible, Fefles said. "I am very cognizant of that now."Fefles, who spent 10 years caring for her sick mother until she passed in 2017, said that remembrance is with her every minute she is helping seniors get the services they need through PLOWS Council on Aging.[Most read] Illinois loses population for 6th straight year and it lost more residents than any state this decadeA professor of political science currently on sabbatical from Moraine Valley Community College, Fefles volunteers regularly with the nonprofit that serves senior citizens in 20 south suburban municipalities, including Worth, Blue Island, Oak Lawn and parts of Robbins.She began a few years ago delivering meals to homebound seniors with her niece and nephew, Elena and Billy Hajjar of Tinley Park.It was really eye-opening for all three of us. Were from this area and never realized how many people struggle. I feel almost ridiculous now. But you kind of live in your own little bubble. I didnt know that until I started working with PLOWS, she said.Today she has expanded her role and now helps people over age 60 navigate the complex sea of forms that can be a barrier to benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP food stamps, help with home improvements. She also steers callers in the direction of the resources they need, whether its meal delivery or adult protection services.Now were doing LIHEAT (Low income heat energy assistance), which gives people some assistance with their gas or electric bill, she said.You feel a sense of responsibility working here, she said. Some days, she added, she gets so wrapped up in callers needs that she doesnt want to take lunch.Sometimes Im moved to tears by peoples stories. So many remind me of my own mother. I miss her every day, she said.Fefles, who lives in Tinley Park, said the work she does for PLOWS is rewarding because its necessary.I love working here. Everything is very tangible. You do something for somebody, and theres immediate instant gratification -- for them and for me, she said.In addition to helping people sort through the jargon, she is a friendly voice of comfort and confidence, said PLOWS spokeswoman Jen Petterson.We are so lucky to have people like Merri who come to us and volunteer. She supports advocacy, guiding people on different resources out there. A lot of the government forms are very complex. As a nonprofit, we can guide people through those forms, Petterson said.PLOWS, Petterson said, relies on volunteers to help serve 16,000 seniors annually.The fact that Fefles connects with so many individuals on a personal level, Petterson said, is a bonus.Fefles, 43, grew up in Palos Hills. She attended Stagg High School and MVCC before earning a bachelors from Elmhurst College and masters degrees from Arcadia University and Arizona State.She completed graduate school in 2001 and landed a part-time teaching job filling in for a professor. A week after she started his classes, he fell ill and passed away suddenly.I took over his classes and got hired the next spring, she said. He was a wonderful man. And I thank God every day for this job.It was while she was working on her second masters degree and caring for her aging mother that she chose to fill a volunteer requirement through PLOWS.Ive always had an affinity for older people, she said. I never had grandparents. Maybe in a way Im taking care of other peoples grandparents.She said the work also creates balance in her life.I teach political science, so I keep up with all the toxicity in the country today. It seems we cant talk to each other anymore, she said.I help so many people who just want to talk to somebody. It makes me realize how many people just want someone to converse with, someone to care, she said.I think if people just had real conversations it would break down a lot of the toxicity there is now in our environment. Its easier to find common ground when you talk face to face, she said.Working here sort of restores my faith in humanity. I feel I get more out of it than I give," she said.As a teacher, she said, she may occasionally get a student who comes back to tell her that she influenced a career decision.But this is different. You see people everyday and help them everyday. And theyre so grateful. Makes me really appreciate what I have and the people I have around me, she said. You see so many people who dont have anyone.Seniors have so much to offer people, she said, yet theyre often not given the opportunity to do so.It almost seems like once you get to a certain age, youre deemed unnecessary. We kind of push them off to the side, she said.I wish we could harness their wisdom, energy and talent.

Sean moved to the US as a teenager and has always struggled to keep tabs on his grandparents from afar. With the onset of COVID-19 exacerbating the situation, he struck inspiration and found the perfect solution for his problem.Most adult Americans dont live with their elders and have busy lifestyles. To check in, they call, text, and visit when they can. But much is often left unsaid. Seniors may not want to cause worry or may be unaware of their own health status. This lack of information causes anxiety for the children, and health risks for the seniors.Sean grew up in China and was very close to his grandparents. From early on, Grandma Ping was keen on getting Sean exposed to music. When Sean was a little boy, Grandpa Ming used to have him at the back of his bike and Grandma would ride alongside them to attend piano lessons.Since moving to Chicago, staying in contact has always been a challenge. Now that his family is half way across the globe, the time difference is almost complete opposite. Many times when Sean misses his grandparents and wants to check in, 2pm CT means its 3am in China.Seeing that current smartwatches only give users insights on their own health, Sean had the inspiration to create one which transfers that information to family members. Given his background in Engineering and now a grad student at the University of Chicago, Sean quickly formed a group of classmates who believed in the mission. Together, they developed PING, a senior-centric smartwatch that captures key vitals of the user and makes the information accessible to their family in real-time. Some of the measurements include pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygen, and temperature.The design of the watch is light and with a Velcro strap, the user can easily put on or take off the device. The display features larger buttons, texts, and a much simpler set of operations including medication reminders and notifications like calls and texts. PINGs solution enables seniors to better understand and manage their well-being. For family caregivers, they are empowered with critical information of their loved ones and the peace of mind no matter where they are.

Dealing with the symptoms of any painful or serious illness is difficult. However, special care is available to make you more comfortable right now. Its called palliative (pal-lee-uh-tiv) care. You receive palliative care at the same time that youre receiving treatments for your illness. Its primary purpose is to relieve the pain and other symptoms you are experiencing and improve your quality of life.Palliative care is comprehensive treatment of the discomfort, symptoms and stress of serious illness. It does not replace your primary treatment; palliative care works together with the primary treatment youre receiving. The goal is to prevent and ease suffering and improve your quality of life.Palliative care is different from hospice care.Palliative care is available to you at any time during your illness. Remember that you can receive palliative care at the same time you receive treatments that are meant to cure your illness. Its availability does not depend upon whether or not your condition can be cured. The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and improve your quality of life. You dont have to be in hospice or at the end of life to receive palliative care. People in hospice always receive palliative care, but hospice focuses on a persons ?nal months of life.Palliative care gives you a chance to live your life more comfortably.Palliative care provides relief from distressing symptoms including pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, problems with sleep and many other symptoms. It can also help you deal with the side effects of the medical treatments youre receiving. Perhaps, most important, palliative care can help improve your quality of life.Palliative care can improve your quality of life in a variety of ways.Together with your primary health care provider, your palliative care team combines vigorous pain and symptom control into every part of your treatment. Team members spend as much time with you and your family as it takes to help you fully understand your condition, care options and other needs. They also make sure you experience a smooth transition between the hospital and other services, such as home care or nursing facilities. This results in well-planned, complete treatment for all of your symptoms throughout your illness treatment that takes care of you in your present condition and anticipates your future needs.For more information: Please see the NHPCO websiteEditors Note: This article was submitted by Kimberly Ware with excerpts taken from the NHPCO website. Kimberly is an Administrator with Dignity Home Health & Hospice and may be reached at 801-934-6279 or by email at kware@dignityhlth.com

Click here to begin your FREE search!Have you heard ofBenefitsCheckUp? It is a free service of the National Council on Aging, that lets you search for benefits easily, securely, and accurately. In the US, there are over 2,500 federal, state, and private benefit programs available. Start finding benefits with ourBenefitsCheckUp questionnaire or browse our Resource Library to learn more about programs and eligibility.Learn more about the program that can help you save money. Benefit programs include:MedicationsHealth CareIncome AssistanceFood & NutritionHousing & UtilitiesTax ReliefVeteranEmploymentCounseling AssistanceVision Loss ServicesRespite Care ServicesPension AssistancePark & Recreational DiscountsEducation ProgramsTransportation Assistance& More!HowBenefitsCheckUpWorks:Answer some questions. Review your initials results or enter more details to personize your report.Get your report. Provide more information to get a customized report of benefits youre most likely to qualify for.See how to apply. Review your custom report, learn more about benefits, and start enrolling in programs.Click here to begin your FREE search!

For the last three years, Deborah Mills has been caring for her mother, who has Alzheimers and needs constant supervision. While Mills is happy to be in a situation in which shes able to help, the experience has been stressfulespecially given the high financial cost of caregiving. Kamilah Williams-Kemp, vice president of long-term care at Northwestern Mutual, has seen firsthand the struggles of family caregivers, having watched her mother-in-law care for a family member. Northwestern Mutual s C.A.R.E. (Costs, Accountabilities, Realities, Expectations) study found that expenses relating to caregiving made up around one-third of a caregivers monthly budget.What we saw in the study was that many of the people needing care had used up their assets to cover the costs of care, said Williams-Kemp.The Costs of CaregivingWhen it comes to the impacts of caring for a loved one, the financial burdens of caregiving were cited in the study as the second biggest impact after reduced personal time. Thats not surprising given the rising costs of caregiving.Many people dont expect these expenses, according to Williams-Kemp. In the study, only one in four potential future caregivers said that financial support was a key attribute of caregiving, but nearly two-thirds of caregivers actually end up providing financial support.How to Plan Ahead:Four in ten Americans are current or past caregivers, and one in five non-caregivers expect to provide care in the future. Still, a financial plan that includes long-term care can be a sensitive topic.Ensuring that you have a plan can give you more options to make choices about care and protect your family.How to Cope Financially if You Didnt PlanWhile the financial demands of caregiving can feel overwhelming, there are strategies that can help caregivers manage. The first thing youll want to do is work with the financial advisor and attorney of the person who needs care, Williams-Kemp said. Look at his or her assets to figure out how to best leverage them in caregiving situations.Planning Ahead Provides Certainty in Uncertain SituationsThose who do have a plan in place feel comforted, according to Williams-Kemp. Ive been told by people whom weve helped plan ahead that theres an incredible peace of mind to not having to worry about the financial aspects of their care or feel like theyre a burden to the family members who otherwise would have stepped in to help, she said. The full article can be found at www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/long-term-care-should-be-a-part-of-your-financial-planArticle prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Bruce Mozinski. Bruce Mozinski is a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and its subsidiaries. Bruce Mozinski is based in Southborough, MA. To contact Bruce Mozinski, please call (508) 251-7223, e-mail at bruce.mozinski@nm.com, or visit brucemozinski.com.

We recognize and have heard time and again that the key to staying healthy is proper diet and exercise. But exercise can be quite vague to those who encounter age-related physical obstacles or have never been part of a fitness regimen. Few activities are more important to senior health than those which help improve balance, flexibility, strength and endurance.Simple practices around the house can help improve balance or strength without disrupting daily routine. Standing up from a chair or walking up stairs can improve a sense of balance and build muscle strength when practiced and repeated. Even bending over to pick something up can be beneficial.In addition to building strength and balance, endurance exercises are important to maintaining heart health and metabolism. This can mean anything from raking leaves to going for a bike ride its simply important to increase the heart rate. And for individuals with joint problems, swimming allows seniors to access all of the challenges and benefits of exercise while easing strain on problematic areas.Its also good to remember that keeping the mind active and attentive is just as important as physical health, often driving the bodies overall health. Some of the best exercises for both body and mind are derived from Eastern cultures. Tai chi is an excellent practice for older adults. Yoga has many different forms, but all include a two-fold approach: holding and maintaining a series of postures while focusing on breathing. Before attending just any yoga class, make sure it is specifically tailored for older adults to ensure comfort and safety.I can say over and over how important it is to our physical wellness to practice balance, strength, endurance and stretching, but perhaps the ultimate benefit of exercise programs is an increase in self confidence. This helps alleviate several fears seniors may have, whether its of falling or of not being able to complete a task.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karyn P. Leible, MD, FACP. Dr. Leible is a geriatrician with CHPG Church Ranch Senior Care and may be reached at 303-925-4040

Primary care providers (PCP) are the foundation for your medical care. As such, we lead the team of healthcare professionals and other specialists that provide you comprehensive care. So, we like to think of ourselves as the quarterback of your team.A PCP can be a MD, Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP). Your PCP will diagnose and treat common illnesses and medical conditions while teaching you about safe health behaviors, treatment options, preventative and self care skill as well as provide necessary screening tests and immunizations.PCPs detect undiagnosed health issues and start treatment promptly, ultimately resulting in better outcomes. We manage chronic disease, utilizing evidence based guidelines in order to achieve mutually agreed upon health goals. Evaluating the urgency of your medical condition and directing you to the best place for care, which may be referring to other medical specialists, is a key role your PCP plays as quarterback of your team.Communication is the key to success on any team. You need to take an active role with your healthcare team. Keep your quarterback PCP up to date on immunizations, surgeries, visits with specialists, family history and active medical illnesses. Schedule regular appointments and keep them. Keep a list of all current medications you take, including over the counter medications and vitamins. Share that information with your quarterback PCP and include why you take the medication, how often you take it and what the dosage is.If you have any concerns about your health, contact your PCP initially, they are the main healthcare provider in any non-emergency case. Regular visits to your quarterback PCP will reduce costly emergency room visits by catching problems early.Don't have a PCP? Parkview Adult Medicine Clinic serves patients ages 15 and above. We are staffed by four board-certified Internal Medicine Physicians, 21 Resident Physicians, one board certified Family Nurse Practitioner, and one board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. In addition to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients in our state of the art clinic, we offer sports physicals, CDL medical exams, and Assisted Living Facility visits. To make an appointment, call 719.595.7585.Editors Note: This article was submitted by: Marian Heesaker, Family Nurse Practitioner at Parkview Adult Medicine Clinic

More than 20 million Americans suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy, a condition caused by damage to the nerves. Peripheral nerves transfer information to and from the brain while transporting signals to the spinal cord and the rest of the body. When damage occurs, the nerves cannot function properly, consequently causing symptoms characterized by varying degrees of sensory disturbances. The pain can affect your everyday activities, including your work, your play, and ultimately your quality of life.Symptoms & Causes of NeuropathyThere are many symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy, which is essentially damage to the peripheral nerve system. Some would describe it as wearing an invisible glove, extreme electric-like sensitivity to the touch, burning, or walking on pins and needles.Symptoms of Neuropathy:Loss of hot or cold sensationPins and needles feeling in your feetTingling or burningLoss of feelingDifficulty walkingFeet that are painful to touchRestless legsFeeling of ants crawling on your legsDifficulty sleeping because of foot painLeg crampingPeripheral neuropathy may be either inherited or acquired through disease or trauma. In many cases, however, an exact cause cannot be identified.Neuropathy may contribute to emotional stress and depressionMany people suffering with pain don't realize that the symptoms could be due to Peripheral Neuropathy. It is a condition that can be misdiagnosed or ignored until it is unbearable. This can affect all aspects of your life and may even cause emotional stress or depression. If you are experiencing severe pain, its essential to be treated immediately.Is there a lasting treatment for the symptoms of Neuropathy?A local doctor from Advanced Healthcare, Dr. Irwin, explains how a breakthrough technology along with advanced treatments provides the body with everything it needs to heal the damaged nerves. The non-surgical treatment offers a real option for lasting relief with little discomfort and no prescription drugs. Most patients who undergo the treatments feel pain relief after the first few visits. The combination of treatments helps to restore, stabilize, and rebuild the nerves in your extremities. In many cases the results also go beyond neuropathy and have been helpful for conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, and MS.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Nathan Irwin. Dr. Irwin is a doctor with Advanced Healthcare and may be reached at 970-673-4295 or by email at Myadvhc@gmail.com

Market Events have created the proverbial "Perfect Storm" for home sellersHere are 2 ways you can take advantage of the current Sellers Market!We are in the beginning stages of the return of the sellers market! A mix of historically low interest rates, and record setting low housing inventory has created the proverbial Perfect Storm for selling houses at top dollar. Home shoppers across the metro area are out with their Realtors feverishly looking for their next or first home. However, buyers are still picky about what they will buy. Here are two proven ways to help you get your home sold for maximum profit.1) Make needed repairs:Buyers are willing to pay a premium for remodeled and updated homes. Houses that have been remodeled are necessary for people that dont have the money, knowledge or time to make repairs. Besides the needs of buyers, banks have tightened their lending criteria and in some cases are requiring that inspection reports be turned over for review. The old AS-IS sale just doesnt work for retail buyers using bank financing. If the report reads like a laundry list of repairs the lender is most likely to require the seller hire a licensed contractor to make repairs before the bank will finance the home. Homeowners must be realistic about the condition of their property and get a professional to remodel or make repairs before putting up a For Sale sign.2) Make your house a model Home:Time must be spent on preparing the home for showings. De-Cluttering is a must. Banish old family photos, collectibles, and papers to public storage. Clean the carpets, and dust the blinds. Organize your office and shelves. Deodorize pet smells and clean their space. Remember, buyers cannot see past all of your stuff. Showcase your homes best features. Consider having your home professionally staged with new furniture so that when a potential buyer arrives at your house they are greeted by a model home.Real estate is hot right now, so if you are facing a situation that is forcing you to sell your home then by all means take advantage of the market. Invest in your property by making repairs. Help the buyer visualize living in your home by cleaning and staging. Take time to do these things, and you will be happy with the results; your home SOLD for a great profit!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Brandis Meeks, Realtor (SRES).Brandis Meeks is Vice President of Colorados Home Buyers and may be reached at 303-835-0545 or by email at bmeeks@gochb.com

Finding the right Assisted Living Facility for your loved one should be your primary goal when considering placement. Some people do better with a large Country Club setting and some do better in a small family like environment. A wonderful example of this concept is Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens in Nokomis Florida.We are a small 10 bed facility this gives us the flexibility to create a custom care plan for each resident, designed just for their specific needs so they will thrive. We work with Wade Botkin, Psychotherapist LMHC Transitional Therapy and James Cosgrove Elder Care Specialists well as our on staff Case Manager to create the perfect plan for each resident.Moving here with us means you will never need to move again! Just moving down the hall when you are ill or in pain is not a very unpleasant experience. It gives you and family piece of mind to know no matter what may arise health wise that you're not going to have to leave your home. In fact Owner Monica Dowan observed we still have many loved ones of former residents stop in for meals they are still part of the Bayshore Community.The staff is what really sets Bayshore apart explains the Administrator. Our community has not had a citation from (AHCA) American Health Care Administration for over 21/2 years which is relatively unheard of in the senior living industry. We encourage all families to go to AHCH.org to view the surveys of any community they are interested in prior to touring it. We have had many residents come to us receiving Tidewell Hospice Care and their quality of life improved so much living here with us that they are taken off hospice care! All Bayshore caregivers are all extremely experienced, have a level 2 FBI background check and there is staff in the building round the clock. Head staff member on duty always carry the key fab alarm system and with a press of the button law enforcement agencies are contacted. We run our staff through both fire and elopement drills monthly to keep this information fresh on everyone's mind. We also house an AED (difibulator) on the premises that all staff members know how to operate. In an emergency, seconds can save lives but by using all the tools available to us we ensure our residents safety.Bayshore partners with the Nokomis Fire Dept. who actually runs drills right in their community great training for first responders, residents and staff. The Fire Station has a two minute response time to Bayshore Gardens.Bayshore Gardens is a place created with the care and dignity of seniors in mind, Monica Dowan (Owner) with the help of Leslie O'Gorman Harcourt Administrator have been able to bring this vision to life.

Many people believe they only need a doctor when they are sick. However, having a primary care physician may be your key to staying healthy.An important responsibility of a primary care physician is providing preventative care. Think of your primary care physician as your wellness coach, who will protect your health through regular checkups, and will make sure you get the screenings you need to identify any concerns as early as possible.There are many reasons you should have a primary care physician. They include:1.Continuity of Care/Holistic Care A primary care physician can treat the whole person, which takes into account your history, family history, and any existing conditions you may have.2.Care Coordinator/Central Point of Contact A primary care physician will insure that your care and health information is coordinated between your other physicians and specialists. This will insure that you are not having any duplication of care, and also communicate important health information to your care team.3.Valuable and trusted resource Whenever you have a health question or concern, your primary care physician should be your first call. He or she may need to refer you to other specialists, or help you find other resources to help with your care, but again, serving as your care coordinator, your primary care physician is the best person to initiate your care.4.Routine screenings Whether it is taking your blood pressure, ordering regular, routine lab tests, or making sure you are getting regular mammograms, colonoscopies, or other important screenings, your primary care physician should be recommending all necessary routine screenings to you. Follow up when your doctor orders tests and screenings. This will enable your primary care physician to catch any serious health issues early, when they are most treatable.5.Keeping you out of the Emergency Room Many people who do not have a primary care physician use the emergency room when they get sick. Your primary care physician can offer options that can help prevent your potentially unnecessary trips to the ER. This may include same-day and walk-in appointments, which may eliminate the need for an unnecessary, and more costly ER visit. While the emergency room cannot replace a good relationship with a primary care physician, when emergency care is needed, your primary care physician will certainly refer you for that higher level of care.Editors Note: Please call 239-348-4221 or visit PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician.

Today more and more seniors are using the NEW reverse mortgage product as a key piece of their retirement planning.The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has implemented several consumer protection pieces in the last two years that have enhanced the NEW reverse mortgage product. These pieces include: consumer counseling from a third-party HUD approved agency; protection for the non-borrowing spouse (when one of the couple is less than 62 years old); and decreasing closing costs.Many in the reverse mortgage industry remember in years past when the average client was a widow about 75 years young. In the last several years the reverse mortgage has become incredibly more popular among the baby boomer generation. Today the average age of the reverse mortgage borrower is getting younger and younger.With the changes over the last couple years, the NEW reverse mortgage is no longer a loan of last resort but a viable tool for retirement planning.This article was submitted by Kent Montavon, Reverse Mortgage Planner, NMLS #390242. Kent works at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, NMLS Entity# 2289. This information does not constitute financial planning advice. Please consult a financial planner regarding your specific situation. One person on deed must be at least 62 years old.

Being in the hospital in an Observation Status comes as a rude awakening to many seniors. Being placed in a room has always meant you were being admitted. Right? Nope, at best that would be a big maybe.In 2013 it was called the two-midnight rule to help clarify defining observation status, but that's changed. An unintended consequence of this rule and to avoid denial of payments by Medicare for hospital admissions challenged by Medicare auditors, hospitals have increased the use of observation visits. The ramification of this change has proven to be costly to many patients who unwittingly thought that they were admitted as inpatients.According to a New York Times article New Medicare Law to Notify Patients of Loophole in Nursing Home Coverage Hospitals have found themselves in a squeeze. They increased their use of observation status in response to scrutiny of their billing practices by Medicare auditors private companies hired by the government to review claims. In many cases, these companies challenged decisions by doctors to admit patients to a hospital, saying the services should have been provided on an outpatient basis. The auditors then tried to recover what they described as improper payments [from the hospitals].Doctors and hospitals said the auditors were like bounty hunters because they could keep a percentage of the funds they recovered. Unfortunately, this shifts the cost to the patient.While observation patients may share in the use of services with admitted patients their status may deny them reimbursement for some of those costs. More importantly, because Medicare requires any patient moving into a skilled nursing facility (SNF) to have been inpatient in an acute care hospital for a minimum of 3 days. Therefore, without the required 3 days as an inpatient, any costs of the skilled care are borne by the patientAs reported by law firm Lamson and Cutner, P.C. in an article titled Hospital Inpatient vs. Outpatient Observation Status Why Its Important A sensible question to ask is: Why are hospitals admitting some patients under observation status rather than as inpatients? The answer may be found at least partly in the financial penalties Medicare imposes on hospitals if more than a certain percentage of patients are readmitted within 30 days. In a 2016 article entitled The Hidden Financial Incentives Behind Your Shorter Hospital Stay, the New York Times stated that Under Medicares Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, hospitals now lose up to 3 percent of their total Medicare payments for high rates of patients readmitted within 30 days of discharge. [There is] evidence that hospitals are gaming the metric. For instance, patients who are placed under observation status are not counted in the readmissions metric even though they may receive the same care as patients formally admitted to the hospital.Likewise, patients treated in the emergency room and not admitted to the hospital do not affect the readmissions metric either.While most Decisions by Medicare can be appealed by patients the observation classification cannot. However, on July 31st, 2017 the U.S. District Court in Connecticut ruled in favor of a class action lawsuit in Alexander v Price. The trial, expected to start in 2018, if successful will allow patients to appeal their hospitalization status dating back to determinations starting on January 1, 2009.In the meantime, patients who are hospitalized for more than 24 hours must be notified in writing within 36 hours of their status as either inpatient or observation. This law became effective in August 2016. Once notified of their status, presumably the patient may ask the physician to change an observation to inpatient.As a footnote, one very interesting study reported by Todays Hospitalist, Study Results Push Back on Readmission Penalties a new analysis of more than 4,450 acute-care facilities, which found that hospitals with the highest hospital-wide readmission rates are more likely to have the lowest mortality rates for patients with three common conditions. The fact that mortality and readmission were, in some instances, inversely related, should raise some eyebrows about how well readmissions function as a quality metric, says Daniel J. Brotman, MD, director of the hospitalist program at Baltimores Johns Hopkins Hospital. As older patients typically have more complex conditions it seems logical that added care from a readmission would permit their doctor to treat further.This article was submitted by Dennis Patouhas, owner Comfort Keepers of Lower Fairfield County, one of the oldest agencies in the area with over16 years of experience helping hundreds of families with elder care for their loved ones. Dennis can be reached at 203.629-5029.

We are thrilled to report that the first round of vaccinations havebeen completed in almost all of our Inspired Living and Superior Residences communities, and the rest of the first clinics are scheduled for completion before the end of this month. As wonderful as that news is, the reality is thatthese months have been difficult. For our residents, not seeing their loved ones inperson has been heartbreaking.So now the question is when can we stop by for a visit?The answer can be complicated. Restrictions vary by state, and senior living communities must err on the side of caution. Outdoor visits with grandparents are the best bet, and those visits can only happen if the community has been free of COVID-19cases for 14 days.Experts say that, once most residents in a senior living community are vaccinated, it is generally safer to loosen some restrictions but masks continue to be mandatory. Also, remember that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines both require two injections - the initial shot and a booster three or four weeks later. The protection these vaccines provide takes time, so visits should be delayed until at least two weeks after the second shot is administered.Ideally, all visitors should receive their vaccinations before they come near their loved ones. Since shots will not be widely available for a few months, it may be best to wait until all who plan to visit have received their vaccinations.As adult children, we need to recognize that our moms and dads have a much higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 notes Courtney Hancock, Corporate Director of Clinical Strategy for Validus Senior Living, adding the vaccine provides protection, but another first line of defense is to keep our guardup. Families should encourage their loved ones to get vaccinated, and everyone should continue to wear masks, wash their hands well and often, and practice social distancing.Remember Florence Nightingale? In the mid-1800s she recognized the importance of handwashingas the best way to prevent the spread of infection and disease. Her simple advice brought a dramatic decline in hospital mortality rates, and today still rings true.At Inspired Living and Superior Residences, we follow CDC guidelines, requiring mask usage, hand hygiene, and social distancing to control the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. In addition, we have instituted additional rigorous disinfecting measures including the use of foggers, UV light sanitization, and telemedicine (when possible), to help us mitigate widespread infection in our communities.Says Courtney Hancock, The key to weathering this pandemic, is to not become complacent. Even though we are all tired and ready to get life back to normal (or our new normal), it is imperative we continue to act as we did in early 2020. Not letting our guard down will be paramount to continued success in battling this invisible enemy.For answers to visitation questions specific to your Inspired Living or Superior Residences community, please contact the community's executive director.Submitted By: Inspired LivingWritten By: Elisa Graber

Otherwise known as a short-term stay. Any provider of IL, AL, ALZ or SNF care can elect to provide fully furnished accommodations to a person for a short period of time. Rates usually quoted on a daily basis and are typically inclusive of all services and amenities.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

According to AARP, people aged 60 and older owe upwards of $290 billion in student loan debt. Thankfully, many federal student loan borrowers have experienced payment reprieves for the past few years due to multiple payment pauses enacted during the pandemic by the CARES Act and other loan relief efforts.These pauses on making payments for federal student loans are ending in August 2023, however. Interest will resume accruing on paused loans effective September 1, 2023, and student loan payments will be due in October 2023. To help borrowers get back on track with their payments, the Department of Education is implementing several programs.Resuming PaymentsOne of the new initiatives is a yearlong return-to-repayment program designed to get borrowers back into active repayment status. Between October 2023 and September 2024, borrowers who miss payments will not be considered delinquent. Their loans will not be reported to credit bureaus as delinquent due to missed payments.In addition, they wont be considered to be in default. Although interest will still accrue, it will not be capitalized. The idea behind this program is to give borrowers time to contact their student loan servicers, explore their options, and hopefully enroll in an affordable repayment option.Fresh Start InitiativeAdditionally, the Department of Education is implementing a Fresh Start initiative. This program provides borrowers who were in default of their student loans before March 2020 with a way to get their loans out of default going forward. It allows them to request that their loans be removed from default and put back into repayment status via a simple request to their loan servicer.This is significantly different from what borrowers previously had to do to get out of default, which often included a trial repayment effort before a loan was taken out of default.The benefits of the Fresh Start program include allowing borrowers to:start paying their loans again regardless of prior missed payments,improve their credit scores,avoid administrative wage garnishment (AWG), andaccess income-driven repayment (IDR) options quickly. (IDR options often result in $0 monthly payments for low-income or fixed-income borrowers.)Avoiding Administrative Wage Garnishment (AWG)The ability to avoid AWG is significant. AWG can affect people at all stages of life, including seniors. AWG allows a federal agency to order a non-federal employer to withhold up to 15 percent of an employees wages to pay a debt owed to the agency, such as defaulted federal student loans. AWG can also mean receiving a lower tax refund or having a portion of ones monthly Social Security benefits withheld.However, if borrowers take advantage of the Fresh Start program prior to August 31, 2024, they can avoid a loan default that leads to AWG.The SAVE PlanIn addition, the Department of Education is implementing a new IDR option in mid-2024 called the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. The SAVE Plan amends and replaces the REPAYE Plan.Typically, the amount a student loan borrower with an IDR plan must pay depends on their income and the size of their family. Effective July 1, 2024, the SAVE Plan will protect more of a borrowers income from monthly payments. Compared with other IDR plans, the SAVE Plan will therefore lead to reduced monthly payments. For details, check out this fact sheet from the Department of Education.Borrowers With Disabilities May More Easily Qualify for a TPD DischargeEffective July 1, borrowers with disabilities will have an easier time qualifying for a total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge. New rules allow the Department of Education to offer TPD discharges (often automatically) to borrowers receiving SSDI or SSI who:have an onset of disability date five or more years ago and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on this disability for at least five years;SSDI or SSI recipients who suffer from a condition on the Social Security Administrations List of Compassionate Allowances;SSA beneficiaries receiving retirement benefits who met the requirements for a disability discharge before they retired;SSDI or SSI recipients receiving these benefits based on disability with a three-year disability review period; orSSDI or SSI recipients receiving these benefits based on disability with a five- to seven-year disability review period.Disabled individuals who do not meet these criteria and wish to apply for a TPD discharge based on a doctors certification may now seek out certification from professionals beyond those holding an M.D. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and osteopathic doctors may now sign the certification verifying a borrowers disability.Borrowers who receive a TPD discharge in this manner will no longer be subject to a three-year income monitoring rule. However, if they apply for new federal loans within three years, they may lose their TPD discharge.Forgiven Student Loan Debt Wont Result in Taxable Income (For Now)At the moment, student loan debt cancellation is not counted as taxable income to borrowers. This protection from additional taxes will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.So, if you are considering applying for a TPD discharge or completing an IDR plan you previously started that would lead to loan forgiveness, now may be the time to act. However, note that this rule only applies to federal tax liability. Borrowers may still have liability under their states income tax rules.Contact Sharek Law Office at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute Call to see how we can assist you.This article is a service of Sharek Law Office, LLC. We dont just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than youve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.

For More Information on the Author Paul Andrews, ERA Advantage Reality, CLICK HERE!In the olden days, when someone wanted a home loan they walked downtown to the neighborhood bank or savings & loan. If the bank had extra funds lying around and considered you a good credit risk, they would lend you the money from their own funds.It doesnt generally work like that anymore. Most of the money for home loans comes from three major institutions:Fannie Mae (FNMA - Federal National Mortgage Association)Freddie Mac (FHLMC - Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation)Ginnie Mae (GNMA - Government National Mortgage Association)This is how it works:You talk to practically any lender and apply for a loan. They do all the processing and verifications and finally, you own the house with a home loan and regular mortgage payments. You might be making payments to the company who originated your loan, or your loan might have been transferred to another institution. The institution where you mail your payments is called the servicer, but most likely they do not own your loan. They are simply servicing your loan for the institution that does own it.What happens behind the scenes is that your loan got packaged into a pool with a lot of other loans and sold off to one of the three institutions listed above. The servicer of your loan gets a monthly fee from the investor for servicing your loan. This fee is usually only 3/8ths of a percent or so, but the amount adds up. There are companies that service over a billion dollars of home loans and it is a tidy income.At the same time, whichever institution packaged your loan into the pool for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae, has received additional funds with which to make more loans to other borrowers. This is the cycle that allows institutions to lend you money.What Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, and Fannie Mae may do after they purchase the pools is break them down into smaller increments of $1,000 or so, called mortgage-backed securities. They sell these mortgage-backed securities to individuals or institutions on Wall Street. If you have a 401K or mutual fund, you may even own some. Perhaps you have heard of Ginnie Mae bonds? Those are securities backed by the mortgages on FHA and VA loans.These bonds are not ownership in your loan specifically, but a piece of ownership in the entire pool of loans, of which your loan is only one among many. By selling the bonds, Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae obtain new funds to buy new pools so lenders can get more money to lend to new borrowers.And that is how the cycle works.So when you make your payment, the servicer gets to keep their tiny part and the majority is passed on to the investor. Then the investor passes on the majority of it to the individual or institutional investor in the mortgage backed securities.From time to time your loan may be transferred from the company where you have been making your payment to another company. They arent selling your loan again, just the right to service your loan.There are exceptions.Loans above $333,700 do not conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, which is why they are called non-conforming loans, or jumbo loans. These loans are packaged into different pools and sold to different investors, not Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Then they are securitized and for the most part, sold as mortgage backed securities as well.This buying and selling of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities is called mortgage banking, and it is the backbone of the mortgage business.

10 Ways Outpatient Therapy can help change your life:Reduce pain- Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques such as joint and soft tissue mobilization or treatments such as taping, electrical stimulation, and dry needling can help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function to reduce pain. Avoid surgery- If therapy helps you eliminate pain or heal from an injury, surgery may not be needed. And even if surgery is required, you may benefit from pre-surgery physical therapy to help you go into surgery stronger and recover faster. Improve mobility- If youre having trouble standing, walking or movingno matter your agephysical therapy can help. Stretching and strengthening exercises help restore your ability to move.Recover from a stroke- Therapy helps strengthen weakened parts of the body and improve walking and balance. Therapists can also improve the ability to be more independent around the home, and reduce their burden of care for toileting, bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living.Improve your balance and prevent falls- Therapy helps you with exercises to improve coordination and to teach balance strategies. Specific maneuvers can be used to quickly restore proper vestibular functioning, and reduce and eliminate symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.Manage diabetes and vascular conditions- As part of an overall diabetes management plan, exercise can help effectively control blood sugar. Manage age-related issues-. Therapists are experts in helping patients recover from joint replacements and manage arthritic or osteoporotic conditions conservatively.Manage heart and lung disease- Individuals who experience a heart attack or undergo a cardiac procedure are recommended to participate in therapy to improve quality of life through strengthening and breathing exercises.Manage Incontinence- Therapists can provide specialized treatment for: Bowel incontinence, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence by strengthening and re-educating the pelvic floor muscles. Improve swallowing and vocal projection- Speech therapists can assist with strategies to decrease risk for aspiration and to provide exercises to improve how loudly you can speak.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Alyssa Alley PT, DPT who is a Physical Therapist with The Health Care Resort and may be reached at 719- 960- 7295 or by email at alalley@thehealthcareresort.com

Senior living care is an expense that most Americans forget to plan for as they move beyond retirement and reach their later years in life. As we age, we may not consider that additional help or aid will be needed with tasks that were once done with ease. However, if the need for help arises, there are options available that will help you maintain your independence while getting the assistance you or your loved one need.Costs for assisted living are often anticipated to be covered by pension or government assistance and those funds have been decreasing in recent years due to federal government re-budgeting and changes.However, assisted living can be paid for without breaking the bank.IS ASSISTED LIVING RIGHT FOR ME?One of the first assessments to be performed when considering assisted living care is inventory or examination into how much care will be required by the health practitioner at your living facility. There are ADLs, or Activities of Daily Living and IADLs, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. These terms come into play when determining an individuals level of independence or need for assistance.Activities of daily living, or ADL, is defined by the five basic personal care tasks we perform on a daily basis such as, bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing, and transferring (getting out of bed/into bed, moving from a sitting to standing position, etc.). Those tasks that are a bit more complex and not necessarily performed daily include, laundry, shopping, housekeeping, managing finances, food preparation, transportation, self-administering medication, and using the phone and are held as IADLs, or instrumental activities of daily living.Completion of these tasks demonstrates which level of care is best for your family. If you or your loved one can complete all ADLs or IADLs with minimal assistance, assisted living may be the best option.CAN I AFFORD CARE?Costs for assisted living vary from state-to-state. Take time to research the general costs for care in your state before committing to care that may be too expensive for long-term aid. For example, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the price varies greatly between Georgia and Michigan for 3 years of assisted living in a private room:Georgia:2014 cost: $ 32,4002016 cost (estimated): $ 35,044Total cost for all 3 years: $ 101,140Michigan:2014 cost: $ 39,6002016 cost (estimated): $ 40,396Total cost for all 3 years: $ 119,992Denver: The Assisted Living Facility median annual cost for 2015 was $45,000, with a .78% increase in costs for 2016, according to Gencare Cost of Care Survey.Below are common options many Americans use to pay for assisted living:Housing and Veteran SubsidiesThe US Department of Housing and Urban Development 202 and Section 8 senior housing is available for seniors with annual incomes under $12,000. These options provide rent subsidies that can help balance the room and board portion required of assisted living environments. The Department of Veteran Affairs also offers care options for veterans in their own residences based upon availability.Other options for payment:MedicareMedicatePrivate LoanReverse MortgageWhen its time to start finding help, there are various options to consider when considering assisted living in Denver. Having a clear understanding of how much assistance and care will be needed will help the decision making process easier, and hassle-free.

Caring for those with various dementia'sand Alzheimer's disease. Providing support with various stages of the diseases as well as assistance in providing appropriate healthcare support and therapies for those with these diseases. Caregiver support is also provided in the form of respite time and caregiver education.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

The latest findings on the connection between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Function! Does your loved one constantly forget items that you know you've discussed with them, or is it possible that they didn't actually hear the message correctly? This question has been a concern for many families who suspect that a family member is showing signs of cognitive decline. Now, new research shows that hearing loss may not only be mistaken for signs of Alzheimer's disease or Dementia but that hearing loss may actually contribute to cognitive problems!Research now shows that untreated hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia! CNN reports that The risk of Dementia raised as hearing ability declines! AARP quotes a study from Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging that finds that Men and Women with Hearing Loss are much more likely to develop Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease! They further state that Even mild Hearing Loss doubled the Dementia risk and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine links even early stage Hearing Loss to accelerated brain atrophy!The findings suggest that poor hearing is a "harbinger of impending dementia," says George Gates, M.D whose own research has demonstrated a link between the two conditions. We listen with our ears but hear with our brains," Gates says. " People with moderate hearing loss generally struggle to communicate even in quiet settings. People with severe hearing loss, the study reports, were five times more likely to develop dementia than those with normal hearing.Frank R. Lin, M.D., an ear surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, says that hearing loss is such a slow and insidious process, it is often left ignored and untreated." Regularly scheduled Hearing Tests should be a part of Seniors routine medical testing, and hearing loss should be addressed as early as possible before these negative consequences begin to develop. If you are over the age of fifty and have not had a Baseline Hearing Test, I would encourage you to begin monitoring your hearing acuity the way you monitor other aspects of your health, states John Hoglund of Hoglund Family Hearing And Audiology. These tests are provided as a Free public service by our Practice, at our Bonita Springs and Estero Clinics, and you will also receive a copy of six different reports about the research mentioned in this article.Please contact John and Patricia Hoglund at (239) 498-7142 to schedule an appointment.

A main concern for most people faced with terminal illness is whether theyll be able to die wherever they call home.Hospice care helps eliminate that worry, making it possible for people to spend their final moments of life in their preferred surroundings. By definition, hospice is intended to help terminally ill people remain comfortable during the last six months of their lives. The care can be administered at the patients home, hospice inpatient units as well as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities or residential care facilities. When a loved one is receiving hospice care at home, these are the questions hospice providers are often asked:How will pain be managed?Hospice is an end-of-life care option tailored to the needs of each patient and family. It includes expert pain management, but also goes beyond medical care, by providing emotional and spiritual support. The care is provided by interdisciplinary teams of palliative care experts, including physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement specialists and volunteers.If the patient prefers to remain at home, what kind of assistance and in-home care will be available?Routine home care is available in accordance to the patients individualized plan of care. Continuous care, during a brief period of crisis, can be available for up to 24 hours a day. When patients or family members have questions or concerns after business hours, they can often get immediate answers and help by calling an after-hours service.What is the role of family members when their loved one is on hospice care? Family members play an important role by providing personal care to their loved one when hospice teams are not present. The hospice team does not take over, rather they teach and support families so they can provide the best in-home care possible. Hospice teams realize that no one knows the patient better than their family.What does hospice care cost? Does insurance cover it? Medicare pays for hospice services. Many states have established Medicaid coverage for hospice, and almost all private insurers and managed care plans provide coverage for hospice care as well.Editors Note: Article submitted by Cathy Carlson, VITAS Healthcare General Manager. For more information about hospice care or your end-of-life care options, call VITAS Healthcare at 866-759-6695 or visit www.VITAS.com

To learn more about AccentCare Hospice,CLICK HEREMany older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV.Having a drink now and then is fine. But dont overdo it. As an older adult, alcohol may affect you differently than it does younger adults.Alcohol and agingAs you age, you become more sensitive to alcohols effects. After age 65, your lean body mass and water content drop. Plus, your metabolism slows down. Alcohol stays in your system longer. As a result,the amount of alcohol in your blood is higher than it would have been when you were younger.Older adults also are more likely to have hearing and eyesight problems. They have slower reaction times, too. This puts them at higher risk for falls, broken bones, and car crashes tied to drinking.Some health problemsin people older than age 65, and the medicines used to treat them,can worsen with alcohol's effects. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and ulcers.Heavy alcohol use can also lead to other health problems, such as cancer and liver disease.It's also linked to depression and suicide.Medicine interactionsMedicines taken by older adults are more likely to have serious interactionswith alcohol and other medicines. These include many prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and herbal products. Medicines and alcohol can interact even if theyre not taken at the same time. That's because the medicine may still be in your blood when you have a drink.Whats a safe amount?The National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism advises that people older thanage 65 who are healthy and who do not take any medicineshave no more than 7 drinks a week. And no more than 1 to 2 drinks on any 1 day. One drink equals:12 ounces of beer, ale, or wine cooler8 ounces of malt liquor5 ounces of wineOr 1.5 ounces of distilled liquorHow to cut downIf you want to limit your drinking or yourhealthcare providersuggests it, try these steps:1. Write down your reasons for cutting back. These might include wanting to improve your health or to sleep better. Other reasons may be to improve relationships and to stay independent.2. Track your drinking habits for at least 1 week. Write down when and how much you drink every day.3. Set a drinking goal. You may decide to cut down to 1 drink a day. Or not to drink at all. Write your goal on a piece of paper and put it where you will see it every day.

So what is this new twist all about?Starting January 2010, a change in the law makes it easier to save on Medicare Drug Plan Costs. More Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and resources.Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited income and resources are eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs---monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription drug co-payments---related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.To qualify for Extra Help:You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.Your resources must be limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together.Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. Wedo not count your house and car as resources; andYour annual income must be limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21,855 for a married couple living together.Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse:Support other family members who live with you;Have earnings from work; orLive in Alaska or Hawaii.Beginning January 1, 2010 when determining your eligibility for Extra Help:We will no longer count as a resource any life insurance policy: andWe will no longer count as income the help you receive regularly from someone else to pay your household expensesfood, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, and property taxes.What Else Do I Need to Know?If you already receive Extra Help, you will not need to reapply in 2010. Social Security will check to see if you are entitled to any additional Extra Help because we no longer count your life insurance or help with household expenses.Beginning January 1, 2010, when you file your application for Extra Help, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programsstate programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. Social Security will send information to your state unless you tell us not to on the Extra Help application. Your state will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program.These Medicare Savings Programs help people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare expenses. The Medicare Savings Programs help pay for your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also may pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and Part B deductibles and co-payments.How Do I Apply for Extra Help?Its easy to apply for Extra Help. You can apply at our website athttps://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html. You can also apply by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office.How long has been since youve done The Twist or seen Chubby Checker? When you visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov, you can watch his twist video and hear him explain how the new twist in the law works.This article was submitted by Rose Fortune, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Colorado Springs, CO

Lets say you experience a fall at home, resulting in a broken hip. You promptly have surgery, then spend the next few weeks at a short-term rehab facility, where you rest, heal and work to regain your physical functionality. What comes next? Should you return home immediately and resume your pre-surgery routine?Many seniors feel anxious about returning home immediately after rehab. They crave the independence and routine of their home life, but theyre worried about their health and safety. In rehab, they had the security of knowing that help was always available with a push of the buttonif something happened, they werent alone. Respite care can be an excellent solution for discharged rehab patients who feel they need a bit more support before heading home.Respite care is a service offered by many assisted living and senior healthcare communities. Think of a respite stay as a link between rehabilitation and your everyday life at home. In a respite stay, a certain level of independence is combined with readily available care and assistance from trained professionals, allowing you to ease back into your everyday life.In many respite care settings, youll have the privacy of your own apartment or room. You can socialize with other seniors in a pleasant, relaxed setting that will enable you to focus on healing. Its a less clinical experience than short-term rehab, but it provides you with the peace of mind that comes with round-the-clock care, making it a great transitional tool.Respite care serves a couple purposes. First, even after rehab you might not really feel like yourself, physically-speaking. You might have some lingering soreness or discomfort, or you might just have to get used to certain actions again, such as climbing the stairs or dressing yourself. Respite care gives you that opportunity.Second, even if youre 100 percent recovered physically, theres still the mental side of the equation. You need to gain back the confidence thats necessary to live independently. You need to get to a place where youre comfortable with your body and understand your limitations.A respite stay is relatively short term, usually no more than a month. And if you or someone you know is hesitant to return home immediately after a short-term rehab stay, its certainly an option worth considering.This article was submitted by Rodney Gonsalves, Regional Vice President of Operations at Wingate Healthcare.

Im sure that youre asking how can any ONE thing help everyone? In this age where there are a multitude of different solutions for everyone, its hard to think that everyone taking the same action would be good. Well, lets suppose that you were so hurt or ill that you couldnt speak. What would your loved ones do? How would they know what treatment options and medical decisions to make for you? For that matter of fact, who would you want making those decisions? What personal values or beliefs do you have that you would want considered when making these types of decisions? Wouldnt you need them to know what you would want? Of course, you would!This process that Ive begun to outline is called Advanced Care Planning or ACP for short. ACP involves several issues and is for all adults over the age of 18. It means that you think about and plan for future healthcare decisions if you had sudden health event, such as above. While everyone should document their healthcare decisions, the decisions that each of us would make will be different! There are many distinct types of individuals that help you to identify and document your decisions such as Social Workers, Care Managers and Advanced Care Planning Facilitators.Why should you plan for yourself and your family members? If your loved one was hurt or ill, wouldnt you want to know what their wishes are? For you, if you care about the burden your family and/or loved ones would be under or if you care about your wishes being heard, then please look at the Advanced Care Planning process. Both Chris and I at Seniors Blue Book are Advanced Care Planning Facilitators thanks to the partnership between Lancaster General Health and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation so you can ask us to help! Alternatively ask a Social Worker or Care Manager at any hospital that is close to you. If youd rather, you can go to www.yourlifeyourwishes.com or www.lghealth.org/advancecareplanning/ to learn more.Contact Chris or Cynthia for help with Advance Care Planning at pa-info@seniorsbluebook.com.Cynthia Gartman, PublisherFirst Steps ACP Certified FacilitatorCertified Senior Advisor (CSA)

It takes time to deliver to patients all that the Medicare Hospice Benefit offers.Americas hospice programs are being rushed. Short-stay patients, those referred for hospice care mere days before death, typically are in a state of acute medical, emotional and family trauma. Hospices only have time for emergency medical response, family crisis intervention and hurried attempts to maximize quality of life in the few precious days before the patient dies.Although the Medicare Hospice Benefit is intended to provide comprehensive, quality care to those who are expected to live six months or less, half of all hospice patients nationwide receive only three weeks of care before they die. A third of hospice patients receive care for less than one week, according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.That crisis-management approach is in sharp contrast to the hospice ideal: building trusting relationships; controlling distressing symptoms such as pain; encouraging meaningful emotional closure for loved ones; and facilitating a peaceful dying experience for the patient and grief support for loved ones.As important as crisis support is, hospice is about living. While hospice can work miracles when someone is referred in crisis, we can do so much more for patients and families if we're given three weeksor better yet, three monthsinstead of three days to provide care. The more time the hospice team has to support the patient and family, the better the quality of life for the patient and the better the memories for loved ones following the death.Customizing care to meet end-of-life needsHospice interdisciplinary team members care for each patient as an individual; his or her needs always come first. That kind of service reduces family calls to their physicians office and prevents unnecessary trips to the emergency department. And hospice provides timely communications to patients physicians, adds Joel Policzer, MD, VITAS senior vice president and national medical director, so they are never out of touch.VITAS Telecare support ensures that the patient and family have 24-hour direct access to experienced hospice staff, adds Policzer. Just a phone call away, these professionals can be a reassuring voice at 3 a.m., and they also can assess, advise and dispatch clinicians in moments.When there is a crisis or a spike in symptoms VITAS Intensive Comfort Care staff offer up to 24 hours per day of medical management in the patients home, where most people hope to remain at the end of life.Caring for body, mind & soulWith time to get physical pain under control, there also is time to evaluate psychosocial pain. Patients often learn to embrace this important stage of life, making connections, repairing relationships, rediscovering simple pleasures and making their peace with death, says VITAS Social Worker Lori Reardon, MSW. Hospice helps patients live each day.When the end comes, VITAS goal is not to let any patient face death alone, Reardon adds. Members of the team gather to be with their patient and to support loved ones at the final moments, and for a year or more after-ward. We help families to grieve, to live and to remember.Author: Pippa Steinhart, RN, General Manager, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Collier County. VITAS works with healthcare professionals in Collier County to bring quality of life to patients at the end of life. For more information, contact VITAS at 866.928.4827

To learn more aboutGentle Shepherd Home Care,CLICK HERE.The internet has its benefits to help keep people connected, but there are also many negative effects of technology. Sadly, seniors often reap those negative effects due to isolation, a willingness to trust, and the seniors vulnerability. To combat these statistics and to protect our loved ones in senior care, we may need to help seniors set healthy boundaries with their devices.Educate Your Seniors About TechnologyTechnology has been part of our lives for many years, but there are still people who dont understand how it can affect them. To convince seniors to use technology wisely, they must understand how too much technology can negatively affect them.TheVision Councilreports 60% of adults suffer from digital eye strain, causing discomfort, headaches and blurred vision.TheNational Sleep Foundationcorrelates heavy cell phone use and sleep disorders.Social media overuse has been linked to depression and suicidal ideation.Excessive use of digital devices can impact physical health through inactivity.Technology does have some good benefits when used wisely. The trick, at any age, is to find the balance between using technology and having time away from the devices. Seniors may need help finding that balance, even though they are adults.Tips For Setting Tech BoundariesTheres no reason to completely disconnect from technology. Talking about technology use with your parent can help you introduce best practices:Limiting time on digital devices.Dont check notifications immediately on waking up.Block accounts that make you feel negative.Decrease notifications to keep productivity high and to lessen distractions.Turn off devices at night to respect sleep patterns.Find time to interact with real people each day while putting your device down.Seniors may need to find ways to keep themselves busy to replace screen time. Virtual connections arent the same as interacting in person. It may take a planned strategy to adjust a relationship with technology by making sure that your senior has people to connect with to prevent overuse of technology.Seniors and technology can be a good mix, but technology needs to be used mindfully. If you need assistance helping seniors set healthy boundaries with their devices,contactour home care providers at Gentle Shepherd Home Care. We can provide education, care, and assistance to help you take care of your seniors.

Great news! Seniors who volunteer in their communities are healthier, happier, and feel more involved.A recent independent study from the Corporation for National and Community Servicefound that among seniors who serve their communities:84 percent feel their health is stable or improving78 percent experience fewer symptoms of depression88 percent feel less isolatedEven better news is that there is a program right here in Naples that is focused on helping local seniors find volunteer opportunities that are a perfect fit for their interests, talents, and expertise and provide the social engagementseniors need to thrive.The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Collier Countyis part of a national program that provides volunteer opportunities for people ages 55 and older who want to remain actively involved in supporting and improving their communities.In and around Naples, RSVP members apply their knowledge and life experience to helping in the areas of disaster response and recovery, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, education, healthcare, and support of veteransand military families.How to Find the Volunteer Opportunity That Is Right for YouWe all enter our retirement years with decades of experience under our belts. With more free time on our hands, its important to find ways to apply that experience to help others. RSVP of Collier County offers many volunteer opportunities that will put your skills to good use. The list of organizationsthat RSVP volunteers work with includes:American Cancer SocietyHelp fight back, get involved and make a difference in the fight against cancer. Volunteers help with events including the Relay for Life and annual galas. Additionally, volunteers support mailings and assemble survivor and team captain bags and sponsorship packets.Boys & Girls Club of Collier CountyPromoting the educational, vocational, and health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe environment. RSVP volunteers serve as mentors and tutors, imparting knowledge and skills that will enable the children they serve to succeed in life.Collier County Veteran ServicesProviding veterans and their dependents with support and access to a wide variety of Veterans Affairs (VA) services. RSVP volunteers serve as drivers, transporting veterans to and from nearby VA hospitals and clinics.Family Literacy Academy of ImmokaleeProviding farmworker families with equal access to education, resources, and opportunities. RSVP volunteers serve as instructors for preschool children, provide English and basic literacy instruction for parents, provide parent and child together (PACT) time, and provide parenting and health and wellness instruction.Habitat for HumanityEliminating substandard housing by constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. Volunteers can enjoy the hands-on experience of the actual building effort, or they can donate their time to Habitats well-known thrift store.Naples Historical SocietyPreserving the history of Naples through tours and preservation initiatives. RSVP volunteers guide tours, teach classes, and provide administrative support to the organization.North Collier Fire & RescueProtecting life and property from fire and other emergencies through incident response and public education. RSVP volunteers become part of a community emergency response team (CERT), organizing rescue and relief efforts during times of trouble, or simply serving local homebound seniors by providing regular grocery delivery services.Rookery BayProviding a basis for informed stewardship of estuaries in Southwest Florida through research and education. RSVP volunteers serve in the visitor center greeting and assisting guests, work on one of many restoration projects, or serve as tour guides.STARability FoundationEnhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. RSVP volunteers work one on one with individuals during a six-week- long life skills class, and assist with monthly events.The Benefits of Volunteering with RSVP in Collier CountyThe RSVP coordinators in Collier County offer a great deal of support to local volunteers, including:Help setting up a personal interview with the volunteer station of your choiceOngoing follow-up and support by your coordinatorAn opportunity to learn new skillsReferral informationFlexibility to change your volunteer assignment whenever you wantFree supplemental insurance while you volunteer, including personal injury, personal liability, and excess automobile liabilityInvitations to special volunteer recognition eventsSubmitted and Written By: Barrington Terrace - click here for more information

To learn more aboutPioneer Valley Lodge,CLICK HERE.Time and again, research shows that seniors who have a close group of friends tend to live longer than people who dont. Creating, nurturing, and maintaining friendships is hard in adulthood but the health benefits outweigh the potential stress that comes with fostering new relationships. Here are four health benefits of friendship for older adults:No More LonelinessLoneliness is a common feeling among seniors, even those in senior living facilities. Studies have revealed that 17% of seniors are in contact with friends, relatives, or neighbors once a week, with 11% in contact just once a month. In fact,millions of older adultssay their television is their main form of company. And loneliness can have a big impact on a persons mental health and awareness.Cognitive AbilityOne of the most important benefits of friendship in older adults is it can boost your cognitive ability. Social interactions with other people stimulate the brain in an array of cognitive functions. Communication skills, for instance, are an integral part of successful relationships and you will keep your communication skills sharp by talking to your friends.Navigate TraumaEveryone experiences trauma, big or small, so its important to find healthy ways to navigate events such as illness, loss, grief, or divorce. Having a friend or two can help older adults cope with trauma, connect on similar issues, and heal.Be More ActiveFriends can also encourage each other to be more active! While you might not be inclined to take a daily walk normally, with the company of a friend, you might both start walking every day. It stops feeling like exercise and starts feeling like time to catch up with your friend. Friendships also increase a persons sense of belonging and purpose, an element thats extremely important for your mental health. The value friends bring to seniors is priceless, so next time you second-guess starting up a new relationship, think about all the benefits you will see from it!

Person Direct Care meets the unique needs of individuals confronting Alzheimers/Dementia, as well as those of their loved ones. Person Direct Care practicing the Eden Alternative Philosophy is the method which develops strong, open, and transparent relationships for all concerned and provides individualized care. Standard institutional care approaches its delivery of care by strict adherence to processes, schedules, staff needs and relentless organizational rules and red tape.Many institutions are a form of what has been termed in the industry as warehousing. Institutions have a difficult time maintaining control of their patients care. This lack of individualized attention can cause their patients to experience: Premature Loss of Mental Capacity Physical Degradation Malnutrition: Poorly Prepared Meals Dehydration: Lack of Attention Over Sedation "Lock and Key" Syndrome Extreme Boredom Abuse: Staff-to-Resident/ Resident-to-Resident Neglect from constant changes in Management and Staff Lack of Long-term, LovingRelationships. Possible Outcome: Loss of self and the potential of early passing. In contrast to institutional care, Person Direct Care: Aims to see the person with dementia as an individual, rather than focusing on their illness or on abilities they may have lost Treats the whole person instead of a collection of symptoms and behaviors Takes into account residents unique qualities, abilities, interests, preferences and needs Is focused on treating residents with dignity and respect Outcome: Dignified Quality End of Life By employing a highly trained and monitored staff coupled with a high staff to resident ratio, our primary focus is to uphold the dignity and respect of our residents NOT patients. We find that the combined efforts between residents, family members and caregiving staff are essential to our residents' and their loved ones autonomy and life quality. What type of care suits your loved one best?Editors Note: This article was submitted by Becky Grindle, Owner/President of Aging Alternatives 

A desire to help your loved one living with Alzheimers disease or other dementia enjoy life to the fullest often means providing at-home care for as long as possible. This progressive disease, however, can become increasingly difficult for family caregivers to manage. At some point, the need for assisted living in a memory care setting is likely to arise. Here are a few things to look for to help you determine when that time has come.Wandering behaviors As dementia progresses, your loved one may begin to develop wandering symptoms, also known as elopement. This increases concerns about safety as your loved one can wander away alone, putting themselves at risk for falls, injury, accident or safety and weather-related concerns.Increased aggression Aggression levels can rise as Alzheimers disease and other dementiaprogress. Incidents of aggression can put loved ones and other family members at risk.Increased care needs When your loved one can no longer perform basic tasks of daily living, such as bathing, toileting and feeding themselves, they can require more care than one person can physically manage. Safety As behaviors change or worsen, it may no longer be safe for your loved one to live at home due to household hazards. Kitchen appliances, cleansers, electrical equipment and other household items can pose a threat when not handled appropriately by your loved one.Choosing to place your loved one in memory care is a personal and individual decision. Talking to your physician can provide some valuable information on what changes to expect in your loved ones condition and care plan. Hiring professional caregivers from a reputable company can assist you in immediate care needs while you determine the best next step. There are communities dedicated to care for those with Alzheimers disease and other memory disorders. They provide a home-like environment tailored to meet individual needs based on physical, mental and emotional needs. There are different pricing structures available, but some communities offer all-inclusive pricing with no level of care charges and all care and services are included. 'Editors Note: This article was submitted by The Cottages at Chapel Creek. The Cottages has been operating in Texas since 1997 and is family owned and operated by The Cottages Senior living. They may be reached at 972464-2757.