Alabama - Gulf Coast

Crowne Health Care Announces Acquisition of Skilled Nursing Facility Former Oakwood location will be first for company in Baldwin CountyBay Minette, Ala. (Sept. 30, 2022) Crowne Health Care, an Alabama-based skilled nursing and assisted living company, has acquired Oakwood North Baldwins Center for Living. The 75-bed location, which opened in 1991, officially became a part of Crowne Health Care on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. We are excited to start this new chapter with Crowne, said Keith Baggett, facility administrator, who was employed by Crowne Health Care prior to his tenure with Oakwood. Aside from a simple name change and some signage updates at the facility, Baggett expects the transition to be a smooth one for both residents and about 108 staff members. I honestly expect very few hiccups, Baggett said. I think this will be an absolutely seamless process. The North Baldwin location will be Crowne Health Cares 18th skilled nursing facility in the state. The company also owns and manages five assisted living facilities and one independent living facility across Alabama. The facility will continue to provide its residents with the same level of high-quality care and services as it has done for more than 30 years. Our residents love it here because we provide a homey environment for them where they can prosper, said Cheri Powell, director of nursing, who also previously worked for Crowne Health Care. Powell knows Crowne will provide her staff with the support needed to continue to serve the medical, social and any other needs of residents. Our residents are the most important part of the work we do here everything we do, from physical, occupational, and speech therapy to dementia care, is done with their wellbeing at the forefront, Powell said.About Crowne Health CareCrowne Health Care is a family-owned, statewide network of 18 skilled nursing facilities, five assisted living facilities and one independent living facility, each with highly trained staff offering quality care. Deeply connected to the Alabama communities we serve, Crowne Health Care works to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual and personal needs of residents in a caring, compassionate environment where families come first. Crowne Health Care has served its residents for 35+ years. For more information, visit https://crownehealthcare.com.

Safe Weight Loss Strategies for Older AdultsMaintaining a healthy weight is an important goal at any age. However, as we age, it can get trickier and more challenging to drop any excess weight we may be carrying. Especially those pesky holiday pounds. When it comes to losing weight, weight loss strategies for older adults should prioritize safety and long-term health rather than quick fixes.Although they are becoming increasingly popular, weight loss drugs arent always the most effective or safest method for weight loss. The same goes for the trendy fad diets you read about online. When it comes to losing weight, you need to look at it as a marathon, not a sprint.Adopting sustainable lifestyle changes is crucial for shedding excess pounds while safeguarding against potential health risks. Whether youre looking to slim down or just maintain a healthy weight, here are some healthy and safe weight loss strategies for older adults that will help you along your journey to Better HealthPlace Focus on Balanced NutritionA well-balanced diet is the foundation for healthy weight loss. Focus on nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive salt intake is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Set a goal to eat a piece of fruit or a vegetable at every meal and for every snack. Incorporate avocados into your diet to increase your healthy fats. Instead of white pasta or rice, swap it out for brown or whole wheat. Making little adjustments to your diet can produce big rewards for weight loss.Practice Portion ControlControlling portion sizes is vital for managing caloric intake. Losing weight is all about burning more calories than you eat or drink. And if you focus on consuming fewer calories through portion control, that will make it easier to do so. Older adults may find it helpful to use smaller plates, which can create the illusion of a fuller plate and contribute to reduced portion sizes. Additionally, paying attention to hunger and fullness cues can prevent overeating. Youve heard the saying, Eating with your eyes. Well, you want to do the exact opposite and eat with your stomach. Dont rely on visual cues like a clean plate to stop eating. Listen to your stomach and stop when you feel full.Drink Up to Stay HydratedDrinking an adequate amount of water is crucial for overall health and can support weight loss. Sometimes, the body can confuse thirst with hunger, leading to unnecessary calorie consumption. Drinking water before meals can also contribute to a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Make it a goal to increase your water intake throughout the day. If you get bored with water, try swapping still water for sparkling. If you still crave something different, drink liquids that have some sort of nutritional value, such as broth and 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. You can also hydrate through your food. Oranges and cucumbers are great foods that offer a hydration boost. Participate In Regular ExerciseEngaging in regular physical activity is essential for weight loss and maintaining muscle mass. Again you want to burn more calories than you consume. Older adults should incorporate a mix of aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises into their routine. Its advisable to start slowly and gradually increase intensity, focusing on activities that are enjoyable and sustainable. Make realistic and attainable goals. Instead of saying youre going to work out every single day, set a goal to walk for 15 minutes three days a week. Then, gradually work up to every single day. Get Adequate SleepAdequate sleep is a crucial yet often underestimated factor in successful weight loss. Research consistently shows that insufficient sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, affecting key regulators of hunger and satiety. Furthermore, inadequate sleep can impair glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, promoting the storage of excess calories as fat. Prioritize quality sleep by aiming for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. Monitor Your Progress GraduallyWeight loss strategies require monitoring your progress. However, rather than focusing solely on the scale, you should monitor progress through various measures, including changes in energy levels, improved mobility, and better overall well-being. Celebrating small victories can help maintain motivation and reinforce positive lifestyle changes. Again, losing and maintaining a healthy weight is a marathon. Consult with a Healthcare ProfessionalReady to take charge of your health and achieve your weight loss goals? Look no further! Contact a VIPcare primary care provider today at 251-257-2886 and embark on a personalized journey towards a healthier, happier you. With our expert guidance and support, together, we can make your wellness aspirations a reality. Don't wait any longeryour best self awaits!   

Who is Eligible for Home Health Care Under Medicare?Medicare is a federal health insurance program that serves as a vital support system for people aged 65 and older.  Patients may be eligible for Medicare earlier if they have certain disabilities, End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS.  Among Medicares unique benefits is home health care, which provides skilled nursing, therapies and other care services to those with specific health needs.Basic Eligibility for Medicare Home Health Care BenefitsTo be eligible for Medicare home health care benefits, the patient must meet several key criteria to help determine if the patients condition and home environment warrant home health care benefits.Patients may be eligible for home health if they meet the following criteria:Being HomeboundA patient is homebound if they are unable to leave their home or must go through considerable effort when doing so, or that leaving home is not recommended because of their medical condition. Homebound status is determined by the patients primary care physician based on physical limitations, such as disabilities, surgery recovery, severe illness or cognitive impairment.Demonstrating a Medical NeedIn addition to being homebound, the patient must require intermittent skilled nursing care or skilled therapy services.Physician Approval/Face-to-Face EncounterThe patients physician must authorize home health care services and review the patients care plan regularly.The patient must have the required face-to-face encounter with their physician within the timeframes required by Medicare. The encounter must also be related to the primary reason you need home health care.Choosing Medicare-Certified Home Health AgencyThe agency providing care must be certified by Medicare. Common Conditions Among Patients Requiring Home Health CareHome health care services cater to a wide range of conditions commonly experienced by patients aged 65 and above. These conditions often require comprehensive care by an interdisciplinary team.A few of the conditions commonly found among patients of home health care include: Congestive heart failure, hypertension and other heart conditions Diabetes and accompanying issues Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung conditions Stroke Cancer Recovery from total knee or hip or other orthopedic procedures Wounds related to pressure injuries or other conditions Chronic kidney disease Dementia, Alzheimers Disease or Parkinsons Disease A home health care plan tailored to a patient's needs can effectively address these conditions, providing the necessary support to promote well-being, independence and quality of life for patients while helping to avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.Circumstances That May Lead to Discharge from Home Health CareSeveral circumstances may negate a patients basic eligibility and lead to the termination of home health care. These factors include: No longer homebound: The patients condition improves to a point where they are no longer considered homebound by their primary care physician. No longer requires skilled care: The patient no longer requires skilled nursing care or therapy services initially determined to be necessary. Patient reaches established goals: The patient achieves the health goals established at the beginning of the care plan. Patient desire to discharge home health care services: The patient expresses the desire to discharge from home health. Types of Care Covered Under Medicare Home Health CareMedicare home health care provides a wide range of skilled nursing, therapy and support services to address the medical and therapeutic needs of eligible patients depending on their needs.Skilled nursing care includes: Observation assessment: Nurses conduct a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment to determine if the patient can receive care safely from home. During observation and assessment, the skilled nurse evaluates changes in the patients condition and updates the patients physician to facilitate treatment plan changes. This includes monitoring the effectiveness of medications. Hands-on care: Nurses provide care that requires medical expertise and training, such as wound care, catheter care, tube feeds, ostomy care, injection administration and other specialized treatments. Teaching and training: Empowerment guides patients and their caregivers in managing their own health. Medication administration: Nurses administer prescribed medications (injections and infusions), excluding oral medication, which is not covered as a skilled service. Psychiatric nursing: Some home health agencies like Amedisys, in some markets, offer trained psychiatric nurses for mental health treatments. Therapy services include: Physical therapy helps patients manage pain and regain strength and mobility. Speech therapy assists with speech and language disorders. Occupational therapy aids patients in regaining or enhancing daily living skills (bathing, grooming, dressing and other self-care activities). Additional dependent services are available once the patient has a qualifying need for skilled nursing or skilled therapy services, including: Home health aides: Aide services assist the patient with hands-on personal care. Medical social work services: Social workers help resolve social or emotional problems that impact the patients recovery or treatment plan. Services Not Included in Medicare Home Health CareIts important to be aware of services not included in Medicares home health care benefit. Although some of these may be necessary for your needs, you dont want to be in a situation in which you expect to have certain services covered but end up with a significant medical bill. Uncovered services include: 24-hour care: Home health care is intermittent. Continuous, round-the-clock care is not provided. Oral drug administration: Oral administration of medication is not covered.  Homemaker services: This includes any non-medical assistance, such as housekeeping tasks and shopping assistance. Supplemental Services Outside of the Medicare Home Health Care BenefitAlthough Medicare covers core home health care services, certain services not covered by Medicare might be essential to a patients well-being. These home and community-based services may vary according to the patients location and program requirements. Patient eligibility is determined through a patient assessment with approval from a patient's primary care physician or social worker. Services like these include:  Meals on Wheels Homemaker services Housekeeping Shopping assistance These non-medical services are generally funded through out-of-pocket payments or community resource programs. Patients eligible for Medicaid or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits may receive additional support. To find out more, contact your insurance plan or a home health care agency that connects patients with these external resources. Costs for Medicare Home Health CareUnderstanding associated costs is crucial for patients and their families when deciding to elect Medicare home health services. Its always important to fully understand the cost of benefits from your agency of choice, but the following key points are a great place to start:No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Medically Necessary ServicesFor eligible patients, Medicare covers the costs of all home health care services deemed necessary by the physician, ensuring that these patients do not have to pay out of pocket.Transparency in Medicare CoverageThe home health care agency is responsible for informing the patient of all costs associated with Medicare coverage. This level of transparency allows patients to plan and manage their healthcare expenses.Partial Responsibility for Medical EquipmentWhen a patient requires Medicare-covered medical equipment, Medicare may be responsible for covering 20 percent of the cost. Work with medical equipment provider to receive an estimate to help anticipate and manage out-of-pocket expenses.Next Steps for Home Health CareIf you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a severe or chronic illness, open communication and timely action can significantly impact the quality of care and support. Take these recommended next steps if you think home health care is the right choice:1. Facilitate open communication.If possible, encourage your loved one to communicate their wishes and desires with you and other family members and caregivers. Ensure everyone involved is aware of your or your loved ones preferences and goals for care.2. Contact an agency for connections to resources.A reputable agency can facilitate access to necessary resources. In addition to offering access to essential services, the right agency can provide comprehensive support for a seamless care experience.3. Consider agencies with a full continuum of care.A full continuum of care provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services that address an individuals care needs across different stages of illness or recovery.Choose an agency that offers a full continuum of care so you or your loved one can smoothly transition from one program to another, if necessary. This approach ensures they receive consistent, uninterrupted care tailored to their care needs.Severe or chronic illnesses create many challenges, but navigating Medicare home health care benefits shouldn't be one of them.Contact Amedisys Home Health Care in the South Alabama Area with locations in Bay Minette: 251-580-8236, Brewton: 251-809-1717, Citronelle: 251-866-3261, Foley: 800-763-6382, Mobile: 251-380-0492 and Monroeville: 866-334-0260.

A nationwide shortage of affordable senior housing exists that presents a challenge to meet the needs of older adults with very low incomes.According to the National Council on Aging, more than 25 million Americans aged 60-plus are living at or below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL) of $29,425 per year per single person. A 2016 Bipartisan Policy Center report noted, The current supply of housing that is affordable to the nations lowest-income seniors is woefully inadequate. As more low-income Americans enter the senior ranks, this supply shortage currently measured in millions of units will become even more acute.Since 1991, AHEPA Affordable Housing Management Company (AMC) has been a committed provider of safe, dignified affordable independent senior living and affordable assisted living communities for our nations vulnerable elderly and disabled population. A mission-driven organization, AMC has developed and manages 91 affordable independent senior living communities in 20 states that are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments 202 program. In Mobile, and in the surrounding area, 13 AHEPA Senior Apartments communities offer very low-income seniors over the age of 62 residential apartment-home living with voluntary supportive services they may need to continue to live independently as they age. The services may include meal services, case management, transportation assistance, public benefits programs enrollment assistance, and fitness and wellness programs, among others. All these services can be viewed as health care intervention at a reduced cost as compared long-term care services.  Preventing nursing home care, emergency room visits, or hospitalizations can lead to savings to Medicare and Medicaid programs. Furthermore, our residents health and safety throughout the pandemic has been our priority. Our participation in the CDCs Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care Program ensured our residents would have priority access to the Covid-19 vaccine.The announcement in January by HUD that it will make $150 million available to support the development of new affordable multifamily rental housing through grants administered by the HUD 202 program is an important step toward addressing the affordable housing shortage and well-being for very low-income seniors. However, it is only a step and many more need to be taken. With this opportunity to grow our mission, AMC pledges to be there for our nations vulnerable seniors as we have been for Mobiles for over three decades.This article was submitted by AHEPA Affordable Housing management Company President and CEO Steve Beck. For more information, please visit www.ahepamgmt.com.