Alabama - Gulf Coast

Why Move to a Senior Living Community in Alabama Before You Need it?Deciding to move into a senior living community is a significant milestone, often accompanied by a mix of emotions and questions. However, choosing to make this transition before it becomes a necessity can greatly enhance a persons lifestyle.At Community Senior Life, with senior living communities throughout Alabama, we want you to discover the many benefits of moving into a senior living community sooner rather than later, so were sharing some of these advantages to help guide you in your decision.The Advantages of Moving EarlyThe notion of relocating to a senior living community in Alabama is frequently associated with a response to declining health or mobility. Yet, taking proactive steps to move before reaching that point can be incredibly empowering. By making this decision earlier, older adults can enjoy an active, social lifestyle that fosters personal growth and well-being, providing a wealth of opportunities to enrich ones life and maintain independence.Selecting the Ideal CommunityMoving early allows individuals the luxury of time to explore various communities and choose one that best fits their preferences and needs. This careful selection process ensures a comfortable and enriching setting tailored to individual tastes. Additionally, it gives seniors and their families a sense of peacefulness that comes with knowing they have made a thoughtful and informed choice without the pressure of an urgent situation.Time to Acclimate to Community LivingStarting life in a new community sooner enables individuals to acclimate to the environment on their own terms. Instead of the stress of finding the right care and tending to urgent health needs, individuals who make the move early can enjoy personalizing their new space and settling into the community. Proactive Health ManagementEngaging with the communitys health and wellness programs early means individuals can address their health proactively, promoting long-term well-being. Access to regular health screenings, fitness classes, and nutritious meal options can help maintain physical health and prevent future issues. Additionally, participating in various recreational activities supports mental and emotional health, contributing to a holistic approach to aging well.Peace of Mind for FamiliesMaking an earlier transition to senior living in Alabama can also provide peace of mind for families or close relatives. Family members can continue their daily routine with the assurance that the older adult in their family is being taken care of and enjoying a purposeful life in a supportive setting. This allows for more quality time spent with family and friends without added stress.Enhanced Social ConnectionsRegular social interaction has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, prevalent concerns among older adults, and to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Transitioning into a senior living community in Alabama before its needed provides individuals ample time to develop strong social bonds with fellow residents and team members. These relationships foster a sense of belonging and community, which can significantly improve residents emotional well-being.Access to Enriching ProgramsSenior living communities typically offer a variety of enriching classes, programs, and events designed to engage and entertain residents. From arts and crafts sessions to book clubs and movie nights, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to pursue hobbies and discover new interests. The transition period can be a time of exploration, allowing individuals to discover the amenities and services available to them.Financial Planning and StabilityMoving into a senior living community early can also provide financial benefits. Many communities offer different pricing options and payment plans, allowing older adults to manage their finances more effectively. Early transition can sometimes secure better rates or incentives that may not be available later. Additionally, planning finances ahead can provide a sense of tranquility among the family members, ensuring that all caregiving costs are covered and that the older adult can enjoy a graceful retirement. Transitioning to senior living in Alabama before it becomes a necessity allows older adults to enjoy the extensive benefits these communities offer. Personalized care, signature programs, enhanced safety, peace of mind for families, and ample opportunities for socialization contribute to a comfortable lifestyle.Dont wait for necessity to dictate this decisiontake the proactive step toward a joyful, enriched life today by contacting our team at Community Senior Life and scheduling a visit to any of our senior living communities in Alabama. Contact Community Senior Life at 251-981-0200 to find out more about one of their five awesome communities that offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Early detection of lung cancer increases your odds of successful treatment and celebrating more birthdays. But a lung cancer screening comes with a few risks, too. So, should you get checked?The American Cancer Society, American Lung Association and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) say yes if you meet certain criteria tied to long-time cigarette use.Lets take a closer look at your options with pulmonologist Peter Mazzone, MD, MPH.Who should get a lung cancer screening?A lung cancer screening isnt for everyone, states Dr. Mazzone. Its recommended only for adults who are at high risk for the disease which explains why screening guidelines are pretty specific.The USPSTF suggests an annual lung cancer screening if all of the following apply:  Youre between age 50 and 80.Youve smoked at least 20 pack-years of cigarettes. (To calculate pack-years, multiply the average number of packs smoked per day by the number of years you smoked. So, 20 pack-years is one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years).You currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.Its also important that youre healthy enough to benefit from finding and treating early-stage lung cancer. People who get tested dont typically have symptoms of lung cancer.If someone comes to us in a wheelchair already wearing oxygen and couldnt tolerate treatment, they typically arent eligible for screening, clarifies Dr. Mazzone. However, there are nearly 15 million Americans who are at high risk and should receive screening.It should be noted, too, that a lung cancer screening is a quick and painless imaging exam. It uses low-dose computed tomography, or low-dose CT, to capture very detailed pictures of your lungs.Why is lung cancer screening important?As noted, lung cancer often doesnt announce itself with early symptoms. So, without an annual screening, lung cancer is often detected once the disease has progressed and spread which makes successful treatment less likely.People with lung cancer have about an 80% chance of being alive five years later if the cancer is diagnosed and treatment begins during Stage 1. The five-year survival rate is about 4% if tumors have spread.That leads us to this alarming reality: Only about 1 in 4 people with lung cancer are diagnosed before the cancer spreads. Early detection is key to changing that, says Dr. Mazzone.Are lung cancer screenings perfect? Of course not. Scans sometimes detect small spots called nodules that look concerning but are basically harmless little scars. Radiation exposure is a concern, too. Ditto for overdiagnosis of conditions and additional testing and stress.But the benefits of lung cancer screening still outweigh any potential harm for many people, notes Dr. Mazzone.How often is lung cancer found during a screening?Lung cancer is found in about 1 in every 140 people who get screened. This may sound like a small number, but its about the same or better than the results for breast cancer and colon cancer screening.How to decide whether to get a lung screening?A counseling session is often required before a lung cancer screening so you can discuss lung cancer risks, the screening process, benefits and potential harm. It can be a complex and difficult decision for people to make.Many people value the potential benefit of screening so much theyre happy to accept them, explains Dr. Mazzone. Others may have a different perspective. Talk to your doctor to help decide whats best for you.And because the test is annual, the decision on whether to do it can be revisited every year.This article was written by Lungs, Breathing and Allergy Team from Cleveland Clinic and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive.Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for your medicare and health insurance needs. Contact them at 251-344-2115

When Saad set out to build The Retreat, maintaining the connection to nature was imperative. The property sits on 7 acres of undisturbed woodland that contains a gentle slope to the east, providing a quality typically found in the Appalachian highlands. Walking through the property mature water oaks, red oaks, and pines sit densely among the terrain. Owls hoot, birds chirp, and the transcendental elements of an untouched landscape clear the mind and provide peace for the soul. The property is beautiful, so keeping the aspects of the land or incorporating them into design was paramount. Trees were marked for keeping, plans were changed to include some of the most mature trees, but many still needed to be removed for the building to begin. Saad made contact with tree removal companies, but rather than haul the timber away, it felt only right to use it in the facility. Several companies and contractors insisted the trees were pulpwood at best. Pulpwood is timber with the principle use of making paper products. There was something melancholy about turning these trees into paper products, principally as a hospice company. Our stories live on with our loved ones and we felt these trees should be a part of The Retreats story.A sawyer was found who believed he could turn this timber into beautiful wood. Robert fit every aspect of the wonderfully simple definition of a sawyer: One who saws. Fueled by coffee and donuts, Robert diligently sawed trees down to usable lumber. Giant trees were cut for columns and beams in the lobby, smaller timber transformed into shiplap and trim for the hallways and patient rooms. The milling process took months to complete. The lumber after being cut was then transported to a drying facility before it could be sanded and stained for use. A defining feature of The Retreat is the wood elements incorporated throughout the property and it was made possible by Robert believing this lumber had more to give.Editors Note:  This article was submitted by The Retreat at Saad Hospice.

6 Mistakes You Can Avoid When Searching For Senior Care The road to finding senior care options for a loved one can be a bumpy one if you dont have the right resources to help select the assisted living or residential care options that are right for that individual, based on factors like medical requirements, special needs and financial concerns. As a valued referral partner, we know that acting as an advocate for your clients can help make the difference in helping guide them to available options. What do well meaning families do wrong when searching for senior care options?One is to only visit one facility. Even if it is incredible and seems too good to be true, having a point of reference is essential. Advising them to tour at least three communities is a wise decision and will help them learn about their options as well as experience what is available for their loved one.  Another common mistake is to assume that because a facility is perfect for a friends parent, it would be a great choice for theirs. Every individual has unique needs and concerns and one facility isnt necessarily the cookie cutter choice for everyone. They should always seek personal recommendations as well as professional ones, but follow that with a visit and ask questions that are tailored to their loved ones situation. During this vulnerable time, families may make decisions based on feelings like guilt or on the pressure that may be used by the marketing or sales staff during a venue visit. As difficult as it may be, it is necessary to look at the big picture and have questions answered rather than being swayed by luxury amenities like a swimming pool or to cave to sales pressure. When a loved one is faced with senior care needs, there are so  many options that they and their families can feel overwhelmed.  Taking into account special needs, medical requirements and financial concerns, it is hard to know where to start. Thats when rushed decisions can be made based on receiving misinformation or by not searching for the requirements that your loved one needs.  Before you start the process of finding residential care or assisted living options, here are some tips that will make the experience more effective: 1.   Visit multiple facilities.  Dont fall in love with the first assisted living establishment that you tour and call it a wrap.   If it is truly perfect, youll feel that way after you see some others.  A good rule of thumb is to see at least three communities so you have a point of reference when making your final decision.2.   Dont compare parents to parents.  Getting word of mouth recommendations is a powerful thing to consider but the requirements that your best friends mom has are probably not the same as your dads needs. So a facility that may be a perfect fit for a friends loved one isnt necessarily going to be the best one for yours. Instead, look at the facility but ask questions that are relevant to your loved one to gauge if it might be a viable choice.3.    Resist pressure.  Dont get caught up in the sales pitch that you will hear during the tour.  Pressure can be a fierce motivator but during this challenging time, take the opportunity to speak to your siblings about options, tour multiple locations and make the choice that feels right.  4.   Do your research.  Read reviews online.  If your loved one has special needs like memory or dementia issues, ask how the operators handle these situations, the resources they have to offer clients and if they are working with clients who currently have these challenges.  Read their marketing material and ask as many follow up questions as you need to ensure that they can care for someone with these concerns and that they have a track record of doing so. 5.   Maintain a critical eye and dont be swayed by aesthetics. Well manicured grounds and well appointed furnishings are wonderful but looks can be deceiving.  It is surprising how frequently expensive facilities that  look appealing are cited for violating regulations.  CarePatrol is proud to review the care and violation history of every community we align with.6.   Dont give in to guilt.  Family members searching for senior care for loved ones are in a vulnerable position and often operate from a deep sense of guilt.  Making a decision to select a facility because it has a swimming pool on site may not matter to your loved one. Dontmake choices out of a sense of feeling bad and wanting to give your loved one things they may not have an interest in. Pick the place that will be the right option for your loved one.At CarePatrol, we know how daunting this situation can be. Thats why we are here to partner with you, absolutely for free.  Because finding the right care is everything, We at CarePatrol of Greater Mobile and NW Florida look forward to finding quality care for your clients, absolutely for free!  Call us at 251-317-0183.