Colorado - Boulder County

Change can be a challenging experience, especially for seniors who are moving from a home filled with decades of cherished memories. Each room tells a story, and each item holds a piece of their life. At A Call to Order, we understand that moving is not just a logistical task; it's an emotional journey that requires compassion and care. Our dedicated team of professional organizers specializes in senior move management, helping clients find comfort and connection as they transition to a new chapter in their lives. Here are some insights and tips to guide you or your loved ones through this vital transition while holding onto the love that brings warmth to every new beginning.Understanding the Emotional Impact of a MoveFor seniors, moving can trigger a mix of emotionsfrom weary nostalgia to fear of the unknown. The thought of leaving behind the home where they've built their lives can be overwhelming. Here are some emotions that often arise during this significant transition:Nostalgia and Sadness: Leaving a home filled with memories can evoke feelings of grief. Each room holds reminders of joyous family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection.Anxiety About Change: The uncertainty of a new environment can lead to anxiety. Seniors may worry about making new friends, adapting to a different routine, or feeling out of place in their new residence.Feeling Overwhelmed: The logistics of moving can be daunting, particularly when coupled with the emotional weight of the process. Sorting through a lifetime of belongings can raise tough decisions about what to keep and what to let go.At A Call to Order, we create a supportive environment where these emotions are acknowledged and validated. Moving forward with compassion allows our clients to cherish their past while embracing the future with open hearts.Tips to Navigate the Transition with LoveWhile the moving process can be emotional, it also offers opportunities for growth and connection. Here are some practical tips to help seniors transition smoothly while holding onto the love that fills their lives:1. Start Early: Planning Is KeyEncourage seniors to begin the moving process well in advance. Starting early alleviates the pressure and allows time for thoughtful reflection. Create a timeline that outlines steps to take each week, breaking the process into manageable tasks. Whether its sorting through one room at a time or packing essential items, taking small steps helps build momentum and instills a sense of accomplishment.2. Honor the MemoriesAs seniors go through their belongings, its essential to honor the memories they hold. Encourage them to create a memory book or scrapbook where they can document cherished moments associated with specific items. Photographs, written memories, or even small notes can help preserve the essence of the past without the need to keep every physical item. This practice fosters gratitude and eases the emotional weight of letting go of certain belongings.3. Involve Family and FriendsMoving is an opportunity for family bonding. Encourage seniors to involve their loved ones in the sorting process. Having familiar faces around can create a sense of comfort and security. Together, they can share stories, laugh over joyful memories, and support each other in difficult decisions. This shared experience creates a tapestry of connection that underscores the love holding the family together.4. Embrace a Keep, Donate, and Discard StrategyHelp seniors simplify the decision-making process by categorizing belongings. A practical approach is to create three distinct areas: Keep, Donate, and Discard. Encourage them to keep items that resonate with their hearts and contribute to their new life. Unwanted items can be donated to local charities, which provides the added joy of knowing they're helping others. Discarding items that no longer serve a purpose lightens both physical and emotional burdens.5. Create a Warm, Inviting New SpaceAs seniors transition into their new homes, assist them in designing a space that feels comforting and personal. Use familiar items, such as beloved photographs, furniture, or decorative elements, to create a sense of continuity. Encourage them to create a comfort corner filled with cherished items that evoke positive memories. This space can serve as a sanctuary where they can retreat, reflect, and reconnect with their past while embracing their new surroundings.6. Seek Professional SupportPartnering with professional organizers can significantly ease the transition process. At A Call to Order, we specialize in senior move management, understanding the intricate balance between emotional support and practical logistics. Our compassionate team is trained to assist with the entire moving process, from decluttering and packing to setting up the new living space. We are not just organizers; we are allies in the journey, helping to ensure a seamless transition filled with love and care.Embracing Change with LoveMoving can be a bittersweet experience for seniors, but it also presents a chance for new beginnings brimming with opportunity. At A Call to Order, we believe that holding onto love through change is essential, fostering connections that transcend time and space. By approaching the moving process with compassion, creativity, and thoughtful planning, we help seniors honor the past while embracing the future.If you or a loved one is preparing for a move, remember that you do not have to navigate this journey alone. Let A Call to Order be your trusted partner, guiding you every step of the way as you hold onto the love that fills your heart. Together, we can turn a challenging transition into a beautiful opportunity for renewal and joy.

Transportation to medical appointments can be difficult to find, especially if the appointment requires a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure. With transportation becoming an increasingly prevalent issue for older adults, RSVP of Boulder County has created a program, in conjunction with Special Transit, to provide volunteer drivers and escorts to medical appointments.What is Medical Mobility?Medical Mobility is a new transportation program within RSVP of Boulder County that provides rides to doctors appointments for ambulatory seniors and adults with disabilities. RSVPs program allows clients to stay secure, comfortable, independent and living in their homes for as long as possible. How does it work?Volunteer drivers use their own cars to transport the clients to their appointments and can wait for the duration of procedure before taking them home. The service is offered throughout Boulder County and clients that RSVP cannot serve are referred to Special Transit or other local transportation services that provide a broader range of services that we cannot provide, such as assistance with wheelchairs. Rides can be scheduled on weekdays from 8:30am-5pm with the RSVP Transportation Coordinator, and at least 24 hours notice is requested, but rides cannot be guaranteed as they depend on the availability of the volunteer drivers. The service is cost-effective and is based on an affordable sliding scale in compliance with our partner agency, Special Transit, which is $2 each way within the city or $4 each way between cities. Please call for more details and schedule your ride today! Allison Dellwo, RSVP Transportation Coordinator, 303-443-1933 ext. 407, allisondellwo@rsvpboulder.org

It can be difficult to know when the time is right for a senior loved one to transition from home care to an extended stay in a rehab facility. In many cases, it may become necessary due to a health crisis or sudden change in condition. However, there are also times when a senior's health slowly begins to decline, and family members must make the decision whether or not an extended stay is needed. If you're unsure about what signs to look for, don't worry! We're here to help. Here are four signs that may indicate your loved one needs an extended stay in a senior rehab facility.A Sudden Change in Condition or Health CrisisIf your loved one experiences a sudden deterioration in their health, it may become necessary to move them to a senior rehab facility. This is often the case with elderly adults who suffer from a fall or other injury.A Gradual Decline in HealthIf you've noticed that your loved one's health has been slowly declining over time, it may be time to consider an extended stay in a senior rehab facility. This is often the case with seniors who suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.Difficulty Performing Activities of Daily LivingIf your loved one is having difficulty performing activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, or eating, an extended stay in a senior rehab facility may be necessary. This is often the case with seniors who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.Social IsolationIf your loved one has become socially isolated, meaning they no longer interact with friends or family members, an extended stay in a senior rehab facility may be beneficial. This is often the case with seniors who live alone and have limited mobility.If you're noticing any of these signs in your loved one, it may be time to consider an extended stay in a senior rehab facility. At Flatirons Health & Rehab, we specialize in providing high-quality care for seniors. We would be happy to discuss your options with you and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more!

What is Medicaid?Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage for nearly 70 million Americans. This includes low-income individuals, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.Medicaid is funded and administered through a state-federal partnership. There are broad federal requirements for Medicaid, but states have a wide degree of flexibility to design their own programs. Therefore, Medicaid may vary from state to state.When a client has other insurance or Medicare, Medicaid is the payer of last resort. Federal regulations require that all available resources be used before Medicaid considers payment.What is Long-Term Care Medicaid?Long-Term Care Medicaid is the Medicaid program that allows for the coverage of long-term care services through several avenues and over a continuum of settings. This includes:Nursing Facility/Institutional CareHome and Community Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiversEligibility Criteria for Long-Term Care MedicaidGeneral Eligibility CriteriaU.S. Citizen or Qualified Non-CitizenResident of ColoradoMust be 65 years or older, disabled, or blind.Financial RequirementsIncome is any item an individual receives in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet their need for food or shelter. Examples of income include Social Security Retirement, pensions, wages, alimony, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), Veterans benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and dividends.The 2023 income limit is $2,742.If over the monthly limit, an Income Trust is needed.*Most income sources count towards the income limit, but there are income sources that do not count.Resources are defined as cash and/or property that a person owns and has the right, authority, or power to convert to cash (if not already cash). Examples of resources include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, certificate of deposit, IRAs, 401Ks, stocks, bonds, cash, property, vehicles, mineral and oil rights, life insurance, and pre-paid burial or cremation policies.The 2023 Medicaid Resource Limits are:$2,000 Individual$3,000 Couple (not living in same nursing facility room)$4,000 Couple (living in same nursing facility room)$148,620 Community Spouse Allowance*Some resources count towards the resource limit, but there are types of resources that do not count.Functional / Level of Care / 30-day InstitutionalizationA level of care assessment is completed to determine if an applicant functionally needs a long-term care service. The assessment is performed on site by a caseworker from the county Single-Entry Point (SEP).A person must have medical conditions requiring supervision. They must have been admitted to a nursing home, a hospital, or a combination of both for at least 30 consecutive days. There is no institutionalization time requirement if applying for HCBS-Medicaid/assisted living.Transfer of AssetsA transfer of assets occurs when an individual, or spouse of the individual, disposes of assets for less than fair market value within 5 years of the Medicaid application. Examples of transfer of assets include but are not limited to:Giving away property, money, cars, and boats.Uncompensated funds such as large checks or cash in which one cannot prove how the money was spent or closing an account with no paper trail of where the money was re-deposited.Waiving the right to an inheritance, not getting your fair share of a divorce, or not receiving your spousal share of an estate.Period of IneligibilityFor individuals who have transferred assets within 5 years of the Medicaid application, a Period of Ineligibility (POI) is generated. The POI is the amount of time during which the individual will be ineligible for Long-Term Care Medicaid.The length of the POI depends on the amount of assets transferred.The POI will begin when the person would have been otherwise eligible for Long-Term Care Medicaid benefits.Medicaid will begin paying for long-term care benefits once the penalty period expires.