Colorado - Denver Metro

Do You, or Someone You Know, Have A Loved One in A Long-Term Care Facility?Do You Know How A Long-Term Care Ombudsman Can Help? What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman?Ombudsman (om-budz-man) is a Swedish word meaning one who speaks on behalf of another. A Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for people living in nursing homes, board & care homes and assisted living facilities. The position of Long-Term Care Ombudsman was created in 1975 as a result of amendments to the Older Americans Act to ensure quality of life and quality of care for people living in long-term care communities.Ombudsmen protect the rights of people living in nursing homes and assisted living residences. Colorado Ombudsmen strive to improve the quality of life and quality of care for more than 36,000 older adults in long-term care. These are some of the things Ombudsmen can do to help:Ombudsmen: Help resolve complaints about the facility or individual staff members, such as physical or verbal abuse poor quality of care. Help protect residents rights under the law, including the right to privacy in care and treatment, voice grievances without retaliation, make independent choices. These are just a few of the rights that individuals have in long-term care settings. The Ombudsmen help educate residents, families and staff about all residents rights and work to ensure that these rights are honored by care providers.Help older adults understand their options for long-term care choose the long-term care facility or community living arrangement that is right for themTo Contact your Local Ombudsman call: 1-800-288-1376

If youre navigating the world of long-term care insurance, chances are youve already got a lot on your plate. Whether youre helping a loved one or managing your own care, filing a claim can feel overwhelming at first. Dont worry; once you understand the steps, the process becomes much more manageable. If youre based in Colorado and searching for long-term care near you, this guide is tailored for you. The Basics of Long-Term Care Insurance ClaimsLong-term care insurance is designed to help cover services that support daily assistance, like help with bathing, dressing, and mobility, when aging, injury, or illness make these tasks more difficult. Policies vary, but most include benefits for in-home care, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and more. Understanding your insurance plans costs, unique coverage and limitations is key to a successful claim.When to File: Recognizing a Benefits TriggerOne of the most essential parts of activating your long-term care insurance benefits is understanding the benefit trigger. This is the point at which your insurance company determines that care is medically necessary, and its also the green light for you to begin the claim process. Knowing when youve met this requirement can prevent delays and frustration.Most policies only kick in when the policyholder requires assistance with a specific level of daily care. Insurers generally rely on two main criteria:1. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)To qualify for benefits, most policies require that the person receiving care needs help with at least two of six standard ADLs. These include:         Bathing: Needing help getting in and out of a tub or shower or completing the washing process safely.         Dressing: Assistance with selecting appropriate clothing and putting it on.         Toileting: Help with using the bathroom or managing incontinence.         Transferring: Needing support moving in and out of bed or a chair.         Continence: Being unable to control bladder or bowel functions. Eating: Needing help with feeding oneself, whether due to mobility or coordination issues.If your loved one struggles with two or more of these tasks daily, its a good sign that they meet the trigger requirement for long-term care coverage.2. Cognitive ImpairmentAnother benefit trigger that insurance companies recognize is cognitive decline. This includes conditions like:         Alzheimers disease.         Dementia.         Parkinsons-related memory loss.         Stroke-related cognitive damage.Even if the person remains physically independent, significant memory issues or confusion that compromise safety, such as forgetting to turn off the stove, wandering, or failing to recognize familiar people, often meet the policys definition of a cognitive impairment trigger.Your insurer may require a formal assessment by a doctor or nurse, and in many cases, their own evaluator may be assigned to verify the need for care.Meeting the Elimination Period RequirementBefore your policy begins paying out, theres usually an elimination perioda waiting window that can range from 30 to 90 days. Youll need to receive qualifying care before reimbursement begins. Think of it like a deductible, but counted in days rather than dollars.Step 1: Confirm Your EligibilityStart by reviewing your policys terms. Are the services youre receiving covered? Does the provider meet policy requirements? Have benefit triggers been met? Eligibility hinges on these answers, so its smart to get clear on the details before taking the next step.Step 2: Notify Your Insurance ProviderOnce youre confident youre eligible, call your insurance company. Let them know you intend to file a claim. Theyll walk you through what comes next and send you a claim packet with instructions and necessary forms. Be ready with the policy number and some basic information about the care being provided.Step 3: Complete the Claim PacketYour claim packet may seem intimidating, but its actually quite straightforward once you break it down. Most insurers require the following:Key Forms Youll Need to Submit1.      Policyholder Statement A basic summary of your condition, care needs, and provider details.2.      Attending Physician Statement A doctors written confirmation of your diagnosis and need for long-term care.3.      Care Plan and Nursing Assessment A formal care plan, developed by a nurse or case manager, outlines the level and type of care required.4.      Provider Credentials Proof that your chosen care providerwhether its a facility or an agencymeets the standards outlined in your policy.5.      HIPAA Authorization This form permits the insurance company to contact your doctors and care providers for additional information.Step 4: Gather and Submit Supporting DocumentationIn addition to the forms, gather care notes, invoices, schedules, and any evaluations related to your current condition. These documents help paint a complete picture and can speed up the claim approval process.Step 5: Prepare for a Phone InterviewMost insurance companies will follow up with a call to verify the information and clarify anything they need. Its helpful to have a caregiver, family member, or care manager on the line to provide support and accurate responses.Step 6: Wait for the Claim Review and DecisionThis is the part where patience comes in. Review times vary, but you should hear back within a few weeks. The insurer will either approve, deny, or request more documentation. Stay in touch and keep records of all communication.Step 7: Ongoing Claim ManagementOnce your claim is approved, there may be ongoing paperworkmonthly invoices, care summaries, or periodic recertifications. Staying organized can make future payments smoother and avoid interruptions in care.FAQ About Long-Term Care Insurance ClaimsHow do I know if I qualify for long-term care benefits?You typically qualify if you need help with at least two Activities of Daily Living or have cognitive decline. Check your policy for exact requirements.How long does it take to get approved?Most claims take 3045 days to process, depending on how quickly paperwork is submitted and reviewed.Does long-term care insurance cover in-home care?Yes, many policies cover senior home care as part of long-term care near me services. Always review your policy to confirm.Can a care agency help me with the claim process?Yes! Agencies like Always Best Care in Denver can walk you through the steps and help gather everything you need for submission.Filing a long-term care insurance claim doesnt have to be a headache. With a little prep and the right support, you can unlock the benefits youve paid for and give your loved ones the quality care they deserve. Let Always Best Care Assist with the Long-Term Care Insurance Claim Process!Need a hand with the paperwork? If youre seeking long-term care in Denver and need help navigating your insurance claim, Always Best Care is here to support you. They not only provide compassionate care but also help families understand the ins and outs of their long-term care coverage. From documentation to ongoing support, their team is just a call away.Contact Always Best Care of Denver at (303) 952-3060 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.

Traveling with Medications Safely, Effectively and Hassle-FreeAlthough this article pertains to all ages who need to leave town with prescription medications, it is especially relevant to the active 55 plus community.  Lets be honest, as we get older, we often require more medications to treat a variety of illnesses.  In many instances, we are also taking care of a spouse, parent or other dependent when we travel, and must ensure they have all the required medications for travel as well.  The following are some tips to employ as you embark on your next adventure.  Simple planning ahead can save you from a host of problems, while helping you maintain your productively aging lifestyle.  Here are some things you can do before your trip, during your trip and after your trip to avoid medication pitfalls while you are away from home.Before your TripFirst, determine the number of days you will be gone and add at least an extra week to determine what you will need as a rule of thumb.  This can account for medication emergencies, travel delays, or other unforeseen circumstances.  Medication synchronization is a process that allows you to pick up all your medications at the same time.  If possible, ask your pharmacy about medication synchronization well in advance of your trip.  If you take the time to talk with your physician or pharmacist, this process can streamline your medication pick-up to all at once.  I often encourage patients to use mail order weeks in advance of their trip. This often provides greater quantities with fewer copays.  Also, ask your pharmacist if there have been any supply issues or manufacturer shortages with your medications.  If so, discuss with your doctor therapeutic alternatives you could try in the interim.  Certain medications, such as controlled substances (pain medications or stimulant medications) often have supply restrictions and are not afforded refills.  Tell your doctor to communicate to the pharmacy that it is ok to fill these medications early.  Remember, we cant just take your word for it that you are allowed to take the controlled substance early.  The doctor should preferably communicate via phone, electronic prescribing, or on the prescription that it is ok to fill these medications early. DO NOT (I repeat DO NOT) order your medications on your travel day or arrange to pick up medications on travel days (unless absolutely necessary)!!!!  You dont want to miss a flight due to poor planning and get stressed by having to deal with medication issues (air travel is already stressful enough nowadays).  Murphys Law, which states anything that can go wrong, WILL go wrong, applies to picking up medications at the pharmacy on your travel date.  This could range from being out of refills, the prescription expiring (in Colorado, prescriptions expire after a year, even if you have unlimited refills), the medication being on shortage or backordered, the doctor may have not put in the correct dose or many other issues that could arise.  Give yourself some comfortable leeway for medication pickup prior to your fun departure.  This is especially relevant around major holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, in which your doctor may be away, and pharmacies and health clinics may be closed!!  Before your trip have a written list of all your medications to take with you.  If you are tech savvy, try the HERO app (which is through Hero Health, Inc) and input your medications and their directions.  This may be convenient if you are being asked about your medications during your travel or in case of emergency. Be sure to have a list of pertinent medical information readily available on your person, or with a spouse (such as drug and food allergies, medical conditions such as epilepsy or any other things a medical professional would need to know in case you become unconscious or ill during your trip).  Although it goes without saying, make sure to include supplies and diagnostic materials when you travel (nebulizers, diagnostic kits such as blood glucose meters, needles etc).  Look at your itinerary, before your trip, and try to determine if there are situations that could cause you to either forget your medications or could create problems.  Remember, your disease or conditions dont take a vacation, so it is very important that you adhere to your medicines, so you dont end up with nightmares.  Before you go on your trip, investigate how to obtain the same or equivalent medications before departure, in case a replacement is needed due to loss, inadequate supply due to travel interruptions, or the need to resupply maintenance medications if the trip is long-term.  Make sure you have your physician/health insurance information in case you have a medical emergency away from home.  When traveling outside the country some hotels and resorts have medical staff on hand to assist with medical emergencies.  Try to get information on what these medical staff may offer prior to your trip.  They may be invaluable in instances of lost or stolen medications.  What about travel to foreign countries, what things do you need to consider?  Pharmaceutical regulations vary from country to country. Some countries have limited availability of certain drugs or prohibit their importation. In addition, travelers should not plan to have someone mail (including express couriers) medications to them.In the US, it is not legal for an individual to mail prescription drugs anywhere. In addition, other countries may have restrictions on unregistered drugs (i.e., medications not approved for use in that country) coming into their country by mail. Controlled substances and psychotropics are completely prohibited in some countries (e.g., the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Zambia), and possession of even a small amount of these substances for personal use may result in arrest, incarceration, and charges of drug trafficking. In some countries, controlled substances are not available at all for outpatient use (except cancer patients), even with a local doctor's prescription.A limited number of countries (e.g., Japan, Zambia, United Arab Emirates) prohibit certain common prescription medications as well as commonly used over-the-counter medications; these cannot be imported nor are they available. This includes ingredients found in inhalers and cold, cough, allergy, and sinus medications (e.g., diphenhydramine; Benadryl). Banned ingredients may also include those deemed to be stimulants, such as pseudoephedrine, levomethamphetamine, the common cough suppressant dextromethorphan, and dextroamphetamine (e.g., Adderall).  I advise checking with the destination's embassy about any med restrictions before travel...especially with controlled substances. Again, make sure that you are taking care of your health, even on vacay.Beginning and during your TripDuring your travels ALWAYS keep track of those carry-ons that contain your medications.  I like to put special ribbons on my carry-on and have my spouse and I double check our bag counts as we go from one point in our trip to the next (ie shuttles, boarding and deplaning).  Try to keep these personal belongings within your eyesight.  If you can, try to keep your medications in the original containers.  Although, TSA doesnt have a rule against pill boxes (and you can travel with them filled with your meds), the latches can come undone, and scatter medications throughout your carry-on.  It is a good strategy to use your pill boxes once you get to your destination, as it can help you keep track of your medications and prevent you from skipping medications.  Speaking of carry-on, that is the only place your medications should be stowed away in.  NEVER put your medications in your checked bags.  At TSA, I have had to carry a nebulizer machine for asthma.  I anticipate that they may want to observe the product (it looks like a bomb) so I put it separately in a bin with the carrying case ajar.  The same would go for diabetic supplies and instruments. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.  Try to keep your medications packed efficiently and in a neat manner (dont have stuff strewn about your carry-on or purse, or meds out of their bottles).  When you reach your destination store your meds safely and properly.  This is done by keeping them in a dry area without sunlight.  In your hotel, try to keep controlled substances (such as pain medications) out of plain sight, as they are targets for theft.  Do not talk about your pain medications in public, this could make you a target to unsavory people. Regarding theft or loss of medications use the pharmacy information you gathered before your trip (see Before your trip section) and contact your physician or home pharmacy to get a transfer.  If you are out of the country contact the resort medical director or the U.S. embassy in case of medication loss as well as law enforcement if there is suspected theft.  In many countrieseven those that require a prescriptionpharmacists may have the latitude to provide short-term or emergency refills (generally for a more common, benign, chronic medication) without a prescription.  While away for pleasure, it is easy to eat, or drink in excess.  Do know your limits and set reasonable goals.  If you must visit a medical facility or urgent care while on vacation, DO KEEP the billing information as you may be able to get reimbursed by your primary home insurance.  Again, your medical conditions do not take a vacation, and you want to stay healthy to take even more vacations.  When traveling, I have heard that clients/patients get excited when they see prescription medications being sold over the counter (OTC).  It is tempting to purchase these items as they are often cheaper and readily available.  Please note that foreign health agencies do not test as rigorously for the veracity of active ingredients (as well as other properties of the medication).  There is a high probability of counterfeit medications. The Los Angeles Times, recently reported in 2022 that 55 pills purchased from 29 pharmacies in eight cities in Mexico were tested, and more than 50% of the pills were determined to be counterfeit. More than a third of the 40 opioid pain medications purchased tested positive for illicit fentanyl rather than a prescription opioid medication. Twelve of 15 Adderall samples tested positive for other substances, including methamphetamine and ecstasy. Sometimes entire bottles that appeared to be factory-sealed were tainted.  In fact, when abroad, check with the local embassy to ensure a pharmacy is trustworthy and to get tips on obtaining medications that are not counterfeit.  In some developing countries you may also see antibiotics sold as OTC items. It is a bad idea to get a random antibiotic to treat what is ailing you.  For one, the antibiotic may not be ideal (even if you used it in the past) as there can be resistance, and it may be questionable if the product has the true dose content or could be counterfeit.  If you have an infection, it is best to see a doctor abroad who can at least direct you to trusted sources of medications and can use clinical judgement to determine the nature of the infection, and if there are risks that you have not thought of.  Remember that antibiotics are often used to treat specific bacteria.  If you try to use an antibiotic for a viral infection, it WILL BE ineffective, as antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Lastly, before leaving back home, ensure you pack your meds as you did before your trip.  On my last day of travel, when I am packing, I do a run through of my hotel room to make sure I have not forgot any important items (medications etc).  DO NOT discard empty prescription bottles with your medical info away in the trash.  Your prescriptions with your name, and medications can be used to commit fraud against you.  Do a bag checklist as you did previously.After your tripPut your medications away as soon as you can.  It is easy to get off track when you get back from vacation, but remember, your conditions dont take a vacation.  Be sure to submit billing receipts and to contact your insurance if you incurred medical expenses while on vacation.  While it is not a guarantee that you will get reimbursed, it is important that you submit your claims as soon as possible.  People often experience sickness after travel due to exposure to large crowds (such as in airports or on cruises).  Go see your physician immediately (especially if you have immune disorders or are on chemotherapeutic agents) to insure you are treated promptly.  Viral infections generally have a small window of time for treatment (such as COVID-19 and influenza).  Do get back to your normal diet as you likely indulged during your trip. I hope these tips were helpful!!!  As always, enjoy life, but stay healthy and happy in 2024.Sincerely,Keith Williams (Your personal pharmacist)Owner of Deeper Dive HorizonsVisit deeperdivehorizons.com for details on how I can help you navigate the health care world!!!

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, especially when families are balancing retirement decisions, healthcare concerns, property ownership, and the needs of children or other beneficiaries. Many people know they should have a will, but a complete estate plan often involves much more than deciding who receives certain belongings.Estate planning can help Denver-area residents document their wishes, choose trusted decision-makers, protect family members, and prepare for the possibility of illness or incapacity. It can also give loved ones clearer instructions during an already difficult time.The Denver area is served by several attorneys whose practices include estate planning, elder law, trusts, probate, disability planning, and related legal matters. This guide highlights three Seniors Blue Book partners offering estate planning services in and around Denver.What Is Estate Planning?Estate planning is the process of organizing how your financial, personal, and healthcare matters should be handled if you become unable to make decisions or after you pass away.A basic estate plan may include: A last will and testament A financial power of attorney A medical power of attorney A living will or advance healthcare directive Beneficiary instructions Final wishes One or more trusts Some families may also need planning for long-term care, a family business, rental property, a loved one with a disability, charitable giving, or children from a previous relationship.The appropriate documents depend on a persons assets, family relationships, healthcare wishes, and long-term goals. Both the Law Office of Jennifer S. Gormley and Stone Law describe wills, trusts, financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, and advance directives as common estate-planning tools.Who Should Work With an Estate Planning Attorney?Estate planning is not limited to wealthy households. Anyone who owns property, has financial accounts, supports a family member, or wants another person to make decisions during an emergency may benefit from professional planning.An attorney may be especially helpful when someone: Owns a home, rental property, or business Has children or grandchildren Has a blended or nontraditional family Is approaching retirement Wants to plan for possible incapacity Has a loved one with a disability Is concerned about long-term care Recently moved to Colorado Has an estate plan that has not been reviewed in several years Needs help coordinating a will, trust, and beneficiary designations An attorney can evaluate the complete situation rather than preparing documents in isolation. This can be important when property ownership, retirement accounts, insurance policies, family relationships, and healthcare instructions must work together.1. Chayet & Danzo, LLCComprehensive Estate Planning and Elder Law GuidancePhone: 303-355-8500Chayet & Danzo, LLC is a Denver-based boutique elder law firm that provides estate planning and related legal services to individuals and families throughout Colorado. Its Denver office is located at 650 South Cherry Street, Suite 710.The firms estate-planning practice includes simple and complex wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, living wills, healthcare directives, charitable planning, legacy planning, and asset-protection counseling.Chayet & Danzo also works in areas that frequently overlap with estate planning, including Medicaid and disability planning, long-term-care planning, guardianships, conservatorships, special-needs trusts, business succession, probate, and trust administration.Wills, Trusts, and Incapacity PlanningA will provides instructions for property that passes through the estate, but it does not address every possible situation. Financial and medical powers of attorney can authorize trusted individuals to act when someone is unable to manage financial or healthcare decisions.2. Gormley, Jennifer S., P.C.Estate Planning With an Aging and Disability Law FocusPhone: 303-783-9600The Law Office of Jennifer S. Gormley, P.C. is located in Greenwood Village and serves individuals and families with estate planning, elder law, disability law, probate, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and related legal concerns.The firm develops personalized estate plans that may include a will, financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, living will, final-wishes declaration, and trusts. It also offers planning for the financial security of a disabled child, an aging parent, or a spouse experiencing serious health concerns.Experience in Elder Law and ProbateJennifer S. Gormleys practice focuses on elder law, estates and trusts, disability law, probate, estate and trust administration, fiduciary litigation, protective proceedings, and long-term-care planning.Her professional background includes service within the Colorado Bar Association and teaching Elder Law as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Her education includes a law degree from the University of Denver and a masters program focused on law and public policy with an emphasis on aging.This combination may be useful for families whose estate-planning needs are closely connected to aging, disability, caregiving, or potential probate matters.3. Stone Law, LLCCustomized Estate Planning for Denver-Area FamiliesPhone: 877-897-6591Stone Law, LLC provides estate planning, elder law, asset-protection planning, and business-planning services along Colorados Front Range. The firm serves Denver and surrounding communities from offices in Lakewood and Loveland.Its Lakewood office is located at 225 Union Boulevard, Suite 150, providing a convenient option for families on the west side of the Denver metropolitan area.Estate Planning for Every Stage of LifeStone Law works with retirees and older adults, but estate planning can also be important for younger couples, parents, business owners, and people who have recently purchased property.For parents, a plan may identify preferred guardians and explain how assets should be managed for children. For older adults, the focus may shift toward healthcare instructions, trusted decision-makers, long-term-care concerns, and the preservation of assets.For blended families, careful planning can help clarify what should pass to a surviving spouse and what should eventually pass to children from previous relationships. Comparing the Three Denver Estate Planning FirmsChayet & Danzo, LLC May Be a Strong Fit For Complex estate and elder law planning Special-needs and disability planning Long-term-care and public-benefits considerations Business succession Probate and trust administration Guardianship and conservatorship concerns Families seeking a Denver office Gormley, Jennifer S., P.C. May Be a Strong Fit For Estate planning connected to aging or disability Planning for an elderly parent or ailing spouse Financial planning for a disabled child Probate and trust concerns Guardianship or conservatorship matters Nontraditional family planning Families near Greenwood Village and the south Denver metro area Stone Law, LLC May Be a Strong Fit For Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney Blended-family planning Asset-protection strategies Long-term-care and Medicaid planning Business owners Younger families and parents Families seeking a Lakewood location A consultation provides an opportunity to ask how the firm would approach the clients specific needs, what documents may be recommended, how fees are structured, and what ongoing review is included.Why Estate Planning Matters in DenverDenver-area families often have financial and family connections that extend across several cities or states. Adult children may live outside Colorado, retirees may own property in more than one location, and family members may need to coordinate care from different parts of the country. Denver is also home to many business owners, unmarried partners, blended families, and people who have relocated from other states. These situations may require more individualized planning than a basic document template can provide.An attorney familiar with Colorado law can review the entire plan and explain how different documents and account designations work together. Related Seniors Blue Book CategoriesMedicaid AttorneysGuardianship and ConservatorshipTrust Management  This article was researched and written by Seniors Blue Book. Seniors Blue Book connects seniors, families, and caregivers with trusted local senior care resources across the country. Browse local listings, read expert articles, and order a free printed guide at seniorsbluebook.com.