Colorado - Denver Metro

Twenty years ago, when Elderlink Companion Care, Inc first opened its doors, the idea of seniors receiving care at home was still new. Back then, when loved ones were diagnosed with illness or recovering from surgery, they were usually placed in a long-term care facility by doctors or family members. Most people expected they would go to a nursing home or care facility if they found they were no longer able to live at home without assistance. In-home care was new and many people were still unaware of it as an option. Elderlink was the first company in the metro area created specifically to meet the non-medical homecare needs of seniors. In fact, when Elderlink first advertised in the Seniors Resource Guide, a category had to be created for them. A lot has changed in 20 years! The term homecare is used to define non-medical care or custodial care, which is care that is provided by persons who are not nurses, doctors, or other licensed medical personnel; the term home health care refers to care that is provided by licensed personnel. Study after study has shown that by far, the majority of seniors want to stay in their own homes as long as possible. Homecare is credited with helping to reduce stress and increase life expectancy. Living at home creates a sense of mental and physical well-being for the elderly. Through the years, many companies have come into existence to help seniors reach their goals of living at home. Today there are over 20,000 companies in the United States providing homecare to seniors and that number is expected to increase. Homecare can be a cost- effective alternative to nursing homes and hospitals and can help to postpone or prevent the need for other, more expensive forms of care. Despite the graying of the population, the percentage of elderly living in nursing homes has declined, according to recent Census data. The decline reflects the improved health of seniors and more choices for care. In 2006, about 7.4% of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes, compared with 10.2% in 1990 (USA Today). Today, home care for seniors has a new urgency, dubbed the senior tsunami. A wave of retiring and aging boomers will soon flood homecare providers. By 2020, it is estimated that 12 million older Americans will need long-term care.The number of changes people face as they age can be overwhelming. Illness, immobility, and the possibility of leaving the comfort of ones home can contribute to depression and anxiety. When a person is ill or in recovery, nothing can match the security and comfort of home. Homecare provides individualized assistance that is tailored to personal needs and helps maintain independence and dignity. Access to quality homecare is vital to the health of our seniors and our community. In metro Denver, seniors are fortunate to have many choices for their homecare needs. One thing is for certain, the options and services available to seniors are sure to change as much in the next 20 years as they did in the previous 20 years.For more information on how homecare can help you or a loved one, call Karen Moorehead at Elderlink Home Care, Inc., 303-734-0641

5 Minute ReadUnderstanding Long-Term Care Medicaid and InsuranceThe #1 cause for people filing for bankruptcy due to medical bills. A new study from academic researchers found that 66.5 percent of all bankruptcies were tied to medical issues. Therefore, the cost of long-term care is often a major concern for families. When it comes to managing the costs associated with long-term care, there are 2 primary options available to individuals and families.Long-term Care MedicaidLong-term Care Insurance Before deciding which option is the best fit, its important to understand the differences between these two types of coverage. Read on to learn more about understanding Long-term Care Medicaid and Insurance.Long-term Care MedicaidLong-term care Medicaid is a government program that provides medical and related services for people who meet certain income and resource requirements. This program is jointly funded by state and federal governments, so the details can vary from state to state. In general, eligibility requirements include being over 65 years old, blind or disabled and needing help with more than 2 of the activities of daily living. (Activities of daily living examples getting dressed, bathing, cooking, and more.) In some cases, individuals may be eligible for Long-term Care Medicaid even if their income and resources exceed the eligibility limits. Long-term Care InsuranceIn contrast to Long-term Care Medicaid, Long-term care insurance is an individual policy that you purchase from an insurance company. This type of coverage pays for custodial services such as assistance with activities of daily living like bathing and dressing as well as inpatient nursing home stays up to a predetermined amount per day. It can also cover other professional services like adult daycare programs or home health aides. Depending on your policy, you may also be eligible for additional benefits such as mental health treatment or respite services for family members who are providing care at home.Pros and ConsMany people find that they cannot afford the high premiums associated with Long-term Care Insurance, and Medicaid is a great option when it comes to paying for long-term costs.  Preexisting conditions may also hinder an applicants ability to attain a Long-term Care Policy. With a lot of misinformation, many people also find it hard to determine if they are even eligible for Medicaid.                                                                                                                                     Deciding which type of coverageLong-term Medicaid vs Insuranceis right for your situation can be difficult because of their complexities. Both options have their pros and cons but understanding them both can help guide you toward making an informed choice about how best to manage the costs associated with long-term care. Need to determine if you are eligible for Medicaid? Meet with Stacy Osborne, a Medicaid Certified Planner. In 1 hour, you will walk away with a Long-term Care plan in place at no charge.  Stacy Osborne, MBA, CMP   Beneficent CEO  719.645.8350

Agreeing to serve as the executor of an estate is like taking on another part-time job in addition to whatever work you do and your responsibilities for your family. The testator whose estate you handle will likely have made arrangements to compensate you with some property from the estate, but such reimbursements are often a pittance compared to the amount of work involved.When you take on the responsibility of carrying out someone else's estate plan, you take on some risk as well. There are a few important steps you can take to minimize your financial and legal vulnerability as an executor.Secure and inventory property as soon as is reasonably possibleWhen someone dies, family members may try to take certain assets out of the home before estate administration begins. Jewelry, deeds and family heirlooms are all at risk of misappropriation before you even begin your job.To avoid accusations that you took any property and to protect as many assets as possible for the beneficiaries of the estate, you should secure the property and inventory it as soon as you have the authority to take such actions.Handle all the financial liabilities before handing out propertyOne of the biggest risks an executor has is personal accountability for certain unpaid taxes and debts. You don't have to repay everything that the deceased individual would not have repaid with their own assets.However, any property that you distribute before taking care of outstanding financial responsibilities could be held against you later.Document everything that you doDid you call the electrical company and get the bill put in the name of the estates trust? Keep a note about that. Did you pay the mortgage for the month? You want to retain the statement and voided checks that prove you have handled financial responsibilities for the estate.It's also crucial to maintain records about any assets to distribute, both to creditors and to beneficiaries or family members. Having each family member sign a receipt or documents affirming that they received specific property will protect you from claims that you didnt give people their inheritance or otherwise mismanaged the assets in an estate. The more documentation you have about the actions you take, the easier it will be for you to push back against claims of incompetence or misconduct.Learning about the risks involved in estate administration can protect you from mistakes that could cost you money or your role as executor.

A brownout is a drop in electrical voltage, which can dim lights and affect the operation of electrical devices. It's not a full power outage, but it can still cause significant problems, especially for seniors. Preparing for these events is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of senior loved ones. Risks for SeniorsWhen a brownout occurs, the reduced electricity can pose several health risks for seniors. Seniors are more susceptible to heat stress and dehydration, especially without air conditioning. It's also essential to consider the emotional and psychological impacts. The sudden change and lack of power can cause anxiety and confusion. Being prepared helps mitigate these risks and ensures a calmer experience for everyone involved.Essential Supplies to Have on HandTo effectively manage during a brownout, it's crucial to have the right supplies available.Battery-operated fans and lights: These can help keep the environment lit and cooler when electrical devices are not fully operational.Non-perishable food and water: Stock up on items like canned goods, granola bars, and bottled water to ensure the senior has enough to eat and drink.Medications and medical supplies: Make sure you have an adequate supply of all necessary medications and medical equipment.Communication devices: Charged cell phones and radios can help you stay informed and connected with others.Emergency contact list: Keep a list of important phone numbers, including doctors, family members, and emergency services.You may want to check those items regularly to make sure your senior loved one still has everything they need.Immediate Actions During a BrownoutOnce a brownout starts, there are several immediate actions you can take to help your senior loved one.Keeping the senior hydrated: Offer water frequently, even if they don't feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration while the air conditioning is off.Ensuring proper ventilation: Open windows, if possible, to allow for airflow and reduce indoor temperature.Using battery-operated fans and cooling towels: These can help keep the senior's body temperature down.Monitoring the senior's health closely: Watch for any signs of heat stress or dehydration, such as dizziness, headaches, or confusion. Seek medical help if necessary.Of course, if the brownout is a short-term problem, your household can often go quickly back to normal operations.Long-term Strategies for Frequent BrownoutsFor areas that experience frequent brownouts, consider some long-term strategies to better prepare for these events.Investing in a generator: A generator can provide backup power and keep essential devices running during a brownout.Creating a brownout emergency plan: Develop a clear plan outlining the steps to take during a brownout. Share this plan with the senior and other family members.Regularly updating emergency supplies: Check and restock supplies periodically to ensure everything is current and in good condition.Educating the senior on brownout procedures: Make sure the senior understands the plan and knows what to expect during a brownout to reduce anxiety.Get to know how your loved one reacts during a brownout so you can offer the best possible support. Get In-Home Care for SeniorsBeing prepared for a brownout involves understanding the risks, having essential supplies, taking immediate actions, and implementing long-term strategies. Providing emotional support is equally important for a senior's well-being during these times. By preparing and staying vigilant, you can help ensure your senior loved one remains safe and comfortable. For professional assistance and more information about caring for seniors, contact Senior Helpers Greeley. We offer a range of senior care services to seniors in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Wellington, and Longmont.