Colorado - Colorado Springs

November brings dual awareness to two essential causes: Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCi) Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. These two observances are closely connected, bearing a spotlight on both the importance of planning for future care and recognizing the invaluable contributions of family caregivers.Understanding the Impact of Long-Term Care on Family CaregiversU.S. family caregivers provide over 80% of long-term care support to elders, shouldering the demands of care with love and dedication. Yet, caregiving for an aging family member can become overwhelming. Many family caregivers balance their responsibilities with full-time jobs, personal health issues, and other family obligations. This month, as we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, let us all recognize their sacrifices while exploring ways to support and ease their burdens.Long-term care insurance can play a pivotal role here, offering much-needed support to caregivers as well as the individuals they care for.LTCi: A Financial Resource for FamiliesFor both policyholders and their family members, LTC insurance is a financial resource that can reduce the challenges of aging and caregiving. Heres how it benefits each group:Financial Relief for Families: Without LTC insurance, family caregivers may feel compelled to cover expenses out of pocket, which can lead to financial strain. LTC insurance helps fund professional care, alleviating family members from the need to pay for or provide that care themselves.LTCi Protects Hard-Earned Income and Assets: Its no surprise that LTCi services are expensive. According to Genworths Cost of Care Survey, in 2023 the median cost to live in an assisted living facility is $64,200 per year. Genworth estimates the median cost will jump to $106,574 in about 20 years.This begs the question: Do you have income and assets set aside to pay for care in the future? When planning for retirement, dont forget to factor in Long-Term Care costs. Also, LTCi protects policyholders from the financial burden of a Long-Term Care event, a situation in which someone needs help with daily living activities or has cognitive impairment. The five major health events that require Long-Term Care are dementia, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and falls resulting in a hip or arm fracture.CLICK HERE to see a state-specific breakdown of long-term health care costs from LTC News.Access to Professional Care: LTC insurance enables families to access a wider range of care services, from in-home care to assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. This allows loved ones to receive the specific level of care they need from trained professionals, easing the physical and emotional load on family members.Time and Energy to Focus on Relationships: Caregiving often reshapes the relationship between family members, with time spent assisting with daily tasks rather than enjoying quality time together. With LTC insurance covering essential services, caregivers can focus on spending more meaningful time with their loved ones, reducing caregiver burnout and preserving family bonds.Balancing Benefits: Senior LTCi Policyholders and Family CaregiversLTC insurance benefits both policyholders and their loved ones in profound ways:Policyholders Gain Independence and Dignity: For the aging adult, having LTC insurance in place means maintaining their independence and choice over the type of care they receive. Whether they prefer to age at home with assistance or choose a care facility, LTC insurance supports their wishes and ensures their comfort.Loved Ones Experience Reduced Stress and Worry: Family caregivers often feel a tremendous responsibility to ensure their loved one is safe and cared for. Knowing that a plan is in place for quality, professional care can reduce the stress and worry associated with caregiving, allowing family members to step back and feel confident that their loved one is well cared for.Planning for Long-Term Care A Gift to Both Aging Loved Ones and Family CaregiversIts important to consider long-term care insurance as early as possible, ideally in ones 50s or early 60s. At this stage, premiums are more affordable, and applicants are more likely to qualify for coverage. Having a plan in place can provide lasting benefits as individuals age and ease the caregiving burden for family members.Supporting Family CaregiversDuring National Family Caregivers Month, we encourage families to recognize and support the caregivers in their lives. LTC insurance is one of many ways to support caregivers, as it can relieve some of the weight they carry. By planning for long-term care, we offer family members a sense of security and ensure that their loved one receives the best possible care.This November, as we raise awareness for both LTC insurance and family caregivers, lets remember that both are integral parts of a solid, supportive plan for aging. If youre exploring options for long-term care insurance, reach out to us to speak to an Amada Senior Care advisor who can provide a complimentary review of your Long-Term Care insurance policy and answer your questions about in-home caregiving services. Were here to help you understand how LTC insurance can serve as a safeguard for you and a gift to your family caregivers, providing support for all and peace of mind for the journey ahead. CLICK HERE to find an Amada office near you or call us at 866-752-1961.

As we age, life can become increasingly cluttered and chaotic, both physically and emotionally. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of restoring order to seniors' lives and renewing their sense of well-being. In this guide, we'll explore the transformative impact of professional organizers for seniors and offer practical tips for bringing order and harmony back into their homes and lives.The Importance of Restoring Order for SeniorsFor many seniors, maintaining a tidy and organized living space can become challenging as mobility decreases, and health issues arise. Clutter and disorganization not only create physical hazards but also contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. Restoring order to seniors' living spaces is essential for promoting safety, comfort, and peace of mind, ultimately renewing their sense of vitality and independence.Practical Tips for Restoring Order and Renewing LivesStart Small: When tackling clutter and disorganization, it's essential to start small and focus on one area at a time. Begin with the most frequently used spaces, such as the living room or bedroom, and gradually work your way through the rest of the home. Break larger tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps to prevent overwhelm and maintain momentum.Declutter with Purpose: Encourage seniors to declutter with purpose, focusing on items that hold sentimental value or are frequently used and necessary for daily life. Help them identify items that no longer serve a purpose or bring them joy, and guide them in letting go of these possessions with gratitude and appreciation for the memories they hold.Create Functional Systems: Establishing functional systems for organizing belongings can help seniors maintain order and streamline daily routines. Invest in storage solutions such as bins, baskets, shelves, and drawer dividers to maximize space and keep items neatly organized. Labeling containers and designating specific areas for different categories of items can further simplify the organization process and make it easier for seniors to find what they need when they need it.Prioritize Safety: Safety should always be a top priority when restoring order to seniors' living spaces. Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs or cluttered walkways, and ensure that pathways are clear and easily navigable. Install grab bars, handrails, and other safety features as needed to prevent falls and promote mobility. Consider consulting with a professional organizer or home modification specialist to assess the home's safety and recommend appropriate modifications.Seek Professional Assistance: Sometimes, restoring order and renewing lives may require the expertise of a professional organizer who specializes in working with seniors. Professional organizers can provide personalized support and guidance tailored to seniors' unique needs and circumstances, helping them declutter, organize, and create functional living spaces that promote independence and well-being. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, our compassionate team is dedicated to helping seniors reclaim their homes and lives with dignity and respect.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the transformative power of restoring order and renewing lives for seniors. Our compassionate team is committed to providing personalized support and guidance to help seniors reclaim their homes and rediscover a sense of peace, purpose, and independence. With our expertise and dedication, we'll work alongside seniors every step of the way, empowering them to live their best lives in environments that nurture their well-being and vitality. Let us be your partner in restoring order and renewing lives for seniors.

Here are the top ten estate planning mistakes that I continue to see. Hopefully this will help you avoid the same mistakes.One: Not realizing there are multiple ways to jointly own real estate and not all of them transfer the property to the surviving owner without probate.Two: Adding a co-owner to a bank account not realizing that adding a joint owner to a bank account is a gift of the entire amount of money in that account.Three: Adding one child as a co-owner or beneficiary on an account with the understanding that after the parents death the child will then distribute the money between his or her siblings. While this does sometimes work, the child is under absolutely no legal duty to split the money. Even if he or she promised, since promises are not enforceable by law.Four: Not realizing that solo ownership of a home will typically require probate to transfer it to someone else when the owner dies.Five: Powers of Attorney expire at the death of the principal (the person who signed it).Six: Thinking that having a will avoids probate. It does not. In fact, a will is the instruction manual for probate.Seven: Not setting up any plan at all, waiting for life to stop changing before making a plan. Heads up, it never doesor if it does stop its too late.Eight: Trying to design an estate plan that works perfectly in every possible scenario quickly leads to being overwhelmed which in turn leads to not moving ahead with a plan at all. Perfection can the enemy of progress.Nine: Not realizing that a trust wont avoid probate if you dont rename your assets from your name to the trusts name. I have done a number of probates for only one asset that was somehow missed and was not in the trust.Ten: Waiting too long to start planning. After one spouse is incapacitated the planning options are more limited than there were when both spouses were fine.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ryan N. Morey, Esq. an estate planning attorney who founded Morey Law, P.C. and may be reached at (719) 465-4324, or at ryan@moreylawpc.com.

As our loved ones age, finding the right level of care and support becomes essential to maintaining their quality of life. One of the most popular and supportive options available today is assisted livinga type of senior housing designed to promote independence while offering assistance with daily tasks.In a city like Colorado Springs, known for its breathtaking mountain views, vibrant senior community, and abundance of healthcare options, assisted living can offer both comfort and peace of mind. Whether youre exploring care for yourself or a family member, this guide will help you understand what assisted living entails, the benefits it offers, and how to begin your search locally. What Is Assisted Living?Assisted living is a residential option for older adults who value their independence but need help with some activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or meal preparation. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living communities do not provide intensive medical care but do offer 24/7 support, social engagement, and a safe, secure environment.In Colorado Springs, assisted living facilities come in many formsfrom small residential homes to larger communities with resort-style amenitiesoffering various levels of care to match individual needs. Benefits of Assisted Living in Colorado Springs Supportive Independence Seniors receive the help they need while maintaining autonomy in their daily routines. This balance can greatly improve confidence and emotional well-being. Safety and Security With staff available around the clock and features like emergency call systems, assisted living communities provide peace of mind for both residents and families. Social Engagement Residents can enjoy organized activities, fitness programs, outings, and dining with peershelping to combat isolation and improve overall wellness. Access to Healthcare Colorado Springs boasts excellent healthcare systems, making it easy for assisted living residents to access medical specialists, hospitals, and rehabilitation services. Tailored Care Plans Each resident typically receives a personalized care plan that evolves as their needs change, ensuring they continue to receive the right level of support.  Is Assisted Living Right for You or Your Loved One?Assisted living is ideal for seniors who:Want to maintain independence but need help with basic daily tasksFeel isolated or lonely living aloneWant access to a community and recreational activitiesNeed support but do not require full-time medical careIf you or a loved one are experiencing challenges managing daily tasks safely, assisted living could provide the perfect balance of independence and care. Exploring Assisted Living Options in Colorado SpringsWhen considering assisted living in Colorado Springs, it's important to explore your options thoroughly. Start by reviewing facilities in your area, asking questions during tours, and talking to current residents if possible. Key things to consider include:Levels of care offeredMonthly pricing and whats includedStaff-to-resident ratiosAvailable activities and amenitiesLicensing and staff trainingTo help simplify your search, you can explore a comprehensive list of local assisted living options right here:Assisted Living Communities in Colorado Springs Full Senior Housing Directory Colorado SpringsFinal ThoughtsFinding the right assisted living community can feel like a big decision, but with the right resources and local guidance, it doesnt have to be overwhelming. Colorado Springs is home to a wide range of quality assisted living options designed to support seniors in maintaining dignity, independence, and a vibrant lifestyle.Use trusted directories like Seniors Blue Book to begin your journey, ask the right questions, and ensure your decision is informed and tailored to your or your loved ones specific needs. For more information, or to browse additional senior care services in Colorado Springs, visit our senior housing directory.