We often hear the term Care for the Caregiver, but most people do not understand the profound depth of what that means. It is documented that the caregiver for someone with a disability or illness often has more urgent medical concerns than the patient themselves. While that may seem odd to some people, just ask a caregiver when the last time they a vacation had, a night to themselves, a day to do nothing or have been to a doctor or dentist appointment. The fact is, that as caregivers, we often give all our energy and resources to the one we care for and at the end of the day, there is very little to give ourselves. Support groups, counseling and educational seminars are wonderful resources, but it has been my experience that some caregivers find the idea of an outing overwhelming. But there is hope. Just like trying to change your exercise habits or lose weight, you have to take small consistent steps and not try to run a marathon on the first day.The first step is to respect and know yourself. When you think about tools and tips that are available, use what works for you but do not be afraid to try something new. If it works, continue to do it, but if doesn't work for you, then be confident enough to move to another technique. Remember that you are more than just a caregiver. You are a valued member of the community, a mother or father, a son or daughter, a sister or brother and a friend. You are important and significant, and you deserve to take care of yourself and be happy. Your job is physically demanding, emotionally draining, time consuming, frustrating and the most wonderful, fulfilling and rewarding job you could ever have.12 Ways for a Caregiver to Stay Healthy and Happy Know what resources are available to you Become an educated caregiver by taking classes and reading articles Know when to ask for help and do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help Take care of yourself by going to the doctor and dentist for regular checkups Be realistic with what you are able to do both physically and emotionally Give yourself credit and remind yourself what an amazing job you do for someone in need Eat nutritious meals by snacking on fruits and vegetables instead of foods loaded with carbs and sugars Get regular exercise and fresh air by taking a walk or even just sitting outside for 5-15 min each day Get enough sleep and allow time for self-reflection each evening Talk about your feelings to someone other than who you provide care for Have fun and laugh by finding the humor and beauty in everyday life Stay positive, think good thoughts and give thanks each dayEditor's Note: This article was submitted by Sarah Engels who is the Administrator of Adult Home Care Services and may be reached at 970-874-0136 or by email at SarahE@AHCSColorado.com

One in every three Medicare beneficiaries has diabetes, more than 3.3 million Medicare beneficiaries use one or more forms of insulin. The high cost of insulin is a leading concern for seniors.For diabetics, access to insulin is a critical component of their medical care. Failing to effectively manage diabetes results in increased risk of serious complications, ranging from vision loss to kidney failure to foot ulcers, amputations and heart attacks. Unfortunately, for many seniors the cost of insulin is a barrier to appropriate medical management of diabetes.CMS Part D Senior Saving Model is designed to address President Donald Trump's administration promise to lower the prescription drug costs and provide Medicare patients with new choices of Part D plans that offer insulin at an affordable and predictable cost where a month supply of plan-formulary insulin costs to $35 each.Lower Medicare Part D costs for InsulinMedicare Insulin Coverage Program Details - Senior Savings ModelThe new Senior Savings Program allows for Medicare Part D sponsors to offer a Part D benefit design that includes predictable copays in the deductible, initialcoverage, and coverage gap phases by offering supplemental benefits that apply after manufactures provide a discounted price for broad range of insulins included in the program.The Senior Savings Model aims to reduce Medicare expenditures while enhancing the quality of care for seniors, and to provide beneficiaries with additional Medicare Part D Plan choices. There are participating stand alone Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans.Beginning January 1, 2021, Medicare Part D sponsors that participate in the program will offer beneficiaries Prescription Drug Plans that provide supplemental benefits for insulin coverage in the coverage gap phase of the Medicare Part D benefit. Participating pharmaceutical manufactures will pay the 70% discount in the coverage gap for the insulins that are included in the program (click image above to see which insulin drugs are covered in the new Medicare Insulin Program), but those manufacturer discount payments would now be calculated before the application of supplemental benefits under the program.As a result of the new program, seniors who take insulin and enroll in a plan that is participating in the Seniors Savings Model would now be saving on average $446, in annual Out-Of-Pocket costs of insulin, which is savings of about 66%. This predictable copay will provide improved access and affordability of insulin.Participating Pharmaceutical ManufacturesEligible Pharmaceutical manufactures had the opportunity to volunteer to participate in the Senior Savings Model. The following Pharmaceutical Manufactures are participatingin the Medicare Part D Senior Savings Program in 2021:Eli Lilly and CompanyNovo Nordisk, Inc.Novo Nordisk Pharma, Inc.Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLCAcross the nation, 1,635 Prescription Drug Plans, including both Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans and Stand alone Prescription Drug Plans are participating in the Senior Savings Model for 2021. This covers an estimated 13.2 million enrollees. Seniors who use insulin in all 50 States, D.C., and Puerto Rico will have a choice of a Medicare Part D Senior Savings Model participating plan in their area.

We are NOW living in the future space age healing concepts.   One system of biofeedback is not just checking increased heart rate or changes in breathing this new scanner listens to your voice.  Yes, your voice.  Why?  Think about it when you call a friend or family member you can tell something is wrong just by their voice.  We reflect our state of health through our voice.  This new scanning system identifies what those stressors are by identifying the 3 highest tones and the lowest tone.   Its surprising what information is gained from just your voice.   Just like a lie detector, you cant deceive anyone by your words when your voice gives you away.By identifying the 3 high tones it reflects our most current emotional state and any conflicts with those emotions that we may be feeling.  So, what then?  The goal in health is to maintain homeostasis or balance in our system.  This scanning system offers 4 corrective or balancing frequencies to bring more emotional balance to the client.  One person who used this type of therapy indicated that by listening to the balancing tones for a couple of weeks a couple of times a day, they felt it had done better than 10 years of psychotherapy.  Listening to the harmonizing tones a couple of times a day, before going to bed or starting your day, can shift your emotional and mental state.  The scans are individualized for each person.Even Einstein and Nikola Tesla recognized that everything was influenced by energy.  When the body is given a harmonizing frequency, it can change not only our mental/emotional health but our bodies chemistry and health. We accept equipment like an EKG, EEG, PET Scan and other frequencies for diagnostic testing Its now time to recognize that we have even newer methods for identifying and balancing our health and wellness.  Star Trek and futuristic methods are here today.  Get rid of the stressors and pain.If you were to look back on your life, whether young or old, and identify the stressors in your life, that will give you a great measuring tool for your current state of health.  Take action to clear old and current stress so that you can live life to the fullest! Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jodie MacTavish, CBP, ATC, Certified Biofeedback & Auricular Therapist with Healthful Transformations. She may be reached at: 360-624-3332 or by email at:  jodietransformlife@gmail.comFor more information visit the website at: www.HealthfulTransformations.com

Moving to an assisted or skilled living facility is a challenging task requiring forethought. We know, because we help clients with their transition. From our experience, here is a checklist of questions you need to ask yourself before moving day. If you answer any question No then you have some work to do before making your move. Seek professional advice if you need help with any of the items listed below.1. Are my advance directives up-to-date? Make sure you have the correct person(s) named to assist you in your medical and financial powers of attorney.2. Does my will name the person I want to administer my estate after I am dead? If not, then you will need to make a change to your will.3. Have I determined how I will pay for this move? The average cost of skilled care in Colorado is $7,023 per month.4. Is my will and/or trust up-to-date? Make sure the heirs set out in your will are the ones you want to inherit your estate.5. Have I carefully read through the admissions contract to make sure I understand it? The admissions contract is binding, so make sure you understand the terms.6. If I have a revocable trust estate plan, are all of my assets titled in the name of my trust? You must coordinate the titles and beneficiary designations of retirement accounts and insurance policies with your trust.7. If I have a will estate plan, are my assets titled properly? If you are titling assets in joint tenancy even if it is just to provide assistance in bill paying you may defeat the terms of your will. Be careful!8. Have I consolidated my investment accounts, making it is easier for my agent to manage them?9. Is my stuff in order? Use a personal property memorandum to identify the heir to receive specific items of personal property.10. Have I reviewed my plans with my attorney, accountant and investment advisors to make sure everything is coordinated and my wishes are reflected?If you are able to answer the above questions with Yes, then you have covered most, if not all, of the legal questions to ask yourself to ensure your move is as worry-free as possible.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Baird B. Brown, Esq. Baird is an attorney with Brown & Brown, P.C. and may be reached at 970-243-8250 or by email at baird@brownandbrownpc.com