Connecticut - Southern

People often say, If you dont use it, you lose it This phrase certainly pertains to brain function. As with any part of the body, the brain can atrophy if it isnt exercised. The best cognitive workout is hearing, which may seem simple enough but actually involves various portions of the brain that influence our memories, perception, and communication.At Better Hearing at Home, Dr. Anne Reap is trained to treat all types of hearing issues including the connection between hearing loss and dementia. Her intensive training coupled with her in depth study of how the brain processes sound has helped serve her patients well for more than 28 years.When hearing loss becomes a reality, the connection between our brains and our ears is often forgotten. Unfortunately, those patients with undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss increase their risk of physical complications or mental and emotional struggles. According to the Better Hearing Institute, numerous studies link unmanaged hearing loss to a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, including depression, impaired memory, compromised ability to learn new tasks, and the increased risk of personal safety.Hearing loss can impact the lifestyles and relationships of those individuals with dementia, negatively impacting their well-being and leaving loved ones and care-givers to wonder, whether communication and memory issues are due to dementia OR hearing loss??? Confusion surrounding dementia can worsen over time, but it is possible to break the cycle with the appropriate hearing care by a trained doctor of Audiology.Dr. Reap understands that individual needs are unique and treatment plans must be personalized in order to be effective. At Better Hearing at Home, we will work with you to insure that you and your loved ones can reach hearing and lifestyle goals. Remember, early intervention and treatment provides the best possible outcome. Dont wait, better hearing can make all the difference.Editors Note: This article was submitted byBetter Hearing at Home - Dr. Anne Reap500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 300Greenwich, CT 06830www.betterhearingathome.com203 542-7323

For those individuals who will need home care services and are in the process of a Medicaid spend down, consider an agency that you are able to transition to once you meet your income limit?To maintain continuity, one may consider a non-medical home care agency that provides services for both private pay and Medicaid home care clients. When you contract with an agency consider the issues that may arise once the spend down is complete. If your agency has not been credentialed by the Department of Social Services, you will be required to move to a home care agency that participates in the Medicaid waiver funded home care program (Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE).This transition can prove to be very disruptive to your loved one receiving care. For example, a key problem is lack of continuity. The care that has been provided is disrupted and the care will now be delivered from a range of unfamiliar caregivers. From the perspective of an elderly who may have short-term memory impairment and fears change, this can be very confusing. Your loved one typically develops an emotional bond with the caregiver that has been providing services. A bond is developed and a communication style is created fostering a sense of calmness. In addition, a daily routine is developed. The routine may include anywhere from eating breakfast and getting dressed in the morning, to assisting your loved one with their evening schedule.As the elderly population continues to grow, and life expectancy increases, these decisions should factor into heavily to assure a seamless home care transition for your loved one.Editors Note: This article was written by Mary Ellen Leviness (Care Manager) and Joe Campano, Care (Managing Partner) of Compassionate Care at Home. They can be reached at 203-433-4325.

This is a question many older adults are asking themselves. Do I move into a senior living community? Some find an independent living community or Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) appealing, but many others would like to stay in their own homes. Some worry about their future health care needs or what will happen to their assets.Continuing Care at Home (CCAH) programs are expanding around the country for those wishing to stay in their own homes but wanting the assurance of health care coverage. In Fairfield and New Haven counties, Senior Choice at Home, a program of Jewish Senior Services, is a CCAH program licensed by the State of Connecticut.The program is the only one of its kind in Southern Connecticut. It is a comprehensive lifetime membership program that pays for, provides, and coordinates long-term care, as needed. The program offers 24-hour on-call services and communication with loved ones and support, navigation, and advocacy for members throughout a health event. In addition, personalized care plans are based on a members health needs and treatment preferences and implemented when needed. Concierge services, including referrals, are included.Care management and coordination, private duty (non-medical) home care, assisted living, and skilled nursing are covered, if needed. These services are coordinated in conjunction with existing Medicare benefits such as medical home care, short-term rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy, so there is a seamless care team in place for members. The program can stand alone or align with existing long-term care insurance policies as supplemental coverage. It can fill the long-term care insurance gap by supplementing the benefit amount, extending the benefit period, and lessening the elimination period, with no pre-approvals or claim forms.Members have found that care navigation support and home services are a vital resource for recovery following an illness or accident. They also enjoy the social and cultural events that support their desire for a full life of activities they enjoy.Because members stay in their own homes, the cost of the program is substantially less expensive than traditional CCRCs. Membership fees are considered prepaid medical expenses and therefore may have tax benefits.For a free no-obligation personalized consultation, please email SeniorChoiceHome@jseniors.org or call 203-365-6491

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!