Texas - Greater Dallas

How am I Going to Afford Assisted Living or Home Care When I Need It?Working with many seniors and families over the years from many different backgrounds and socioeconomic situations, makes this a somewhat scary and serious topic for many.  Will I have enough money to afford care? I dont want to be a burden on my family. I planned to stay in my home till I die. Social Security and Medicare should cover my costs for care, right?  Lets talk about the costs, misconceptions, and options for paying for Assisted Living and Home Care. Knowing what to plan for and expect before you need it will provide peace of mind for not only you.Cost of Home Care and Assisted LivingLets start by talking about the big elephant in the room.  The need for a caregiver, Assisted Living, and Memory Care is expensive!  The average in Home Caregiver charges $25-$35/hr., which can up quickly. Once one needs 24/7 it can be upwards of $18,000/mo.+ for a private caregiver. This is where Senior Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities can provide 24/7 care needed in a safe environment at a more affordable rate, typically ranging from around $4,000-$9,000/mo. in the DFW area depending on the location, community, type of room and level of care needed. When one ages significantly or has a medical condition that warrants care, many find that they are not fully prepared for the care that may be necessary long-term. Medicare MisconceptionWe often hear the question: I have Medicare and a supplemental insurance. Doesnt that cover the care I need?  This is a common misconception.  While Medicare and supplemental insurance like AARP cover your medical needs in the hospital, rehab, and Home Health (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy), it does not cover Home Care/Caregiving Assistance which provides the individual assistance needed for Activities of Daily Living (ADL). ADLs include things like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meal preparation, feeding, etc. Payment OptionsThere are several options available when looking at paying for Senior Living and caregiving expenses: How to Pay for Assisted Living: 10 Ways to Cover the Costs (seniorht.com)1.     Personal Savings  Savings and Investments put aside for retirement.2.     Social Security Income  Income and retirement $3.     Pension Plans & Retirement Benefits  Company pensions and retirement benefits are great resources to have.4.     Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC)  These plans are costly but are designed to cover the costs of Assisted Living and when ADL assistance is needed.  There are many different types of LTC plans. Make sure to look over carefully and read the fine print when choosing the right one for you. 5.     Veterans Benefits  If one qualifies for veterans benefits and meets the criteria for pension and/or aid and attendance can receive financial assistance.  You may be able to even receive care in a VA Medical Facility or VA Facility, but the challenge many faces is that they are already full due to overwhelming demand. There is often a waiting list to get in. 6.     Medicare  Covers 100% of the cost of care up to 20 days at a skilled nursing facility and approximately 80% of the cost up to 80 more days. This care must be after an overnight inpatient hospital stay and for recovery. Cost of room and board or personal care in assisted living is not covered, but it will pay for the medical costs, such as physical therapy, incurred while in assisted living. So, this is important to understand when looking at needs for ongoing care.7.     Medicaid  This would be for those that have spent down or do not have significant assets and income of no more than $2k/mo. This happens to more than you realize as the assets and saved retirement $ is gone and one has only Social Security. Note there is a shortage of Medicaid beds, and one must need skilled nursing in addition to low income to even qualify.8.     Supplemental Security Income - Anyone can apply for SSI and there is no charge. Check out if youre eligible through an online screening you can find at https://ssabest.benefits.gov/.  Different states have different rules, and the amount is nominal but can still be beneficial to check.9.     Reverse Mortgage  This option allows seniors to borrow against the equity in their home. This works great if one is able to/wants to stay in their home but can present a significant challenge when care needs become too great, and a transition is needed. 10.  Life Insurance Policy  This is a not so commonly known resource that could be available to help pay for Senior Living costs.  Note that these options would potentially reduce or eliminate any payout or benefit to beneficiaries once the policy holder dies.a.     Some policies have a living benefit options (accelerated death benefit), that allows the policyholder to take a portion of their death benefit early when they have a terminal illness or serious chronic illness. b.     Sell Your Life Insurance Policy Many policies can be sold to a life settlement company for a lump sum that can be used toward senior living and care expenses.No matter how you decide to plan and pay for your Golden Years in retirement, talking with a financial planner, estate/elder law attorney, and having those discussions with trusted family members is recommended. Knowing what to plan for and expect before you need it will provide peace of mind for not only you, but for your loved ones too.  Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors has helped countless families transition into Senior Living Communities throughout DFW with our personalized complementary services that aid families in finding a community that is a right fit based on budgetary, care, family, and geographic needs. We are passionate about helping seniors and their families navigate the overwhelming options and choices when it comes to senior living and ensure the best care, environment, resources, and quality of life for you and/or your loved one.  Britt Hemsell  Ruby Care Senior Living Advisor & Blog ContributorResources: Senior Home Transitions  https://seniorht.com/pay-assisted-living/Veterans Services OfficesCollin County - https://www.collincountytx.gov/veteransTarrant County - https://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/veteran-services.htmlDallas County - https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/veteran-services 

Holistic Home Care Assistance in North Texas: Partnering with Hospice CareJanuary 16, 2024wwillemsGrief is a profound emotion that accompanies the loss of a loved one, a natural response to a challenging experience. When individuals and their families face the difficult task of coping with grief and bereavement, home-based hospice care becomes a source of comfort and support. Assisting Hands Home Care, a prominent home care agency in North Texas, understands the unique needs of those going through this emotional journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of coping with grief in the context of home-based hospice care, offering insights, resources, and support to help families navigate this process.Understanding Grief and Bereavement: Grief is a complex emotional response to loss, encompassing a range of feelings such as sadness, anger, guilt, and even relief. Bereavement refers to the period of mourning and adjustment following the loss of a loved one. In a home-based hospice care setting, individuals and their families experience grief in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar environments and supportive caregivers.The Role of Home-Based Hospice Care: Assisting Hands Home Care recognizes the importance of creating a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals and families dealing with grief and bereavement. Trained caregivers collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide holistic care that addresses not only the physical needs but also the emotional and psychological aspects of grief.Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster: Grieving is a unique process for each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Assisting Hands Home Care emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and expressing emotions during this challenging time. Caregivers are trained to provide a listening ear, offer companionship, and create a safe space for open communication. This emotional support plays a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the ups and downs of the grief rollercoaster.Practical Tips for Coping at Home:Establishing a Support System: Assisting Hands Home Care encourages families to build a strong support system comprising friends, family, and professional caregivers. Having a network of individuals who understand and empathize with the grieving process can provide comfort and companionship.Creating Meaningful Rituals: Rituals can play a vital role in honoring the memory of a loved one. Whether its lighting a candle, creating a memorial space, or sharing stories, these rituals can provide a sense of connection and purpose during the grieving process.Seeking Professional Counseling: Home-based hospice care extends beyond physical assistance. Assisting Hands Home Care offers access to professional counselors and therapists who specialize in grief and bereavement support. These experts can help individuals and families cope with complex emotions and provide coping strategies for the long term.Focusing on Self-Care: Grieving individuals often neglect their own well-being. Assisting Hands Home Care emphasizes the importance of self-care, including proper nutrition, adequate rest, and engaging in activities that bring comfort and solace. Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals in maintaining their physical and mental health.Addressing Common Concerns:Fear of Isolation: Grieving individuals may fear isolation, but Assisting Hands Home Care ensures that compassionate caregivers are available to provide companionship and emotional support. Our team is committed to fostering a sense of connection and understanding.Anticipatory Grief: In a hospice care setting, anticipatory grief is common as families prepare for the inevitable loss. Assisting Hands Home Care offers guidance on managing anticipatory grief, including communication strategies, creating meaningful moments, and accessing additional resources for support.Conclusion:Coping with grief and bereavement in a home-based hospice care setting requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Although Assisting Hands Home Care does not provide hospice care, we work in close partnership with local hospice care providers. Our services complement each other. Assisting Hands Home Care in North Texas stands as a pillar of support for individuals and families navigating this challenging journey. By combining professional caregiving services with emotional support and practical tips, our agency aims to create a comforting and healing environment during one of lifes most difficult times. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available to guide you through the process of coping with grief at home.

Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers frequently report experiencing high levels of stress. It can be overwhelming to take care of a loved one with Alzheimer's or other dementia, but too much stress can be harmful. Join the Alzheimer's Association and local community partners, as we discuss self-care tips, responding to dementia-related behaviors, resiliency for caregivers, and local resources that can assist caregivers when experiencing burnout.RESOURCES:Please CLICK HERE for a folder with resources         Addressing Caregiver Burnout Seminar

 Elder Fraud and Scams: A Growing Problem and How to Protect YourselfAs our population ages, elder fraud and scams have become an increasingly serious problem. Seniors are often targeted by scammers because they are seen as vulnerable and more trusting, making them easy targets for fraudsters who prey on their emotions and vulnerabilities. Elder fraud and scams can lead to devastating financial consequences for seniors and their families, leaving many in dire financial straits. In this article, we will discuss the growing problem of elder fraud and scams, some statistics surrounding the issue, the most common scams, how to prevent them, and how to report fraud in Texas.The Growing Problem of Elder Fraud and ScamsElder fraud and scams are a growing problem, with more and more seniors falling victim to scams every year. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers over the age of 60 filed more than 143,000 fraud reports in 2020, with a total reported loss of more than $621 million. This represents a significant increase in the number of fraud reports filed by seniors over the past decade, indicating a growing problem.Most Common Scams Targeting SeniorsThere are many different types of scams that target seniors, but some are more common than others. The following are some of the most common scams targeting seniors:1.     Tech Support Scams: Scammers will call or email seniors claiming to be tech support personnel from a reputable company, such as Microsoft or Apple. They will then claim that there is a problem with the senior's computer and ask for remote access to fix the issue. Once they gain access to the computer, they can steal personal information or install malware.2.     Grandparent Scams: Scammers will call seniors posing as their grandchild, claiming to be in trouble and in need of money. They will ask the senior to wire money or purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the scammer.3.     Sweepstakes Scams: Scammers will call or send mail to seniors claiming that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery. They will ask for payment of taxes or fees before releasing the winnings, but the winnings never materialize.4.     Medicare Scams: Scammers will call seniors claiming to be Medicare representatives and ask for personal information, such as their Social Security number, in order to send them a new Medicare card. They will then use this information to commit identity theft. Scammers may use a sense of urgency to try to pressure the elderly into making quick decisions. They may threaten legal action or claim that they are from a government agency, such as the IRS, in an attempt to scare the elderly into giving them money or personal information.Preventing Elder Fraud and ScamsTo prevent elder fraud and scams, there are several steps that elderly individuals and their loved ones can take. 1.     Never give out personal information over the phone or via email unless you are certain that the request is legitimate.2.     Do not wire money or send gift cards to anyone who calls or emails you asking for money.3.     Verify any requests for personal information or money by calling the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.4.     Do not click on links or download attachments from emails or websites you do not trust.5.     Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.6.     Be wary of unsolicited phone calls or emails that ask for personal information or money. Overall, elder fraud and scams are a growing problem that is impacting thousands of elderly individuals across the country. By educating oneself about the different types of scams and taking steps to prevent them, elderly individuals and their loved ones can protect themselves from becoming victims. Reporting scams to the appropriate authorities is an important step in preventing further fraud and holding scammers accountable for their actions. Elder fraud and scams are a growing problem, and seniors need to take steps to protect themselves.  Reporting Elder Fraud and Scams in Texas If an elderly individual believes that they have been the victim of a scam, it is important to report it immediately. In Texas, individuals can report fraud or scams to the Texas Attorney General's office or to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Reporting scams is important not only to prevent further fraud, but also to help law enforcement investigate and bring scammers to justice.Here are the steps to report elder fraud and scams in Texas:1.     Contact local law enforcement: If you suspect that an elder is being scammed or defrauded, the first step is to call the local police department or sheriff's office. You can also call 911 if the situation is an emergency. The police will take your report and investigate the matter. 2.     Contact Adult Protective Services (APS): If the elder is a vulnerable adult or has a disability, you can contact APS to report the fraud or scam. APS is a state agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. You can contact the Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) Central Intake by phone at 1-800-252-5400 or online at https://www.txabusehotline.org/Login/Default.aspx. 3.     Contact the Texas Attorney General's office: If the scam or fraud involves a business or company, you can contact the Texas Attorney General's office. The office has a Consumer Protection Division that investigates consumer complaints and takes legal action against businesses that engage in fraudulent practices. You can file a complaint online at the Attorney General's website. Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by phone at 1-800-621-0508 or online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint. 4.     Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is a federal agency that investigates consumer fraud and identity theft. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report fraud and scams by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or online at https://www.ftc.gov/complaint. 5.     Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the fraud or scam involves a business, you can also contact the BBB. The BBB collects complaints about businesses and works with them to resolve consumer issues. You can file a complaint online at the BBB's website.  It's important to note that reporting elder fraud and scams can help prevent others from becoming victims. If you suspect that someone you know is being scammed or defrauded, encourage them to report it as soon as possible. Additional Resources to Prevent or Address Elder Abuse in the Greater Dallas DFW Area Elder Financial Safety CenterThe Senior SourceAdult Protective ServicesTexas Attorney GeneralAARPMcNair Dallas LawteleCalm  Author: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/