Hello, I am Cody Freston, Publisher. Thank you for supporting the Seniors Blue Book of Idaho. We are your local Senior Resource Specialists. Whether it it is Assisted Living, Home Health or anything in between, we are happy to help you find what you need. Enjoy our new local homepage! Look for current Articles, Specials, Education, and view the current edition of the book and so much more. To our local healthcare professionals see how we can help you with networking, education, events, and see how you can showcase your services for seniors in the upcoming edition of the Seniors Blue Book of Idaho. Contact us today! Thank you and enjoy!
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Click to viewThe Pointe at Meridian is a retirement community where every element of true living comes together in one harmonious place. Life within our independent living community can truly be carefree. Our main building also features a private movie theater, spa, salon, fitness center, activity rooms and much more. The Pointe will provide a formal fine dining experience for those looking to explore new cuisines, or old favorites. However, if you have plans and are on the go, we also offer quick snacks so you can grab something on your way out to wherever life takes you that day.Assisted Living:Whether you or your loved one need minimal assistance, or a more thorough and comprehensive care plan.Services Include:Weekly Housekeeping available3 Meals Daily providedTransportation to Local Medical Appointments & Scheduled Shopping Outings All Utilities Cable TV & Internet A Vibrant Activity Calendar 7 days per weekOur medical assessments are done prior to admittance into our community and routinely thereafter to ensure we are providing the top notch care you expect. All care plans are determined with input by you or your representative, our staff, and your primary care physician; in concert, we believe we will be able to provide the care necessary to achieve optimal success while maintaining dignity and respect.Memory Care Community for Our Residents That Need Extra Care Due to Dementia.All of our residents in this portion of the community will be provided customized service plans provided by our trained care staff, available 24 hours a day with licensed nurse oversight. The service provided will be available in a tranquil and compassionate environment, catered towards those with higher needs related to memory loss. We also provide assistance with short-term respite stay accommodations.
Saint Alphonsus Health System has the region's most advanced Trauma Center, which recognizes our dedication to providing the highest quality, most optimal care for all critically ill and injured patients. This distinction ensures we maintain the highest standards for chest pain, stroke, orthopedic and general surgery and emergency care. It also creates a foundation of medical excellence, innovation, and collaboration that makes the overall care all our patients receive throughout the region, that much better.
Saint Alphonsus Health System is a four-hospital regional, faith-based Catholic ministry with over 4,300 associates and nearly 1000 medical staff which serve 700,000 people in Idaho and Oregon. Saint Alphonsus Health System is anchored by the only Level II Trauma Center in the region, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, providing the highest quality, most experienced care to critically ill and injured patients.With a promise to keep care close to home for patients, Saint Alphonsus Health System is comprised of a Regional Medical Center in Boise, ID and Medical Centers is Nampa, ID, Ontario, OR and Baker City, OR. Additionally, Saint Alphonsus operates stand alone emergency departments in Eagle, ID and Nampa, ID
More than 90% of seniors wantto age in their own home with dignity but getting the right type of care canseem daunting. At Senior Helpers Boise Treasure Valley, we believe that gettingthe best care for your loved ones should not be complicated. We take in-home care seriously and make it a priority to providethe highest level of client service possible. Over the years we have built anexceptional team of care professionals, each committed to remaining at theforefront of the in-home care industry through our proprietary ongoing trainingand education programs. Like every other owner, Nick Magnusson is fullycommitted to the original goal of providing dependable and affordable in-homecare with well-trained caregivers, and Senior Helpers of North Idaho became isa valuable resource for seniors and families in our community. Making the decision to seek in-home care for a family member isnever an easy decision. Sherryl and her team at Senior Helpers will walk youthrough the steps, explain your options, provide relief to you and your family,and provide excellent communication with the aim of meeting the changing needsof your loved one.Senior Helpers of North Idaho is passionate about letting our senior community age in place with independence, grace, and dignity. We are committed to providing uncompromising levels of care to all clients and their families. Senior Helpers of North Idaho is passionate about letting our senior community age in place with independence, grace, and dignity. We are committed to providing uncompromising levels of care to all clients and their families.
Will Medicare or Medicaid Pay for Long-Term Care Services? Many people need some sort of long-term care services and support later in life as their ability to care for themselves declines. These services, such as assistance with bathing or showering, dressing, eating, transferring, toileting or continence can be provided in a persons home or long-term care community. May people who need long-term care services are confused about how much these services cost and who will pay for them. Some people think Medicare pays the costs. Others think they merely have to apply for Medicaid to have the government pick up the costs. Neither is necessarily correct. Medicare and Medicaid are two completely different programs which cover different services. Medicare Medicare is a health insurance program run by an agency of the federal government. It is available to all United States citizens above the age of 65 regardless of their income, providing that he or she paid taxes into the Social Security fund. It is basically run the same everywhere in the United States. Patients pay part of the cost through deductibles for hospital and other medical services. Medicare only covers medically necessary care and focuses on medical acute care such as doctor visits, drugs and hospital stays. Medicare coverage also focuses on short-term services for conditions that are expected to improve such as a short stay in a rehabilitation facility, or physical/occupational therapy to help a patient regain function after a fall or stroke. Medicare does not cover long-term care services. Medicaid Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that helps folks who have low income and minimum assets pay for non-medical long-term care services provided at home or long-term care community. Each individual state runs its own Medicaid program. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid pays for personal care assistance on a long-term basis even if there is no expectation that a persons condition will improve. Under the Federal Spousal Impoverishment Act, the government provides protection for married couples whereby a certain amount of the couple's combined assets and income are protected for the well spouse while the other spouse is qualified for Medicaid. For persons who do not meet the low income and asset criteria for Medicaid coverage, private paying from income and savings is the most common source to cover long-term care costs. Long term care insurance helps cover costs for those who purchased a policy earlier in life. Family members also play a large part by providing informal primary caregiving services to loved ones who need help. This article was written by Donna A. Schuyler, Attorney, who practices in the areas of estate planning, elder law, guardianship, and probate. Donna Schuyler Law, PLLC; elderlawboise.com. Phone 208-344-1947
Read MoreSeniors Blue Book Article Fall 2014 Edition Stephanie Bender-Kitz, Director, Friends in Action Family Caregivers Matter! Do you know that there are more than 40,000 Treasure Valley family members-- spouses, adult children, parents and grandparents who provide care and support to ill, disabled, or frail loved ones at home? These family caregivers are de facto care coordinators, medication managers, personal and medical care providers, fiscal and legal managers, planners and decision-makers for tens of thousands of chronically ill or disabled people in our community. Our health care and social services rely heavily on family caregivers to provide care but don't address caregivers needs for training, information and support. As a result, family caregivers experience stress, depression, anxiety, and often become isolated; they have to leave jobs or reduce their work hours; they spend much of their own money to care for others; and most sobering, they can die before the person they care for. Family caregivers are the backbone of our community's health care, and they deserve to be informed, prepared, and supported! Do you know someone who is a family caregiver? A great way to help is to encourage that person to say I am a family caregiver, and I deserve to be supported! Caregivers who self-identify are much more likely to seek information and support that can help them provide care AND they are more likely to take care of themselves too. Where can a family caregiver turn for information and support? A great resource is the Seniors Blue Book. Another great resource is a nonprofit agency called Friends in Action (FIA). FIAs services help family caregivers build a "toolbox" of resources, skills and strategies to navigate the challenges of caregiving, reduce stress, connect with resources, and build confidence in their abilities. FIAs education programs (Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Living Well in Idaho) teach caregivers how to manage stress and feel less overwhelmed. Our in-home support services (Legacy Corps Caregiver Support Program) gives regular breaks to veteran and military families. The JumpStart program works with caregivers one-on-one to connect them with quality information and resources to meet their unique needs and concerns. FIAs 4th Annual Family Caregiver Conference (January 31, 2015) is a one-day education event to connect caregivers with great information, community resources, and mutual support. Many of FIAs services are provided by amazing volunteers (more than 160 of them), who extend the expertise of professional staff and allow FIA to cost-effectively serve many more caregivers. Don't hesitate to reach out to FIA and ask how we can help any family caregiver you know. We believe family caregivers matter!
Read MoreIts not about the destination Its all about the journey.A recent hospice patient was tired of being inside. He had cabin fever. During a visit by his nurse the patient was looking out his window admiring her Volkswagon convertible parked in the driveway. The last time he rode in a convertible, it was a VW, too. It was easy to read the memories on his face. One afternoon, on her own time, our nurse returned to the patients house. She helped him into the car and reclined the seat so that he could better see. She latched his seat belt and dropped the top on her VW. The day was sunny and the road filled with flashes from the past. They drove past places he had lived and churches he attended. They saw places his mother loved to visit. That day they drove back in time to recall a journey that had led to this very trip. After dinner out, our nurse took her patient home. He was exhausted, but the smile on his face after that ride will always be with her. Hospice is a journey through to the end of life. The goal is to treat patients with respect and allow them to live a full life during their last months. Hospice manages symptoms and pain. No hospitals, no beeping machines, no tubes. It is the end of life on the patients terms, with a helping hand to make the journey as fulfilling as possible. Hospice makes a difference in the lives of patients. A 2007 study that looked at Medicare beneficiaries with some of the most common diagnoses leading to death, found that patients who received hospice services lived on average, 29 days longer than those who did not receive hospice care. Hospice patients had 29 additional opportunities to enjoy their families, make a memory or share a smile. As hospice care providers, we strive to go the extra mile for our patients, in some cases literally. With deep roots in the Treasure Valley, we have served Idaho seniors for years and we understand they take personal responsibility seriously. We welcome your call to understand your family's unique needs and to help you make an informed decision for you and your loved one. Written by Devin Limb, Administrator United Hospice. dlimb@unitedhospiceidaho.com According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the median length of service in 2011 was 19.1 days, a decrease from 19.7 in 2010.This means that half of hospice patients received care for less than three weeks and half received care for more than three weeks. The average length of service increased from 67.4 days in 2010 to 69.1 in 2011.
Read More"A Heartfelt Commitment to Compassion: Volunteering at Doctor's Hospice of Idaho"In the picturesque landscapes of Idaho, where the rugged beauty of nature meets the compassionate care of healthcare professionals, Doctor's Hospice of Idaho stands as a beacon of hope and comfort for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. At the heart of this remarkable institution lies a group of dedicated volunteers whose selfless contributions play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families. This article delves into the noble world of volunteering at Doctor's Hospice of Idaho, shedding light on the impactful work they do to make a difference in the lives of those in need.The Essence of Volunteering:Volunteering at Doctor's Hospice of Idaho is a noble endeavor that goes beyond the realms of traditional healthcare. It involves individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a common purpose to provide comfort, companionship, and support to patients and their families during challenging times. The essence of volunteering here lies in the belief that every person deserves to live their final days with dignity, surrounded by warmth and understanding.Roles and Responsibilities:Volunteers at Doctor's Hospice of Idaho engage in a myriad of roles, each tailored to meet the unique needs of patients and their families. These roles may include:Companionship: One of the primary responsibilities of volunteers is to offer companionship to patients. Whether engaging in conversation, reading a book, or simply providing a comforting presence, volunteers create a supportive environment for patients who may be experiencing isolation.Emotional Support: Dealing with end-of-life situations can be emotionally challenging for patients and their families. Volunteers lend a compassionate ear and offer emotional support to help individuals navigate the complex array of feelings associated with terminal illnesses.Respite for Caregivers: In addition to supporting patients, volunteers play a crucial role in providing respite for caregivers. By offering to assist with daily tasks or providing relief to family members, volunteers contribute to easing the burden on those caring for their loved ones.Assistance with Activities: Volunteers may engage patients in various activities, such as art and music therapy, to enhance their quality of life. These activities aim to bring joy, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment to patients during their hospice care.Bereavement Support: After the passing of a loved one, volunteers extend their support by helping families cope with grief. This ongoing support is a testament to the lasting impact volunteers have on the lives of those connected to Doctor's Hospice of Idaho.The Impact of Volunteering:The impact of volunteering at Doctor's Hospice of Idaho is immeasurable, leaving a lasting impression on both volunteers and those they serve. By fostering an atmosphere of compassion and understanding, volunteers contribute to the overall well-being of patients and their families. The positive ripple effect of their efforts extends beyond the hospice setting, creating a supportive community that values the importance of dignity and empathy in the face of life's most challenging moments.How to Become a Volunteer:If you're inspired to make a difference in the lives of individuals facing life-limiting illnesses, Doctor's Hospice of Idaho welcomes individuals from all walks of life to join their volunteer program. The process typically involves an application, orientation, and training sessions to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the unique challenges of hospice care. Prospective volunteers can find more information on the official website or by contacting the volunteer coordinator directly.Conclusion:Volunteering at Doctor's Hospice of Idaho is a profoundly rewarding experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of healthcare. Through their dedication, compassion, and selflessness, volunteers become integral members of a team committed to providing comfort and solace during life's most delicate moments. As they weave a tapestry of support around patients and their families, these volunteers embody the spirit of humanity at its best, making a lasting impact that extends far beyond the walls of the hospice facility.Please contact us at (208) 985-2260
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