Don't be fooled by a Simple WillSometimes people will say they want a Simple Will. They assume their assets are uncomplicated and their family situation is typical. But, they dont want surprises.This may be a husband and wife with responsible adult children, a young couple with minor children or a single person. They want the will to distribute their assets to their family. Some attorneys prepare a Simple Will, leaving the impression they have taken care of things. Computer based will forms can provide similar false security. It can be like getting a prescription for bad medicine. A will is not an efficient way to distribute your estate. It requires court approval and processing in accord with probate procedures. This is slow and expensive. The process takes a minimum of 6 months in Kansas and 12 months in Missouri. Typical attorney fees for a $200,000 estate are $7,000 to $10,000, or more.A will only applies to assets that are in the deceased person's name, and that have no beneficiary designations. Most married couples hold bank accounts and real estate jointly. Upon the first spouses death, the assets go to the survivor, not through the will. If the assets have a payable on death (POD) or transfer on death (TOD) designation, or a beneficiary designation as on a life insurance policy or retirement account, these arrangements take priority over the will. Disputes occur when beneficiary designations are different than will provisions.For a young couple with minor children, if their retirement accounts and life insurance beneficiary designations are primary-spouse, contingent-children, and there is no surviving spouse, or a divorce has occurred, then the will does not apply to the childrens shares. It does not matter that the will may have provisions to protect the funds for the childrens education and long-term well-being.An experienced estate attorney will review all assets, their titles and beneficiary designations. Surprisingly, this review frequently shows the Simple Will has no use. Preparing a Simple Will without understanding a clients unique needs, and confirming asset titles and beneficiary designations, provides false security and often results in more expense, delay and family disputes, down the road.Article by James P. Berger, J.D., of Berger Estate & Elder Law, P.A. who can be reached at 913-491-6332 or by email at jim@berger-lawfirm.com.

For many people, the idea of a senior living community includes images of older adults sitting alone in their rooms or napping in a common area. These negative perceptions do not actually reflect the active lifestyle lived by most American seniors. According to a study by the University of Michigan, a growing number of older adults are embracing healthy living, staying physically active and remaining socially engaged.  When a senior and their family begin to consider transitioning to a senior living community, lifestyle, engagement and health are always top considerations. Simply because an older adult may need more daily assistance or support with the activities of daily living, it doesnt mean they will want to stop practicing their hobbies or keeping up with life enrichment activities they love. Many senior living communities help accommodate these pursuits through their life enrichment programs.So, how important is life enrichment for seniors? And what are the benefits of life enrichment programs? What Does Life Enrichment Mean?What does life enrichment mean? Life enrichment programs for seniors include plans and activities that support a seniors social, physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. In addition to encouraging creativity and personal growth, life enrichment programs are designed to keep seniors active, healthy and engaged in their community.While senior enrichment programs may seem like perks, they play a much more important role in senior living communities than just fun and games! Activities that suit a seniors active lifestyle and programs that engage their minds add greatly to the quality of life for older adults. Here are a few ways life enrichment programs benefit seniors:Keeping seniors activeAn active lifestyle is a vital part of healthy aging. Remaining active into the golden years of life can help seniors to maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, prolong independence and help to manage chronic medical conditions. Life enrichment programs that include physical activity can keep seniors moving. At Anthology of King of Prussia, seniors enjoy access to an indoor pool, as well as exercise, fitness and wellness programs.Creating social connectionsStrong personal relationships give people comfort and support at any age. Feeling connected to others can help seniors reduce stress and anxiety, while also lowering the risk of depression. For seniors who live alone or who have limited mobility, it can be challenging to stay socially active. Life enrichment programs in senior living communities often have a social focus, which helps seniors to make connections. At Anthology of Farmington Hills, residents enjoy daily social, cultural and recreational activities, as well as thoughtfully designed common areas, including a sunroom.Supporting cognitive healthMany senior enrichment programs include activities that promote cognitive health. Keeping the mind active supports memory and reasoning abilities, while giving seniors an overall sense of achievement. By participating in life enrichment programs, seniors can preserve and sometimes improve their brain health. At Anthology of Plano, residents have a community activity center with game rooms, a library and reading rooms to enjoy books, games and puzzles, all of which promote brain health. Life Enrichment Activities for SeniorsDaily engagement through life enrichment activities for seniors helps to encourage bonds with loved ones, build new relationships and explore new hobbies. Anthology Senior Living designed our Elements of Life Enrichment program around our core philosophy and using our six dimensions of wellness. Anthologys six dimensions of wellness include:Physical HealthSocial HealthEmotional HealthIntellectual HealthSpiritual HealthEnvironmental HealthThis unique life enrichment program truly nurtures the full mind, body and spirit. From participating in a group fitness class to joining other residents for a card game or an off-site adventure, the Elements program keeps residents energized and encourages them to make the most of each and every day. Examples of life enrichment activities that are part of the Elements program include:A calendar of daily social, cultural and recreational senior living activities for residents to choose from, such as art classes, happy hours, fitness classes, yoga, dance and walking clubsFitness, exercise and wellness programs designed to engage residentsThoughtfully designed common areas and landscaped outdoor spaces for social gatheringsThe Directors of the Elements Life Enrichment program at Anthology provide opportunities and activities to keep residents engaged, while also improving the balance and functional movement for a better life within the Anthology communities. Our diverse monthly calendars are full of senior living activities that reflect the spirit and aspirations of Anthology residents. At Anthology Senior Living, we also understand that effectively improving seniors everyday experiences means not just customizing their activities to meet their specific preferences and tastes, but also ensuring that their daily routine has some variety.  About Anthology Senior LivingAll of Anthology Senior Livings assisted living communities provide warm, dynamic care in a supportive, engaging environment. The team at Anthology manages everything to allow our assisted living residents to enjoy each day to its fullest. At Anthology of Boynton Beach, and all our communities, we provide housekeeping services, linen services, laundry and groundskeeping so residents can focus on fun and enjoyment. Theres so much to do at Anthology Senior Living that you will wish you had moved in sooner! Every day, various organized activities are available to participate in. From art classes to happy hours to brain games and fitness classes, theres something to indulge every taste. At Anthology Senior Living, your time is always your own. Choose as many or as few activities as you desire. View our calendars and see the wide variety that we have to offer.Interested in finding an Anthology Senior Living community near you? Visit our community finder to learn about all our locations. Or contact us today to set up a tour!

Enable Dental is the nations leading provider of portable at-home dental services. Our dental teams are dedicated and trained to work specifically with unique populations including those individuals with geriatric populations, those with mobility and transportation challenges or restrictions and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our focus in working individuals and groups at well over 1,100 communities and senior support organizations across the country is what sets us apart.  Our licensed and skilled dental professionals are highly qualified and are committed to providing the best care to our patients regardless of setting including in the comfort of the patients home, senior home, assisted living facility, or community center.To provide the level of service with the accuracy needed to adhere to the unique needs and requirements of each patient, we developed and own a proprietary technology stack which allows us to meet internal quality metrics and communicate throughout our company. To solve important dental issues and reduce stress for patients and their loved ones, we rely on innovation, technology, and solid training to gain efficiency with every step in our proprietary process.Our success with our program includes the utilization of military grade portable dental equipment and our ability to harness technology to provide both synchronous and asynchronous dentistry. We are equipped with portable technology and advanced systems which allow us to provide at-home or on-site dentistry. We use handheld digital x-ray units, bring our own custom dental chairs, and wheeled dental units making it possible to thoroughly diagnose and perform dental treatment in different living environments. We can also harness EMR data and provide valuable data back to through data integrations if necessary.Editor's Notes please contact Matt Schreiber, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at 866-988-4504 for more information.

Memory loss, whether due to Alzheimers disease or other forms of dementia, can profoundly impact the lives of both the affected individual and their loved ones. The journey of caring for someone with memory loss is filled with challenges, but it can also be a deeply rewarding experience. As caregivers, we strive to provide the best care and support for our loved ones, ensuring their safety, dignity and quality of life. But as dementia progresses, it can bring about significant changes in behavior, memory and overall well-being, leaving family caregivers seeking the best memory care services. While providing care at home may seem like the most natural choice, there comes a point where considering a memory care community, like Anthology Senior Living, becomes a compelling option. In this blog, well explore the complexities of caring for a loved one with memory loss and delve into the reasons why an Anthology community can be the best solution. Understanding the Challenges of Caring for Seniors with Memory LossMemory loss is a complex condition that requires deep understanding of the underlying causes and its progression. Whether its mild cognitive impairment or advanced dementia, knowing how to manage symptoms and creating an environment that promotes mental stimulation and emotional well-being are crucial. Family caregivers often find themselves navigating through various challenges, such as:Increased care demands: As the disease progresses, individuals often require 24/7 supervision and specialized care, making it difficult for family caregivers to balance their personal and professional lives.Safety concerns: Memory loss, such as dementia, can lead to wandering, confusion and forgetfulness, putting the person at risk of accidents or getting lost if not properly supervised.Emotional toll: Providing care for a loved one with memory loss can lead to emotional strain, stress and burnout for family caregivers who may feel isolated or unsupported.Specialized care needs: Memory care requires specialized knowledge and training, which family caregivers may not possess. The Importance of Specialized Memory CareCaring for a loved one with memory loss goes beyond mere assistance with daily tasks. Specialized memory care programs are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for residents. Anthology has memory care communities, like Anthology of Meridian Hills, that are equipped with safety features and memory-enhancing elements to foster a sense of familiarity and reduce anxiety. These communities are thoughtfully designed to create a homelike setting, promoting engagement and socialization among residents. Person-Centered Approach Embracing a person-centered approach is a crucial aspect of memory care. At Anthology, every resident is treated as a unique individual with their own life story, preferences and needs. Care plans are made with input from residents and their loved ones, focusing on independence, dignity and memory loss challenges. This approach fosters a sense of empowerment, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being and happiness of the residents. Compassionate and Trained Staff Caring for individuals with memory loss requires a special set of skills and patience. Every member of our memory care team receives rigorous, specialized training in dementia care, plus additional mandatory training each year. Our advanced methods use the newest smart technology and electronic health records, involving you in their care journey. Our teams are adept at managing behavioral changes and communication difficulties and providing emotional support to both residents and their families. Engaging Activities and Programs Memory loss can sometimes lead to isolation and withdrawal, making social interaction and mental stimulation vital components of care. Anthology communities are built around six dimensions of wellness physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and environmental that promote independence. These are especially important in the care we provide to our memory care residents.Daily programming is built around each resident, offering flexible schedules and activities designed to instill meaning, assurance and purpose. Exercise and social activities help your loved one stay active and empowered to enjoy each day. Our communities use Fit Minds cognitive programs to help residents increase their self-confidence, social engagement and mental acuity. We also offer iN2L programming, a computer software that includes interactive multimedia and cognitive-based games and adaptive devices that keep seniors active, connected and engaged. iN2L addresses the need for individualized, accessible engagement that enhances cognitive function, socialization and quality of life. Nurturing Neighborhoods Our Virtue Memory Care Neighborhoods, like the one at Anthology of The Plaza, are designed to help your loved one thrive in mind, body and spirit. Curated artwork features local landmarks and nostalgic images to evoke feelings of home. Memory displays outside each personal suite feature personal photos and mementos to provide familiarity. Even the dining experience is designed for familiarity by featuring favorite foods served with an appealing flair. Here to Support You No one should experience dementia alone. Discover the compassion and partnership of one of our memory care communities. Dedicated, certified caregivers provide your loved one with the comprehensive care they need and the vibrant life they deserve in a secure and engaging environment.Let us be a trusted and reliable source; we are here to help. Contact us today. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have. Anthology has 30 memory care communities nationwide offering memory care services for those with dementia or memory loss. From Kansas City, Missouri to Henrico, Virginia and locations all over the country, find a community near you today.