Massachusetts - Greater Boston

What is a CCRC? What defines a Lifecare community? Is there a difference? In this article, you will learn about the available contract types at CCRCs so you can make an educated decision about thetype of community thats best for you. CCRCsalso referred to as continuing care retirement communities or Life Plan communitiesoffer a secure pathway for aging and future healthcare needs and eliminate the need for a disruptive move if you ever need a higher level of care. Residents typically enter these communities as independent living residents and enjoy access to continuing on-site healthcare, including assisted living and memory care, should the need for such services arise.There are three types of care contracts available at CCRCs (Type A, Type B and Type C), all offering different levels of care coverage.1.     Type A Contract: LifecareType A Lifecare contracts include coverage of all potential care costs as part of the initial contract, which includes housing, services, and amenities.  All Lifecare communities are CCRCs, but not all CCRCs offer a Lifecare contract.  A Lifecare contract requires an entrance fee but ensures predictable monthly fees regardless of your care needs. Plus, couples with a Lifecare contract can occupy two residences on the same campus but only pay one monthly fee.Those who opt for Lifecare know they can count on high-quality care available at predictable rates for the rest of their lives. Generally, Lifecare residents pay far less for these services than they would on the open market as part of a smartfinancial plan to protect themselves and their estate from the ever-increasing costs of long-term care.2.     Type B Contract: Modified CareType B Modified Care Contracts offer lower upfront deposits and monthly fees but also have limitations on covered long-term care services. Healthcare is typically provided in one of two ways:         1.     A limited number of free days included as part of the entrance fee, with additional care billed at per diem market rates        2.     An ongoing, minimally discounted rate Healthcare services may be delivered on or off site, and two monthly fees may be incurred if couples require different levels of care.   3.     Type C Contract: Fee-for-Service Care       With a Type C Fee-for-Service Contract, access to long-term care, while typically guaranteed, is charged at market rates. If a resident requires care on a short-term basis, to maintain their independent living residence,      that resident would be required to pay the monthly fee on the independent living residence plus the costs of housing and healthcare received in assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing. While theres no upfront expense under this plan, the market costs of care can rapidly exceed the amount of an upfront entrance fee without the benefits of pre-arranged long-term care costs.Making a DecisionSo which CCRC contract is the best? Theres no one right answer for everyone. It comes down to making the decision that youre comfortable with after considering things like your family history regarding life expectancy and health in addition to knowledge about the different types of CCRCs. ContributingWriter Adam Manchester, Executive Director, New Pond Village [email protected] 508-660-1555

When you or a loved one requires short-term rehabilitation after a hospital stay, finding the ideal center can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Selecting the right senior rehab facility is crucial to ensuring the best possible care and support during the recovery period. To help in making an informed choice, consider asking the following questions:Availability of Openings and Anticipated Discharges: Inquire about the facility's current availability for new patients and ask about anticipated discharges in the near future. This will give you insight into the center's capacity and when the rehabilitation program may begin.Insurance Coverage and Preapproval Process: Confirm that your insurance is accepted at the facility and learn about the steps required for coverage preapproval. The admissions staff should assist in determining if they are in-network for your insurance plan or help you find out.Staff Specialization: Inquire about the staff's proficiencies, particularly in areas like wound care and orthopedic treatment, which are generally considered standard aspects of care. Additionally, verify the facilitys accreditation from well-regarded organizations such as The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), among others, to ensure the facility adheres to established healthcare standards.Therapy Sessions and Patient Care: Inquire about the amount of therapy patients typically receive. While frequency and duration will, of course, vary based on individual care plans, you may wish to ask to get a general sense.Staff-to-Patient Ratio: Learn about the staff-to-patient ratio on each shift, including the number of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants compared to the patient capacity. A lower ratio often indicates more personalized care.Treatment Team Members: Find out about the other professionals involved in the recovery process besides the nursing team. Will there be a physiatrist, respiratory therapist, or wound care team available to assist in the rehabilitation care plan?Essential Items and Amenities: Check which items should be brought from home and what amenities the facility provides. For instance, the center may suggest bringing sturdy shoes and layered clothing options, among other things.Involvement of Family in Care Planning: Inquire about dates and times for regularly scheduled care planning meetings. Involving loved ones in the care-planning process is important for effective rehabilitation. Outpatient Therapy and Post-Rehab Services: Find out if the facility offers outpatient therapy and inquire about their process for setting up in-home services if needed after the short-term rehab stay is complete. Understanding these options will help you plan for life after rehabilitation.Choosing the right short-term senior rehab center requires thorough research and careful consideration. By asking the above questions and assessing the facility's capabilities, you can ensure that you or your loved one receives the care and support needed for a successful recovery. Always take the time to visit the facility, meet the staff, and get a sense of the environment to make the most informed decision.(Sidebar):How Short-Term Rehab Makes a Difference Highly skilled and qualified staff members are available 24/7 to provide continuous medical check-ups following a hospital stay, reducing the likelihood of returning to the hospital. A dedicated team of therapists and nursing staff can create a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses each residents specific needs, capabilities, and health goals. Continuous care and monitoring encompassing physical therapy, pain management, and nutritional guidance can help prevent setbacks and ensure a faster recovery. Nurses and therapists work together to facilitate a smooth transition back to regular life helping patients regain their confidence and independence while safeguarding against potential risks. Families stay involved in their loved ones healing journey and remain well-informed about the medical status, challenges, and personalized care plans and routines, working with rehab specialists toward a successful recovery.Were here to help. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with information about Mary Ann Morse Outpatient & Short-Term Inpatient Rehabilitation Services or answer any questions. Contact us at 508-433-4400 and [email protected], or visit us at Short-Term Rehabilitation | Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center.

As you begin to transition to retirement, you'll find a mix of anticipated plans and unexpected challenges awaiting you. Transitioning into retirement marks a major life shift, and the unknowns ahead might stir up mixed feelings about retirement. You may wonder how to fill your time, explore new passions or derive meaning in this phase of life.After dedicating your life to preparing to transition to retirement, the moment has arrived. What will you make of it? Embrace a fresh perspective on aging: Spin the wheel of retirement roulette and let fate guide your journey. This approach highlights life's unpredictability and the excitement of discovering unexpected joys in retirement.Whether its retirement risks, rewards or retirement challenges that youre facing, were here to help. Together, lets go all in and cash out BIG together in retirement!Tips for Transitioning from Work to a Satisfying Retirement Start transitioning gradually: In the months leading to retirement transition, start cutting back on the amount of work that you do, allowing time for your successor to have time to get acclimated to the new role and introducing more free time into your daily life.Establish a daily routine: Provide structure and purpose to your day by creating (and sticking to!) a daily schedule. Doing this is going to help you create a purposeful life in retirement. Figure out what things you enjoy doing or those that you dont look forward to and see where you can move things around to fit your newfound freedom.Stay connected with friends and family: Leaving the workplace often means leaving friends and colleagues that you have become accustomed to having in your life every day. When you are retired, this may feel disorienting. Reach out to your friends and family members during this time or set up a time to have coffee with an old coworker a few times a month.Explore hobbies and make new connections: Its time to join that knitting club or the swimming class that you have been eyeing for a while. Taking up new or favorite hobbies can help you meet new people and form new bonds. Take this time to explore retirement adventures and do what you want to do! Do You Have Retirement Anxiety? A retirement transition can sometimes feel that youre putting all of your money on RED, just to see a lot of GREEN! But sometimes, were scared to make that gamble with our newfound freedom.Retirement anxiety refers to the feelings of stress, worry or apprehension that some individuals experience when approaching retirement. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as concerns about financial stability, loss of purpose or identity, changes in social relationships, fear of health issues and uncertainty about how to spend one's time in a satisfying retirement.Common sources of anxiety about retirement include:Financial concerns: Many people worry about whether they have saved enough money to sustain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement. Factors such as insufficient savings, unexpected expenses or economic downturns can exacerbate these worries.Loss of identity and purpose: Work often provides individuals with a sense of purpose, structure and social connection. Retiring may lead to feelings of loss or uncertainty about one's identity and role in society, particularly if one's identity is closely tied to their career.Health concerns: As people age, they may become more aware of their health and physical limitations. Concerns about declining health, access to healthcare and long-term care needs can contribute to retirement anxiety.Our Anthology at Boynton Beach community, nestled on the Florida coast among tall palm trees and lush greenery, offers walking paths and a fully equipped wellness center for residents to use to stay healthy, improve flexibility and reduce stress.Changes in social relationships: Transition to retirement can bring changes in social dynamics, especially if one's social circle primarily consists of coworkers or if the retiree's partner is still working. Adjusting to new routines and finding ways to maintain social connections can be challenging.At Anthology of Louisville, which offers premier senior living in Louisville, KY, our leadership team works to create and host activities and socialization opportunities for residents every day. Our vibrant activity programs are a favorite for our residents, allowing them to socialize in programs or even around the dinner table with fellow friends and neighbors.Its what makes Anthology such an exciting place to live! There are always new connections to be made.Addressing retirement anxiety often involves a combination of financial planning, emotional preparation and lifestyle adjustments. Seeking support from financial advisors, therapists, support groups and loved ones can help individuals navigate this transition more smoothly and alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the transition to retirement.Some seniors choose to go into independent or assisted living lifestyle options when entering retirement. Assisted living, especially, is beneficial for those who can no longer handle everyday tasks like housekeeping and cooking on their own.Anthology of Planos accommodations include a range of spacious, private floor plans with state-of-the-art amenities and built-in emergency alert systems in residences. Our dedicated team takes care of household tasks like cleaning, trash removal and linen services so you can spend your time doing more of the things you love. Looking for senior living in Plano? Wed love to meet you!Choose Your Adventure with Anthology Senior LivingWith Anthology Senior Living, you spin the wheel every day and decide where youd like it to take you. With this may sound equally exciting and terrifying, living at Anthology gives you the autonomy to choose how your days and your life go!Living at Anthology means that all of the mundane activities like housekeeping, laundry and transportation are covered and you can fill your days with the kind of activities that you are interested in.From excellent dining experiences to planned activities, events and amenities and everything in between spinning the wheel of retirement roulette is a chance to explore the unexpected and embrace the unpredictable everyday events that make life worth living! Retiring soon? Consider moving into a beautiful Anthology Senior Living community in retirement for the carefree lifestyle youve always craved. We call that rolling the dice and winning twice.

A diagnosis of Parkinsons is a life-changing moment. However, with advances in treatment and the right support there is much an individual with Parkinsons disease can do to live every day to the fullest. Here in Massachusetts, we have many resources to help navigate the PD diagnosis and get the information you need. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the countrys largest grassroots organization serving those touched by Parkinsons disease. What makes APDA unique is that we are in cities, towns, and communities across the U.S. In Massachusetts there is a APDA Chapter, Information & Referral Center, Centers for Advanced Research, Specialized programs in Young Onset, Veterans and Rehabilitation Resources, and countless support groups, we are able to quickly reach people and connect them to resources that will provide the best outcomes as they navigate Parkinsons disease.Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurological movement disorder. Over one million people live with Parkinsons. The results of a new study show that the incidence of Parkinsons disease (PD), or the number of new cases diagnosed per year, is 50% higher than previously estimated. Instead of past estimates of 60,000 new cases of PD diagnosed per year, the new study determined that there are approximately 90,000 new cases of PD diagnosed in the US per year. It can begin with a tremor, difficulty writing, stooped posture, stiff muscles, or slightly slurred speech; symptoms are different for every person. If you have questions reach out to your doctor. APDAs mission is to provide information, education, and support to all impacted by the disease and to fund scientific research into the causes, prevention, treatments and ultimately the cure.  We take pride in the fact that we are in your community and many others across the country serving people with Parkinsons disease to provide support from the day of diagnosis throughout the Parkinson journey. We have also been a funding partner in most major Parkinsons disease discoveries, and we will continue to fund research initiatives that can stop the devastation of living with this disabling disease.  The last few years have been especially challenging for the PD community and APDA has worked hard to develop programs and services that the community can access from the safety and comfort of their home. APDA has developed a library of virtual education topics, virtual support groups, caregiver programs and continues to operate the incredibly valuable APDA information and referral line that provides expert guidance without charge. APDA is here to help with the following programs some in person and others virtually:        Health and wellness initiatives delivering programs to help people maintain independence and optimism starting at diagnosis.        Education and support programs connecting people with Parkinsons in local communities.         Expedited and innovative research to develop promising clinical approaches and better outcomes and funding the next generation of scientists dedicated to finding new treatments and a cure. For information about Massachusetts programs or to become a volunteer contact: APDA Information & Referral Center at Boston University School of Medicine Boston, MA 02118 and at 617-638-8466 or 800-651-8466 [email protected] & www.apdama.org This article was submitted by Bill Patjane- Regional Director of the APDA- Northeast [email protected] (617) 352-9330