Massachusetts - Greater Boston

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the lives of many Americans. Older adults, in particular, likely suffered because of their increased risk of illness from the virus and the negative impact of isolation on their quality of life. The pandemic forced us to limit contact with others, and it has been found that loneliness may increase the risk of developing memory problems, like dementia. Dementia is a term describing the decline in a persons cognition and functioning over time, and it is a concern for the aging population.Some risk factors for dementia are modifiable, meaning they can be controlled to reduce ones risk. Socialization and cognitive stimulation are both factors that can help reduce dementia risk. It has been shown that those with more social interactions in their community often experience slower rates of memory decline. Currently, with the emergence of the highly contagious delta variant, there is an increased risk of COVID infection amongst vaccinated individuals, though risk of hospitalization and death are lower for the vaccinated. So, vaccinated older adults should still take protective measures, but it is possible to slowly and safely begin participating in activities that can contribute to healthy brain aging.Activities that promote socialization and stimulation include meeting with friends or family, volunteering, joining a club, attending a religious service, or learning something new like an instrument or knitting, to name a few. These community and social engagements are like exercise for the brain, and they are positively associated with healthy aging.Introducing social activities back into daily routines may be overwhelming for seniors, after living secured and secluded for so long during the pandemic. It is possible to start small, and cautiously incorporate social interactions back into their lives. This can be done by picking one meaningful activity or relationship to focus on. In fact, the quality and satisfaction of the connections you engage in are the most important factors in reducing dementia risk. Alternatively, personal activities like writing, reading, or playing digital games help stimulate the brain for healthy aging. To start, reach out to your local senior center and see what activities they offer which may be of interest to you.Another way to increase social interactions is to get involved in clinical trials. The Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at McLean treats patients experiencing memory problems. We offer research opportunities for individuals interested in gaining access to treatment interventions for memory loss and dementia as well as associated behavioral symptoms, such as anxiety and agitation. By participating, older adults can form relationships with our study clinicians and research staff, while also contributing to the advancement of treatment options for those experiencing memory problems.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Brent Forester, Chief, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital and Isabella Santangelo, Clinical Research Assistant. Contact for more information: 617-855-3267  

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 amanchester@benchmarkquality.com 508-660-1555

Entrusting the care of your loved one (or yourself!) to someone else can be nerve-racking. But it can also improve their quality of life and provide care partners with a much-needed break.  So how do you choose the best caregiver for your senior loved one? Asking the right questions will help. Here are six questions to ask a home health provider before hiring one.1. What Days and Hours Are Home Health Services Available? A potential home health providers availability is important information when deciding which home health provider to hire. Think about when you most need help and ask whether caregivers are available during those hours.  You may need a very different schedule if you want help with appointments or care for your loved one while you work than if you want a break on the weekends. Its important to make sure your schedule aligns.2. Are They Willing to Show All Appropriate Documentation? Before hiring a home health provider, its important to know they are up to date on all required documentation. This includes things like insurance, CPR and first-aid certifications, required immunizations, certifications related to your loved ones condition, and background checks on employees.  Your senior loved ones safety is critical, so ensuring all appropriate documentation is in order is your best assurance that the home health provider you are considering is a reputable agency that follows the law.3. What Services Do They Provide? Some home health agencies mainly focus on medical care. Others mostly help with personal care and assistance around the home. Still others, like Celtic Angels Home Health Care, offer a variety of medical, personal, and homemaking services. Make sure your needs align with the services the home health provider offers. 4. How Is Transportation Handled? If you need a caregiver to help with your loved ones transportation to things like medical appointments, outings, or shopping trips, its a good idea to ask how the home health provider handles transportation. Do they use company cars, their personal vehicles, or will they drive yours?  Be sure to ask about expenses, too. For example, is the cost of transportation included in their fee, or will you be expected to reimburse the home health provider for gas or mileage? 5. What Experience Do They Have with Your Loved Ones Conditions? Its important that you feel confident in the care a home health provider will give to your senior loved one, so be sure to ask about their experience caring for people with your loved ones conditions.  For example, do they have experience caring for people with dementia, Alzheimers, or Parkinsons Disease? Heart condition? Diabetes? Are they able to perform all the necessary tasks needed to care for your loved one? Gather all the information you need to feel comfortable with a provider before making a decision to hire one. 6. How Do You Handle Difficult Situations, Like Care Refusal? Sometimes, as seniors age, they develop conditions that make caring for them difficult. For example, seniors with cognitive disorders, like dementia and Alzheimers disease, often refuse care.  Ask how caregivers would handle these situations. Their answers will give you an idea of how they will approach your senior loved ones care.  Would you like to learn more about Celtic Angels Home Health Care and the services we provide? Were happy to answer all your questions! Contact Us today to get started.   By Maria Burke, RN, Owner Celtic Angels Home Health Care

It's a fact that older adults want to age in place in their own homes. Unfortunately, the independence of some seniors is threatened unless someone can help them with their activities of daily living.  Many older adults are finding a solution to this problem by hiring a trained, experienced caregiver through an insured and bonded agency to live with them. Is this the right option for your loved one? It's important to ask the live-in care agency if the same caregiver will be in the home for an extended period, is there a written plan of care, are there field supervisory visits, home safety evaluations, and if the caregiver is an employee. Why is Continuity of Care Important? Over time, older adults establish trust in the one person caring for them continually. Likewise, live-in caregivers become familiar with their clients' daily rhythm; and, therefore, can provide a consistent routine and identify and report warning signs, such as changes in behavior, that would otherwise go undetected. Live-in Care Agency Considerations Care coordination and a plan of care are vital for successfully caring for your loved one. Daily communication with the live-in caregiver and regular field visits by experienced supervisors are a must. Live-in caregivers that are employees, are covered by liability, workers' compensation insurance and have payroll and taxes that the agency processes. Live-In care is beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease and many other conditions. According to John Hopkins Medicine, of the 5.2 million people in the United States who have Alzheimer's disease and different types of dementia, 70 percent remain at home, an option shown to keep people healthier and happier and help them live longer. Live-in caregivers help with toileting, preparing meals, light household tasks, among other daily living activities. Older adults with chronic health conditions or disabilities will get personal care from someone they trust to bathe, dress, and groom them.  Live-In Care Benefits The Entire Family Live-in care offers family members the option to visit their loved ones without restrictions. Also, family members can focus on their careers and families and truly enjoy time with their loved ones while not being a full-time caregiver.  Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults, when medically possible, have always preferred to stay home surrounded by things familiar to them. Home is where they raised their family, it's where their memories are, and it's where they feel safe and the most comfortable.  This article was written by FCP Live-In who offers line-in care throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other states.