We are delighted to announce our outstanding achievement of a perfect 3 out of 3 High Performance Rating in both the Short-Term Rehab and Long-Term Care categories as part of US News & World Reports Best Nursing Homes Ratings for 2024! Of the 15,007 nursing homes assessed, we are among the top 19%, earning recognition as one of the Best Nursing Homes for our exceptional care in short-term rehabilitation and long-term support. These assessments underscore our steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of our valued residents and patients on a daily basis.To learn more about our rating and the detailed report, click here: https://health.usnews.com//mary-ann-morse-nursing Our deepest appreciation to our committed team of staff, clinicians, nurses, therapists, and professional caregivers, whose steadfast dedication plays a crucial role in upholding our exceptional standard of care and support for todays aging adults and their families.Learn more about Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center here: Long-Term Care Services in MetroWest | Mary Ann Morse Healthcare

Health effects of untreated hearing loss  About 48 million Americans are living with hearing loss. While 80% of hearing loss cases can be successfully treated with hearing aids, only one in four people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.1 Most people are not aware that untreated hearing loss is associated with serious illnesses and conditions, including: Dementia: The 2020 study from the Lancet Commission2 shows that hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor against dementia. According to the report, dementia risk varies based on the level of hearing loss:3 Mild hearing loss doubles the dementia risk Moderate hearing loss triples the risk Severe hearing impairment increases the dementia risk up to 5 times The study states that "hearing loss might result in cognitive decline through reduced cognitivestimulation." By being proactive and treating hearing loss as soon as possible, the risk for cognitive decline and dementia can be reduced. Heart Disease: The Centers for Disease Control found that cardiovascular disease and hearing loss are linked due to blood flow. Its believed that heart disease can reduce blood flow to the ear and cause damage to different parts of the auditory system. This damage typically results in sensorineural hearing loss, which is permanent and often managed with amplification.4  Depression: Hearing loss, left untreated, can have serious emotional and social consequences,especially for older people. Poor hearing often leads to anxiety, insecurity and social withdrawal. Feelings of loneliness often culminate into depression. Older adults who use hearing aids are less at risk of suffering from depression.5 Increased risk of falling: What you can hear (and don't hear) directly affects your balance. Even mild hearing loss can triple your chances of falling. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help serve as a "balance aid."6 Not everyone with hearing loss will develop the conditions outlined above, but being educated about the potential risks can help you make smart decisions about hearing loss treatment. Today's hearing devices are equipped with many features that could greatly enhance your quality of life. Helping to protect your overall well-being is certainly one of the better reasons to seek treatment for hearing loss.  1www.hearinghealthfoundation.org; 2G Livingston, Jonathan Huntley, Andrew Sommerlad, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet. July 30, 2020; 3G Livingston, A Sommerlad, V Orgeta, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The Lancet. July 20, 2017; 4Hull, R. H., & Kerschen, S. R. (2010). The influence of cardiovascular health on peripheral and central auditory function in adults: A research review. American Journal of Audiology,19, 9-16;5Bigelow, RT, Reed, NS, et al. Association of hearing loss with psychological distress and utilization of mental health services among adults in the United States. JAMA Netw Open. 2020 Jul 1;3(7):e2010986; 6www.healthyhearing.com/report/53220-Hearing-loss-falls-balance-hearing-aids

The Federal Trade Commission reports that each year aging Americans (ages 60+) lose hundreds of millions of dollars due to scams of varying types. Many everyday activities the aging population are involved in, such as telephone calls, emails, and other online interactions are being used as an entry point for scamming activity. Proactive steps to avoid victimization         Estate planning with an elder law attorney can help put trusted loved ones in a position of authority to help protect the aging person from undue influences. Documents like Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts can all be valuable tools to create structure for when the aging adult is not able to make sound decisions for themselves.        A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) does not allow a creditor to access your credit file, thus preventing someone from opening accounts in the victims name and may be an appropriate proactive step.         Review Statements from health insurance, banks, credit cards, IRA accounts, etc. should all be monitored closely for suspicious activity. Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits should be reviewed for incorrect charges and information.        Research whether the companies, offers, or phone call regarding bills owed are legitimate. Scammers usually try to force the aging person to act now. Slow down your reaction to be sure that the call, email, or letter are in fact real.If you are a victim        Contact the bank/financial institution to let them know of a fraudulent or unauthorized charge. Ask them to give you your money back and reverse the charge.        Contact your local police department to notify them of the fraud.        Change the username and password for any affected online account and other account that you may use the same login information. Use a random password to make the account(s) less vulnerable. Use different passwords for different accounts and keep a record of your passwords in a safe place.         File a report, not only for your benefit but to possibly help prevent others from becoming a victim. A report can be made to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  

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