Minnesota - Twin Cities

Heres the situation: people are living longer, but not always healthier and therefore may need more assistance as they age. At the same time, family members are often stretched too thin to provide all the help someone living with a chronic condition may require.So, if more people need more care and in-home care is not covered under traditional health insurance, how can it be paid for so that people can be helped? The help needed is often non-medical home health care such as transportation, meal preparation, respite for family caregivers and other activities of daily living.MedicaidMillions of people rely on Medicaid, which is a federal and state program that provides access to healthcare resources for people who qualify based on their income level. People of all ages (not just those over age 65) can qualify for Medicaid.The opportunity to use Medicaid to pay for in-home care will depend first on meeting the qualifications and then the state in which the person needing care resides. The National Care Planning Council provides some information on this method of payment by state on their website. However, Medicaid is not traditionally a reliable method of paying for in-home care services which can help people with their activities of daily living such as safely grooming and bathing, meal preparation, running errands and the like.MedicareThe ability to use Medicare to pay for in-home care services is evolving. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are over age 65 (as well as some people who are younger living with certain disabilities) and it has three parts: A, B, D, as well as Medicare Advantage (sometimes called Part C, or the all in one). Each part covers specific services such as hospital stays and prescription drugs.According to the Department of Health & Human Services, Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called Part C or MA Plans, are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare pays these companies to cover your Medicare benefits.As of 2019, a small percentage of Medicare Advantage plans will offer non-medical in-home care support services. Given recent legislation designed to offer more benefits to individuals living with chronic conditions such as heart disease and COPD, experts anticipate the number of plans that will cover these costs to expand over the coming years, but there are no specifics available.Availability of expanded services covered under Medicare Advantage plans will depend on the state and county and also the insurance provider. Insurance plans may require documentation of medical need to cover things such a set number of hours of personal care or transportation for a set number of trips to a health-related appointment.While the complexity of these plans can be overwhelming and even off-putting, the good news here is that these government payor sources are increasingly recognizing the need for non-medical home services and finding ways for people to access them and pay for them.Learn about other ways to pay for in-home care here.

Physical and occupational therapy are effective solutions to help with many aspects of our health and wellness. These disciplines aim to improve day-to-day function and quality of life. These therapeutic interventions are performed by licensed and registered physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) in the home environment. If your loved ones are experiencing pain, injury or decline in function, they may greatly benefit from working with a physical therapist or occupational therapist. In addition, we have an exceptional team of therapists who would love to help you and your loved ones reach their goals. CareAparent was named the Star Tribune readers choice Minnesotas Best 2022 bronze winner in physical therapy. Physical therapy is provided by physical therapists examine each person and then develops a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Find out more about what physical therapists do. Here are some reasons why your loved ones may benefit from physical therapy services performed in their homes: Balance improvement: A physical therapist can help with fall prevention and provide skilled instruction and education in balance exercises. Strength training: Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for strengthening, and these exercises can be individualized for your loved ones to perform at home. Pain reduction: A qualified physical therapist delivers techniques to decrease pain that are very effective and can help improve your loved ones quality of life. Endurance training: Energy conservation techniques and other exercises can help with your loved ones ability to efficiently perform daily tasks and activities of daily living. Occupational therapists help patients by looking at how you are currently doing a painful activity or task, and coming up with a plan to help make performing that activity less painful. Learn more about what occupational therapists do here.  There are numerous reasons your loved ones may benefit from working with an occupational therapist. Here are a few examples: Improvement with self-care tasks: An occupational therapist can help your loved ones with tasks related to self-care such as bathing and getting dressed in the morning. Memory and cognitive skills: Occupational therapy may assist with improvement in sequencing and learning certain tasks. Home safety: An occupational therapist can assess, educate and guide your loved ones in improvement of their home environment so that they are in the safest environment possible to adapt with aging in place. Both physical and occupational therapy services are beneficial in helping your loved ones reach their goals. Our skilled and compassionate professionals work with clients so they can live effectively and safely in their homes.   For more information please contact us at www.careaparent.com or call 651-702-4663.  

In the rhythm of life, spring stands as a poignant reminder of new beginnings as nature awakens from its slumber, buds burst forth and the world transforms into a tapestry of vibrant colors. Spring signifies a time of renewal, hope, and the promise of brighter days ahead. Yet, for many, it also carries the weight of loss, reminding us of those who are no longer with us.As we journey through life, loss becomes an inevitable companion. Whether its the passing of loved ones, the end of relationships or the fading of dreams, each loss leaves an indelible mark on our hearts. And as we grow older, the weight of these losses can seem to grow heavier, casting a shadow over the joyous arrival of spring.However, amidst the pain of loss, spring offers solace and the opportunity for healing. Just as nature sheds its winter coat and embraces the warmth of the sun, we too can let go of our grief and welcome the dawn of a new chapter. Spring teaches us the invaluable lesson of resilience, showing us that even in the face of loss, life continues to bloom.One of the most powerful ways to honor the memory of those weve lost is through remembrance. As the world around us comes to life, take a moment to reflect on the cherished moments shared with loved ones who are no longer here. Celebrate their lives through storytelling, sharing fond memories and holding onto the lessons they imparted. Yet, while remembrance is essential, so too is the act of moving forward. Spring beckons us to embrace change and to find beauty in the new beginnings that lie ahead. Just as flowers push through the earth to reach for the sky, we too can find the strength to persevere and grow, even in the face of adversity.Finding support in community and loved ones can provide a source of comfort and strength as we navigate the complexities of grief. Lean on those who offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or simply a hand to hold. Together, we can find solace in shared experiences and forge connections that help us weather lifes storms.As we stand on the threshold of spring, let us embrace its message of hope and renewal. Let us remember with love those we have lost, and let their memories inspire us to live our lives with purpose and gratitude. And as we journey forward, may we find solace in the beauty of new beginnings, knowing that with each passing season, we are reminded of the precious gift of life itself.Deb Taylor is the CEO of Senior Community Services, a Twin Cities nonprofit with a mission to empower people as they age, committed to serving compassionately, connecting communities and supporting independence.  

CareAparents medication management in home care offers peace of mind knowing that a licensed medical professional, either a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN), will visit your loved one regularly to ensure medications are being taken in the proper dose and at the correct times each day. What are the benefits of Medication Management? Preventing HospitalizationsManaging medication properly can prevent the risk of a fall or other serious medical situations for yourself or your loved one. Sometimes medications can have side effects that cause reactions such as dizziness or fatigue. This can cause you or your loved one to add additional medication to the daily roster. Taking the medications properly can help reduce the chance of adding non-prescribed medications or hospitalizations, and overall function can improve. Creating a System Having to consume multiple or complex medications regularly can be overwhelming, especially if you or your loved one are managing it alone. When you or a loved one has to take medications multiple times a day, it can present a challenge to remember whats been previously consumed.  At the start of each week, setting up all medications in a dispenser or box labeled with the day and time a medication is to be taken can assist in a smoother process. Creating a calendar or checklist provides an additional prompt to verify that all medication has been taken and can track any changes you or your loved one may notice to report to physicians or medical professionals.  In-Home NurseSometimes physical or mental conditions require you or your loved one to need additional assistance managing medications. Hiring an in-home nurse can provide guidance and relieve the worry of incorrect medications. Nurses can also assist with ordering refills and monitor any changes that result from medication. CareAparents Skilled Nurses  CareAparents Skilled Nurses can assess and monitor health conditions to help you or your loved one remain in place. The ability to have a Skilled Nurse come into the home encourages and promotes staying healthy and active. If you or a loved one have any questions or would like to learn more about CareAparents Skilled Nursing, click here. Call us for more information at 651-702-HOME (4663)