Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh

The feelings that an older adult experiences at the onset of dementia and memory lossnamely frustration, anxiety, and fearare also felt by family members. And just as the person with dementia depends on sources of comfort, security and consolation, that individuals family often requires support, as well. Families need to understand what their loved ones are going through and how to add quality to their lives and cope with these changes. And, if families feel they cant care for them on their own, this is understandable and acceptable. Thats when they may need guidance in selecting a memory support program.Though the rate of progression varies, widely, those with Alzheimers disease on average live eight to 10 years after their diagnosis, but some survive 20 years or more. The Mayo Clinic advises, It is best to have a support plan. Country Meadows Retirement Communities has developed a free 16-page guide, Understanding Dementias Effects on Your Loved One and Family to assist with discussing and deciding what is best for your family and situation. The topics include the following:Understanding the different levels of memory lossSetting expectations as a caregiver and tips for supporting your loved oneEnjoying successful visits with a loved one with dementia Helping children understand and cope with the change Limiting or stopping drivingPlanning for legal and financial implicationsDetermining if and when it is time for a memory support program and if so, evaluating your options  To get our free guide, stop by one of our communities or visit us online at CountryMeadows.com/Dementia. And you can always just give us a call to ask a question. Were here to help.

As of late 2022, more than 84 million were enrolled in Medicaid a number that has steadily increased in recent years. Amid the pandemic, total enrollees climbed by 20 million people from 2020 to 2022 alone. Meanwhile, the debate among lawmakers on further expanding Medicaid in some 11 states continues to evolve. Depending on where you reside, passage of such an expansion could mean you become newly eligible for Medicaid. What Is Medicaid?Medicaid is a nationwide program designed to provide public health insurance for low-income individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities. Established in 1965, it serves today as the single-largest source of health coverage in the U.S.Because Medicaid is jointly run by the federal government and state governments, its benefits and your ability to qualify for them can vary greatly depending on your state. As a result, certain populations, even if they're living in poverty, may not be eligible for Medicaid. For example, in some states, a healthy, childless adult couple under age 65 with limited means may not qualify for health coverage through Medicaid if their state hasn't adopted Medicaid expansion. What Is Medicaid Expansion?Medicaid coverage across the country has evolved since the program was first created. Different states may employ different eligibility criteria, income limits, or application requirements.In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) attempted to expand Medicaid coverage to adults between 18 and 65 with incomes below a certain level, regardless of their age, family status, or health. The ACA also sought to supply those whose incomes fell within specific limits with premium tax credits that would help them afford the purchase of a private insurance plan. Yet, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government couldn't force states to expand coverage. States can decide whether to expand Medicaid to cover more people. This has created a coverage gap: Those who have incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level and who live in states that have opted against expanding Medicaid may not qualify for Medicaid, or for the premium tax credits. Medicaid Expansion StatesAs of early 2023, most states have adopted the ACAs broadening of Medicaid. Per the Kaiser Family Foundation, the following states in addition to the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid coverage per the ACA: AlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticut DelawareHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest Virginia States Without Medicaid Expansion States that haven't adopted Medicaid expansion per the ACA include:AlabamaFloridaGeorgiaKansasMississippi North CarolinaSouth Carolina TennesseeTexasWisconsin Wyoming Medicaid Expansion Developments The map of Medicaid expansion states continues to evolve, however: South Dakota voters approved a ballot measure adding Medicaid expansion to the state constitution in November 2022. The expansion will go into effect beginning July 1, 2023. In February 2023, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill to expand Medicaid. It now awaits review in the Senate.Meanwhile, also in February 2023, the Wyoming House of Representatives declined to address a proposed Medicaid expansion bill. Arguments Against Medicaid Expansion In states without Medicaid expansion, those opposed to expanding coverage have voiced such concerns as increased costs and a higher risk of fraud. For example, some argue that Medicaid expansion would burden their states budget. Although the federal government funds the majority of expanded Medicaid, it doesn't completely cover the costs; states pay 10 percent. In the case of Wyoming, House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Chip Neiman has raised concerns that the federal government wouldn't uphold the federal match, leaving the state to bear more financial responsibility.Others contend that Medicaids most vulnerable beneficiaries may face greater competition for resources, that other health care options are available to those in need, or that expansion may not ultimately translate into better long-term health outcomes.How Older Adults Can Find Out if They're Eligible for Medicaid CoverageIn states that have adopted expanded Medicaid, you may qualify if your household income lies below 133 percent of the federal poverty level, according to HealthCare.gov. For older adults, most states provide Medicaid to those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To be eligible for SSI, individuals must have low incomes, limited assets, and be unable to work due to a qualifying mental or physical impairment. Per the Kaiser Family Foundation, some states expand Medicaid to older adults and disabled people whose income surpasses the SSI limit but falls below the federal poverty level. You may be able to qualify for Medicaid through the Medically Needy program if your state has established one. The Medically Needy program allows people to enroll in Medicaid when they have significant medical expenses. When they subtract their medical spending from their total income, they can qualify for Medicaid if their income, minus health care expenses, falls below a specified limit (which also varies by state). To find out whether you qualify for Medicaid, consider consulting the following tools:The Benefits.gov Eligibility Checker will ask you questions regarding things like household income, number of dependents, and citizenship status to help you determine whether you might be eligible for Medicaid generally. The HealthCare.gov site can offer additional insights, including:Guidance on Health Insurance Marketplace applicationsIncome calculatorsPremium tax credit informationQ&A tool to determine eligibility for cost-sharing reductionsAgain, the rules governing Medicaid and its complex eligibility criteria varies widely by state. To find out whether you may be able to receive public health insurance through Medicaid, consult with your attorney.

Ninety-three percent of adults 55 and older want to remain in their homes as they age, according to U.S. News & World Report. Aging in place involves growing old comfortably and safely in ones dwelling.As adults age, they may want to remain in their homes and communities for several reasons. For one, remaining in ones own residence preserves independence.When older adults remain in their home, they can continue local activities they enjoy and maintain their routines. They may be better able to maintain their quality of life.Staying in the same community fosters social support. It makes it easier to sustain relationships with friends, neighbors, and community members. Seniors who need long-term care services also may be able to receive at-home care.Several barriers can prevent seniors from aging in place. Rising housing costs, home maintenance, and lack of accessibility can prompt older adults and their families to consider senior living options, such as assisted living.The cost of housing can be a particular burden for retirees on fixed incomes. More than half of older adult renters are cost-burdened. This means that they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, per the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers programs that can help older adults age in place. HUD programs supporting seniors include the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program and the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Note that moving residences to participate in one of these programs may be necessary. However, these programs can help older adults remain in communities rather than entering assisted living or long-term care facilities.Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly ProgramThe Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program incentivizes the creation of housing for low-income older adults. The program funds eligible private and nonprofit sponsors to create senior housing.Section 202 housing provides support services essential to aging in place, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. This type of housing is available to households with at least one adult 62 years old or older. The individual or family must meet the programs income requirements. The household income must be less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the propertys location.Residents of Section 202 properties typically pay 30 percent of their adjusted household income for rent. The federal government covers the remaining costs.To find Section 202 properties, consider reaching out to a HUD-approved housing counselor for guidance. Note that, as HUD does not handle leasing, prospective renters must contact a property manager or owner directly.Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher ProgramThrough the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, low-income renters who are older can select privately owned housing of their choice that meets program requirements. This gives older renters greater flexibility in choosing housing that meets their needs. For example, they may be able to look specifically for accessible housing.Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) administer this program under HUD. Participating households receive a voucher. The program pays a housing subsidy directly to the landlord for the participating family or individual.To be eligible for Section 8 housing, families and single people must meet certain requirements. Generally, their income can be at most 50 percent to 80 percent of the median income for their region.Apply for the Section 8 Voucher Program by contacting your local PHA. HUD offers an agency directory. While waiting lists for Section 8 Housing can be long, some PHAs prioritize older applicants. HUD permits PHAs to prioritize certain applicants, which can include older adults.Speak to an Elder Law AttorneyBoth Section 202 and Section 8 programs offer housing for low-income people. However, Section 202 specifically serves households with older adults. Section 8 housing is available to low-income households, including but not limited to families with older members.Section 202 participants are more limited in their housing choices. They must reside in specific approved properties. Meanwhile, Section 8 participants have greater housing choice.Contact Entrusted Legacy Law at 412-347-1731 or click here to schedule a complimentary 15-Minute call. This article is a service of Entrusted Legacy Law. We dont just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life and Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than youve ever been before, and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge. Please note this is educational content only and is not intended to act as legal advice.

Isolation can be common among seniors, especially if they are experiencing a new life event, like the loss of a loved one or perhaps their drivers license.If you have senior neighbors, check in with them every once in a while. Visiting with them about their careers, families and other memories is important and meaningful. A trending option is retirement communities with around-the-clock staff and live-in managers who make a point of getting to know residents on a personal level, which helps alleviate feelings of loneliness.Families who plan for the future when theyre healthy and capable of making well thought-out decisions are more likely to enjoy long-term satisfaction with their choices. Many seniors fear becoming a burden to their families; having a long-term plan for their living situation is an ideal way to minimize this concern. Residents whove successfully made the transition to community living often say they enjoy their worry-free lifestyle so much they wish theyd made the move sooner.There are significant benefits to remaining energized and engaged as we age. Being around others keeps people connected and positive, which reduces depression. Seeing friends regularly can alert them to changes in a persons appearance or behavior that may be cause for concern. And of course, activity itself is important to maintaining overall health.A great option is a retirement community that offers fresh Chef-prepared meals, as well as an abundance of activities including outings to musical and theater performances, clubs that do everything from play cards and games to discuss books or race homemade cars. By remaining involved, seniors can truly experience the retirement they always imagined.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Chartiers Bend Retirement Resort. Contact them today to discover the benefits of all-inclusive retirement living at 412-206-1500.