Stacy's Helping Hand

By the time the actual day comes for your loved one to move, there is a mixed bag of emotions for everyone involved. The process is challenging, but if you stay positive and ask for help, you can overcome the temporary stress. There is plenty of work to go around so conduct a family meeting to prepare, plan and delegate:1) Paperwork and FinancesThere is a seemingly endless flow of paperwork during the transition process. Whoever gets to deal with the paperwork and finances might need Power of Attorney, so getting a lawyer involved early in the process is important. Forms range from detailed health records that require a doctor to sign off on while others might just require a signature.Sometimes the paperwork consists of a large binder that needs to be completed prior to move-in. While the binder approach is common, some facilities handle paperwork digitally which can be easier if the person who is handling the paperwork is computer savvy.There are two digital approaches, one allows people to sign off within their browser using a hyperlink that the facility emails to you which is really convenient. The other approach is when facilities simply scan paperwork and email the PDF to you which is a little less convenient. Normally, people will print and scan the signed documents and email or fax them back. But, there is an easier way to sign documents that How to Geek has outlined here that doesnt require printing and scanning.2.) The RoomPreparing the room can be a really fun, albeit bittersweet, process. The goal is to create a familiar setting, like home. Pick out your loved ones favorites. Put up pictures, hang art on the walls and put up window treatments. While space for furniture might be limited, you still have pillows, blankets, photos and books that can help turn a room into a new home.3.) Clothes and ToiletriesIdentifying your loved ones favorites really helps out almost every part of the process. Almost everyone has clothes that we love to wear or toiletries that we have to have. Moving with the right clothes and toiletries can be underappreciated. Pay attention to the details and the transition will be much easier on your loved one.4.) The MoveWhile the move often looms large over peoples heads, it really shouldnt. The move can wait until after your loved one is comfortable in their new setting. Then, when the time comes for the move, these jobs can easily be handled by experts. Organizers, packers, real estate sale agents, movers, cleaners and storage facilities are all prepared to help during this stage of life. Almost everyone in the senior care industry has connections, but you have to ask.5.) Your Loved OneThe most important part in every step of this process is to listen to your loved one. This is a big change. Hear their concerns and address them when possible. Reassure them they arent going to be left alone. You can help them get familiar with care givers and introduce them to other residents prior to moving if necessary. Plan visits and communication so that they know when to expect you. If you stay positive and flexible throughout this process, your loved one probably will too.If you would feel more comfortable talking to a Senior Transition expert to get answers to your questions, for looking for Assisted Living in Denver Colorado, call our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc at 720-248-7758. Families we help tell us how the process has felt less daunting once they reached out for help and that they wished they had known about our service sooner.

8 Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Denver ColoradoFiguring out how to pay for assisted living can be terrible, but its also unavoidable. A little preparation can go a long way. If you arent prepared to pay out of pocket, then you should probably reach out to our team of local experts who can help you explore in more detail the ways you can pay for Assisted Living.Eight Ways to Pay for Assisted living in DenverAt Stacy's Helping Hand, Inc we advise families with the following eight ways to cover the costs of assisted living in Denver:1.Plan Ahead and BudgetWhile this seems smart, most people do not put the money aside. Life can be hectic and unexpected. For those who are planning on the unexpected well ahead of time might also consider2.Long Term Care Insurance (LTCI)Long term care insurance is for the lucky few people whove prepared and put the money aside for the specific purpose of needing it for long term care in the future. While this is a great benefit to have built-in to your plans, the benefits vary dramatically from one plan to another. Payouts range from $50 to $300 a day and are contingent on meeting certain diagnoses. LCTI may not be an option due to policy requirements, but many people have another form of insurance that can be useful.3.Your Existing Life Insurance PolicyMany life insurance policies allow you to cash-in for accelerated benefits that you can use while you are still alive. Even for plans that dont have this option, you can transfer the plan to another policyholder that will offer cash out option. Your life insurance is like a deferred Annuity that you created a long time ago and forgot about, but if you didnt get life insurance when you were young, you can still get an4.Immediate AnnuityAnnuities can be pretty tricky business. You shouldnt consider one unless you are using the guidance of a financial advisor who is looking out for your best interests. In the case that an annuity isnt an option, many people can still5.Sell, Rent or Reverse Mortgage a HomeMany middle class Americans dont have much retirement savings to speak of, but they do own homes. Home ownership has been an especially valuable source of retirement savings for seniors in the Denver Metro area. As a result of appreciating home values and rising rent, seniors can sell, rent or reverse mortgage their homes to help pay for assisted living. If the need for money is more immediate and assets havent sold yet, people can get a6.Bridge LoanFor those who need cash now, but need time for their valuable assets to sell, such as their home, a bridge loan can help seniors pay for Assisted Living Facilities to fill the gap between when they need cash and when they have cash from their sale. For those who dont have as much cash or income, there are still options such as7.SSI/Medicaid/InnovAgeMedicare and regular Medicaid doesnt cover long term care such as Assisted Living, but if you dont have savings or assets, you can apply for a Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver through Medicaid. In the Denver area, there is an organization that can help people who need Colorado-specific Medicaid through the government-backed non-profit InnovAge. You apply for Medicaid through the InnovAge program, and they handle your case. For more complicated cases or if you want someone to hold your hand through the process, a Medicaid specialist such as a local Colorado company, Helping Hands Consulting is a good idea.The typical Medicaid payout is $700/month but assistance goes as high as $2,250/month and supplements SSI and SSDI. Medicaid wont entirely cover the cost of Assisted Living, but it can make a large dent. Only some assisted living communities will accept Medicaid, and Medicaid beds are usually limited, but either way, seeking professional help throughout the Medicaid process can alleviate the stress and ensure that all the information is provided when the application is submitted.8.VA BenefitsVeterans benefits can be used to pay for residential care in a variety of situations. One set of benefits is available to those with service-related injuries or disabilities; another set of benefits, known as Aid and Attendance, is available to any veteran or surviving spouse whos disabled and whose income is below a certain limit.Receiving Medicaid and VA Benefits can be a tricky and time-consuming process. If you reach out to us today, we can help you navigate these complex systems and find you the right Assisted Living facility for your needs in the Denver Metro area.Finding the best Assisted Living community options for seniors is our specialty. If you have a question about Assisted Living in Denver CO metro area, give us a call at the number above.

Does Medicaid pay for Assisted Living? Medicaid is funded in part by the federal government and in part by the states. If you are confused about Medicaid, you arent alone. The Federal and State government are continuously changing rules surrounding healthcare, making it difficult for many people to know if they are using the correct information and making the right choices. Below, weve gathered some of the main benefits and drawbacks as well as some links to our vetted resources. Or, feel free to give our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc a call at the number above if you would like a Denver assisted living expert to help provide some clarity.Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted LivingIn Colorado, you can apply directly to Medicaid on your own, or you can choose to get Medicaid through the PACE program. In the Denver area, the program is called the InnovAge Greater Colorado PACE. We recommend utilizing InnovAge if the centers are conveniently located due to the fact that many of the assisted living facilities that dont accept Medicaid will accept payments through InnovAge. The drawback is that InnovAge centers are in limited zip codes and require that you go through their network of experts. For difficult cases, you might need to talk to a local medicaid expert.Medicaid BenefitsIf you have limited assets, low income and you need help paying for nursing home or assisted living care, Medicaid might help you pay for part of your care. Nursing home and assisted living services are considered types of long-term care. Long-term care consists of not just medical services, but also personal services. For example, a resident in a nursing home might pay for assistance with bathing and dressing in addition to medical treatment. Medicaid rules for long-term care are significantly different in many ways than their rules for other services.Medicaid DrawbacksMedicaid may not be the best source of funding for assisted living depending on your situation. The first questions most often asked is whether Medicare will pay for assisted living. The answer is no. Medicare is strictly health insurance. Long Term Care Medicaid pays about 30% less than whats needed for most assisted living costs. Medicaid will cover up to $2250 a month at most.Since Medicaid reimbursement rates for assisted living facilities are not high, many assisted living communities dont accept Medicaid. The ones that do are often shared living communities. Also, given the limited range of services for which Medicaid provides assistance and the enrollment caps and waiting lists for Medicaid waivers, many families might benefit by finding affordable assisted living outside of the Medicaid system.EligibilityFor those who need help with assisted living in Denver, adults without dependent children whose household income does not exceed 133% Federal Poverty Level can apply here and will also need to apply for an Elderly Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD Waiver). If they already have Colorado Medicaid Insurance, then they would apply for the Medicaid EBD Waiver. This waiver is what will contribute to covering the costs of assisted living.Weve written in more depth about the financial eligibility aspects of Long Term Care Medicaid (EBD Waiver) in Paying for Assisted Living Facilities: Spend Downs. In a nutshell, Long Term Care Medicaid requires you to contribute most of your income for room and board when you are living in an assisted living and the EBD Waiver will supplement the facility for your care. You are allowed to keep a small fixed amount of money as a personal needs allowance to pay for snacks, clothing and personal products.There are spousal protection rules, but if you need that much detail, wed recommend talking to a local expert. You can give us a call at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc at 720-248-7758

Across the Denver metro area there are a variety of senior living care options. Each provides a range of options all providing varying levels of support- independent living, assisted, memory care, or skilled nursing. A simple google search of assisted living communities in Denver can bring a range of results. A Senior Care Advisor can assist you in untangling the results and understanding what each option entails.For many, a trigger to senior living comes from difficulty living at home independently. Because of this, when families are exploring senior care, they are often looking at either assisted living or memory care neighborhoods.ADLS & IADLS: Understanding Your Loved Ones NeedsFirst, its helpful to understand the terms Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These terms are generally used to describe the care that can be provided within senior care residences, and the criteria to help gauge where a resident would receive the most appropriate support. When it comes to ADLs and IADLs for individuals with memory loss, it may not be that they cant do these tasks, but rather they dont remember to do them without prompting.Activities of Daily Living include basic self-care activities, shown below:BathingDressingEatingTransferringToiletingContinenceOverall HygieneInstrumental Activities of Daily Living are tasks that require more advanced planning but help to manage the home and personal needs.LaundryMedication ManagementErrandsCookingBill PayingUsing the phone (or other ways to communicate and call for help! )Assisted Living Facilities: What They Do and Dont DoAssisted living facilities are large residences with around 100+ residents. Assisted living residences offer assistance with all the ADLs and IADLs listed above. They have resident aides who can provide light assistance with these tasks. Resident aides are often referred to as caregivers or care partners. They may have experience as home health aides or certified nursing assistants. The ratio of residents to staff is usually low, with around 1 staff member to 8 residents (on average).Assisted living residences generally offer medication assistance, laundry services and transportation to local appointments. The assisted living also offers engaging activities throughout the day; including local excursions at times. These programs are encouraged, but optional. It is generally up to the resident to determine how many activities they attend, and which ones. Residents also have the independence to come and go as they please, as long as they are signing out of the building.Generally, residents in assisted living may have physical challenges, or mild cognitive impairments. Despite their memory loss, they are likely able to navigate their daily activities with minimal cueing and support. Assisted living residences are great for offering support for your loved one, while retaining independence.Assisted Living HomesAssisted living homes are a unique care option to Colorado. This type of residence is usually licensed to have 8-12 residents- significantly smaller than the larger assisted living facilities described above.Since it is a home setting there are naturally more eyes on, individuals with higher physical needs or cognitive impairments may receive the support they need without the dementia specific care found in a memory care neighborhood. Staff can provide more attention to and likely develop a closer relationship with your loved one, helping them to know best ways to support them. In many cases, a person living with a cognitive impairment may avoid a memory care unit due to the benefits of more eyes on.Due to their smaller size, they often have a more homey atmosphere. Engagement can be tailored to the unique interests of the current residents. Assisted living homes can be a great fit for someone who needs a higher level of supervision and support.Memory Care Communities: A Special ApproachIn addition to assisted living residences, the Denver area has a variety of memory care neighborhoods. These neighborhoods average 25 residents. Memory care communities may be neighborhoods within an assisted living, or a stand-alone community. Memory care communities provide a higher level of support for their residents with cognitive impairments. They also offer the same assistance with ADLs and IADLs. However, their support is often in the form of cueing and reminders, rather than the physical assistance that residents in assisted living may require. The staff is required to have more intense training in supporting people with memory loss in order to learn best approaches to care for this population. For example, staff should be well versed in providing support for someone who may not be aware that they need any assistance.The activities in memory care communities are geared towards people living with cognitive impairments. There is more encouragement for residents to participate in programming as it allows for residents to have increased structure- something that is critical for people living with a cognitive impairment. While there may be scheduled excursions and family members can take their loved ones out, memory care neighborhoods are secured in order to decrease the chance of wandering and becoming lost.The goal of a memory care neighborhood is to provide each resident with the support they need to perform at their best and emphasize their strengths to increase independence. If your loved one is experiencing memory loss and benefits from significant encouragement, a memory care neighborhood within assisted living may be the best fit.Finding the Appropriate ResidenceIts not always clear cut which is the appropriate level of care for your loved one assisted living or memory care. Some individual residences may have their own criteria to determine which level of care an individual is best fit for. Senior care advisors are the key to finding the best fit and being your advocate throughout the searching process. Let Stacys Helping Hands help you to find the best fit. From Castle Rock to Aurora, all across Denver, we can help you navigate your choices and support you in making a decision.

here are three tiers of VA benefits for older wartime veterans and their dependents. Basic Pension can be considered the first tier, Housebound the second tier, and Aid and Attendance (A&A) the third tier. At Stacys Helping Hand, Inc weve learned that many people dont know about Aid and Attendance and if they do, theyve probably avoided trying since so many people are denied. Often, veterans who need help often dont have the expertise necessary for conveying their needs in order to receive the A&A benefits. There is an art to receiving the benefits, and many more details that can result in a denial. One problem many veterans encounter is that they are supposed to apply for A&A before Medicaid.When veterans seek out Aid and Attendance, many are turned down by the VA because they dont meet the activities of daily living (ADL) or financial qualifications required. The physical requirements seem straightforward:The aid of another person is needed in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, toileting, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself/herself from the hazards of his/her daily environment; orThe claimant is bedridden, in that his/her disability or disabilities require that he/she remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment; orThe claimant is in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity; orThe claimant is blind, or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.Even with the seemingly straightforward nature of the requirements, they are a barrier that stop many veterans in the process. Even if they meet the ADLs, the financial requirements make the process even murkier. If veterans and their caregivers seek expert help early in the process, they will have a much better chance of qualifying.VA Aid and Attendance BenefitsThe VA does not pay for Veterans Assisted Living, which usually includes basic services, but with the right help, the VA may pay for some of the extra services the Veteran may need in an Assisted Living Facility. For example, some services are included with the price of renting a room while other services may be provided by VA or the facility. Most Assisted Living Facilities in Denver Colorado provide:For Veterans:Help with your activities of daily living (e.g., bathing and getting dressed)Help taking your medicationsSome nursing assistance (varies by state and facility)Some or all of your meals (varies from place to place)Planned recreational and social activitiesFor Caregivers:Round-the-clock assistance for the VeteranPeace of mind when Home Care services can no longer meet all the Veterans needsA place to enjoy spending time with the Veteran without the daily responsibilities of caregivingOur Assisted Living Denver Experts have experience in helping veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Give our team at Stacys Helping Hand a call today to discuss your A&A case, or arrange an appointment or claim through the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs. Or click here for more information about filing a claim.

AlzheimersAccording to the Alzheimers Association, Alzheimers is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory thinking and behavior. Alzheimers worsens over time No cure has been found for Alzheimers but there are treatments to calm symptoms Symptoms of Alzheimers can be difficult to recognize Challenges remembering recently learned things is the earliest symptom Alzheimers is common in seniors Severe symptoms that develop over time include:Changes in mood and behaviorDisorientationConfusion about times, places and eventsSevere memory lossChallenges with speechChallenges with swallowingDifficulty walkingDementia:The Alzheimers Association says, Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia symptoms can reverse Alzheimers is the most common type Vascular Dementia is the second most common type, occurring after having a stroke Can be caused by Hyper/Hypothyroidism Can be caused by a lack of essential vitamins (depends on the person) Symptoms of Dementia vary, but are easier to spot:Impaired memoryImpaired communication and speakingWeakened Visual perceptionDifficulty focusingLack of reasoning and judgmentMany people experience memory loss, but that does not necessarily mean they have Dementia or Alzheimers; however, early detection can treat worsening symptoms. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you may be eligible for a proper diagnosis by your health care provider.If Dementia or Alzheimers apply to you or a loved one, we can help you find a proper senior care or Assisted living Denver options in the Metro area that accommodates you or your loved ones specific circumstances. Consult a professional healthcare provider first for professional medical attention.

Are you feeling overwhelmed going through the process of researching and deciding if its time for your loved one to enter assisted living? Youre not alone. This is almost never an easy time for families. We understand. In addition to having assisted hundreds of Colorado families through this tough time, we have personally been through the process. As Denvers Assisted Living Experts, the team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc are advocates for you and your loved one through this transition. Our promise is to not only help your loved one find the best environment for their physical and mental well-being, but to support you and your family during this emotional journey.Guilt The Invisible HurdleOther than a significant amount of paperwork, the actual move-in process can be quite quick if you choose a facility that can provide a bed and furniture. Of course, moving in will take some additional time if you have to get the furniture moved in before your loved one moves in and gets settled. Finding the best facility, filling out the paperwork, and making the actual move are all time consuming and can be overwhelming. But, for caregivers and family members the toughest hurdle is not an actual to do on the checklist.The decision to move puts many wheels in motion. Over the coming weeks, youll face many important decisions, but beware of one of the largest hurdles weve witnessed present itself: guilt. During a transition to Assisted Living Facilities, guilt is one of the most prevailing emotions caregivers experience. You dont see it coming and you may not have even realized you were feeling it. This is especially challenging when loved ones stoke the flames of guilt. Ugh. It is very common, and there is actually a 7-Step Method that can help you check-in and move forward with less weight on your shoulders. Give it a try:Recognize your guilt. If you dont know you feel guilty, there is no way of improving.Connect with others. When we share our experiences, it lightens the load.Catch yourself in the act. We have the power to observe our inner dialogue. Guilt sounds like, I should or could _______.Dont be hard on yourself. Guilt can easily pile on itself. You have to let it go.Be OK with good enough. Guilt comes from falling short of your own expectations. Keep your expectations reasonable.Ask for help. Get help from family, friends, trusted advisers, counselors, or experts in the field.Let go. You arent a superhero, so stop trying to be one.There is a light at the end of the tunnel. In our experience working with families and seniors, the average period of time that it will take for your loved one to feel more at home and comfortable, referred to as the the transition period, is typically 45 to 60 days. At that point, your loved one is more comfortable, and the staff has had a chance to get to know your loved ones physical and emotional needs.There is no simple answer or single, right way to help your loved one transition to Assisted Living. But the challenges that are ahead can be manageable. If you would like to learn some self help tools such as EFT Tapping to manage your stress, contact Release the Wait LLC.If you would feel more comfortable talking to a Senior Transition expert to get answers to your questions, Contact Us or Call our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc at 720-248-7758 

Transitions are never really easy, but they can be especially difficult for people with Alzheimers or dementia. Everything in Tips for Visiting a Loved One After a Transition still applies, but with Alzheimers and dementia, the process can be more involved. Anxiety often runs high, so any tactics that involve fond, comforting memories will help. You just keep trying different approaches until something works. Sometimes you have to think a little bit outside of the box in order to achieve a good outcome. Here are a few things that have worked for our clients at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc to soothe people in memory care:1. Baby Dolls for WomenTo an outsider, giving baby dolls to elderly loved one might seem a bit strange, but the calming effect can be life changing. To those with dementia, the baby doll is real. The baby dolls provide a deep sense of calm and purpose over an extended period of time. When they show the baby to their other friends in memory care, many will feel similarly. Some memory care units even have baby stations.While the baby doll approach isnt limited to only women, men might respond to tools, stuffed animals, woodworking and other crafts. The theme here is that when facilities figure out what your loved one was interested in as children, they can help recreate aspects of those interests. You might have key insights that can lead to a breakthrough.2. Music and EntertainmentFavorite games and TV shows can be great for your loved one, but their focus is fading. Forgetting moves in a game or the plot of a TV show can cause frustration. When other forms of entertainment fail, music can be a shortcut into positive emotions and memories. Figure out what they used to listen to and load a CD or iPod with their favorite tunes. The effect can be profound.3. Snacks and FoodThe fastest way to many of our hearts, at just about any time of our lives, is with food. If there is a food they like that had a strong flavor or smell, it might work even better. As we age, our sense of smell can fade, so food that is bright and familiar will make more of an impact.If you would feel more comfortable talking to a Senior Transition expert to get answers to your questions, call our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc at 720-248-7758 .

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many changes to the senior living world- including an increase in cost. From staff shortages, to increased cleaning protocols and general costs of business management senior living options are experiencing a rapid increase in costs, especially here in Colorado. Understanding the cost of various care options can help to prepare you for the future and ensure that your loved one is getting their moneys worth when it comes to care.Its important to note that all of these prices represent the average. Depending on the residence, costs could rise dramatically. For example, while the average for Denvers assisted living may be around $5500, depending on the residence and the care provided, residents could pay closer to $6,000, or even more.Independent Living communities allow your loved one the benefit of managing their day-to-day life on their own, with the peace of mind knowing that there are other seniors and some staff around in the event of an emergency. The nationwide average base cost of independent living is $2,552, with Colorado hovering just below that nationwide average at $2,286 a month. Different communities may include different amenities within this cost- for example, meals, laundry, and sometimes medication management services.Assisted living communities provide a much wider range of services. They provide support with activities of daily living- bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and more. They also can provide support with medications, meals, as well as fun activities. The cost of assisted living can vary significantly. Some assisted living may have an all-inclusive cost, while others may have a base pay and then, as your loved ones needs change, you can add more services, for a higher cost.In 2014, assisted living in Colorado averaged $3,771, but more recent data from Genworths Cost of Care Survey shows the current average at $4,700 for the state, above the nationwide average by $400. There is some change in cost depending on geography within Colorado- with Denvers average at the peak at $5,500. This puts the Denver area nearly one thousand over the state average- and steadily growing. These numbers are rapidly increasing, especially here in Colorado, with the 2020 average cost, 11% higher than the 2019 cost.Often found within assisted living communities, memory care neighborhoods can provide assisted living services for individuals living with memory impairments. In addition to their assistance with personal care, memory care neighborhoods provide a secured neighborhood, staff specifically trained in dementia care, and programming geared towards these individuals. Memory care neighborhoods costs are typically 20-30% higher than assisted living communities. This puts Colorados average at just about $5600 per month.Skilled nursing facilities are available for those with a high level of personal care needs. For semi-private rooms, the Colorado average is $8,567 with a private room at $9,726. Denvers average for a private room sits closer to $10k.Skilled nursing facilities can generally be paid for with Medicaid for those who are eligible.When considering the cost of senior living, its important to keep in mind that the rates proposed are base rates. They do not include all amenities such as certain engagement programs, medications and medication management, in-house doctors and salon service, and more. These additional costs can easily add up to hundreds over the base rate. Working with our team can help you be prepared and know up front what your monthly expenses will come out to be and ensure that your loved one is getting the most out of their community.Paying for care isnt impossible- it just takes some planning, both financially and to find the best fit for your loved one. Making the transition to assisted living can be an emotional one, adding to the difficulties of navigating the logistics of costs and amenities. Let us be there for you to help make the best choice for your loved one and ensure a smooth transition. Give us a call at 720-248-7758, and lets have a conversation.

Once youve decided on an assisted living facility for your loved one the transition process might feel like a whirlwind, but facilities will help guide the process. Theyll want to review the finances and youll need to go through mounds of paperwork. Doctors also need to sign off that your loved one needs assisted living. One main thing our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc looks for after picking an Assisted Living Facility is to check that the facility is prepared to adequately care for your loved one. This sounds like a minor detail, but its really important and often overlooked.Whats the Catch?In Colorado, facilities are required to do an eyes-on physical assessment in order to ensure that they will be able to take care of your loved one. A large part of the assessment is based on what you tell them about your loved one. People have a tendency to leave out important details during this critical stage because even if you fall in love with a specific facility, this isnt a guarantee that the facility will be the best fit. Your loved one has to be in the care of an Assisted Living Facility that is suited to their specific needs.Prepare the Assisted Living FacilityWhen the time comes, you need to provide as much information about your loved one as possible. Yes, it is uncomfortable to divulge all of the details, past and present events, behaviors, and daily routines of your loved one. But, youll be better off telling a facility these things before they have to tell you. In a worst case scenario, facilities can and will tell you when your loved one isnt a good fit. Everyone is better off if this happens before your loved one moves.Talking to Your Loved OneNothing about this transition is easy, and that is especially true for sensitive matters. Start by seeking help. These matters should be reviewed with trusted advisors, lawyers and doctors:Power of Attorney or ConservatorshipLiving wills and EstatesHealth Care Directives, DNRs, DNIs, and POLSTsThese matters might feel as though they loom over the process, but to your loved one, they might actually be minor details. To them, the things that will affect their daily life often matter much more:Who will handle food?How does laundry get done?If something goes wrong or becomes a problem, who should they talk to?Discussing all of the daily details ahead of time with the facility and your loved one will help ensure a smooth transition. Over the coming weeks and months, the facility will get to know your loved one and their social needs. But during the time of transition, youll help them create the initial care plan. Creating a care plan is more than just working through activities of daily life, its a way for your loved one to maintain a high self esteem.If you would feel more comfortable talking to a Senior Transition expert to get answers to your questions, Contact Us or Call our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc at 720-248-7758 .

Your loved one with Alzheimers or dementia might become suspicious of the people around them. Changes can be stressful for anyone, but they are especially difficult for a person with dementia or Alzheimers disease. Dementia can increase feelings of fear and fatigue from trying to make sense out of an increasingly confusing world. The good news is that if you are dealing with paranoid behaviors, there are things you can do to minimize the outburst and reduce their chances of recurring. Below, our team at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc shares steps you can take and tips to help your loved one.In the MomentSuspicions can come out as hurtful accusations of theft, infidelity or other bad behavior. When these situations occur, the key is to stay patient. With patience, you can take the following steps to alleviate the tension of the moment:Dont take offenseKeep your demeanor and voice calmUse words and nonverbal cues like hugs to reassureAcknowledge the feeling behind the accusationKeep answers simpleDont argue or try to convinceSwitch the focus to something elseUnderstanding the TriggersTry to understand the reasons behind each behavior. Identifying what has triggered a behavior can often help in selecting the best approach to dealing with it. Some triggers might be necessary even if they cause temporary turmoil, such as:Moving to a new residence or nursing homeChanges in a familiar environment or caregiver arrangementsAdmission to a hospitalBeing asked to bathe or change clothesMedicationsYou cant control everything in your loved ones environment, especially during times of transition. But, try to reduce these triggers as much as possible:Create a calm environment. Avoid noise, glare, insecure space and too much background distraction, including television. Maintain a comfortable room temperature. Get replacements of commonly lost items. Let them keep a small amount of cash.Monitor their health and and everyday comfort levels. Check for pain, hunger, thirst, constipation, full bladder, fatigue, infections and skin irritation. Allow adequate rest between stimulating events. Provide a security object. Limit caffeine, sugar and junk food. Maintain as much structure as possible.Talk to OthersConsult a physician to identify any causes related to medications or illness like the below:Drug side effects: Prescription medications might have side effects or interactions and can affect behavior.Discomfort from infections or other conditions: Those with Alzheimers can have increasing difficulty communicating with others about their experience. This can make explaining symptoms difficult. Unspoken pain from infections of the urinary tract, ear or sinuses may lead to restlessness or agitation.Uncorrected problems with hearing or vision: The inability to adequately hear or see can contribute to confusion and frustration and create a sense of isolation.Let other family members know, so they also know what to do and can help. Also, maybe neighbors, or close friends and/or family members of their friends can help.Mostly, we just want you to know you are not alone and you shouldnt feel like you have to handle this all on your own. Our team for Senior Care Facilities can help you through this trying time.Questions, pleases call us at 720-248-7758.

Spend Downs at Assisted Living Facilities in the DenverWhen professionals in the senior living industry discuss ways, an individual can pay for care and housing, you may hear terms such as private pay, spend down, and straight Medicaid. It can be confusing! In the Denver Metro area there are many assisted living facilities that only accept private pay funds for care and housing. They are not licensed to receive Medicaid funds from the state of Colorado.Many facilities choose to only accept private pay residents because the Medicaid reimbursement rate is much lower than they can receive from residents who are able to private pay. Other facilities accept private pay and spend downs, while some facilities accept private pay and straight Medicaid. When a resident is allowed to private pay for a certain period of time and then go onto Medicaid, it is known as a spend down. The term Straight Medicaid is generally used for facilities that accept Medicaid payment without requiring a spend down; in this scenario a resident can move in if they are approved for Medicaid or are enrolled in the InnovAge PACE program, depending upon the facility.A resident is not eligible for Medicaid at an Assisted Living Facility until they have less than $2,000 in assets and less than $2,094 per month in income. If the resident spends their assets for their care and housing at the Medicaid approved facility, but still has more than $2,094/month in income, the facility that accepts Medicaid will work with the resident and either allow the resident to pay the Medicaid rate or require that the resident pay their monthly income to the facility (and allow the resident to keep what they could keep for spending money on Medicaid approximately $105/month).There are a few Large assisted living facilities and numerous Residential Assisted Living facilities (also known as Personal Care and Boarding Homes) that will allow a one to two year spend down. Facilities which allow a resident to spend down, will either accept 1) Medicaid, 2) Medicaid and InnovAge, or 3) InnovAge, depending upon the facility. If a resident is enrolled in the InnovAge PACE program, facilities are reimbursed by InnovAge, and in turn, Medicaid reimburses InnovAge for the residents care.If you refer to the Denver Metro Senior Blue book, it appears that there are lots of facilities that accept Medicaid, but there is one BIG caveat. Many of the facilities require an individual to pay privately for one to two years before they will accept Medicaid reimbursement. Some indicate that they accept Medicaid, but when you contact them, they actually accept InnovAge.On another note, we also find many families are misguided and believe Medicare or supplemental health insurance will pay for care and housing. Medicare DOES NOT cover care and housing. Only private funds, Medicaid and InnovAge pay for care in Assisted Living facilities. Medicare may cover temporary stays at Rehab facilities, but never long-term care at an Assisted Living Facility.Still confused or unfamiliar with the InnovAge PACE program? Our Advisors would be happy to discuss with you what would be your best option, based on your finances and care requirements.

Caring for a senior who has mental health issues can be one of the hardest challenges someone faces in their life. A family caregiver might be able to face the daily challenges with grace, but sometimes, transferring a loved one into Senior living, Assisted Living or a Nursing Home is necessary. Making the decision to transfer can be exceptionally difficult because caregivers often feel like they should be able to care for their elderly mom or dad.The hardest part is initiating the process. Families often hesitate to call us for help because they feel embarrassed or worried about how their unpredictable loved ones are going to react. You dont have to find a good fit on you own. Stacys Helping Hand, Inc (Senior living) specializes in senior behavioral and mental health care. And, regardless of your situation, we will find a facility where your loved one has compassionate caregivers who can provide the needed support. We empower seniors with mental health issues to take ownership and find purpose in their lives. It is never too late.1. Likely They Had No Therapy or Took MedicationBecause of the time period your loved one was born, their Mental Health issues were likely either undiagnosed, denied or kept behind closed doors due to the stigma attached with a Mental Health diagnosis. Luckily today with modern science, doctors have a better understanding of what neurotransmitters are deficient and modern medicine can help improve their symptoms.2. Manipulation Is Interwoven with SymptomsAnother big factor can be the component of manipulation and using their illness as an excuse. Or they are not even aware of how manipulative they are being. We tell families that if dementia has set in, working through the manipulation may or may not be an option.3. Just Like a Child There Is No Manual to FollowTo put it bluntly, you may be worn out and cant see past the manipulation. It truly is hard to distinguish where the brain chemistry imbalances end and the manipulations begins. Mental health behaviors can be like a rope where you have to unwind the chords.Let Us Help. The First Step Is to Call Us.Your loved needs to help themselves and take ownership for their wellbeing. Asking a 3rd party professional to help your loved one transition can be a lifesaver for you. We can facilitate the process and make it the best experience possible. Each step is another weight off of your shoulders.Our senior care process is flexible for each individuals situation. As we get to know your loved one, you might be surprised by how well they respond to our questions. We have the ability to empower people with mental health issues so that they dont feel threatened. This is partly due to the fact that we are outside of the existing family dynamics, which certainly helps. But its also due to our expertise and approach a little compassion and understanding goes a long way.Our goal is to help your loved one re-discover the kid in themselves. It takes facilities a while to learn your loved ones needs. Most times manipulation is an unmet need, and the need to be in control of something. Unfortunately, the facility may or may not be able to make them happy, but they can have compassion.

Researching care facilities online isnt as easy as you might expect. Each Assisted Living Facility decides what level of care they will offer. They are all different and offer a wide range of services that differ from facility to facility. Assistance ranges from very little to a very high level of assistance. Also, its confusing, because prices vary considerably and how they charge can be different which makes it difficult to compare by price. If you choose to go it alone with a free online resource, avoid these common pitfalls assembled by our team.Free Online Assisted Living Referral ServicesOnline sites provide information, but quickly turn into a sales machine for care facilities when you submit your contact information.Pitfalls:Online referral businesses tailor their sites to the facilities that pay them for the opportunity to market to potential customers and sell/share your private information that bombard you with marketing emails and countless calls.Since facilities pay these sites for leads, you never get a full view of your best options in Denver.Searches result in several landing pages that are just directories of care facilities. As you continue clicking, they dont show you how the assisted living facilities look, or how to pay.When you hit a dead end online and make a call, you arent likely to get all of the information you needed.Online chat/phone care operators dont have experience and arent trained in elder care. They are salespeople.The expectation is that you will visit each facility to learn more. The reality is, they are paid higher commissions for brokering certain deals and push you to those facilities.Knowledge about facilities/communities is not very detailed. Most often they have not toured them or know what care they specifically do and do not offer.Recommended resource: The New York Times wrote an article about a potential headache of online research: Online Referral Services. A Helping Hand, Paid on Commission which stated it succinctly, You think youve found an ally when youve really found a salesperson. (Also, check out the comments section of the article if you have time.)Recommended resource: The Questionable Lure Of Free Long-Term Care Placement Services by David Spiegel. He put it this way, referral services are free to hire whomever they choose, irrespective of training and prior job experience. The primary job requirement to use industry lingo may simply be the marketing skill of putting a head in the bed.A Better Free AlternativeThe Seniors BlueBook is a good resource that lists almost every assisted living facility in the Denver Metro Area, but it is essentially just a database. They do not receive broker commissions or sell your contact information.Pitfalls:You will have to do all of the legwork and research on your own which can be very time consuming.Not enough specific useful information about the care each facility provides and the associated cost.Pitfalls to both Free Online Referral Services and The Seniors Blue Book:You wont learn a facilitys reputation for providing a quality level of care.You still have to visit numerous facilities to see if they would be a good optionYou may not ask the right questions.Starting rates many times do not include care, so you are surprised when it is not in your price range.You could be touring with high-pressured facility sales/marketing people who have quotas to fill.Maybe researching online alone isnt for you? For more answers, read our blog post Do You Need an Expert in Assisted Living Denver? Or, call and talk to one of our local experts at Stacys Helping Hand, Inc for a free phone consultation at 720-248-7758 .