Physical Medicine and RehabilitationImproving the health and function of seniors with disabilities can facilitate levels of participation in all aspects of society and can enhance health-related quality of life on a very personal level. For individuals recovering from a serious illness or disabling event, after their initial rehabilitation, the gains made in restoring function can be lost after returning home unless a community-based health and wellness program can be tailored to the individuals unique circumstances. Traditional definitions of health often described health and disability on opposite ends of the health spectrum. Fortunately, newer definitions, supported by the Department of Health and Human Services, acknowledge that health is multidimensional. Health promotion after disability therefore involves optimizing ones potential in the dynamic interplay of the physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual elements of being.An important first step in the process of designing a plan of self-care after a disabling event, is for seniors, health care professionals, and community service providers to collaboratively identify the many barriers that seniors with disabilities encounter when seeking to enhance their wellness and physical activity levels. Armed with a shared understanding of an individuals functional limitations, health status , and resources can allow for partnerships and networks of support that create opportunity for customized, adapted health promotion strategies. Physicians specialized in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) are uniquely trained to facilitate and collaborate with other disciplines to address health related quality of life issues for persons with temporary or permanent disabilities. Self-advocacy therefore often includes the consultative involvement of rehabilitation specialists the in ones core team of health care providers helping to optimize ones health after injury or illness.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Indira S. Lanig MD, Medical Director at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital, in Johnstown, CO. The NCRH team of wellness-oriented physicians and therapists can be reached at 970-619-3454.

Every year in the fall and all around the country seniors are on the move to their favorite warm weather winter destinations. The majority of the seniors traveling to Florida, Texas and Arizona for the cold winter months are renters and they are finding availability is becoming harder and harder to come by as our senior population grows larger every year. Starting in 2030, when all baby boomers will be older than 65, that senior citizen population will make up 21 percent of the population, up from 15 percent today.. The demand for short term rentals in Florida for seniors who snowbird is growing faster than they can build appropriate housing to meet the demand. Senior living communities in Florida have noticed the short fall and some are taking the appropriate actions to meet the demand. Seniors looking to escape the brutal winter months and enjoy a short term lease with an easy carefree affordable lifestyle are finding senior living communities are the affordable answer. Senior living communities have changed so drastically over the past 20 years and they are nothing like the depressing senior homes of the past. The new styles of senior living being offered today are a far cry from what was offered just a short time ago. Senior living communities are now offering spacious furnished and unfurnished apartments, villas and cottage style living with A La Carte amenities and food plans to suit your personal lifestyle. PROBLEM: There are so many communities and options to choose from! Where do I begin?SOLUTION: Use a Senior Living Referral Agencies and Senior Living Advocacy  like  The Right Senior Living Solution. They have the local knowledge and expertise of the senior living options being offered in your area. They have agreements with communities and will most likely get you the best deal and options available.1. Things to consider!While some people know right away where they'll snowbird, for many, choosing where they'll stay (and for how long) during the winter months can be challenging and time consuming.If you're planning on moving to a different climate than what you're used to, it's essential to do your homework first. This includes researching states and towns, deciding to rent or buy, and planning how you'll get back and forth, among other things.When exploring areas, you need to find out what access you'll have to what matters most to you.Before you decide on a location or snowbird community, consider if you'll have quick access to health care, banking services, educational opportunities, entertainment, grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, fitness options, and more.2. The costLiving in a different location for part of the year means you'll likely have a bigger budget. Besides housing costs, you may also spend more money on clothing, transportation, food, and entertainment. Still, there are ways to control the cost of living like snowbirding in an all-inclusive senior living community where your total monthly cost for housing, food, transportation and daily living activities is fixed. But it's essential to thoroughly explore the additional cost of the snowbirding lifestyle so you don't face any surprises that could derail your retirement plans.3. The travelSnowbirds often choose locations based on the ease with which they can drive from one place to another.That's why many choose popular snowbird destinations in places like Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Texas, the Carolinas, and Louisiana.But driving isn't always an option. If you plan on flying to your snowbird destination, you'll need to factor in flight and other transportation costs. And if you want to explore international destinations in the winter months, you'll be adding additional expenses and complexity to your new lifestyle. 4. Missing familyOne of the biggest challenges for snowbirds is missing family and friends back home. While you might enjoy sunny days in your winter location, it's still easy to feel isolated when you're far away from loved ones.You might even miss holidays, birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, and other special events.Joining an active community of snowbirds in the same situation as you can help alleviate some of the homesickness by keeping yourself social and busy.So make sure you plan for these occasions and set up a schedule to have fun and avoid feeling lonely.You can always invite loved ones to your winter home and head north to visit for special events too. Just make sure you add trips home to your snowbirding budget.5. Handling healthcareOne of the significant concerns of snowbirding is managing your medical needs.In addition to your routine medical issues, you may have to deal with seasonal allergies and other illnesses that aren't common in your home climate. Plus, with a new routine, you may experience changes in diet and exercise habits that could impact your health. So it's important to research local hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, and other providers to ensure you can receive quality care when you need it.Don't make the mistake of assuming your health insurance coverage will travel with you. Before making any plans, check with your insurance company to ensure you have the coverage you need when you're living in another state or country during the snowbird season. 6. Managing homes from afarWhen you're snowbirding in the south but keeping a primary residence up north, you'll face managing a house long distance.That means ensuring everything runs smoothly, from regular maintenance and repairs to getting your mail and paying the bills.It also means finding someone trustworthy to check on and take care of your property.And if you're a pet owner and your pet isn't traveling with you, you'll also need to consider how you'll manage pet care from afar too.Related: 11 Checklists to Help Manage Snowbird Living7. Changing environmentsIf you've lived in a particular environment all your life, moving to a new location may require adjusting to a new culture, language, and weather.This includes learning tasks such as how to navigate unfamiliar streets, shopping for groceries in different stores than you're used to, and dealing with cultural differences.Moving to a different area for an extended period isn't something you do every day, and you're not on vacation when you snowbird. If you're not the adventurous type, it's natural to feel nervous and anxious about adapting to a new lifestyle.8. Safety & securitySnowbirds face unique safety and security risks because they are away from their home(s) more frequently than most people.Securing your home and belongings, including monitoring utilities and staying safe on the road, are things you don't want to take lightly.As long as you follow basic precautions, you should be able to enjoy your snowbird adventure without any major issues.9. Financial planningAs mentioned above, snowbirds will spend more time away from home than usual, which can also present financial challenges.You will need to budget money wisely so you don't overextend yourself and cause potential problems in your later retirement years. You'll also need to keep money saved for emergencies and future inflation or stock market volatility.Many snowbirds find ways to earn extra income to help their finances go further while providing some socialization and mental stimulation.10. Additional estate planning needsWhile snowbirds may be planning for an active lifestyle, they still need to consider what happens if they die unexpectedly, especially away from their primary home.You may need additional tools in your estate plan if you plan to own homes in two different states, will be traveling extensively, have complicated assets, or have challenging family dynamics.The Good NewsLiving the snowbird lifestyle is not without its challenges, but the benefits can far outweigh the cons of snowbirding.So if you're on the fence about becoming a snowbird, here are several reasons for becoming one this winter season:Sunny days and warmer temperaturesLiving a healthier lifestyleExploring new areas and culturesMeeting new friends and interesting peopleExperiencing new activities and hobbiesOutdoor entertainment and adventuresHaving fun and making memoriesVery little to no cold weatherNo snow shoveling!No ice to worry about slipping and sliding onIncreased odds of a long and enjoyable retirementNew job or volunteer opportunitiesYOU ARE NOT ALONE www.therightseniorlivingsolution.com All in all, there are many good reasons to become a snowbird, and we hope that our list has helped you decide whether or not you'd like to make the move.We would love to hear from you. George & Adele Smith(941) 705-0293(570) 848-2507

If only eating healthy was as easy as eating junk food! Making healthy choices can be hard, especially while constantly surrounded by temptation. As hard as it may be, it is imperative to ensure you are you paying attention to your diet. The easiest way to change your diet is to concentrate on the foods that will improve your health, as opposed to thinking only about the foods you cant have.One of the most important food groups to include in your meals every day is vegetables as well as fruit. This is more difficult for some people than for others. There are people that refuse to lay a finger on anything green. The best way to overcome this aversion is to experiment. Try different recipes that incorporate vegetables in new ways. For example, substituting minced cauliflower for rice or zucchini noodles for pasta. These are easy but delicious ways to include more vegetables in dishes that would normally not be suitable for someone who is prone heart problems.Why is it imperative to abide by a healthy diet you ask? Well, unhealthy foods such as fried foods, refined carbohydrates, sweets, sugar and saturated fats cause build up in your arteries. These blockages make it hard for your body to pump blood through your veins. When the blockage makes it to your heart, it causes a heart attack. Living your life in such a way that maintains the cleanliness of your arteries is crucial and can add years to your life.Another way to help substitute healthier options in place of snacks lacking nutrients, is to do some prep work up front. This means making your food snack ready right from the start. After purchasing apples or other fruit, cut them up before storing them in the fridge, this makes it much easier to choose healthy when you are hungry, knowing you dont have to prep right before you eat. Switch out apple slices instead of potato chips, or carrots and celery with hummus or ranch instead of french fries. Not only will your heart benefit from your diet changes but you will begin to feel more energized overall and experience less fogginess in your mind. It is never too late to make the switch. Eat healthy for your heart starting today!Editors Note: This article was written by Abigail Wright, Account Representative with Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas. Abigail may be reached at Abigail@SeniorsBlueBook.com

The City of Boulder Older Adult Services (OAS) provides programs and services for city residents age 60 and above and their caregivers. Client Services Coordinators remain committed to being available and responsive to our older adult community to provide information and referral services as well as case management to older adults and their local or long-distance caregivers. Client Services Coordinators help navigate and access available services, provide options and resources, offer financial assistance for basic needs, and assist consumers to make informed decisions around aging well. Phones are monitored Monday Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and services are available in English and Spanish.Essential services are being prioritized amid challenging economic conditions caused by the pandemic. To preserve the widest array of older adult offerings, OAS will be concentrating its older adult programs and services in one location. Previously housed in two buildings, programs will now operate from a single center, the West Age Well Center, located at 909 Arapahoe Ave. A variety of online programs are being offered while the West Age Well Center is closed. The ability to reopen for in-person activities will be guided by state and county health regulations.Program offerings are focusing on health and wellness, lifelong learning, social engagement, and community resources. A weekly electronic newsletter is available to stay current on programs and services. To sign up, go to: OAS Weekly Newsletter. Many of the drop-in fitness programs that took place at the East Age Well Center are run by the citys Parks & Recreation Department (Parks & Rec), including SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit, Renew Active and warm water fitness. For the latest information on these classes, visit the Boulder Parks and Rec Webpage.The mission of Older Adult Services is to inspire and empower older adults to age well through community, connection, learning and play. During this very difficult and challenging time our mission is more important than ever.Client Services Coordination: 303-441-4388Program Registration and information: 303-441-3148 or 719-985-1367Website: https://bouldercolorado.gov/older-adults

With the myriad of choices in Central Pennsylvania, how do seniors decide which senior living community is the right one? They want a beautiful living space, but they also want to continue making smart choices with a focus on taking care of themselves now and in the future. Retirees have worked hard for their money and want to protect it; but, at the same time, they want to make sure they have high quality, innovative, dependable, and compassionate care ready if and when its needed.Perhaps you have heard about Lifecare communities. This unique and financially smart type of contract means there will not be an increase in monthly fees if personal care, skilled nursing care, or memory support is needed later. Unlike other senior living communities that charge a daily rate for this extra supportwhich adds up quickly and can rapidly deplete assets Lifecare communities dont raise fees for an increased level of care later. Because fees are more predictable, seniors and their families wont be surprised by additional residential costs for additional care in the future. Lifecare communities offer peace of mind and greater long-term security for assets worked so hard for, making it a wise investmentfor seniors and their families.One monthly service fee covers many expenses: a beautiful maintenance-free homeincluding real estate taxes, a flexible dining plan, amenities, activities, and programs, PLUS the financial security of Lifecare. Monthly fees are not increased because of the need for personal care, skilled nursing care, or memory support in the future. Its one of the smartest investments seniors can make for their future.And Willow Valley Communities is the only exclusively Lifecare community in Lancaster County. Hundreds of Lancaster Countians now call Willow Valley Communities home. They made the wise choice to learn about Lifecare. Its simply a wise investment for retirement. Call Willow Valley Communities today and ask about the Lifecare difference.________________________This article was submitted by Maureen Leader. Ms. Leader is the Public Relations and Communications Manager at Willow Valley Communities, a 55-plus senior living community in Lancaster.

To learn more aboutCharter Healthcare,CLICK HERE.When a patient or loved one needs ongoing care after a hospital or inpatient stay, the priority is making sure they are set up with the appropriate help when they get home. Often, the patients family is unaware of the differences in the types of care their loved one can receive at home and they look to the provider for guidance in making the best decision. For care providers, it is important to help patients and their loved ones understand that different levels of care exist and can change over time depending on prognosis. For patients and families, knowing different types of care are available can help ensure they understand the care they are receiving is the most appropriate for their situation.What is Skilled Home Health?Skilled home health offers a wide range of health care services delivered in the convenience and privacy of the home by specially trained health care professionals. It is a more effective and efficient form of health care for people who have a chronic medical condition, disability, or are recovering from illness or injury.Skilled home health is a good option for patients who wish to remain in the home but need extra medical help to do so safely and effectively. It can sometimes prevent or postpone the need for residential facility care or hospitalization, which leads to improved quality of life for the patient. Medicare covers skilled home health, which is ordered by a doctor, under Medicare Part A or Part B at no cost to the patient and family.What is Complex Care Management?The goal of Complex Care Management is to reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits by bridging gaps in care and connecting patients to the appropriate level of in-home care. It is designed for patients with serious medical needs and is aimed at improving communication and care coordination with the patients other care teams to help avoid unnecessary hospital readmissions.Care provided through Charter Healthcares Complex Care Management model can include nursing visits, connecting patients with specialists, addressing social determinants of health, providing medication reconciliation and medication changes and providing 24/7 access to care through an in-house triage team. A provider may recommend Complex Care Management for patients who need extra assistance during transitions in care from a hospital, long-term care, rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility to the home.Whats the difference?Skilled home health can be part of a patients care plan under Complex Care Management, but often it is one piece of a larger plan of care. When a patient is enrolled in a Complex Care Management program, typically they have already received care at a hospital or inpatient facility. They may be unable to stay in those facilities long-term or may prefer to receive care at home but need enhanced medical supervision to do so safely. Skilled home health is often elected by patients to prevent or postpone hospitalization or residential care.

To learn more aboutV R Diverse Essential Medical & PPE Supplies, Click HereFive types of masks were examined: an N95/ KN95 mask, surgical mask, a cloth mask, a two-layer cloth mask and a wet two-later cloth mask.Each mask was tested with a machine that uses an air generator to blow tiny liquid droplets, like those that would escape from a nose or a mouthThe N95 /KN95 blocked the most at 100% of droplets and the regular cloth mask blocked the least at 96.4% of dropletsThe cloth mask allowed more than 1,000 sneeze droplets and the two-layered cloth mask let through more than 600 sneeze dropletsResearchers say each droplet could contain millions of virus particles that, when standing less than six feet apart, could be breathed in and infect others.Studies show wearing a cloth mask may not shield the user from coronavirus as too many infected droplets can slip through. Scientists found that while all masks blocked at least 95 per cent of droplets from coughs and sneezes - there was still a high risk of the disease being spread. Although cloth masks stopped 96.4 per cent of sneeze droplets at a distance of six feet, they still let more than1,000 through - which the scientists said could carry enough virus particles to trigger an infection.As documented in Physics of Fluid,the team built a machine that mimics coughs and sneezes from humans. It uses an air generator to blow tiny liquid droplets, like those that would escape from a nose or a mouth. The machine was tested on five different types of masks: an N95 / KN95 mask, surgical mask, a cloth mask, a two-layer cloth mask and a wet two-layer cloth mask. Each of the masks were able to block most of the droplets with thebest-performing beingthe N95 / KN95, which blocked 100 percent of droplets. Meanwhile, the worst was the regular cloth mask, which only blocked 96.4 percent of the droplets. At distances of less than six feet, allowing three percent of droplets is enough to make someone ill. The average infection threshold for COVID-19 is 1,000 virus particles, inhaled either all at once or on separate occasions.A single sneeze has the potential to carry up to 200 million virus particles.The cloth mask allowed more than 1,000 sneeze droplets, each of which could have millions of virus particles. The two-layered cloth mask let through more than 600 sneeze droplets.This means that if someone wearing one of these masks is close to an infected individual, enough dropletscould escape to make them contract COVID-19.Please stay safe out there and do your best to follow the CDC guidelines. Remember dont just wear a maskwear an effective mask to keep you and everyone around you safe. Editors Note: Submitted by Vasanth Stephen Cofounder Of VR Diverse- Essential Medical & PPE Supplies. For More Info. Please Contact Vasanth Stephen, 630 205 3387, stephen@vrdiverse.com, www.vrdiverse.com

To Learn more about Western Slope Memory Care, CLLICK HERE.Does Alzheimers disease lead to anxiety symptoms, or do anxiety symptoms lead to cognitive decline? The answer may be both. Experts studying Alzheimers disease have released an intriguing study related to the diseases relationship with anxiety. The Radiological Society of North America studied a group of more than 300 seniors experiencing mild cognitive decline and found a link between anxiety symptoms and a faster progression from mild cognitive decline to Alzheimers disease. The researchers said that more study on the subject could help with the screening for Alzheimers and management of patients with mild cognitive decline.We need to better understand the association between anxiety disorders and cognitive decline, said Dr. Maria Vittoria Spampinato of Medical University of South Carolina. We dont know yet if the anxiety is a symptomin other words, their memory is getting worse and they become anxiousor if anxiety contributes to cognitive decline. If we were able in the future to find that anxiety is actually causing progression, then we should more aggressively screen for anxiety disorders in the elderly.See our website to learn more about Western Slope Memory Cares complete-person approach to care through health, nutrition, fitness, mental stimulation, social engagement, creative expression, and relaxation.

Tucker Vision Center has been in practice serving the tri-county area for over 26 years. Whether you just cant see as clearly as you use to or you need more detailed medical care to treat your diabetes, glaucoma or age related macular degeneration, Dr. Terry L. Tucker can make sure you receive the best care possible.One thing you will find at Tucker Vision Center that you wont likely find at any other optometrist in Lee County is Oxy-View glasses. These glasses offer patients the benefits of oxygen therapy without the discomfort of the nasal cannula. It combines oxygen therapy and vision, and discreet oxygen delivery. Originating in Italy in 2000 and later imported here, the original frame and design were not good and were redesigned by a U.S. Company who modified the design and material and had it patented.Oyx-View oxygen therapy eyeglasses are designed for those individuals who require supplemental oxygen. Oxy-View allows you to ditch your nasal cannula, improve your quality of life, and feel better about yourself, while assuring that you are receiving the oxygen prescribed by your doctor.For more information on the Oxy-View glasses and how they could benefit you or someone you know, call 239-656-1778 or go to www.tuckervisioncenter.com.Editors Note: This article was submitted by the Tucker Vision Center.

Every year, 3 million seniors are treated in the emergency room for fall injuries. And, falling once doubles someones chances of falling again.Preventing accidents in the home, including falls, is one of the most important planning strategies for helping seniors stay independent. Fractures, head trauma and other injuries can cause long term mobility issues and have lasting physical effects. And, once an injury occurs, it can affect someones ability to live the way they want and enjoy the same lifestyle and activities.Health issues that occur more often as we age can also make seniors more likely to fall. These risk factors include: Muscle weakness Heart disease Parkinsons disease Alzheimers disease and other dementia Malnutrition Low blood pressure Poor vision Ear infections or inflammation Pain or sensitivity in the legs or feetThere are some precautions that seniors and their families can take to reduce the likelihood of a fall.Evaluating risk factors and taking preventative measures in a way that considers the unique lifestyle, needs and health of a senior can help. Minimize trip hazards Some fall hazards are obvious; flights of stairs, slippery shower floors or cords that are too far from a wall outlet. But there are less obvious features that can be an issue for someone with dizziness or vision loss. These can include loose rugs, certain types of carpeting, dimly lit hallways or a dog toy in the middle of the floor. Removing the hazard or installing safety devices, like grab bars and brighter light bulbs, can help. Evaluate footwear Footwear that has an open back, doesnt fit properly, is worn out or has a slippery bottom can all contribute to tripping or balance problems. There are a variety of safe shoe options to fit any activity and personal stylesafe shoes dont have to be boring! Know the effects of medication Seniors and their families should talk to a healthcare professional about how a persons specific medications both prescription and over-the-counter can have side effects that cause dizziness or balance issues. Nutrition and exercise Having healthy habits when it comes to diet and exercise can prevent weakness in the legs and feet, and can reduce pain. Seniors should always talk to their doctor about any diet and exercise plan, and can ask specific questions about how these things affect their fall risk factors. Focus on mental health Studies show that there is a correlation between depression in seniors and falls. According to one report, both depression and fear of falling are associated with impairment of gait and balance. Positive mental wellbeing can improve many areas of a seniors life, and reduced fall risk is another benefit. Connecting with loved ones, finding a sense of purpose, engaging in enjoyable activities and experiencing joy can improve physical and mental quality of life. Some families only think about fall prevention after a loved one is hurt. Taking precautions before an accident happens can help seniors maintain their physical health and their independence.Comfort Keepers Can HelpFor every client, our Comfort Keepers team does a thorough home evaluation to minimize hazards in the home including fall risk evaluation. Our caregivers can help with mobility issues, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. And, our goal is to elevate the spirits of our clients and their families every day. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can also help with activities like cooking, cleaning and physical care. Whether a senior is recovering from a fall or needs help with fall prevention, we can provide services to help.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. Falls Are Serious and Costly. Web.Better Health While Aging. Why Older People Fall & How to Reduce Fall Risk. Web. 2017.Mayo Clinic. Fall Prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls. Web. 2016.Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The Complex Interplay of Depression and Falls in Older Adults: A Clinical Review. Web. 2016Learn more about Comfort Keepers of Carrollton

Every nine minutes someone in our community is diagnosed with Parkinson Disease (PD). Chances are you or someone you know or love will be affected by the disease.PD is the fastest growing neurological disorder. Since the average age at onset is 60, and the median age of our community is 65, many physicians believe we are on the cusp of an emerging pandemic. And as life expectancy increases, so does the number of people living with the disease which is expected to double in the next 15 years.It is a disease of the central nervous system that touches almost every aspect of daily living, including: movement, mood, speech, eating and drinking, sleep, and cognitive changes. It progresses over time, robbing a person of independence through increasing complications, and impacts the loved ones of people with Parkinson as well.Currently there is no objective test to diagnosis PD. Typically, a Neurologist takes a careful medical history and performs a thorough neurological examination, looking in particular for two or more of the cardinal signs to be present. Following are the 10 early warning signs of Parkinson Disease:Tremor or ShakingSmall HandwritingLoss of smellTrouble SleepingTrouble Moving or WalkingConstipationA Soft or Low VoiceMasked FaceDizziness or FaintingStooped or Hunched OverFor over twenty years, The Parkinson Association of Southwest Florida (PASFI) has been improving the quality of life of persons with Parkinson and their care partners while creating a safe, nurturing and welcoming community. We advocate for our members and educate our community about PD. We nurture relationships among those involved in the care of persons with PD.We connect people to the information, support services, programs and activities they need to enhance wellness, live an active, engaged life moving forward and delay the progression of the disease. From Marco Island to southern Lee County, we offer movement classes, support groups, speech classes, social activities and educational programming for people with PD, their care partners and families.It is through the generosity of our community that we are able to provide quality programs and services free of charge. We receive no government funding to support our work.Editors Note: For more information on Parkinson Disease or to get involved please call239-417-3465 or visit our office at 5926 Premier Way, Suite 114 Naples, Florida 34109.

History is not just what we read in books. It is in our lives.Have you ever stopped to consider who might be interested in the stories we have to tell? Perhaps our children or family, but increasingly historians are seeking to preserve accounts of times gone by. In 2000, the Library of Congress began collecting war stories through the Veterans History Project. Already, tens of thousands of submissions have been made. You dont have to be a veteran, however, to have interesting stories to tell from your life. Consider trying the following exercise. Take a large piece of paper and draw a line from left to right. Write the year of your birth at the left end of the line and add a mark on the line for every ten years of your life and label it with the year. Continue the line beyond your current age. This is your life line. Above the line, jot down your earliest memoriesthe first birthday you remember, the first day of school, your childhood home, your first kiss, etc. Keep going with other significant memories in your lifeyour first job, a long trip you took, your wedding day, the birth of children, the death of a friend. Try to put the events in the decade of your life in which they occurred. Next, below the line note significant events that were going on in the world and put them roughly where they fall in the chronology you have laid out. You might include wars, economic fluctuations, social movements, technological changes, population shifts, popular trends, or influential leaders. Fill in the portion of the line to the right of your current age with what you believe life holds for you in those coming decades. Include your hopes and dreams, your wishes and desires, perhaps some regrets, and how you want to be remembered. Now, sit with someone and talk the walk. Take them through your life line from left to right, talking about what was going on in your life and in the world during each decade. If possible, have someone videotape the discussion as you go through your life. You can make it as detailed or summarized as you like, but be sure to tell some of the stories that fill up your page. And dont forget to comment on your future Zane Robertson is the President of Active Minds, a Denver-based provider of educational programs for seniors. He is a frequent speaker on lifelong learning and senior education and served on the Denver Commission on Aging and the board of the Denver Coalition for Seniors. Active Minds programs are available in many of Denvers finest senior residential communities as well as a variety of public venues. For more information, contact Mr. Robertson at 303?320?7652 or visit www.activeminds.com.

Years ago Charles Kuralt had a news segment called On the Road, which aired on CBS Evening News. Charles would stop in a city, grab a phone book from a telephone booth, and let his finger randomly stop at a name. He would then meet said person and conduct a life interview with them, and my recall is that in every interview he uncovered a fascinating person with a fascinating story.It is with this approach that the staff at the Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging endeavor to work with our clients and their stories. Sometimes it is difficult, as time constraints, many tasks at hand, and client representation all need to be balanced. But when people leave our office and they carry themselves in a manner which reflects theyve been heard, we really feel we are doing a good job.By the time an individual has experienced enough years to be considered elderly, they have gone through an incredible array of circumstances that have formed their being and who among us cannot take the time to learn something from every single person elderly or not -- we are fortunate enough to encounter?Editors note: This article was submitted by Upper Arkansas Area Agency on Aging in Salida, CO. They may be reached at 719-539-3341 (or toll free at 877-610-3341) or by email at aaareg13@uaacog.com

For seniors looking for safer living options, one call for patients or family members can connect you to a professional who can guide, educate, consult, and advise on best options for seniors. CarePatrol is a free community service representing private pay options for seniors who are looking for safer living solutions.While safer senior living can range from adding simple grab bars in the bathrooms to moving into an appropriate assisted living community in the area, many families find solutions in between such as in-home care or delivered meals. No need to guess which community or company is the right one when all the independent, assisted living, or memory care communities whose license applies can be considered.CarePatrol also works with and has developed trusted, preferred providers for other professional needs from Elder Law attorneys, movers, estate sales, repairs, real-estate professionals, to cleaning as just some of the connections offered.While most people want to stay in their home for as long as possible, we all agree that safety concerns are where possible. As safer senior living is your goal, it is our mission at CarePatrol.

Individuals suffering from hip and knee arthritis have more options than ever to help reduce or eliminate pain and improve their quality of life. The general approach is conservative, non-operative management until that no longer provides adequate relief from pain. This may include anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, bracing, use of a cane, or injection therapy. If non-operative pain management does not relieve pain or no longer provides relief, there are several criteria that indicate it may be time to discuss operative management for hip or knee arthritis. These include: 1. If the individual is experiencing more pain than they care to deal with on a regular basis 2. If the arthritis symptoms are affecting the individuals quality of life 3. If the arthritis pain is keeping the individual from their normal daily activities. A fourth, but definitive criteria is if the arthritis pain can only be controlled by narcotic pain medications. Narcotics are not an appropriate long-term treatment for arthritis pain, as narcotics create their own long-term issues and problems, including addiction, dependence, and also make it much more difficult to control post-operative pain.The encouraging news is that there are several new developments in hip and knee replacement that make the surgery and recovery time much easier. The post-operative pain is minimized, and the recovery time is much shorter than before. We now offer minimally invasive hip replacement in which patients generally go home on the day of surgery, or the day after. Most patients are also off of narcotic pain medicines within two weeks, which is shorter than with traditional hip replacement. Regarding knee replacement surgery, partial knee replacements (unicompartmental knee replacements, patellofemoral replacements) are an option for localized knee arthritis. These patients also have similar hospital stays and reduced narcotic usage as the minimally invasive hip replacement patients. With new developments in post-operative pain control, even standard knee replacements rarely require IV pain medicine. Also, virtually all standard knee replacement patients go home after spending only 2 nights in the hospital, and many patients are only spending one night in the hospital.If you suffer from hip or knee arthritis, a visit with an orthopaedic surgeon can provide options available to you to help improve your quality of life and reduce, or eliminate, pain. You may be surprised how easy it can be to take back control of your life!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ed Szuszczewicz, MD. who is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Joint Replacement and Trauma Surgery at Front Range Orthopaedics and may be reached at 719-473-3332. For more information visit Front Range Orthopaedics at www.fro.com

Caring for a loved one with alzheimers disease can be rewarding and a life changing experience. It can also be the most difficult of tasks and can take a serious toll on the mental and physical well-being of the caregiver. Current statistics show that almost 10 million Americans are caring for a person with Alzheimers disease and related dementias. According to a new study conducted at New York University School of Medicine, counseling and support is not only good for easing stress in those caring for loved ones with this disease, it may also boost physical health. Dr. Mittelman, Research Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at New York University states that those caregivers who have poor physical health are more likely to have difficulty providing appropriate care for their loved ones.As a caregiver, how many times have you heard yourself or others say Im alone and nobody can help? Caregiver burnout intensifies when it appears as though no one understands what you are going through. Signs to watch for caregiver burnout are as follows.1) You begin to curtail visits and phone calls with close friends.2) You have given up hobbies and activities that you have enjoyed for years.3) You are developing stress-related problems such as back pain, headaches, chronic feelings of fatigue and depression.4) You are coming down with colds, flu and other illnesses more than usual.5) You have a short temper. You find youre getting mad in the checkout line at the grocery store, in traffic, and at friends and family.6) You have outbursts of anger at your loved one with Alzheimers when he or she behaves erratically or becomes difficult.7) You have gained or lost weight unintentionally.8) You have an unshakable feeling of despair or pessimism.9) You are crying for no reason or over minor problems.10) You complain about lack of sleep or chronic insomnia.A targeted program of counseling and support services can ease depression, sadness, burnout, stress and isolation while caring for a loved one with Alzheimers disease and related dementia. Therefore, encouraging ongoing support for caregivers to join groups or counseling can help preserve their health as well as ease stress.Support groups are made up of caregivers, family members and friends of persons who have memory loss or who have been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or a related dementia. Support groups offer emotional support and information as well as provide a safeand positive setting to express fears and concerns, and to share experiences. Arden Courts is pleased to offer a directed discussion group with Dr. Bill Beckwith, Clinical Psychologist. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm in Naples. It is free and open to the public with adult day care services onsite. For additional support group information in Naples, please contact the Alzheimers Support Network at 239-262-8388.This group also meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 2:00p.m. at Arden Courts in Ft. Myers. For additional support group information in Ft. Myers, please contact the Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimers Resource Center at 239-437-3007.Arden Courts is an assisted living community dedicated to caring for individuals with Alzheimers and other related dementias. Arden Courts is part of HCR-ManorCare which has been named by Fortune Magazines Most Admired Companies in Healthcare in 2007 and 2008. The Most Admired list is the definitive report card on corporate reputations. HCR-ManorCare continues to be a strong and stable company dedicated to providing your loved one with the highest quality in health care services.Arden Courts of Lely Palms is located at 6125 Rattlesnake Hammock Road Naples, Florida 34113. For more information on the support group or additional Alzheimers resource information please contact Michelle Serigne at 239-417-8511. Arden Courts Fort Myers is located at 15950 McGregor Blvd Ft. Myers, Florida 33908. For more information on the support group or additional Alzheimers resource information please contact Karla LaFreniere at 239-434-1277.

Robert Anderson had started to zone out.The retired Army colonel began having a hard time hearing conversations about two years ago.Being in a crowd while talking to friends made it worse for Anderson, wholl be 80 in February.It was like I had earplugs on, he said. I couldnt hear. If the noise wasnt controlled and hada lot of free talking, that was really hard.I just started turning everyone off.Wife Joanne also started noticing at home.If he was in another room, he couldnt hear me, he said. Id ask, Dont you remember? And hed say no.Adding to Joannes concerns was that her husband of 40 years was diagnosed with dementia.I almost thought dementia was worse than advertised, she said. But then we found out part of the problem is the hearing loss.After getting hearing aids four months ago, Anderson said he feels about 85 percent better. He engages in conversations again. Life isnt perfect but Joanne feels like she has her old Bob back.Submitted and Written By: Hogland Family Hearing and Audiology Centers - click here for more information

Elder Abuse - Would You Recognize It If You Saw It?Helen is 83 years young and is proud to still be living on her own; so far she manages pretty well with most things except driving. She gave that up for fear of having an accident that would hurt someone else. Helen's granddaughter Jesse lives a few blocks away and offered to take her places when she needed to go, it seemed like a good deal and worked well for a few months. Things changed when the granddaughters car broke down and she asked Helen if she could just borrow her car for a while; of course she would still help grandma whenever she needed a ride.Flash forward five weeks, granddaughter still has the car and has stopped calling Helen. Helen does not want to cause any problems in the family or make her granddaughter feel bad so she keeps quiet, but she is very upset about the situation. She has a Dr. Appointment so she calls Jesse to ask for a ride; Jesse is busy that day and suggests that grandma call her neighbor for a ride. Over the next few months the situation worsens when Jesse insists that Helen give her the car, since it is no good to Helen anyway. Helen's health has deteriorated, she no longer gets out for groceries, medical appoints or her weekly trips to the beauty shop. Her friends are worried but she has not shared her problem for fear of looking like a foolish old woman, who never should have let this happen. Scenarios like this are occurring everyday right under our noses.Each year hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, exploited and neglected. Many victims are older, frail and vulnerable and depend on others to assist them. Abusers of older adults are both men and women, and may be family members, friends, or trusted others.Region 10 Community Living Services and our community partners are dedicated to curtailing Elder Abuse & Exploitation. The group will offer community education, and resources on this topic. If you would like to get involved, post resource links on your website or host a presentation please contact Madison Fowler at Region 10, 970-765-3125 or by email at Madison@region10.netEditors Note:This article was submitted by Eva Veitch, Community Living Services Director for Region 10, ADRC; she may be reached at 970-765-3127 or email at eveitch@region10.net

To learn more aboutCarePatrol of Utah, CLICK HERE.In helping over 1,000 families findsafe care options, one of the firstquestions families ask about assisted living is how much does it cost?Many people are surprised at how affordable it is when given specificinformation about whats included.Such as utilities, food, cooking,cleaning, entertainment, transportation and 24/7 nursing care.What does Assisted Living cost inUtah? Communities charge anywherefrom $2,000 a month to as muchas $6,500, but the average is about$3,500. This amount largely depends on 3 factors. 1 How much care does the resident require? For individualsthat need help with a lot of activitiesof daily living (ADLs), the cost canbe more. This is important to keep in mind and understand that the cost may increase over time as careneeds increase. 2 Location. As will any real estate, location affects the cost. 3 Size of the room. Most communities have different sizerooms from small studio apartmentsto 2 bedroom suites. Most individuals are completely comfortable in astudio or 1 bedroom.Most assisted livings have a rentplus level of care pricing model.Which mean you have a flat baseprice for the rent of the apartmentand then added charges based on the level of care required. SomeCommunities have a flat rate all-inclusive pricing model, meaningyour price is the same every monthregardless of the care provided. In addition to the monthly cost forAssisted Living, most communitiescharge a move-in or communityfee for new residents. Make sure youunderstand all the costs associated with moving before you sign theagreement and move in. There aregreat communities at every pricelevel.Does Medicare or Medicaidpay for it?Traditionally Medicare does NOTpay for Assisted Living. It can, insome cases, pay for a short-termnursing home stay or for in-homecare. Medicaid can be used to payfor some of the costs associatedwith Assisted Living. In Utah theMedicaid program that helps payfor some assisted living charges iscalled the New Choices Waiver.Long Term Care InsuranceLong term care insurance is agreat way to help pay for some or allof assisting living costs. Some lifeinsurance policies have a long termcare rider.VA Aid and AttendanceThe VA Aid and AttendancePension is a great benefit for manyveterans. It can pay up to $2,295(2020 amount) to a married veteranand their spouse. The veteran musthave served 90 days active duty andat least 1 day during wartime. Thiscan also be an eligibly benefit for asurviving spouse.Private PayThe most common way residentspay for assisted living is with theirincome, savings, and retirement.If you have any questions aboutassisted living costs or how to payfor it, CarePatrols Senior Advisorscan help. Please call 801-717-9328for more information or visit Utah.CarePatrol.com.'Editors Note: This article was submitted by Randy Chipman, Certified SeniorAdvisor, Certified Placement and ReferralSpecialist. He may be reached at 801-717-9328 or by email at Utah@CarePatrol.com

Does someone you care about display any warning signs of mistreatment? Physical AbuseInadequately explained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores & burnsUntreated pressure bed soresNeglectLack of basic hygieneLack of adequate foodLack of medical aids (glasses, walker, teeth, hearing aid, medications)Lack of clean appropriate clothingDemented person left unsupervisedBed bound person left without careHome cluttered, filthy, in disrepair, or having fire & safety hazardsHome without adequate facilities (stove, refrigerator, heat, cooling, working plumbing, and electricity)HoardingFinancial AbuseLack of amenities victim could affordElder voluntarily giving inappropriate financial reimbursement for needed care and companionshipCaregiver has control of elders money but is failing to provide for elders needsCaretaker living off elderElder has signed property transfers (Power of Attorney, new will, etc.) when unable to comprehend the transactionPsychological AbuseCaregiver isolates elder (doesnt let anyone into the home or speak to the elder)Caregiver is aggressive, controlling, addicted, or uncaringReporting Suspected Elder AbuseIn Salt Lake County Call: 801-264-7669. Statewide Call: 1-800-371-7897. In case of emergency, call your local police station or 911.For more information of preventing Elder Abuse and Neglect in Utah, please call the Utah Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition at (801) 860-3801.

Navigating the rules for Medicaid qualification can be very difficult for many families. By the time that a family realizes that they need to figure out how to pay for nursing home or assisted living care, they are often in the middle of a health crisis. Because the cost of skilled nursing care is approximately $6,623 per month in the Denver metro-area, it is critical that families understand the options for paying for care.If long-term care insurance and VA pension benefits do not cover the cost of care, Medicaid may be an option. Unfortunately, many families think that they have to do Medicaid planning more than five years in advance of needing care. However, the reality is that it may be possible to qualify for Medicaid even if a loved one is already receiving long term care. In fact, it is critical to make sure that a person can qualify for Medicaid before they have spent all their savings on care.Under Medicaid regulations, if a person has given away assets within five years of applying for Medicaid (a period of time called the look-back period), it will trigger a penalty period. A penalty period is the length of time that Medicaid will not provide benefits. The length of the penalty depends on how much was given away prior to filing for Medicaid. The penalty period does not begin until the applicants countable assets are less than $2,000, and he has applied for Medicaid.The problem is that many seniors believe that if they run out of money, Medicaid will be there to pay for the cost of their care. However, if gifts have been made within five years of application, it could endanger their ability to receive benefits.Prior to applying for Medicaid, assets may need to be re-titled between spouses. If gifts have been made to other family members, it is imperative for the family to learn how to pay for the cost of care during the penalty period. This planning is best done in advance of depleting assets.All Medicaid applicants must qualify based on their functional ability, income, and assets. To determine if an applicant meets the requirements and ensure that gifts will not cause ineligibility, it is best for the family to consult someone knowledgeable in elder law and Medicaid planning. Good advice can relieve the confusion and anxiety that many families feel during a health care crisis.This article was submitted by Elizabeth D. Mitchell, Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA).* Beth is an attorney with Ambler & Keenan, LLC and may be reached at 303-407-1543 or by email at bmitchell@ambler-keenan.com. For more information visit www.Ambler-Keenan.com.*The state of Colorado does not certify attorneys in any field.

Heres a New Years resolution that puts you in control and takes a huge responsibility off your loved ones shoulders: Talk to your family about your end-of-life wishes Document your decisions in an advance directive, also known as a living will. Get them to think about, talk about and document their own wishes for the end of their lives.Illness and death are not easy to discuss, but taking the initiative today means others wont have to struggle to make those hard decisions for you later on. And while theres no wrong time to address advance directives, milestone events like the holidays or the new year are opportune times to hold what-if conversations with the people you are closest to.Questions to Ask Yourself and OthersHere are some conversation starters: If you had a terminal condition and there was no reasonable probability of recovery, what kind of treatments or life-saving measures would you want? What would you refuse? If you werent able to speak for yourself, would your loved ones know what you want? Who would you want to speak for you?Writing Down Your WishesThere is lots of online information to help figure out what you would want and put those wishes in writing. Search for advance directive forms to find free or low-cost forms that you simply fill out and sign. You dont need a lawyer, a notary, or any government agency to make your advance directives legitimate. Three great places to start: AARP.org Carinfinfo.org agingwithdignity.orgFor more information about advance directives and end-of-life care, visit VITAS.com.

As we age, we often have a greater need for medical and therapeutic services. Lee Healths Senior Care Choices program enables many seniors to remain independent in their own home and enjoy the independence they desire.Our team of Aging Life Care ProfessionalsTM - care managers and social workers - coordinate care with a number of medical and supportive services to find the best fit for each person; to make their lives more manageable and comfortable. We are their advocate, and we do this while communicating with family members who live all over the country.The goal is to keep older adults as independent as possible so they can age in place. This means staying in their current residence, whether that is a single-family home or an assisted living residence. With the services we provide, the older person may not need to move as he or she requires more comprehensive care. Our team will:Accompany client to physician appointments and communicate to families.Develop a Care Plan with input from family members and physicians, which includes a complete medical, social, safety and nutritional evaluation. Coordinate and oversee the Care Plan to be followed by all those in connection with the care of our client.Investigate benefits of home care, assisted living and nursing homes.Arrange for in-home services, such as caregivers, laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation and even installation of grab bars or other assistive devices.Coordinate the delivery of medications, meals, medical equipment, health alert devices and other items.Our team has extensive knowledge about how to assess an individuals needs, determine the best living situation for them, efficiently manage resources and provide the numerous support services to maintain independence and the best possible quality of life as they age. For more information on Lee Health Senior Care Choices, call 239-225-7718.

Its been a little stressful lately, especially as weve all heard the experts warn us repeatedly that the coronavirus can be hardest on those who are older or in fragile health. Often, though, those are also the people who need to see their doctors routinely to stay healthy and safe. So, what should you do?Thanks to good planning by health systems like Penn State Health, the option for virtual care, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, was already in place and quickly became the preferred choice for accessing expert care safely.Virtual care means care accessed via an online platform, through the use of personal devices, such as laptops or mobile devices like phones or tablets. While it may seem odd at first to think about seeing your doctor over a screen rather than in person, the same heart-to-heart conversations, education and frequent check-ins are possible via virtual care. And the best part is you can see the doctor from the comfort of your own home, without having to drive anywhere. You can even wear your PJs!Virtual care linked to a health system also can facilitate coordinated care with your preferred specialists and primary care providers. For example, Penn State Health offers follow-up care via the Penn State Health OnDemand app for patients who may have trouble travelling. Not tech-savvy? No worries! Its easy to get started with virtual care. You can either download the app to your mobile device for free or you can visit our website, pennstatehealthondemand.com. After creating an account and answering a few questions, patients have immediate access to urgent care virtual visits with board-certified doctors who are ready to help. In addition, current Penn State Health patients can check with their own providers practices for access to regular or follow-up visits via virtual care.Telehealth visits are billed to insurance and can be subject to normal copays since the level of service is the same as an in-person visit. For those who need prescriptions, e-prescribing to a local pharmacy can make the whole process as convenient as possible.Virtual care, along with Penn State Healths wide array of local primary care and specialty doctors and our new hospitals currently under construction, assures access to the care you need when you need it and that makes life during a pandemic a little less stressful.__________________This article was contributed by Penn State Health.

Older adults fear the possibility of developing Alzheimer's disease even more than death and with good reason: five million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, approximately 350,000 are diagnosed with the condition each year and it leads to death more often than heart disease, stroke, HIV and breast and prostate cancers combined! In the next 13 years, the number of Utahans with Alzheimer's disease will increase 127 percent making it the state with the fastest growing incidence of Alzheimer's.These startling statistics lead one to ask: Can Alzheimer's disease be prevented or delayed? Here is the good news yes. A new study shows that half of the cases might be caused by factors people can control: exercise, smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Additionally, advanced imaging techniques now can diagnose Alzheimer's years before symptoms are noticed giving people a jump start on a treatment plan.What is Alzheimer's Disease?Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that causes dementia. Dementia is the deterioration of memory, language, personality and the ability to process information. Other conditions that also lead to dementia include stroke, chronic alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, and Parkinson's disease.What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?When we are younger, the body makes amyloid plaques (clumps of protein, like a goo) that surround the brain cells but the brain is able to clear it out. As we grow older, oxidative stress on the brain cells increases inflammation which contributes to making too much amyloid plaques and to the inability to clear it away. Additionally, patients develop neurofibrillary tangles (nerve cells that become tangled and dysfunctional). The tangles and goo prevent brain cells from communicating with each other which creates the forgetting in Alzheimer's.What are the symptoms?Alzheimer's disease usually comes on slowly, with a gradual loss of memory and difficulty learning new information. The patient develops problems in carrying out familiar tasks, understanding concepts, and taking care of grooming and household chores. Depression may also be one of the early symptoms. Personality changes, restlessness, and disorientation may also occur, and as the disease progresses, these symptoms become more pronounced. In later stages, there is a characteristic lack of concern for appearance or body function, significant sleep disturbances, extreme irritability, and loss of the ability to speak. Gradually, the patient stops eating or drinking regularly.What Can Be Done?The closest we have to a cure for Alzheimer's is prevention. But this is good news. This means that people have control over their chances of developing this deadly disease with exercise, a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids, colorful fruits and vegetables, spices such as turmeric, oregano and garlic, vanilla beans, and a moderate amount of caffeine. New imaging technology now allows people to get screened decades before any symptoms begin, enabling early intervention to protect the healthy brain and a delay in the onset of the disease. Drugs are being tested that may someday offer even more hope for patients and families, especially for the one percent that may be genetically at greater risk.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Denae Bybee, LPN and owner of Senior Helpers Utah and may be reached at 801-912-8400 or by e-mail at dbybee@seniorhelpers.com. For more information visit www.seniorhelpersutah.com.

Osteoporosis Breaking NewsOsteoporosis is a bone condition that makes bones thinner and more fragile secondary to loss of bone density. There are 40 million people affected by osteoporosis, women more often then men. Half of all postmenopausal women will have an osteoporosis related fracture during their lifetime. Fractures occur most frequently in the spine, hip and wrist. Taking measures to avoid falls is important in the prevention of fractures for those already diagnosed with the disease.Risk factors are numerous, some modifiable and others unchangeable. Non-modifiable risk factors include race (Caucasian and Asian), age, previous low-energy fracture, small bone structure and a family history of osteoporosis. More important are the modifiable risk fractures including tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol intake, inactivity, reduced calcium and vitamin D intake and reduced sex hormones. Taking medications such as prednisone, heparin and excessive thyroid replacement can also affect bone density negatively.Diagnosis is made by measuring bone mineral density with DXA scanner. There are no symptoms of osteoporosis other than fracture. A score on the DXA below -2.5 is diagnostic for osteoporosis. A score between -1.0 & -2.5 is indicative of osteopenia which represents mild bone loss.Treatment involves lifestyle changes including getting 1200 mg of calcium daily thru diet and supplementation. Getting adequate vitamin D approximately 800iu thru diet, sunlight and supplementation. Weight bearing exercise daily. Quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation only. Additionally, establish a fall prevention program including night lights, wear sensible shoes, de-clutter space in your home, and use assistive devices like canes and walkers as needed. Also review medications that cause sedation or lightheadedness with their physician.There are numerous medical treatments for osteoporosis. Most drugs like Fosamax block resorption of bone. Drugs like Evista effect the hormone estrogen and can reduce spine fractures. Forteo is the only drug I am aware of that increases bone formation. The newest treatment is a form of immune therapy called Xgeva.There are several options you can discuss with your physician; ultimately combination therapy may be the most effective. Don't let osteoporosis get snappy with you; knowledge and prevention are your allies.

What is a Senior Move Professional?Hiring a Senior Move Manager Professional is the answer for a growing number of older adults, families, and caregivers. Recognizing the complexities of later life transitions, seniors are benefiting from the cost effective strategies, expertise, and compassion of Move Management Professionals. The emotional and physical impact of moving on older adults should not be underestimated. The move manager stands in the gap for the senior client, without taking away the control, partnering to bring about a coordinated and seamless move experience.Benefits of hiring a move manager:*Provide Pro-Active SupportMany seniors have lived in their home for decades, surrounded by memories and belongings that tell their life story. The concept of moving can be understandably overwhelming! The older adult is now navigating through unchartered waters, perhaps alone, children often across the country. The magnitude of the task ahead often leads to delay, which can lead to a crisis-driven move later on. By shouldering the physical and emotional burden of the move, the process stays on course.*Provide Needed ServicesMove Managers start with a free consultation in the home to listen, determine what services will be beneficial, and design a personalized plan for the task ahead.Move managers use floor-planning tools that help clients visualize their furnishings in the new home and avoid the costly mistake of moving too much. Considerable downsizing is often needed as most clients are moving from larger to smaller residences. Sorting, organizing, and disbursement of belongings are what move managers do best. They have the expertise to properly recommend a course of action using consignment, estate sales, gifting, and tax-deductible donations.Other services provided include packing, moving, unpacking, and settling-in services for the new residence. Move managers are skilled at recreating the personality of the original home. Everything is unpacked and put away, beds made, kitchen recreated, and electronics set up.*Provide Cost savingsSenior Move Managers partner with Senior Living Communities, realtors, attorneys, financial planners, and other professionals. Hiring a move manager brings access to a host of proven resources that have been prescreened for the best quality at best pricing.Often the largest lifetime asset, the home, will need to be sold to fund the next residence. To bring in top dollar, homes most likely need de-cluttering, removal of furniture, staging, repairs, updating.Senior Move Managers partner with their clients and reduce the vulnerability that comes with change.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Darcy Barnhill, President/Owner of Senior Life Space, LLC Certified Senior Move Manager, Member of NASMM and NAPO. She may be reached at 720-272-1789 or by email at seniorlifespace@comcast.net

Have you heard ofBenefitsCheckUp? It is a free service of the National Council on Aging, that lets you search for benefits easily, securely, and accurately. In the US, there are over 2,500 federal, state, and private benefit programs available. Start finding benefits with ourBenefitsCheckUp questionnaire or browse our Resource Library to learn more about programs and eligibility.Learn more about the program that can help you save money. Benefit programs include:MedicationsHealth CareIncome AssistanceFood & NutritionHousing & UtilitiesTax ReliefVeteranEmploymentCounseling AssistanceVision Loss ServicesRespite Care ServicesPension AssistancePark & Recreational DiscountsEducation ProgramsTransportation Assistance& More!HowBenefitsCheckUpWorks:Answer some questions. Review your initials results or enter more details to personize your report.Get your report. Provide more information to get a customized report of benefits youre most likely to qualify for.See how to apply. Review your custom report, learn more about benefits, and start enrolling in programs.Click here to begin your FREE search!

Living in beautiful Southwest Florida, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy an active lifestyle nearly 365 days per year. Outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, bicycling, jogging, and simply walking, are all great ways to stay healthy.However, for many, living with painful joints can limit the desired level of physical activity, and at time, become debilitating.Isnt it great to know that the team of physicians, nurses, therapists and other clinicians at Physicians Regional Healthcare System in Naples has the expertise in treating joint pain. Offering minimally invasive, state-of-the-art robotic technology for knee replacement, as well as total knee and hip replacement surgery, Physicians Regional offers two Total Joint Center locations for patients to choose when it comes to joint surgery.Physicians Regional Healthcare System is proud that their patients leave the hospital sooner, and more of their patients go directly home from the hospital that state or national average. This means most patients return to an active lifestyle more quickly, and get back to doing the things they love.Our patients walk an average of 650 feet before being discharged from the hospital, said Sara Laporte, R.N., Director of Orthopedics andRobotic Surgery for Physicians Regional Healthcare System. Our patients love our program, and tell us that they are pleased to be able to go back to playing golf, tennis, and other activities that were too painful to enjoy before surgery.The program at Physicians Regional is unique patients participate in group rehab and physical therapy following their surgery. They are up and moving the same day they have surgery. Getting our patients moving soon after surgery is key to their rapid recovery and transition back home, Laporte tells us. Our approach is to get them moving, and track their progress using milestone markers throughout the Joint Camp. We measure their steps using a golf-themed chart, and advance their golf cart on the chart as they increase the steps they are able to walk.Physicians Regional Healthcare System performs more than 1,000 hip and knee surgeries annually. Patient satisfaction is extremely high for the patients who choose these hospitals for their joint replacement surgery.

Getting older is an inevitable part of life. Its something that we all must face, and although it has its challenges, it also has its perks. Here are some interesting facts about getting older:Age is just a number. While its true that your body may not be able to do everything it once could, getting older is not a reflection of your ability to enjoy life to the fullest.Your brain is getting sharper. Contrary to popular belief, your ability to learn, process information, and think critically actually improves with age.Youre more resilient than you think. Studies have shown that older people are often more adept at dealing with stress and handling challenge.Youre less likely to indulge in risky behaviors. As you get older, you become less likely to engage in risky behaviors like drinking too much alcohol, smoking, or driving too fast.You become more financially stable. Many people find that as they get older, their financial situation becomes more stable, allowing them to enjoy their retirement years.Your taste buds change. Your taste buds become less sensitive as you age, which can actually make certain foods taste better.You may have more health problems. Unfortunately, as you get older, you are more likely to develop chronic health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions.You have more time for hobbies and interests. As you retire or work less, you will likely have more time to pursue hobbies and interests that you may not have had time for earlier in life.You may need less sleep. As you age, you may find that you need less sleep to feel rested, which can free up more time for other activities.Youre wiser. With age comes wisdom, which can help you navigate lifes ups and downs with greater ease.Overall, getting older can be a mixed bag of experiences, but there are certainly many advantages to growing older. You should cherish the years you have and make the most of them. Article written by: Seniors Blue Book 

Born in Walsenburg Colorado, Tim Cordova and his five brothers were taught the importance, value and tradition of hunting. Hunting feels like a different life you are one with the wildlife in the mountains and it just feels special. Hunting a tradition passed down from generation to generation where respect of nature and animals is a value important to that tradition. Tim shared the values and family tradition of hunting with his boys. We would start planning for our hunting trips a month before the season. See you have to plan for the meals, all the food you will need and who will do the cooking. You have to make sure you have enough hay for the horses and plan where you are going. We head to the mountains about a week before the Season begins. We find our spot and get camp setup and settled in. Tim impressed on his boys the value behind hunting and that it is not just about the kill, hunting is so much more. Hunting is becoming one with the wilderness and finding a whole new respect for Mother Nature and the time you spend together and the bond that forms when you go out with your sons, family and friends. I was hunting mid-October in about 3 feet of snow. Around noon I spotted the biggest Bull I ever got! We had left early that morning and when you go out you dont come back until you have something or the sun goes down. Tim was hunting with his buddy, his buddys Dad and another gentleman on that cold, winter blanketed afternoon. This is very prevalent in both of Tims boys, TJ and Jessie. Our favorite memory hunting with Dad is when we went to hunt on what was then our Granddads ranch. The ranch has since become part of the Forest and Service and BLM Land. We were on our horses riding behind Dad and his brother listening to them reminiscence about when they were growing up. We didnt get anything on that trip but that trip was our favorite trip! Tim has passed on more than a hunting tradition, he passed on experiences that will last a life time! Tim now hangs his Bull Elk antlers at Larchwood Inns, where he shares his many wonderful hunting experiences and still passes on the importance of tradition and the true meaning of hunting! Editors Note: This article was submitted by Melissa Latham RN, NHA and Corie Scotto. Melissa is the Administrator at Larchwood Inns and the PARC, Corie is Public Relations for Larchwood Inns and the PARC and both may be reached at 970-245-0022 or by email at MelissaL@LarchwoodInn.com and CorieS@LarchwoodInn.com.

To learn more about Covington Senior Living, CLICK HERE.At Covington Senior Living we believe that our residents can age with purpose. It is our sincerest desire to provide genuine opportunities for moments of daily joy in the lives of the seniors we serve.Mindy met John & Carol while they were caring for Carols parents. They built a friendship based on love and trust while striving to give the best care for Carols parents. As fate would have it, their business life brought them back together a few years ago and together they founded Covington Senior Living.Mindy & Justin Hill and John & Carol Probst started Covington Senior Living with one goal in mind to take their decades of experiences of caring for their own loved ones and create a place where seniors are revered, loved and celebrated. They based their business model on a dream that they could run a successful assisted living business and bless peoples lives while doing it.We are eternally grateful to our many employees, volunteers, residents, family members, colleagues and community members that help us carry out these dreams every moment of every day. I know and feel the Lords hand in all of this. We have an exciting future with a fun road ahead!

To learn more aboutHome Care Assistance of Utah,CLICK HERE.Its important for older people to remain social and active in order to avoid boredom orloneliness, and perhaps more importantly, to help reduce the risk ofhealth problems. Maintaining a hobby is the answer and we have put together a list of our top 10 hobby ideas to help give older people some inspiration.Different hobbies will have a different impact on the person taking part.Sport and fitness activitieswill help to keep older people healthy and energetic but will also improve their social life due to meeting others with the same interests as them.Hobby ideas, those such ascookingandgardeningcan help boost the morale of older people, by giving them a sense of achievement and pride. Reading books andplaying video gameshelp to keep the brain active, therefore reducing the risk ofdementia. Of course, these are also fun activities for old people.There are plenty of options available, so lets look at some of the top hobby ideas.Looking after your HealthAs we age, our health becomes more important. Looking after our bodies becomes a necessity, whilst ensuring that our mental health remains healthy is equally as important.According to the NHS, most adults aged 65 and over spend, on average, 10 hours or more each day sitting or laying down. In-turn, this means that this age category is most at risk of obesity,heart diseaseand an earlier death compared to the general population.It is said that people should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week preferably trying to do something every day, even if its in 10-minute sessions.Taking part in physical activity can help reduce the risk of several medical conditions, such as:Diabetes.Cardiovascular Disease.Depression.Dementia.Arthritis.There are so many hobby ideas out there which can help people to fight back against the ageing process, by remaining fit, healthy, active and socially active.SportsAs weve already covered in this hobby ideas article, its vital that older people take part in physical activity as much as possible. There are plenty of different sports to choose from that older people are guaranteed to find the one for them.Some sporting hobby ideas include:Walking Football.Swimming.Bowls.Tennis.Squash.Golf.All of the above have different effects on the body. Not only is sport great for our physical well-being, but it is also great for our mental state. Many sports are played as a team, which means that those who take part will make new friends and therefore improve their social life. In-turn, this helps to combatloneliness in old age.Of course, more than anything else, sport is fun. It gives people something to look forward to each week, whether theyre a member of a club/team or if theyre just having a social game with their friends.Find out more about sports for older people.Fitness ActivitiesYou dont need to take part in sport to meet new people and look after your health. There are plenty of hobby ideas out there which are based on fitness, such as:Going to the gym.Fitness classes & groups.Hiking.Walking.Nordic Walking.Cycling.A closer look at Nordic WalkingNordic Walkingis great for your social life and for your medical well-being. Nordic Walking is a full-body exercise which was originally a summer training regime for cross-country skiers. According to the NHS, Nordic Walking is:A full-body exercise thats easy on the joints and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Its based on using specially designed walking poles in a way that harnesses the power of the upper body to propel you forward as you walk.There are different classes available, including gentle walks for those with health concerns to workout walks for those who are looking to improve their fitness by losing weight and toning their body. By using Nordic poles, you are taking the weight off your knees and lower body joints. Nordic Walking can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such asheart disease, type 2 diabetes andasthma.Just like you would if you were taking part in a sporting activity, Nordic walking groups will also introduce you to new people. This can help improve your social life and combat any loneliness that you may be feeling. If youre interested in Nordic walking, you can find a local instructor on theNordic Walking UK website.If youre considering taking part in a sporting or fitness activity, its important to know what your body can cope with. If you have issues with yourmuscles or bones, its advised that you speak with your GP or fitness instructor in order to understand the level of activity you can take part in.Find out more about Nordic Walking.GardeningGardening has plenty of benefits for older people. Gardening can become an addictive hobby, as everybody wants their garden to look the best it can. Keen gardeners want to fill their gardens with the most beautifulflowers and plants, cut the lawn into a nice, neat design and maybe even grow some fruit and vegetables.There are plenty of benefits, bothmentallyand physically, of getting out into the garden. Examples include:Getting out into the fresh air.Helping to keep fit and active.Keeping older people busy.Can provide nutritious, healthy food.Reducing stress levels.Ensuring that were are up and about and keeping active rather than sitting down all day, is great for our health. In fact,a 2015 studyfound thatjust two, 50-minute sessions of potting plants and watering flowers, dramatically improves endurance, dexterity and brain function. As well as this, after seven weeks the participants of the study all lost weight, particularly around their waists, which is one of the most dangerous parts of the body to store fat.Read these five benefits of taking up gardening.GamingOne of the most interesting stories to have hit the news in recent years is therise of the silver gamer. Yes, thats right, more people over the age of 55 are playing video games now than ever before.In 2014, The Telegraph reported that one in four people over 55 had a games console in their home. The majority of older people with consoles in their homes did not have any children living at home. Its not just games consoles either. The elderly are getting more accustomed to tablets and online version of classics such as Scrabble.Playing games provides great entertainment and can also be a way of socialising with friends and fellow gamers. Its not just the social and fun aspect either. Playing video and digital games gives the brain a healthy challenge. One study, in 2015, suggested that3D computer games can help prevent memory loss. Hand-eye co-ordination and reactions times can also be improved by playing computer games attributes that may begin to weaken as people get older.Top games for older players include:Lexulous (Facebook Game) This is an online word game based on the traditional board game, Scrabble. You can play against the computer or against other players from around the world.Bejewelled In this puzzle game, players are required to form a horizontal or vertical chain of three or more gems of the same colour. You do this by swapping gems around the screen.Wii Sports This game is available on the Nintendo Wii. Players play the game like they would the sport in real life. Sports include; Tennis, Boxing and Bowling.Brain Training These games are designed to challenge the mind and to get older people thinking. Players will answer questions and solver difficult equations and puzzles.Age of Empires This series is one of the biggest strategy game franchises in the world. Games focus on historical periods such as the Stone Age and Iron Age.Super Mario One of the most well-known and successful platform games. This game will provide hours of entertainment and plenty of puzzle-solving.Suduko This well-known numbers game which often youll find in puzzle books and the back of newspapers has now got its own app. Great for keeping the mind sharp!Find out more about the benefits of gaming.Social MediaSocial media has taken over the world and is especially popular among the younger generation. This phenomenon has also become one of the most popular activities on our list of hobby ideas. According toa report on The Telegraph last year,the proportion of 55 to 64-year-olds using social media passed the 50% mark in 2015.Popular social platforms such asFacebook, Skype and WhatsApp are great for older people especially those who live alone or away from family. Plenty of younger people now choose to move away from their childhood home, whether its to go to university or for work purposes. This means that the older generation can get left behind, making it difficult for them to see or speak with their family. Its in situations like this where social media steps in and allows people to re-connect with their family and friends, both nearby and across the world:Facebook A platform for connecting and re-connecting with friends and pages. It allows people to instant message loved ones, share photographs, videos, post statuses and much more.Sykpe One of top live video messaging services. It allows people to video chat their loved ones all around the world. This means never having to miss a moment.WhatsApp Free instant messaging and telephone calls on mobile phones, without using voice minutes or texts.Twitter Customised to only see the things youre interested in. Share thoughts and opinions with the people who care, all in a tweet consisting of 140 characters!Instagram A place to share photographs. Share pictures of what you care about with your followers whether theyre friends, family or people with similar interests.Out of all the elderly activities on this list, being a pro on social media is the one that will impress the grandchildren the most!Find out more about social mediaCookingAs previously mentioned in this article, cooking a meal can give a great sense of achievement, along with a feeling of happiness as loved ones and friends enjoy the food that has been made.Cooked meals can bring friends and family together. Sunday dinner is a British institution. Everybody likes to boast about their grandmas Sunday dinner! But its not just the social benefits of cooking which are important. Cooking homemade food is alsogreat for our health.Create meal plans, try to master healthy recipes and learn about new foods from around the world. Rather than eating out, getting a takeaway or buying frozen, processed meals, eat genuine meat with healthy vegetables. Maybe use items grown in the garden, as discussed in the gardening section of this blog article.Go into the kitchen and create some healthy, tasty masterpieces!Find out more about the benefits of cooking.Jigsaw PuzzlesThere are plenty of hobby ideas for older people to choose from, but one of the most enjoyable and brain-challenging is ajigsaw puzzle. There are so many different types of puzzle to choose from, including actual photographs, cartoons, paintings and other backgrounds.Puzzles are available with 500 pieces, 1000 pieces, 2000 pieces and even a challenging 5000 pieces. The best thing about puzzles is that they dont need to be finished in one go stop and come back to them whenever suits. This potentially can create days, even weeks of fun.Well-known puzzling brands include:Ravensburger Ravensburger creates fun puzzles for the children, and serious, challenging puzzles for the adults. 3D puzzles are also available from this brand.Jan Van Haasteren These puzzles are all about the fun, chaotic scenes that have been designed by Jan Van Haasteren. Little hidden features appear throughout the range.Wasgij Something a little different. In these puzzles, you must create an alternative scene based on the clue given on the box. Wasjig is also jigsaw spelled backwards!!3D puzzles provide a whole different aspect to this activity. Re-create some of the worlds most popular landmarks in puzzle form. Examples include the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and Tower Bridge. Sporting examples include Old Trafford and various F1 cars.All of the above will give the brain a workout helping to keep the cognitive functions active. This is important in for older people as it can help prevent the onset ofdementia.Read more about jigsaw puzzles.BooksWho doesnt love to read a good book? This is the most traditional entry on our list of hobby ideas for older people. Reading is something we all enjoy doing. It doesnt matter if youre 65 or 25,a good bookcan provide days of entertainment.Therere so many different genres to choose from, which means that there will be something for everyone. For TV and sports fans, there are plenty of autobiographies. For those who like horror stories, here is the Stephen King collection.Current best sellers include:The Missing Wife by Sheila OFlanagan.Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K Rowling.Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Vol.1 by Stephen King.Of course, people dont even need to have the actual book now if they dont want to. Most stories are also available as E-Books, for use on devices such as the Kindle. Despite older people generally preferring an actual book, E-Books can allow them to read easier and faster according to this study.Reading an actual book can help to enhance memory, sharpen decision-making skills, reduce stress and help people to get to sleep much faster. Reading in bed is a common thing to do as it induces shut-eye much better than watching TV before bed.See our top 5 book suggestions for older people.Learn to Play a New InstrumentOf all our hobby ideas, this is possibly the one that we all consider at some point in our lives. There are plenty of instruments for you to choose from too, such as the guitar, drums, piano, saxophone or violin.Teaching yourself a new skill provides your brain with a challenge, which is important in the battle againstdementia. Youll also develop your time management and organisational skills during the learning process, as youll have to get it your full attention if youre going to progress and improve.Your hand-eye coordination also improves as your brain will be working to covert the musical notes that youre reading on the page into specific motor patterns, breathing techniques and rhythm in your hands.Of course, playing a musical instrument is also plenty of fun and you could end up making new friends by joining a band once youre ready.See our top five musical instruments for you to learn.Model BuildingSomething that you perhaps hadnt thought of before. Model building is a hobby that can become quite addictive, especially as you dont even have to leave your home. Putting together some of your favourite cars or planes can help you to develop your skills.Model Spacehint that youll learn and/or improve on the following:Researching.Planning.Cutting.Drilling.Sculpting.Sanding.Gluing.Painting.Detailing.Photography.Model building can also be a good reliever of stress. You can escape to your own little assembly area to concentrate solely on building your latest project, clearing your mind of any problems that you had previously.Model building is also a great hobby to enjoy with your grandchildren. You can build your projects together, strengthening your relationship and teaching them the rewards of good teamwork.Finally, the sense of achievement that youll have once your latest project is complete cannot be beaten. You can take a step back and appreciate the model that you have just built, before adding it to your collection perhaps a model car shelf?Learn more about the benefits of building models.Bird WatchingThere are plenty of benefits of taking part in bird watching. Not only to you get to travel around the country, and potentially the world, but you also get to see some of the most desirable bird species on our planet.Being outside is great for your mental well-being, as it generally improves your mood and provides you with a space to think. Bird watching is a great opportunity to reflect on your life, or to just zone out and think calming thoughts.Not only that, but your body will soak up vitamin D from the sun and breath in fresh air all day.Youll also benefit from an improvement in your reflexes and mental alertness. As a bird watcher, you need to be ready to pounce with your camera in order to capture that dream shot of the bird. A bird can be here and gone in the blink of an eye. Bird watchers need their brains to operateon many different levels to make sure they can pick up on any clues that a bird might be nearby.Often, youll be walking for miles, or even climbing and hiking up mountains, to find a certain type of bird. Putting your body through this is a good cardiovascular workout, which is good for your heart.Five benefits of taking up bird watching.PetsLooking after a pet can easily be seen a hobby idea. Having a pet can provide you with a friendly companion and someone to focus your energy on each day. Having a dog, for example, is great if youre living alone as it will combat any feelings of boredom or loneliness.Pets provide you with a sense of responsibility, you know that you need to feed them, take them for walks, clean their cage/living area and protect them from any potential dangers around the home and the outside world.According to various studies, stroking a pet is thought to reduce the level of stress-related hormones in the blood, whilst stroking a dog can be comforting to both parties. When you stroke a dog, a hormone called oxytocin, linked to anxiety relief, is released.Owning a pet can bring some fun and excitement back into your life.Find out more about the benefits of owning a pet.TravellingPerhaps the most appealing of all our hobby ideas, why not take some time out from work or from daily life if youre retired to see the world? The possibilities are endless when it comes to travelling, it really depends on your preferences and dreams.Maybe head over the States and complete the Route 66 trail or go down under and visit the outback in Australia. Going travelling could help to tick off so many items on yourbucket list.Before you head anywhere make sure hat youve sorted out anyinsuranceand vaccinations, and remember tokeep your home securewhilst youre away dont make it obvious over social media that youre going away.Read about the five locations we think you need to visit on your travels.Community GroupsThere is a hugerisk of lonelinessas people get older. Friends and family may move away and older people could face living alone. This is dangerous asloneliness can trigger health problems. Living alone can become quite upsetting and depressing.Fortunately, there are many community groups out there, based on several different hobbies and interests. Some of the most common groups that can be found around the country include:Arts & Crafts for beginners.Board Gamecafes and groups.Exercise classes such as yoga.Cooking classes for different levels of experience.Coffee mornings.Singing groups.Dancing.Book reading groups.Joining a group like this can introduce older people to those who have the same interests. You can make new friends and fill your calendars with exciting activities and social events perfect for maintaining astrong social network.Five community groups that can combat loneliness.Adult LearningLike the community groups mentioned above, joining an adult learning course can also have great social benefits:Meeting new people who have the same interests.Sharing stories with new people.Sharing advice and tips throughout the educational course.Learning new skills at a college or university keeps the brain healthy. Students constantly learn new things and try to solve puzzles as they try to understand and process new information. In fact, research by theAlzheimers Society showed that education delayed the onset of the disease,according to this report on The Guardian.Much likecooking an amazing meal in the kitchen, learning a new skill and passing exams gives an amazing sense of achievement. Keeping busy and active is vital as the elderly try to combat loneliness and boredom.Visit a local college or university website to see what courses are available.Alternatively you can can look at the best course ideas chosen by us.Have a hobby but stay safeWhilst having a hobby or two is great, any activity comes with some risks attached. Apersonal alarm is the ideal solutionand can give people a confidence boost that help will be there in an emergency. Ourlife-saving pendantworks inside the home and in the garden.For more information on purchasing a personal alarm,speak to one of our friendly advisers on0800 999 0400.Alternatively, visit our website or complete ourcontact usformand we will respond as soon as possible.

Refers to services including patient assessment specific diet information, management of the disease process, medication management and education on all the above. Services are provided by Registered Nurse under the supervision of a M.D. Some agencies may have certified diabetic nurse instructors or cardiac care specialty RNs in their employ.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}##listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

When you or your loved one is having difficulty with memory, it can feel overwhelming and trigger fear about what will happen and how will we cope. Here is a quick guide to match what support you need during the changes that occur over time with memory care.Getting the DiagnosisThe primary care MD can provide initial testing, such as a Mini-Mental Status Test, and may refer to a neurologist or gerontologist. The goal of the evaluation is to rule out any medical concern that affects memory. We are fortunate to have Rocky Mountain Alzheimers Disease Center nearby for comprehensive evaluations and the potential to participate in research.Initial SupportThe Alzheimers Association offers education and support groups, and a helpline you can call anytime day or night. The Office of Aging, as well as Senior Centers can guide you to local services and help you plan for future needs. Some faith-based organizations have programs to assist families with respite caregiving, such as Stephen Ministries.How Will Care Needs Change?Visualize a Care TeamA single caregiver cant do it alone through every stage of the illness. The person with memory loss, even if they say they dont, also needs social outlets and breaks. If you are losing your patience, feel constantly tired and overwhelmed, and cant find your sense of humor, these are the red flags of caregiver burnout and you need to get more help. There are many creative ways to build respite and care services, pulling a competent and caring team together. It can be done!Author: Megan Carnarius, Memory Care Consulting 2017

Recently, the State of Colorado implemented new licensing regulations for home care providers providing services within the state. There are definite and defined distinctions between Home Health Care Agencies and Non-Medical Home Health Care Agencies. Below are definitions directly from the Colorado Department of Health's website:Home Care Agencies provide medical and non-medical care services in homes or alternative community settings. The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the quality of health care services provided by licensed and certified home care agencies. Home care agencies provide a wide range of health and social services to persons recovering from an illness or injury, or persons who are disabled and/or chronically ill. They may provide medical services such as nursing, social services, and therapeutic treatments (physical, speech, occupational therapy). They also may provide non-medical services like help with bathing, dressing and eating.Non-Medical Home Care Agencies include two programs that can be certified by the Home and Community Based Services Medicaid waiver, specifically: In-Home Support Services and Personal Care Homemaker (IHSS). IHSS include attendant assistance with health maintenance activities, support for activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living and personal care and homemaker services. Medicaid-eligible clients direct, select and train their own attendants. A clients attendant is employed by the In-Home Support Services provider agency of the clients choice. Agencies provide independent living core services in the areas of cross-disability peer counseling, information and referral services, independent living skills training and individual and systems advocacy. Providers also must provide 24-hour back-up services and a health professional that will be responsible for the attendant training, including assistance with health maintenance activities and skilled nursing care. Personal care services are furnished to meet the clients non-medical physical, maintenance and supportive needs, including bathing, grooming, hygiene, and assistance with ambulation. As these services are non-medical, they do not need to be performed by a certified home health aide as an extension to care provided by a nurse or therapist. Homemaker services are provided to Medicaid-eligible clients when the individual ordinarily responsible for these activities is temporarily absent or unable to manage the household activities. These services include housecleaning, meal preparation and laundry. It is important to know the distinctions between these two services when making a decision for you or a loved one to find the right level of care for your needs. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Maria Deuth of In-Home Companion Care. She can be reached at 720-862-5656. 

As you start your search for the best Life Plan community for you or a family member remember to try out the food! We hope youll be pleasantly surprised! Retirement or Life Plan communities are committed to the wellness of their residents in many ways; with the most important aspect being a commitment to providing excellence in quality and service of their dining programs. Prospective residents are passionate about their health and are pleased to learn that retirement communities in Central PA offer a wide selection dining venues and healthy meal options. Many communities offer residents a flexible dining program in a variety of settings from formal to casual settings. Special dietary needs are carefully accommodated, including, but not limited to, delicious Vegetarian and gluten-free options. Often, a Committee of Residents meets regularly with the Executive Chef to help plan upcoming menus. Residents also enjoy seeing nutritional information on daily menus displaying the carbohydrates, fat, sodium, calories, and sugar in each meal.Their menus - which regularly feature fresh, local, seasonal produce aim to offer the highest-quality dining comparable to any great restaurant. Did you know, some communities even offer catering services where residents can host events in their own homes? Many communities offer delivery or take-out, and some even allow residents to use their dining dollars for their guests!Often, if available, dining services teams strive to buy much of their produce from local farmers and suppliers. At Homestead Village in Lancaster, PA, the Executive Chef recently offered a seminar educating guests about the health benefits - as well as positive economic and environmental impact of buying local. Following the talk, a representative from Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, also gave a brief presentation about the new co-op facility that was recently built next to Homestead Villages Farmstead neighborhood.There are many ways to enjoy life in a retirement community, but one of the biggest is the joy of a great meal. But dont take our word for it make some visits and try for yourself!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Christina Gallagher. Christina is the Director of Marketing with Homestead Village Enhanced Senior Living.

In a world of fast-paced developments in technology, its important for industries to stay informed of new capabilities to remain on the forefront of progress -- especially when it comes to health care.HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs is no stranger to the benefits technology can bring to patients and their families. Aggressive therapy with the addition of advanced technology can make all the difference in how successfully a patient returns to independence.To maintain its lead in offering the latest technology, HealthSouth has contributed its own revolutionary breakthrough with the engineering and development of the AutoAmbulator. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs is home to the only AutoAmbulator in the state of Colorado.Patients who have experienced a stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinsons disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and other diagnosis resulting in gait deficits can benefit from the AutoAmbulator when its added to their rehabilitation program. Even patients with spinal cord injuries from years ago may see amazing results from treatment.Designed by HealthSouth, the AutoAmbulator is a sophisticated technology unparalleled in its ability to help people replicate normal walking patterns.Equipped with numerous safety features, the AutoAmbulator supports the patient while robotics assist the patient's legs as they walk over a treadmill. Sophisticated programs power the AutoAmbulator through its integrated computer system, while sensors track numerous functions, continuously monitoring and adjusting power and speed according to each patient's physical requirements.While using the AutoAmbulator, patients can walk because the device holds their body upright while mechanized braces help guide their legs across the treadmill. The system was designed to allow therapists to safely adjust the amount of weight bearing to each patient's individual rehabilitation plan. Speed of walking can be varied to each patient's tolerance and gradually increased to reproduce gait patterns that simulate normal walking. To eliminate risk of injury, safety features automatically stop the machine when an adverse event occurs, such as a severe spasm, or if the patient's foot improperly strikes the treadmill. Some patients use this technology as an inpatient, while others are noticing an improvement in their walking abilities after adding the AutoAmbulator training to their outpatient rehabilitation therapy.Editors Note: To learn more about the AutoAmbulator and if could be of benefit to you or someone you know, call HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs at 719-630-2308

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year one in three adults over the age of 65 falls and 2 million are treated in the emergency room for fall-related injuries. Knowing the risk factors for falling is the first step in preventing an incident. The most common risk factors include: a history of previous falls, balance impairment, gait abnormalities, dizziness, reduced muscle strength and flexibility, visual impairment, medications, advanced age, peripheral neuropathy and recent hospital discharge. As we age, falling becomes of greater concern, however, it is not an inevitable part of aging. The following steps can be taken to help significantly reduce the risk.Meet with your doctor:Have a discussion with your doctor about your medications. Are there any that can cause dizziness, drowsiness or cognitive impairment? These may need to be discontinued or dosing may need to be modified.Keep moving: Many older adults lose their sense of balance or experience a decreased level of coordination, flexibility and muscle strength. With your doctors approval, consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi. There are also exercise programs designed to specifically target strength, balance and flexibility. Physical therapy is advised after a recent hospitalization or while recovering from an injury or surgery.See your podiatrist: There are multiple foot and ankle conditions that can compromise balance during gait. Bunions and hammer toes can limit the ability to use your toes to purchase the ground and maintain balance. Calluses and corns or peripheral neuropathy can decrease tactile sensitivity, making it difficult to feel the floor under your feet. A podiatrist may be able to help reduce the risk due to these conditions.Wear sturdy shoes: Wearing slippers, socks or being barefoot has consistently been associated with an increased risk of falling. However, not all shoes are protective for falls. Avoid wearing high heels, flimsy shoes, shoes without adequate fixation (laces, straps, or buckles) and shoes with smooth tread.Have your vision checked: Older adults should have their eyes examined every year to evaluate for cataracts, retinopathy, glaucoma and other forms of visual impairment. Those with contact lenses or glasses should have the strength of their prescriptions confirmed and changed if necessary.Safety in the home: Remove fall hazards that could be tripped over and install better lighting and handrails where appropriate.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Kate Johnson, DPM. Dr. Johnson is a podiatrist at A Step Ahead Foot and Ankle Center and practices in Loveland, Fort Collins and Cheyenne. She may be reached at 970-493 - 4660.

The Southwest Home Equity Assurance Program is a unique program of the State of Illinois (65 ILCS 95) that was developed to guarantee property values for an extended time. It is financed by a special levy imposed on the Chicago property tax bill within the home equity district on single through six-unit residential properties. Chicagoan's are eligible if they own a home within the southwest side district.The district encompasses 9 wards, 7 zip codes and 13 neighborhoods near Midway Airport. Homeowners can check to see if theyre eligible for the program by referring to their property tax bill. Under Miscellaneous Taxes, it should say SW Home Equity Assurance Chicago. To register, homeowners can apply by submitting their current appraisal of 6 months-or-less to be approved by our Board of Review. If homeowners do not have a current appraisal of 6 months-or-less, the Southwest Home Equity Assurance Program can have one done starting at $125 for a single-family home (prices may vary for type of home). Once a registered member, they now have the chance to take advantage of two benefits:1) guaranteeing the value of the home and/or 2) the home improvement loan. After 5 years of being a member, if a member decides to sell their home and does not receive what its worththey can file a claim. By filing a claim, the program will compensate a portion of the money that was lost in the sale (there is a list of procedures that must be followed to ensure compensation). The second benefit we offer is the home improvement loan. We work with two local banks within the district to offer our members loan programs to be used for home repair, maintenance and improvements. Our most popular program is the 0%, up to $10,000 loan that members can qualify for. Members have 5 years to pay it off and once they do, they can qualify for another one. Overall, this is a key program that is only offered in 2 other areas in Chicago besides the southwest side. It is a safety net that not only incentive's the southwest side but encourages residents to invest in protecting the value of their homes. This ultimately benefit ts the neighborhood as a whole!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Victoria with the Southwest Home Equity Assurance Program and may be reached at 773735-2000 or by email victoria@swhomeequity.com. More information may also be found at www.swhomeequity.com.

Does your agency utilize an existing VA benefit called Aid & Attendance? Some agencies offer help to Veterans but its mostly just gathering paperwork necessary for the A&A... and thats it! Care typically doesnt start until the VA pays the agency, which can take months with those agencies unfamiliar with the process. If you call an agency and they dont know anything about the A&A benefit OR they do offer it and/or it takes longer than 2-4 weeks to START care move on! Instead, try and find an agency that understands the complexity of the A&A, can start care within 2-4 weeks and has no hidden costs to get started.Do you have experienced VA Accredited Agents within your office to help with this process? Some agencies will outsource this critical step to local Attorneys or Financial Planners that may have accreditation, but the A&A benefit is just one of many products they offer. Find an agency that has VA Accredited Agents on their team that are dedicated and focused only on capturing the A&A benefit and offer no other products or services.Are there any upfront costs to start the process? Again, some agencies work through an Attorney or a Financial Planner that technically can help you with this process; however, they have creative ways of collecting payment for other services so they can get paid up to an estimated $500 or more. Instead, try and find a Veteran-dedicated agency that offers this at NO COST OR RISK for those who apply. There is no reason for you to pay out-of-pocket for these services.How long will it take before I can start care? Most agencies dont start care immediately simply because they dont have the funds available to absorb the cost of labor for weeks or even months waiting on the VA to begin payment. So, they will process the paperwork and make you wait until the VA releases the funds. Try and find an agency that starts care within 2-4 weeks with no costs upfront and that offers a complete Veterans Program.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Steve Lee, Founder & CEO of Curantis Health Veterans Aide. He may be reached at 720-459-5907 or by email at Steve@CurantisHealth.com

Pondering the question of what the hearing impaired really want, it can be said that they want to be good fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, sensitive to others needs and thoughts.They want to hear intimate speech and to hear clearly the words, I love you, I appreciate you in tones that match the message. They want to bond and feel at one.They are tired of being an invisible segment of their social circle. They want to hear small talk and contribute in kind.They want to be able to relax and enjoy, to breathe deeply and freely, not anxious and tense during a meal at a fine restaurant.They want to hear the dialogue over the music, television without dominating every cubic inch of the room, and their spouse to smile and squeeze their hand in the quiet moment, without having to repeat to the point of frustration.They want to know who youre talking to on the phone without asking, or hear you through the door when caught in bathrobe.Older hearing impaired individuals want to be able to pass the Mini Mental State Exam when the crucial questions are asked, without having checkbook, drivers license, deed to their home, and personal independence taken from them.They want to hear the small child's voice, and to be a calming influence that there is a bright future in store for the next generation.What do hearing impaired individuals want? They want all of the above, and the only way they can get it is by seeking out the services of a dedicated, caring hearing health professional.Borrowing from poet William Butler Yeats, the hearing impaired individual is like the Falcon flying in ever widening gyres,unable to hear the Falconer standing below, and simply searching for answers to their steadily advancing problem. The hearing health professional is like the Falconer , welcoming arm stretched forth, waiting for the struggling Falcon to come home.Dr. Chartrand serves as Director of Research at Digicare Hearing Solutions, Inc., with offices located in Colorado City, La Junta, and Trinidad, and as Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at NorthCentral University. Information: 719-676-4377.

For long-term care providers who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 fight, its gratifying to be recognized among Americas highest priority for the vaccine.Long-term care employees have made it their personal responsibility, both at work and at home, to take the necessary precautions in order to safely care for Americas most vulnerable population and the many members of our Greatest Generation.The COVID-19 vaccine will be a welcome new tool in the fight against COVID-19 in long-term care communities. Based on whats known about vaccines for other diseases, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep individuals from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19. This virus can have serious, life-threatening complications, and there is no way to know how it will affect each person. Whats more concerning is how people who are experiencing no symptoms could be silent carriers, spreading the disease to friends, family, and others unknowingly.Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce ones chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. The COVID-19 vaccine will work to help an individuals immune system be ready to fight the virus if the person is exposed. For example, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work similarly. Each requires two-doses given approximately 28 days apart. Both vaccines appear to be incredibly safe and effective with a 95% efficacy after taking the 2nd dose. These COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for a persons cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. Keep in mind, these mRNA vaccines will not give someone COVID-19 since they do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.According to the CDC, getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you. For more vaccine information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. Learn more about the multi-pronged efforts to protect against the virus in long-term care communities at www.SrCare.org/coronavirus-update.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Contact us at 877-851-1440. See ad on page 153.

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots used to support a restoration for a missing tooth or teeth, helping to stop or prevent jaw bone loss. The dental implant procedure is categorized as a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry, but also is considered a form of cosmetic dentistry.People who have lost teeth might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Additionally, biting irregularities caused by tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating habits, leading to secondary health problems like malnutrition.By replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide people with the strength and stability required to eat all the foods they love, without struggling to chew. Additionally, dental implants stimulate and maintain jaw bone, preventing bone loss and helping to maintain facial features.There are many advantages to dental implants, including:Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.Improved speech. With poor-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that teeth might slip.Improved comfort. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures.Easier eating. Sliding dentures can make chewing difficult. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without painImproved self-esteem. Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself.Improved oral health. Dental implants don't require reducing other teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.Durability. Implants are very durable and will last many years. With good care, many implants last a lifetime.Convenience. Removable dentures are just that; removable. Dental implants eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.Editors note: Article submitted by Dr. V. H. Bashi a dentist in Colorado Springs who places implants. He may be contacted at vhbashi@qwestoffice.net or 719-528-8292

To learn more aboutChancellor Gardens at Clearfield - MBK,CLICK HERE.Moving to a senior living community can bring many benefits but one thats often overlooked is the sense of belonging and connection missing when a senior living at home begins to become isolated. Isolation can be a natural outcome of professional retirement, losing a spouse, family moving away, medical issues or a change in activities.There are a number of signs that a loved one is beginning to feel the effects of isolation and that their emotional health of beginning to deteriorate. Its important to be aware of these signs because a decline in emotional well-being generally leads to a decline in physical health as well.Telltale Emotional Distress SignsHere are behaviors that can indicate your loved one is in need of more connections, more activities, more structure and more support:HopelessnessRestlessnessSeeming "on-edge"Difficulty coping with everyday stressIncreased irritabilityExcessive worryingImpulsivenessMood swingsThe Antidote for IsolationIf you notice one or more of these signs, its time to consider a more promising living environment for your loved one it may be the best decision you could make for the entire family. Moving to a senior living community can often breathe new energy and purpose into an individuals life.At MBK Senior Living communities, we can attest to our new residents experiencing increased optimism, a more positive perception of aging and a new appreciation for this stage in life. With so many opportunities for socialization, companionship and fun, life can look and feel very different. Worries dissipate because our residents can be assured that virtually all of their needs can be easily met. Plus having a daily routine, regular (and delicious!) meals and more structure is also important.Starting The Dialogue NowThe potential need to move can be a difficult subject so family members often postpone this conversation, despite signs that there may be a decline in a loved ones physical or emotional state. At MBK Senior Living, we can offer families guidance on how to begin this discussion sooner rather than later.Most important is to not wait until youre faced with an emergency situation to start this conversation with a loved one, said Christy Van Der Westhuizen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for MBK Senior Living. No matter how self-sufficient a parent or spouse may be, planning and knowledge of available resources will give everyone greater peace of mind and the ability to make better informed decisions.Use Our Caregiver Assessment ToolTo help jump-start this important discussion, schedule a private tour together at one of MBK Senior Livings 33 communities. In addition to becoming more educated about options, touring an MBK community can provide insight to preferences and shatter common misperceptions.Theres often a misconception that moving to a senior living community strips away a seniors independence when in actuality the opposite is true, said Van Der Westhuizen. Freed from the burdens of home maintenance, our residents discover increased independence, newfound conveniences and services right outside their doors, and more time for connections with friends and neighbors.Bringing Hope BackWhen someone is in emotional distress, hopelessness sets in, followed by isolation and inaction. Its difficult to seek companionship and activities when its too much effort which is why a dynamic senior living community can organically restore hope for your loved one. Being surrounded by others in the same age group, and by compassionate caregivers, in a beautiful home-like setting can mean a new lease on life. We invite you to come see for yourself at MBK Senior Living. We look forward to welcoming you!

Alzheimers disease is currently the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States killing more than breast and prostate cancer combined. As of 2018, it is estimated that over 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease. Those diagnosed have to battle with the changes in their ability to think, function, behave and take care of themselves. Family members and caregivers also have to adjust when faced with watching their loved one slip away.Behavioral issues often alarm families of the possibility of an Alzheimers diagnosis. However, the earliest signs of the disease often get misconstrued as memory loss that comes with age. These diagnoses are not a normal part of aging and it is vital to consult a doctor if a person shows early signs of memory loss. Alzheimers disease robs people of their memories, judgment, independence and eventually their life. Early detection of this disease can be beneficial not only for the person diagnosed, but for the family and caregiver as well. People who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease are better able to report their symptoms and issues and gain an understanding as Alzheimers progresses giving them the opportunity to plan in advance.The Alzheimers Association states there are 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers disease, which every individual may experience one or more of these signs in a different degree.1) Memory changes that disrupt daily life, especially forgetting recently learning information and asking for the same information over and over again.2) Challenges in planning or solving problems. This could mean difficulty with a familiar recipe or a hard time keeping track of bills.3) Difficulty completing familiar tasks, like driving to known places.4) Confusion with time or place. This includes losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time.5)Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. You would see this sign in someone who is having difficulty reading, trouble judging distance and problems determining color or contrast.6) New problems with words in speaking or writing. This could mean problems following or joining a conversation, difficulty tracking conversations; stopping in the middle of a thought or repeating oneself; or trouble with vocabulary.7) Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. This may mean putting things in unusual places, like a wallet in a fruit bowl, having increasing difficulty finding a missing item or even accusing others of stealing.8) Poor judgment. Someone exhibiting this sign may make poor decisions with money - spending more impulsively or wearing clothes that dont match the weather or season.9) Withdrawal from work or social activities. It may be that the person is closing him or herself off from hobbies, social activities, work projects or family gatherings.10) A change in mood and personality. Loved ones should look for increasing signs of confusion, suspicion, fear, anxiety and agitation.If a loved one is showing one of these signs, see a doctor and get the right treatment as soon as possible. For more facts and figured about this fatal disease, please visit alz.orgEditors Note: How to get in touch: The Alzheimers Association Illinois Chapter serves 87 counties across Illinois. 24/7 helpline: 800.272.3900. The chapter offers education programs and support groups throughout the state as well as Care Navigation, which involves a series of appointments with a licensed social worker who is specifically trained in issues related to memory loss. For more information about Alzheimers disease and services, go toalz.org/Illinois

One year ago, we had never heard the term, novel coronavirus COVID-19. Now, every day we are hearing or reading about the virus behind our current global pandemic. The effects of the virus are profound physically, economically, and emotionally.Among the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and reinforced by Pennsylvanias Governor is social distancing keeping a six-foot physical distance between you and another person. While important in the current environment, social distancing can create issues of isolation and boredom, regardless of an individuals age or location.Here are some ideas to help you stay active physically and emotionally during these times.Technology platforms like FaceTime and Zoom create opportunities for real-time discussions.FaceTime requires only a smart phone. It provides a one-on-one opportunity for a phone call during which both parties can see each other. Think creatively about how you might make that call fun. Take your phone outside and show your FaceTime friend your garden.Access Zoom on your computer or tablet using an internet connection. Download a free application from the App Store if you have an Apple iPhone or from Google Play for other brands of smart phones. Multiple people can use Zoom simultaneously, and everyone can see each other. Schedule a time when your kids, grandkids or friends can meet. Have fun taking it a step further and coordinate a meal so that everyone can show off their favorite family recipes.Cable and satellite TV services provide programming that can help you to move a little more. Explore offerings to discover classes for dance, yoga, meditation, and in-home activities for all levels of fitness.For a comprehensive list of in-home activities, visit srcare.org/resident-resources to find links to a wide variety activities, like watching the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium web cams, listening to the Pittsburgh Symphony radio, and touring via Heinz History Centers History at Home programming.At Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, enriching the aging experience is an essential part of our mission. Its a mission that extends beyond our campuses and into the homes and hearts of everyone in our community.Editors Note: At Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, enriching the aging experience is an essential part of our mission. Its a mission that extends beyond our campuses and into the homes and hearts of everyone in our community.

To learn more aboutNamaste Alzheimer Center - CHI Living,CLICK HERE.Before hopping onto the next plane or train to check another destination off your Bucket List, plan ahead to ensure your safety to avoid catastrophes while away from home.Visit your health care providerat least one month before you travel. Discuss your medications and any medical conditions that may present limitations. Ask if any of your medications might interact with travel medications you may need to take, such as medicine for altitude sickness, travelers diarrhea or malaria.Get up-to-date on your vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine, tetanus, seasonal flu and measles/mumps/rubella. More than one-half of tetanus cases occur in adults over age 65, so consider getting a booster before you travel. Also, ask your doctor if there are vaccines recommended for the countries you will be visiting.Consider how to prevent injuries.The most preventable cause of death among travelers is injury. Follow these precautions:Always wear your seatbelt;Accept rides only from marked taxis that have seatbelts;Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that may not be safe for tourists, which a hotels concierge can advise you about;Be especially careful crossing the street in countries where people drive on the left.Do not wear visible signs of wealth, such as an expensive watch or jewelry;Carry limited cash and keep that, along with travelers checks or credit cards, secured in a pouch worn underneath clothing; andAvoid traveling at night in a developing country.Finally, check with your insurance company to see what is covered if you need medical care in another country; you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance.With advance planning that focuses on your safety, you are sure to enjoy your trip and return home with memories to last a lifetime!

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Alzheimers Association Article for Seniors Blue Book Spring Edition 2014 Our history In 1979, Jerome H. Stone and representatives from support groups met with the National Institute on Aging to explore the value of an independent, nonprofit organization to complement federal efforts on Alzheimer's disease (AD). That meeting resulted in the April 10, 1980, formation of the Alzheimer's Association. Today, the Association reaches millions affected by AD across the globe. As the largest donor-supported, voluntary health organization for AD, we are a catalyst for advancements in Alzheimer's care, research and advocacy. We enhance care and support The Alzheimers Association works to enhance care and support for all those affected by AD and related dementias. Our Helpline offers information, counseling and advice 24/7. We offer support groups that meet right here in the Treasure Valley. Our online resources provide families with information through our Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Center, which features sections on early, middle, and late-stage caregiving and local education programs. TrialMatch makes it easy for people to enroll in clinical trials, while Comfort Zone and MedicAlert + Alzheimers Association Safe Return provide location management to keep people safe and give caregivers peace of mind. Walk to End Alzheimers is held annually in Idaho to raise awareness and funds. We advance research As the largest non-profit funder of AD research, the Association is committed to accelerating progress of new treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure. We have been a part of every major research advancement over the past 30 years. We advance the understanding of AD through our research grant program, which has awarded over $315 million to scientists since 1982 and, also publish a scientific journal, Alzheimers & Dementia, which provides a single publication for the scientific community to share its knowledge. We advocate The Association is the leading voice for AD advocacy, fighting for research, prevention and care initiatives at the state and federal level. We worked with a state-wide task-force to ensure that Idahos state legislature approved a plan for addressing AD and continue to work on the implementing it to make certain that Idahoans have the best possible resources available. Take a little step today to have a big impact on AD tomorrow. Join a support group. Attend an educational seminar. Advocate for research funding. Start a team and Walk to End Alzheimers. Do a little, big thing to end Alzheimers call 1-800-272-3900 or go to www.alz.org/Idaho.Author:MacKenzie Rodgers

Do You Know Which People Foods Are Dangerous For Pets?There are some common foods that we enjoy but should not share with our cats and dogs:Alcohol will cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, even deathAvocado vomiting and diarrheaChocolate/Coffee/Caffeine vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, deathDairy Milk - adult animals lack the enzyme to digest it, resulting in diarrheaFatty and Spicy Foods can cause inflammation of the pancreas (painful and potentially fatal)Grapes & Raisins kidney failureMacadamia Nuts weakness, depression, vomitingOnion, Garlic, Chives red blood cell damage. Cats are especially sensitiveRaw Meat, Bones, Eggs risk of transmission of bacteria; diarrheaXylitol (artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum and mints) causes life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failureYeast Dough rising dough can release significant amounts of gas in stomach and intestines, potentially leading to rupture Some of these, like chocolate, are well known to be problematic. Others on the list are lesser known to most people. Before offering meat baby food to cats make sure it does not contain onion powder. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are tantalizing to dogs (and some cats) but are especially toxic. Cats and dogs are drawn to sweet or minty smells and tastes. Xylitol-containing gums and candy should not be consumed in pet-owning households.For more information on foods toxic to pets as well as toxic plants and drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter), ask your veterinarian or investigate www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control. To be safe, never medicate your pet at home without a prescription or recommendation from your veterinarian.This article was submitted by Dr. Lori Lowery, owner of ComforVet, LLC, a veterinary house call service. She can be reached at 303-630-9730 or by email at info@comforvet.com.

To learn more about Senior Care Associates, CLICK HERE.If you are living at home in need ofcare from your family, a home careagency, independent living, assistedliving or private paying in a skillednursing facility you may be eligiblefor up to $2,295 per month to coverthose expenses.This is a tax-free VA pensioncalled Aid and Attendance whichwas put into place in 1952. It isdirectly deposited into your bankaccount such as social security.This additional money can be usedto cover your care expenditures asyou are aging. This is NOT a welfareprogram like Medicaid. You can owna home and have significant moneyin your assets to still qualify.Areas of Eligibility:90 days active duty, one day ofservice during war time and notdishonorably discharged.Care being provided from family,home care, independent living,assisted living and private pay ina nursing home.Care includes dressing assistance, bathing, medicationreminders, walking assistance,transfers, toileting, and mealpreparation. Custodial Care dueto frailness or memory loss.Income would include socialsecurity, pension, retirement,rental income etc.Assets in your checking, savings, cds, stocks/bonds, mutualfunds, IRAs, and 401ks.Your home is not included as anasset unless it is sold.How long does it take to get approved? It is taking 1-3 months toget approved.The VA has a 3 year look back intoany asset transfers such as movingmoney into a trust, annuity, or gifting money to family.Please call Dennis Autrey tosee if you may be eligible. 'Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dennis Autrey, Marketing Director for Senior Care Associates, LLC He may be reached at 801-424-1444 orby email at: dennis@scaiusa.com www.seniorcareassociates.com

Legacy Corps is now available in southwest Idaho! Legacy Corps is an award-winning national service project that provides volunteer-powered caregiver support for veterans and military families. A growing and specialized need for caregiver support exists among veterans and military families. Research indicates that caregivers of veterans report more than twice the emotional stress of caregivers of adults nationally, almost three times the level of physical strain, and almost four times the level of financial hardship. Legacy Corps was launched by Friends in Action in 2012 to help address these caregiving needs. Legacy Corps programs operate in 15 cities across 10 states, and all Legacy Corps programs partner with the University of Maryland and the Corporation for National and Community Service to provide support services to many veteran and military families. Legacy Corps volunteers provide weekly, quality assistance to veteran/military families who care for a loved one at home. Volunteers serve as companions with the veteran being cared for so the family caregiver can have a weekly break; volunteers provide transportation and prepare light meals; and volunteers help connect families to other community support services, peer-to-peer support groups, and other related services. Volunteers are well-prepared as a result of 90 hours of pre-service and ongoing in-service trainings! Legacy Corps volunteers commit to 450 hours of service over a one year period, which means every volunteer serves 10-12 hours per week helping 3 to 4 families each. Legacy Corps volunteers become a close-knit team who make a huge difference in the lives of many, many families across the Treasure Valley. All volunteers must complete an application, agree to criminal and sex offender back ground checks, participate in a national research study and have mid-year and end-of- year evaluations. Legacy Corps volunteers receive many benefits from their service. In addition to life-changing experiences helping others, volunteers receive a monthly taxable stipend and are eligible to receive an Educational Award of nearly $1,500 when they complete their year of service. For volunteers age 55+, the education award can be given to a child or grandchild. The Educational Award may be used to attend classes at most colleges/universities or to repay qualified student loans. Legacy Corps volunteers assist many veteran and military families who care for a chronically ill or disabled adult at home. This service project helps family caregivers maintain their own health and well-being; it helps volunteers develop new skills and knowledge; and it fills a growing need in our communities. For further information about Legacy Corps, please contact Friends in Action (www.fiaboise.org) at 333-1363. Friends in Action Friends in Action is a unique volunteer-powered program serving family caregivers and those they care for. We are a program of the nonprofit Mountain States Group. Highly trained volunteers lead award-winning education programs; provide caregiver respite and support/ and assist with the annual southwest Idaho Family Caregiver Conference.

None of us like to think about dying, and often our first conversations about end of life occur when someone close to us is terminally ill. When hospice is brought in to serve a patient, it isnt about giving up hope, its about maximizing the quality of life left when a cure is no longer possible and aggressive treatment is no longer desired.You can be a big support to your friend or family in their end-of-life journey by following these tips:Be there. Call or visit as often as possible. Write notes about memories and the love you share.Be a good listener. Allow your loved one to talk about their illness and impending death at their own pace.Educate yourself about the illness. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will ease your mind as the different stages occur.Be compassionate. Tell them they are loved and that you are there for them.Offer practical help. Tidy the house, bring meals, offer to provide transportation. Show you care with companionship if possible.Recognize your own limitations. If you cant do something but you know it needs to be done, maybe there is another way or someone else who can help. Asking for help can be healthy for everyone.Remember you will also experience worry, fear, and even anger. You want to make everything comfortable for the patient, but youre going through a tough time too, and it can be overwhelming. Take care of yourself.As a friend or family member, you can be a blessing to someone close to you. Your hospice team, made of social workers, chaplain, nurses, nurse aides, and volunteers are there to support not just the patient, but the whole family. Sharing your feelings, concerns, and getting assistance from your hospice provider can help bring people together and help support your family.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Katherine Krause, President & CEO of VNA Texas, a non-profit hospice provider in 13 North Texas Counties. live streaming movie Rings

Choosing a nursing home is one of the most important decisions we will make for our loved ones. When looking for a nursing home, it can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to consider:EDEN CERTIFIED HOMES -- Our Elders have so much to teach us. The Eden Alternative philosophy asserts that no matter how old we are or what challenges we live with, life is about continuing to grow. Building on this new paradigm, it affirms that care is not a one-way street, but rather a collaborative partnership. Look for homes that are committed to the Eden principles.Does it feel like home - You want to feel safe and loved in your new home, with the ability to create your own schedule. A place to receive encouragement, where you have the opportunity to become stronger mentally and physically, and where you can make your own lifestyle decisions.First Impression - When you walk in the door, what do you see, hear and smell? Is there joyfulness, are there calming sounds, is it welcoming? When touring the facility, pay attention to odors. If you smell an odor in a specific place, it is likely a single incident. Odors throughout should be worrisome.Staff Are caregivers and care receivers described as care partners, each an active participant in the balance of giving and receiving? Seek care partners who strive to help you optimize your independence, energy and spirit as you move to your new home.ACTIVITY Together, families, care partners and elders strive to enhance well-being by eliminating the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. The antidote to overcome the three plagues may come in the form of human and pet contact, music and art, as well as variety and spontaneity in day to day experiences.WELLNESS On-site physical, occupational and speech therapies are important. Look for a pool with aqua therapy, a fitness center, a Bistro and spa.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Cindy Silverman, Director of Community Relations at Shalom Park. For information and tours contact Karen Gates, Director of Admissions, at 303-680-5000 or by email at: karen.gates@shalompark.net.

Aquatic therapyrefers to treatments and exercises performed in water for relaxation, fitness, physical rehabilitation, and othertherapeuticbenefit. Typically a qualifiedaquatic therapistgives constant attendance to a person receivingtreatmentin a heatedtherapypool. Aquatic therapy is well suited for seniors and keeps both the body and mind fit.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

March 14, 2020Ifyou're related to a loved one in the hospital, rehab or living in a retirement community, you may have received a message by now that they're limiting non-essential visits. In some cases, they're limiting almost all visits apart from in-house medical staff. This is for the best, as we now know the most affected population of the coronavirus is the elderly and immune compromised.Should you move them from their community, or otherwise, to bring them home?It really depends. In any type of care facility, hygiene considerations are already a priority which is a reason to leave well enough alone. However, there is is still concern over the spread of germs just by virtue of the amount of ill people being concentrated to one area. That may be true for a rehab or hospital, but an assisted living is not a high concentration of sick people, just elderly people. Each individual or couple also has their own room where they can easily separate from others.My inbox is flooded right now with updates on how each community and facility is handling the coronavirus.If you're concerned, read these types of communications thoroughly and call with any questions that are specific to your loved ones situations. Hopefully you'll be able to make the determination of whether your loved one should stay or come home.Should you move them from their community, or otherwise, to bring them home?It really depends. In any type of care facility, hygiene considerations are already a priority which is a reason to leave well enough alone. However, there is is still concern over the spread of germs just by virtue of the amount of ill people being concentrated to one area. That may be true for a rehab or hospital, but an assisted living is not a high concentration of sick people, just elderly people. Each individual or couple also has their own room where they can easily separate from others.My inbox is flooded right now with updates on how each community and facility is handling the coronavirus.If you're concerned, read these types of communications thoroughly and call with any questions that are specific to your loved ones situations. Hopefully you'll be able to make the determination of whether your loved one should stay or come home.If your elderly relative or friend is already home, there are no shortage of questions about how to continue supporting them:Should they keep scheduled appointments?If it's something preventative and easily rescheduled, put it off. Why take the risk? If the appointment is hard to come by or required (ie - dialysis) then yes, it would make sense to go. It wouldn't hurt to call the location to concur or see if they can offer other options.Should seniors be traveling?They saw cruises were cheap right now:Airports, cruises, tourist attractions, etc go against the precaution of keeping social distance. With that said, all these locations right now are fairly vacant, but that's because everyone is doing their part to help stop the spread of coronavirus. The elderly and immune compromised should seriously consider if a cruise is worth the risk of landing in the hospital. (As tempting as it is.)I visit my aging parents daily to help keep the house running and for check-ins, should I still do that?Caregivers should practice extra precaution regarding hand washing, social distancing from others, and being mindful about their own health symptoms (ie - don't justify a cough as allergies). Family should have a backup plan to care for their loved one in case the caregiver gets sick. Planning also helps reduce panic and anxiety, so communicate a care plan among family members. There should also be something in place that allows the elderly to receive ongoing food and medication. Most people are hoarding right now, so that's easier said than done, but if you're not able to supply them with food or medicine, have a contingency in mind for a delivery service.How can I stay connected with my elderly family if I can't visit?If you've read my blogs before, you knowI'm a big fan of leaning on technology to help the Sandwich Generation manage the responsibilities of aging parents.If you've followed my advice, start calling them on the phone or use Alexa, Facetime, etc. If staying connected is more a concern of just keeping your loved one engaged,make sure they're set up with other activities for the next couple of weeks. Install an app for backgammon, drop off everything needed for a knitting project, or get them started on a new Netflix series.Author:Quentara Costa helps the sandwich generation prioritize kids, self, and aging parents. For years Quentara was the primary caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 70. Since his passing, shes become a mother of three. Professionally she received a masters degree in Personal Financial Planning from Bentley University and has held the CFP designation since 2010. Community involvement includes hosting the Merrimack Valley Senior and Caregiver Group and volunteering for Budget Buddies.

To learn more aboutWiscombe Memorial, CLICK HERE.ITS ALL ABOUT TAKING CONTROLGiven time to consider it, youll quickly realize that pre-planning is all about ensuring that your wishes are known, so they can be acted upon when the time comes. Making the commitment to planning ahead:- Is easy. Theres no health questionnaire or physical exam required. Absolutely everyone can make a pre-plan, and there is no waiting for return documents. The plan is completed, and put on file in our office.- Lets your family clearly know your wishes.- Relieves your family members of making very personal decisions on your behalf at the time of need.- Can protect your family from the ravages of inflation. Your expenses can be covered when you need them to be, through a pre-payment plan.DOES PRE-PLANNING REQUIRE PRE-PAYMENT?The simple answer is just two letters: No. You can set plan to paper by simply recording your wishes, and leave it for your family to pay for your desired services at the time of your passing.Or, you can protect you and your family from inflation, by pre-funding your plan. This ensures your expenses will be covered when you need them to be.When you choose to pre-fund your final arrangements, your money is put in a state-approved trust account or top-rated insurance company until required. After your pre-plan is paid for in full, our price is guaranteed. You will never have to pay more for the items you have already paid for.Another point wed like to stress: When you pre-plan with Wiscombe Memorial, your plan will go where you go. No matter where you reside at the time of your passing, no matter what funeral home you choose to work with, your plan will be transferable to any funeral home in the United States.WHY PRE-PLAN WITH WISCOMBE MEMORIAL?By pre-planning with us, youre assured that your final wishes are known. This relieves your family of the burden of making difficult decisions, under emotional duress. Through pre-funding your plan, expenses will be covered when you need them to be. That's guaranteed.Our plans offer a variety of payment options to fit most everyone. Choose the payment option that's right for you.

To learn more aboutMobility Transportation Services, CLICK HERE.Several years ago, CEO Spencer McDonald was visiting a doctors office. He witnessed the elderly being dropped off at the front entrance door of a four story medical building in wheelchairs and walkers by local transportation companies and family members. Spencer witnessed this several times and found himself helping these individuals into the elevator and to the right doctor office they had appointments with.It was at this time he realized that there must be a better way to assist these people. He realized that the elderly, and those who have handicap disabilities, were not getting the special care they need and deserve.Spencer was trained in the industry by Joel Davis, the owner and founder of the United Medical Transportation Providers Group. Through Joels extensive training, instruction and classes, Spencer was able to learn the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation business. Spencer is now a proud member of UMTPG and owes much of his success to Joel and his mentoring. Over the years they have become good friends as Joel continues to provide special instruction to help us improve our business and provide great customer service.Our mission atMobility Transportation Servicesis to provide the highest quality of non-emergency medical transportation to our clients with the highest standard of safety, client care, and customer service.In todays fast-paced health care industry, quality and customer care seem to be missing from many Non-Emergency Transportation companies.We atMobility Transportation Servicesstrive to place quality and personal care back into non-emergency medical transportation.

Welcome to lan Manatee Assisted Living and Memory Carewhere a lifestyle of distinction is easily found. Located in beautiful Bradenton, Florida, lan Manatee offers senior living services to brighten each new day.Youll feel a new sense of freedom as you experience our ease of living services: Salon Medication management available Bathing, dressing, grooming, and more if needed Weekly housekeeping and laundry service Concierge servicelan Manatee is an assisted living and memory care community that is full of life, where the joys of learning, socializing, creating, and rejuvenating are always found! Be inspired to live life on your terms, with activities you enjoy and new experiences to entertain.Resort Style Amenities: Multi-purpose room Media theatre 3rd floor TV lounge Walking trails Physical fitness roomWe are dedicated to delivering the care and attention your loved one needs and deserves. Our goal is to provide an active and engaged environment, where your loved one welcomes each new day with a smile. Residents will enjoy personal and compassionate care where the utmost in comfort is delivered daily. Inspiration awaits! Contact our office today for more information.

When the Crisis Hits, families may have very little time to decide on the best care facility for a loved one. Trying to find a Skilled Nursing Care center as the clock races can make you feel overwhelmed or even paralyzed. Fortunately, there arealwayscare options available, even when time isnt. We recommend breaking down your decision into three steps:Step 1: ResearchAsk family and friends to recommend caregivers or centers. Find and compare Skilled Nursing Care Centers online with Medicare's Nursing Care Compare, a rating site for Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes, professionally called Skilled Nursing Care centers. Medicare has developed a five-star quality rating system based on health inspection results, care center staff data, quality measures, and fire safety inspection results. Though there is plentiful information you can find, relying on ratings alone is not sufficient enough to make a decision. Be wary of for-profit placement services, you want your decision to be based on careful consideration, not their commission.Step 2: ConsiderBased on your research, choose about three centers to visit. Call each to schedule a tour. Communicate the immediacy of your situation and ask to speak with an admissions coordinator. The admissions coordinator can tell you more about thecenter and availability. Only visit centers that you know have available accommodations.Step 3: SelectAfter visiting and doing your research, select the center that best meets your care needs and consider giving yourself one night to sleep on your decision. Once you have made your care choice, learn more about what to expect during the transition.As you go through the decision process, remember your loved one will need you as much now as ever. Youll remain an integral part of your loved ones care and decisions. You are your loved ones strongest voice and advocate.This article was submitted by Karl Bieber, Public Relations Coordinator for Vetter Senior Living. He can be reached at kbieber@vhsmail.com or 402-895-3932

Navigating Your Healthcare Needs During the PandemicBy Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC April 15, 2020Does this snapshot of an appointment calendar resonate with you? Annual Physical: Rescheduled 6 Month Dental Cleaning: Rescheduled 3 Month Follow Up with PCP: Rescheduled This Months Physical Therapy appointments: Canceled, Online Resources Suggested Weekly Behavioral Health Therapy Appointment: Changed to Video or Phone Call, TeletherapyNavigating our own healthcare needs at this time when the system is extremely stressed can be challenging. Many routine appointments are canceled, postponed, or rescheduled. However, there are healthcare needs related to the monitoring of chronic conditions or illnesses, or specific diagnoses that would not be beneficial to postpone or reschedule.While it is critical to leave space for the treatment of COVID-19 throughout the healthcare system and crucial that, when possible, we stay home to reduce the spread of the virus, it is also important NOT to delay or ignore other medical needs or conditions. (Please rely on these resources and action steps should you suspect you have COVID-19) During this uncertain time, when everyone is adjusting to new ways of delivering care, dont assume that your healthcare provider isnt available. Make sure to check in with them, describe your concerns or your symptoms and ask how they can maintain monitoring of a chronic illness or condition.For example: If you need lab work to monitor your chronic condition during this time, how does that occur safely? If you need to continue physical therapy appointments is your therapist available via video sessions or can they direct you to useful online resources?Before assuming you are not able to receive the care you have been, reach out to your provider to ask what they recommend. Then weigh your benefits and risks and make an informed decision. It is important to maintain your health during this time.Heres how to advocate for yourself, loved one, or friend: Involve a friend or family member in your appointment via telehealth or in person. Ask for that person (whether in your home or elsewhere) to participate in teleconference and video meetings. Ask that person to take notes for you, just as they would sitting in a doctors office or on the telephone. Evaluate your Needs: For Example: Is your dental cleaning needed now to avoid future gum damage? Do you feel your body/gait compensating for your weak right knee because you are not keeping up a regular physical therapy routine? Do you need to have your blood work completed to make sure your anemia is being controlled?o Is whatever you feel you need needed right now or is it safer to wait? If waiting is going to contribute to making your health worse in the future ask your provider how your needs can be assessed/treated safely?Navigating Your Healthcare Needs During the Pandemic, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC (617) 651-2140 www.beaconpatientsolutions.com page 2 of 3o Remember, you are an expert about your own body. If you feel something isnt right be honest with your provider.It is always important to prepare for a health appointment. During this time, when providers are feeling stretched and stressed, it is crucial to be prepared.Heres how to make sure you get the most from an upcoming appointment: Make a written prioritized list of concerns and specific questions. Ask your provider if you can send a summary of concerns to them ahead of time via the patient portal so that your appointment time can be maximized. Make sure your medication and supplement list (medication, dose) is current and know exactly what medications need to be refilled or what changes need to be called in Focus on effective communication: Be clear, succinct, and assertive as needed remembering that your provider trying to deliver the best care they can. Make sure to listen to what information your provider offers.Things to Consider While Using Telehealth: Become familiar with telehealth software ahead of the appointment, ask someone to explain it to you Have anything you may need during your appointment (device, medications, blood sugar / blood pressure logs) with you at the computer If you need vitals for your appointment, ask how to provide that (do you have a thermometer, blood pressure kit at home?) Wear clothing that is easy to maneuver if you want to show the provider something during the appointmentDuring Your Appointment: Ask:o If you can record appointment via phone or videoo For medication refills and changes to prescriptionso If you can follow up with summary to confirm discussiono How your provider is responding to inquiries (portal, calls, email, text)? How quickly can you expect to hear back?o What is the safety protocol should you need to come into the office? Become familiar with online health portals for all your providers. The electronic health records do not all communicate with each other so make sure you are set up with all relevant portals and record all username names and passwords in your personal health record. Make sure all your paperwork is organized and you are familiar with it and can access it quickly during your appointment.Due to the volume of patients needing care during the pandemic, many hospitals and facilities are not allowing patients to be accompanied. This is a challenge for everyone since the patient will not have a loved one/friend to advocate for them bedside. It will be hard for healthcare providers to know who to reach out to regarding important decisions should the patient be incapacitated. You can help.Navigating Your Healthcare Needs During the Pandemic, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC (617) 651-2140 www.beaconpatientsolutions.com page 3 of 3Make sure you have a go plan and bag should hospitalization be necessary.What to Include in a Go Plan and Bag: Organized Paperwork (Personal Health Record):o Name, Blood Type, Allergies, Emergency Contact name, relationship and contact informationo A current copy of your Drivers License, Insurance card / Medicare/Medicaid card, Supplemental Insurance Card front and backo Medical Summary: Conditions & Timeline of Procedureso Completed current HIPAA releases, Healthcare Proxy, Advance Directive Documentso Instructive summary about you: include instructions about a condition that requires medication at specific intervals/on specific days and what you take, how often and what happens if it is missed. Also include a mention of glasses/hearing aids and/or mobility devices you need for activities of daily life. Phone/Tablet chargers, hearing aid batteries / chargers, extra glasses Basic toiletries Extra socks, underwear Disinfecting wipes / hand sanitizer Notebook, pens, clipboardMake sure your emergency contact(s) has/have copies of all documents you bring with you and easy access to advance care plan documents such as HIPAA releases, healthcare proxy, living will, etc.View our blog post: what to include in your personal health record for more detailsWhile there is a lot of uncertainty currently, we can take control of preparing for our healthcare appointments. We can also prepare for an emergency by having our records and important documents organized and up to date. Having basic items gathered in the event of a hospital stay will also make things easier at a time of extreme stress.Connect With Us: When the complexity of your healthcare situation is too challenging to navigate on your own working with an independent board certified patient advocate can help cut through the red tape and reduce complications at an emotional time. Contact Ailene to learn more about the value of working with a private patient advocate

As people get close to retirement age, many face questions about where they are going to live as they get older. According to AARP, nearly 90 percent of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age. Even if they need day-to-day assistance or ongoing healthcare, most (82 percent) would prefer to age in place.With that in mind, if you want to age in place, planning for the future is key. Making decisions about remodeling the home to accommodate health-related changes and clearly assigning caregiving responsibilities are important steps. Such planning should include directives about your healthcare wishes, especially for tough situationssuch as near the end of life, when you may need hospice care.Hospice focuses on maintaining the patients comfort level and quality of life during their last six months of life by treating physical symptoms, providing pain management, and addressing emotional and spiritual concerns.As the nations leading provider of end-of-life care, VITAS Healthcare brings hospice services to you or your loved one, in the place they call home. An interdisciplinary hospice teamphysician, nurse, hospice aide, chaplain, social worker, volunteerbrings clinical, compassionate hospice care to patients wherever they live, whether a private residence, assisted living facility or a nursing home.When the patient is in a private residence, the team comes to the home to provide pain management and symptom control as well as personal care. For patients who live in an assisted living community or nursing home, the hospice team provides care that complements the care the patient is already receiving.If a patients symptoms worsen or become difficult to control, VITAS helps the patient remain at home, wherever they call home, by providing shifts of care at the bedside for up to 24 hours a day. Called Intensive Comfort Care, it keeps patients out of the hospital, emergency room and ICU. It helps patients stay home.With more than 35 years of experience in improving the quality of life for terminally ill people, VITAS is dedicated to helping patients stay in their preferred setting during the end of life.Article Submitted by: Cathy Carlson, RN, VITAS Healthcare General Manager For more information about VITAS, please visit VITAS.com or call 708-781-4400.

To learn more about The Auberge at Aspen Park, CLICK HERE.With a significant portion of our countrys population aging faster than at any other period in history, its the perfect time to discuss how countless families (including yours) can afford quality senior care for loved onesThe thought of finding senior living care that is both effective and affordable can be scary if not downright overwhelming.Whether the care is for yourself or a loved one, the same questions persist:When should I start thinking about shopping around?What factors can influence the price of care? Does where I live matter?Do certain care options influence how much I will pay?Can personal investments or safety net programs, like Medicaid, be used to foot the bill?Please dont pull out your hair! Theres no need. The process doesnt have to be this intimidating, nor ultimately will it be. As youll read, a number of options await you and your pocketbook to ensure you receive the care you need and deserve at the price you can comfortably afford.Whens The Best Time To Start Thinking About Paying For Senior Care?Before we get into the what or how, lets discuss the when. When should you start to think about how you can best afford quality senior care? Now. Especially if you anticipate having to provide post-retirement healthcare for a spouse, parent, or other loved one in the not-so-distant future.According to ademographic analysis recently conductedby the United States Census Bureau, of the estimated 332.6 million people living in the United States as of April 1, 2020, more than 21 percent are categorized as Baby Boomers.Baby Boomers are commonly regarded as the generation that has shaped the demographics of the countrys population for nearly three-quarters of a century, and now an astounding 10,000 of them will turn 65 every day until 2030.If this running tally does not include you or a spouse, it most certainly pertains to either or both of your parents or a number of other family members. If you fall at the backend of the spectrum, do not wait until the end of the decade to get started.The clock is ticking and withthe Baby Boomers effect on the overall healthcare systemexpected to only grow getting the info you need to make the most educated decision possible on finding the appropriate level of senior care at a good price cannot happen soon enough.What Factors Affect The Price of Senior Care?Like any important buying decision, you will want to consider many factors when searching for the right source of senior housing, but they should be weighted.For example, level of care may take a much higher priority over available amenities.And some factors, depending upon your budget or situation, may be out of your control, such as having to absorb higher monthly payments from one state to another.The following are typically considered to be the main factors that influence of thecosts of senior living care:Levels of CareThis one is perhaps the most obvious.Estimated costs for an independent living community range on the low end for as little as $1,500 per month, depending upon the state. This lower number reflects the fact that residents living in these senior living facilities largely live an autonomous lifestyle with little to no assistance from staff for activities of daily living (ADLs), which consist of bathing, grooming, dressing, continence, medication, laundry, and more.At the other end, theresmemory care, a heavily-involved form ofassisted livingin which residents can require attendance around the clock.On average, the cost of assisted living, according to a 2018 study conducted by Genworth, an industry-leading long-term insurance company, can runas much as $4,000 per month. When you consider the required extra monitoring necessitated by residents with memory impairment, this could account for an additional $1,000 per month.Average monthly fees may range even higher for 24-hour in-home care or a private room within a skilled nursing facility.Location of CareUnfortunately, senior living communities are not immune to the volatile effects of geography on real estate values. As such, you could very well find that an assisted living community in Washington State requires a monthly fee nearly three times that of a community in Missouri, even if the two are under ownership and management of the same company. There are many tools on the Web you can use to assess the average cost that every state may charge now and going forward for different levels of senior care.When doing your research on the average cost a given state may charge for senior care, please bear in mind that these aggregates are calculated using numbers from all areas of that state from the most-dense urban epicenters to the smallest rural town.Additionally, remember that, in some cases, neighboring states could show vastly different senior care cost averages, presenting you opportunities for saving considerable amounts of money over time if relocation is an option.Living ArrangementsSenior living communities all over the country offer residents a number of floor plans to meet individual preferences and needs.A resident at an independent living community that prefers more autonomy may be willing to pay more per month to enjoy a full private kitchen, larger or extra bedroom, in-unit washer and dryer, contemporary touches such as granite countertops, or simply just more overall square footage.Finer appointments may be not of much concern to another resident. Someone who lives at an assisted living community may place more importance on the companionship of a roommate, potentially drastically reducing the monthly expense.Staff-to-Resident RatioThis ratio is calculated as the number residents who require care at any given time to the number of staff members present to administer care services.When a senior living community employs a higher concentration of registered nurses, physical therapists, dieticians, culinary staff, and administrative and support employees, the difference in the quality of care can be significant.The tradeoff, however, is higher monthly fees.When finding the right senior care, its always important to inquire about a communitys staff-to-resident ratio to weigh this figure against its fees. Also keep in mind to ask the community whether or not secretarial or general support employees are included in the overall ratio.Typically, these employees do not have daily interaction with residents and thus should be excluded.Move-In DateDepending upon the circumstances, it wont always be possible to pick the exact date upon which you or a loved one becomes a resident of a senior care community If those circumstances, though, do allow for some move-in flexibility, late-summer and early-autumn months August, September, and October often rank as the most popular times of the year to officially call a community home.These months offer a number of advantages, including cooler weather across much of the country, off-peak moving prices, a safe buffer zone from any winter-related challenges, and enough time to get settled into a new environment prior to the holidays. And we would be remiss if we didnt mention that a lot of senior living facilities, depending upon their bottom lines, tend to offer move-in specials at the end of a month or quarter, no matter the time of year.What Are My Payment Options For Senior Care?As stressful as finding the right senior living community may be, you can take some comfort in the fact that paying for the care you need is a lot easier on the nerves (and perhaps pocketbook) than you may think.The following do not represent an exhaustive list, but they can be considered as some of the more popular options available:Pooling Family ResourcesThis all-hands-on-deck approach can be a relatively simple option for a group of siblings who may be concerned about a mother or father who is living alone but do not necessarily have the luxury of the time it takes to provide the care the parent needs.Because of the obvious sensitive nature of the subject matter, tensions and emotions can run high and understandably so. This makes it imperative that you lean upon the assistance of trained professionals, such as family mediators, licensed nurses, orgeriatric care managers, whose expertise can provide everyone involved with a sense of calm during an otherwise turbulent time.The assistance of a third-party can go a long way in keeping everyone on the same page or stepping in when disagreements arise.Life InsuranceThe living benefit rider of a life insurance policy with a death benefit of at least $100,000 can be exercised to provide the policyholder with a cash advance of up to half the worth of the death benefit.After this rider option is exercised, the benefits of which can be used to pay for any number of types of long-term care, the policy will still provide coverage for the policyholders family, and the beneficiaries remain unchanged.The living benefit option of a life insurance policy can be used to pay for the following types of long-term care:Assisted livingMemory careRehabilitation careNursing home careHospice careHome careReverse MortgageThe most popular type of reverse mortgage is a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM). A special type of home loan reserved only for those 62 years of age or older, an HECM works identically to a traditional mortgage in that it gives homeowners the freedom to borrow money using the equity in their homes without relinquishing title.Unlike traditional mortgages, though, a reverse mortgage does not require the homeowner to make mortgage payments. As a result, true to its name, the balance on a reverse mortgage loan goes up (not down) over time as interest and fees accrue.Because the loan on a reverse mortgage is repaid when the homeowner is no longer physically occupying the home, this method of using funds to pay for senior care tends to work best when a loved one needs assistance while the other is capable of living alone in the home.Also, reverse mortgage scams become more prevalent every day, so beware. Do your homework and do not consider this option if the home in question is being considered for future family generations.Veterans BenefitsThrough itsAid and Attendanceprogram, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides eligible veterans and their families with monthly payments on top of the normal pension amount.The purpose of the program is to supplement the basic pension of veterans and their surviving spouses with additional financial assistance to be used to pay for senior care.To apply for assistance under the Aid and Attendance program, veterans must meet at least one of four criteria, which include the need of another individual to complete performa daily activities (bathing, feeding, etc.) and residency in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical capacity related to a disability.AnnuitiesAvailable to people up to the age of 85 who meet specific health criteria, a long-term care annuity is a type of deferred annuity that is structured specifically to help those who need to pay for expenses associated with long-term care.Like traditional deferred annuities, long-term care annuities provide future payments to the account holder in exchange for an initial lump sum investment.The contract stipulates how much will be paid to the account holder once he or she needs to start pulling from the annuity fund for long-term care, and to access the money, the recipient must prove that he or she needs assistance with two of the six main activities of daily living (ADLs).The key to long-term annuities, however, is the accompanying long-term care rider. If specific criteria are met, such as a chronic or terminal illness (Alzheimers disease), the payout from this rider could potentially double or triple the amount of the initial annuity investment.MedicaidThis joint federal and state program assists low-income individuals with medical costs.Eligibility requirements vary from state to state as do the names states assign to their individual Medicaid programs and not all senior living facilities accept Medicaid as a form of payment.If you or a loved one prefers home care to that provided inside a community setting, Medicaid waivers often pay for in-home support services.

The Alzheimers Association MA/NH Chapters Power + Purpose program is for people living with mild memory loss. While you are facing what may be the biggest challenge of your life, we want to help you live your best life. Research has clearly shown that staying active is the most powerful way to manage your disease.Education:Knowledge is power. Learn more about Alzheimers disease and related disorders by attending an education program in-person or online. Education programs are open to people living with a diagnosis or those who are concerned about their memory, family members, and friends. Consider attending Coping with Early Memory Loss, where you will learn about ways to actively manage your disease and develop coping strategies to live life today. Legal and Financial, presented by elder law attorneys in the community, offers information on organizing and managing finances in order to best prepare for the future.Consultation:Sometimes it is difficult to know what questions to ask and where to start. Speak with a trained Care Consultant to address your unique concerns and prepare for the future. Consultations are confidential and free of charge.Alz Meet Ups:Staying active is a powerful way to manage your disease. Alz Meet Ups offer a unique and enjoyable opportunity for you to connect with others who are also living with mild memory loss. Give yourself the benefit of new experiences by joining with others for art, nature, lectures, fitness or coffee.Advocacy:No one understands this disease like the person who is living it. You can be a powerful voice for research and programs that will make a difference. We can help you to become an effective advocate for Alzheimers issues.The Alzheimer's Association is working towards effective treatments and someday a cure. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's until that day we want to help you.To get started, attend an education program, create your plan with an expert, discover Alz Meet Ups happening near you or get involved with the cause! Call us at 800.272.3900This article was submitted by Russel Martin, Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Alzheimers Association. Massachusetts and New Hampshire Chapter

Sliding scale or income qualifying energy resources for seniors. Look at your local public service company for possible resource.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

For more information on the author Cardiac Care Group, CLICK HERE.A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. When the brain lacks sufficient blood flow for a long enough period of time, brain damage or even death can result. Immediate medical attention and early treatment are critical to help minimize damage to brain tissue and improve the outcome.Types of StrokesThere are two major types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes, the most common type, occur when which a blood clot blocks the arteries leading to the brain and cuts off blood flow. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain.At the first sign of a stroke, patients should seek medical care immediately. Symptoms of a stroke vary, but typically occur suddenly and include:Weakness, tingling or numbness in a limbPartial loss of visionInability to move a limbDouble vision, vertigo or loss of balanceDifficulty swallowingMemory lossDrowsiness or loss of consciousnessUncontrollable eye movementsWhat Causes Strokes?Smoking is the number one risk factor for strokes, and indeed, making basic lifestyle changes like quitting smoking can significantly reduce your overall risk. These include:Weight lossExerciseCholesterol and blood pressure managementReducing alcohol intakeAside from lifestyle changes, managing any underlying health conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, also reduce your risk of stroke. If you are concerned about your stroke risk, talk to your cardiologist about what more you could be doing to keep your risk low.

Many times after a serious injury or illness, the need for additional 24-hour medical assistance is needed to help a person heal, properly rehabilitate and ensure that he or she is in stable condition before returning home.What most people dont know is that there are different options when choosing a continued care provider after your primary acute hospital stay. Each organization can vary by the length of stay, therapy intensity and type of medical personnel.Your medical provider can help you choose, but it is also important for you to be informed of your options in order to determine what care is best for you.Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTAC)If a person is in need of intensive medical care for a longer period of time (an average of 25 days or more), they should consider a long-term acute care hospital. This facility is best for patients who have just been released from an intensive care unit, who need to be monitored closely and more frequently by nurses and doctors.Long-term acute care hospitals focus on stabilizing a patients medical condition rather than providing comprehensive rehabilitation.In-Patient Rehabilitation HospitalIn-patient rehabilitation hospitals focus on short intensive medical rehabilitation with the goal of getting the patient home as soon as possible. Patients who choose an in-patient rehabilitation hospital have daily doctor visits, receive specialized rehab nursing care and undergo more significant rehabilitation.These facilities specialize in intensive rehabilitation teams to include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists and more. Each patient receives at least three hours of rehab therapy per day, five days per week.The average length of stay at an in-patient rehabilitation hospital is 12-16 days.Skilled Nursing FacilityA skilled nursing facility offers long-term care for patients who are medically stable, but still need professional medical care and supervision. Although nurses are available 24 hours a day, doctors are only required to visit patients once each month.Skilled nursing facilities require Medicare patients to stay three midnights at their primary hospital before they are eligible for admission.Whatever your medical needs are, there is a 24-hour medical facility that is right for you. Always consult your family and medical provider to help you make the best possible choice for you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital. Please direct all questions to 303-363-5146.

As Florida begins to open up after a long, strange spring, many seniors are wondering what they can do for fun this summer while avoiding the crowds and staying safe.The Naples Senior Center is one organization that is working hard to make sure local seniors have plenty of virtual activities to choose from. We compiled some of the highlights from their list here, plus we tossed in a few additional ideas to help you plan your socially distanced summer fun.Take Up Line DancingGet ready to hit the dance floor and steal the spotlight at your grandkids weddings next year. Popular line dances, like the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle, are easy to learn and a ton of fun. These instructional videos are designed with seniors in mind, so get those dancing shoes on and get ready to learn some new moves!Get Some ExerciseWe all know exercise is key to maintaining healthy bodies, but fitness also contributes to healthy minds. Lace up those sneakers, grab some water, and join one of Senior Planet's virtual group exercise classes. From chair yoga to balance and strength to tai chi, there are plenty of options to keep your body and mind fit this summer.Visit the Worlds Best MuseumsTraveling may not be an option right now, but that doesnt mean you cant experience the worlds most famous art exhibits from home. Technology transports us around the globe to take in the beautiful paintings at Muse dOrsay in Paris, see some of Vincent Van Goghs most famous pieces at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and be amazed by the collection of ancient sculpture, artwork, and artifacts at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.Learn to PaintNow that youve spent some time visiting museums, you may be inspired to make your own art. YouTube is full of painting tutorials for beginners, so pick your favorite medium and get ready to create a masterpiece! Here are some resources for getting started with acrylicsand watercolors. If you are feeling adventurous, try out some of these tutorials.Spend a Night at the OperaEach day, New Yorks Metropolitan Opera will stream a different encore presentationof a performance featuring some of the worlds greatest and most talented singers. If you would like to learn more about a specific opera or the art form in general, the Met provides an educational videoseries covering a variety of topics.Take a Cooking ClassBecause restaurants arent a great idea right now, and you are probably tired of cooking the same old meals, YouTube can help you out of your food slump. With hundreds of cooking classes and videos to help you get creative with quarantine cuisine, you are sure to find a new dinner favorite, or at least have fun trying. If youre not much of a cook, never fear. YouTube is also great for learning kitchen basics.Social distancing is an important way for seniors to stay safe this summer, but that doesnt mean you cant have fun. Try one (or all!) of the ideas above or check out some of these additional activitiesto stay active and entertained.If you do need to venture out, play it safe and follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines, like wear a mask in public, avoid crowds, and stay two arm lengths away from others to protect yourself and them. Though its hard to stay inside, especially now that summer is here, seniors need to make health and safety a priority. There is plenty of fun to be had indoors, but if the beach is calling, I hear its lovely at sunrise.Submitted and Written By: Barrington Terrace of Naples - click here for more information

People are living longer and healthier lives and it is not uncommon for people to reach 85, 90, or even older ages.Many however, loose their teeth over time due to decay or gum disease and end up with partial or full dentures. The dentures become loose, gum tissue becomes sore, and eating becomes very difficult. Seniors love to stay social, eat good, and share great times with family and friends without the embarrassment and difficulties that come with denture use. The quality of life is especially important at this stage and we need to do everything we can to improve it.Dental Implants dramatically improve life quality for many older individuals by letting them eat better, get better nutrition, stay more social, and lead active and vital lives. The advantage of Mini Dental Implants is the minimally invasive, single stage placement procedure. The insertion of the mini implants does not require the more invasive surgery involved with regular implants. The healing time is minimal and the best part is the denture can attach to the mini implants on the same visit!Dental Mini Implants allow patients to eat any food they want comfortable and get the necessary nutrition. Mini Implants effectively support the overlying dentures and help prevent movement and accidental dislodging. Mini Dental Implants also preserve the jaw bone and loss that occurs from conventional dentures. As a bonus, Mini Dental Implants are very reasonably priced. Its time to start enjoying eating and conversation again!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Donald E. Couchman, D.D.S. of Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry. He may be reached at 719-593-0263 or by email at info@couchmandental.com . Call our office today for a complimentary consultation; our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with an appointment

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Southern Mississippi offers opportunities to experience learning with peers, whether out of curiosity or to satisfy a long-held interest in a particular subject. OLLIs membership has grown nearly tenfold since 1991, and is on both USM campuses, Hattiesburg and Long Beach. OLLI members gain access to nearly 300 different seminars, classes, and travel opportunities annually. Courses span the spectrum of interests and pursuits in an attempt to provide everyone who has reached 50 years and beyond the opportunity to continue learning whatever it is they want to learn. Our hope is to create an environment thats conducive to learning in the purest sense, said OLLI Director Brett Harris. There are skill building classes from beginning and advanced art, to media specific courses like watercolors, colored pencils, and digital photography, and from jewelry making to salad table construction. Theres no limit to what you can learn and how you can grow at OLLI.Regular social events, lunch gatherings, a rotating art display in the Peck House gallery (Hattiesburg), and free public experiences help bring members from across the community together in a friendly atmosphere and at a cost thats affordable for every budget. Theres an annual membership fee ($50 in Hattiesburg, $40 in Long Beach) thats good for one year from the day you register. After that, you simply pay for the courses you want to take. Courses are as low as $8 and rarely exceed $50, though longer field trips can cost more depending on where they take you and for how long. OLLIs summer schedule of classes is now available in our schedule guides you may have seen around town or on our website (www.usm.edu/olli). Questions? Contact us at (601) 264-2780 or email olli@usm.eduThis article provided by Brett Harris, Director of OLLI. The article was edited to conserve space. The original is available from thad@seniorsbluebook.com

In sickness and in health, until death do us part; words recited with the expectation of a life-long happy marriage and a golden retirement. One day an unwelcome visitor, Alzheimers disease, shows up at the front door. We live with a spouse who has no recollection that we were once a young, active, married couple. Our spouse has becomes a person, much like a child, for whom we provide care.We wake in the morning to toilet, dress, and make breakfast. We stay home for fear of leaving our loved one alone. Each night we listen for our loved one to get up out of bed. Sleep is illusive. Worry, stress, and overwhelm our new constant companions.What happens when a spouse admits that he or she can no longer care for a spouse with Alzheimers disease? Blame, guilt, and shame from family, children, friends, and acquaintances is freely offered, I would never put my husband (or wife) in a homewhat are you thinking? He (or she) would never do that to you.Until one walks in the shoes of a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimers it is impossible to understand the day to day joys, pressures, and struggles. The caregiver and the care receiver become prisoners in their own home, opposite of the life imagined by many in retirement.What happens when the person you married no longer recognizes you or believes you to be a friend whose name cannot be remembered? Is the marriage still a real marriage? Should the healthy spouse dedicate their life to caregiving and sacrifice what most would consider a normal life of friends, activities, and companionship?What if the healthy spouse finds a companion outside of the marriageis that cheating? What if the Alzheimers spouse finds a companion in a care communityis that cheating? Many individuals fail to consider the realities of the isolation involved in care relationships created by Alzheimers disease that changes the dynamic of a marriage.Who is to say if this is cheating? Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, compassion should be in the hearts of family, children, and friends to support caregivers when the unwelcome visitor of Alzheimers arrives and tosses life upside down. It is impossible to imagine the journey of caregiving and unfair to expect a caregiver to live a life of isolation.Editors Note: Pamela D. Wilson, CSA, MS, BS/BA, CG is owner of The Care Navigator and author of the book, The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Lifes Unexpected Changes Pamela may be reached at 720-726-3111 or by email at: pamela@thecarenavigator.com

When you relocate to a manufactured home community, you dont just move into a neighborhood, you become a part of a community.Todays manufactured home communities are all about its residents and the active lifestyles they lead. Tropical Palms and Island Vista Estates are among a few premier communities in North Fort Myers that offer superior independent living options.At Tropical Palms and Island Vista Estates, you can enjoy an array of amenities like swimming pools and planned events on properties that were built with exceptional architectural design. Its so easy to stay connected and involved with friends and neighbors through social activities and community events. You can stay as relaxed or as busy as you want!FINDING A HOMETodays lifestyle communities are much more than streets filled with outdated homes that all look alike. Today, manufactured homes are built with the same materials as modern, land-built homes and include the same must-have features.Manufactured homes of today are safer and more comfortable to live in than the manufactured homes of the past. Modern exterior and interior finishes, upgraded light fixtures, energy-saving appliances, and open floor plans are just some of the improved features of the manufactured homes built today. When considering relocation, you will find more than just a new home at Tropical Palms and Island Vista Estates, you will find a new piece of yourself, immersed in new friendships and in beautiful locations. Make the choice to live the community lifestyle, today!

For more information on the author Family Spine Care Institute, CLICK HERE!What is Sciatica Pain?It is pain coming from the spine and radiating outward. Typically, patients will feel this radiating pain in the leg, glutes, and possibly as far as the toes.Possible CausesDisc Herniation / Disc BulgeAfter age 30, our disc spaces start degenerating. If you fall or pull something, then the outer edge of the disc may rupture. The gel in the outer edge, which acts as a cushion, begins to come out, causing inflammation that affects the nerves.These nerves radiate down the leg in a certain distribution. At an appointment, we ask you what part of your leg hurts to determine which disc is causing the issue.ArthritisThe facet joints in the spine may become inflamed which would pinch the nerve. Essentially, the nerve is irritated, so the pain radiates outward.Treatment OptionsIt is important to determine treatment options within the first four to six weeks of incurring pain in the sciatica (ex. After a fall). After this time, pain can turn into numbness or tingling, then finally weakness. Once a patient has made it to this stage, it is much more difficult to effectively treat and reverse the pain.Try on your OwnGive it a little time to heal itselfTake an over-the-counter anti-inflammatoryUse a steroid prescribed by your primary care physicianEpidural Injection(used only for sciatica pain)This five-minute procedure is done in-office under fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray machine). The injection consists of Lidocaine (for numbing) and Cortizone (for anti-inflammation).There are three places an epidural can be injected based on the cause of the sciatica pain as well as the integrity of the spine. The injection minimizes inflammation, thereby reducing nerve irritation. Under the X-ray machine, we first inject a minute amount of picture dye so we can verify the correct flow of medication, then we inject the actual medicine.Within one to five days, a patient will achieve the maximum benefit of relief. From there, patients are referred to a physical therapist, who will teach them specific exercises to strengthen the spine. Typically, after four or five of these sessions, a patient will be ready to continue doing them on their own.Neurosurgical ConsultationIf an epidural does not work, then it may be necessary to assess the structural integrity of the spine. It may require surgery in some instances.Spinal Cord StimulatorIn this procedure, leads are placed in the epidural space to mask the pain. First, the leads are tried out, then they are implanted.The procedure is also done in the office and lasts about five minutes.

I have helped over 100 seniors move into retirement communities they all say they wish they had done it sooner. Change is hard even the changes we really want and look forward to. You have worked hard on your home over the years; now let that equity work for YOU, to provide a lifestyle that is more in step with where you want to be at this different stage of your life! But what do you do first? You call a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) with over 30 years experience. This is a good first step in the decision to move to a retirement community.Perhaps you are wondering..How much is my house worth? You and your SRES will review recent sales in your area and come up with a price range. Review an accurate days on the market study. Ask your SRES to prepare an estimate of how much money you will net at closing. Give this information to your investment counselor to help you determine how you can use the interest from the investment to subsidize your income.What if my house needs work? Many buyers want as is properties but if your home needs work to go on the market have your SRES help you get estimates. Or maybe a pre-listing inspection would fill the bill.What about all my stuff ? there are excellent resources available to help seniors downsize a good estate liquidator will help you get top dollar for the items you will not need in a smaller space and professional companies are available to help organize your move down to every detail.Is it a good time to sell? Absolutely! Rates are low and buyers are abundant! Your house will not be in competition with distressed properties! Find an SRES with a cutting edge marketing program that will get your house sold!How do you coordinate the move-in date with the sale of your house? Many seniors have found that moving into their new apartments and letting their homes be shown vacant is the most convenient. It is easier to show your house and a lot less stress on you.Article submitted by Sandi Hewins SRES, Metro Brokers. She can be reached at 303-887-2509 or on the web at www.denverseniorrealestate.com

Stress, you have it, I have it, we all have it and it doesnt look the same for everyone.Stress can look like emotional distress that can be seen by others: the agitation, anger, or tremors. Or maybe your stress is more subtle, maybe you dont even think of it as stress, such as you can no longer handle certain types of foods, whether its nightshades, gluten, corn, or wheat, those are all signs of stress on the body.More dramatic cases of stress can lead to diseases; heart disease, blood sugar disorders from lack of a proper diet, due to stress not eating properly, or other life threatening conditions.So what can be done for stress? There are options: meditation, relaxation, a vacation, exercise or more direct therapies such as Emotional Freedom Technique (aka Tapping), journaling, and biofeedback.What we see too much of when dealing with stress is resorting to drugs. Some drugs lead to addictions and side effects, and more problems rather than solutions. Most drugs only mask the real problem.So why does it seem younger people are more active, vital, and interested in life? What happens to us?As we go through life we compound stress, one stressor added to another. Dysfunctional family life, maybe the break up in high school, unplanned pregnancy, marriage, raising a family, divorce, the death of family and friends. All those things build up stress and create reactions in the body.No wonder when we look at our aging population we see numerous ailments: emotional distress, grief, depression, and in many cases just overwhelmed by life. Old life traumas built up over time and create havoc in our lives.If you were to look back on your life, whether young or old, and identify the stressors in your life, that will give you a great measuring tool for your current state of health. Take action to clear old and current stress so that you can live life to the fullest!Editors Note: This article was written by Jodie MacTavish, CBP, ATC, who is a Certified Biofeedback & Auricular Therapist with Healthful Transformations. In the Grand Valley area she may be reached at 360-624-3332 (c) or by email at: Jodie.MacTavish@gmail.com

Support services are non-profit, for-profit and government organizations providing support and associated services such as counseling for specific illnesses and conditions.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

It always seems too early, until its too late.Its an all-too-common refrain from loved ones who waited too long to have conversations about end-of-life care preferences.I, myself, live with regret of a decision made with my husband as he neared the end of his life.We followed the expert recommendations of his care team to move him from home to inpatient hospice care, but he and I both knew he wished to die at home. When the decision had to be made, he was so close to death that we couldnt have the conversation with his family.Twelve years later, I still wonder: What if?Today not tomorrow we all should consider if our wishes are known by those who will speak for us when we near death.Advance care planningis not just about old age. At any age, a medical crisis could leave you too ill to make your own health care decisions.Even if you are not sick now, making health care plans for the future is an important step toward making sure you get the medical care you would want. It guides doctors and family members in making the decisions for you.Have the conversation today with your loved ones. At the end of any advance care planning conversation, you should have these five wishes clearly understood by your family:Who do you want to represent you when you cant make health care decisions for yourself due to your medical or mental condition?What extreme measures do you wish to have taken to prolong your life if death seems imminent? This includes CPR, life support and pain management.How comfortable do you wish to be when you are near death?How do you want people to treat you? Do you wish to die at home?How you will share your stories with those you love, and what do you want your family to do for arrangements once you die?Here is what you can do today to plan for your health horizon:Gather resources. Find conversation starters, issues to consider and instructions for completing advance directives at WellSpan.org/HorizonPlanning.Start with yourself: What are your own health care decisions? Consider what will be important as you near death.Involve loved ones: Mutually share your wishes. Have many conversations as life and health changes.Readiness: Give your advance care plans to your physician/hospital so your wishes can be known and honored.Everyone has a health horizon. You should plan for it. You and your family will be glad you did.To learn more about WellSpans Horizon Planning, visit WellSpan.org/HorizonPlanning._______________________________Editors Note: This article was submitted by Roberta Geidner, Horizon Planning Coordinator at WellSpan Health.

To learn more aboutSenior Care Associates - VA Aid & Attendance Specialists Nationwide,CLICK HERE.As thebacklogged number of unprocessed VA claimsis knocking on the door of 1 Million, one has to wonder is anybody really at home. Is anyone really trying to find the solution of how to fix and bring this broken agency up to the standards our veterans and their families deserve?I had high hopes for the new VA administration, but to date, have not been impressed. Every day there is yet another story about a Regional Office that hasbeen caught shreddingand changing dates on applications, or boxes of unopened applications are being discovered. There are not enough fingers to cover the holes in this dam.If the IRS was having this issue with collecting taxes from We the People, I can promise you that this would have been resolved and systems put into place to make certain it would never happen again. Of this you can be certain, the IRS would not stand by and have 1 million tax returns waiting to be processed.So here is my take on all this and a couple of questions that I believe bear asking.I think the VA needs to take a crash course in how the IRS does things. These folks dont lose tax returns they keep up with every dime you make. You can file on-line, they know if you havent filed, and if you are owed a refund, you can expect it in 30-45 days. If you owe money and dont pay, you are assessed a penalty and will pay dearly for that. Big incentive for making sure you allot the right amount of deductions. Most of us hope to never know what an audit notification looks like.If your taxes are complicated or more than you want to deal with, you can make an appointment with the fine folks at H&R Block or your personal accountant and pay someone to prepare them for you.Now here is where I take issue. How is it that you can legally seek the expertise of someone who understands complicated tax laws, forms, and all the legitimate deductions and credits you are entitled to just to make certain that the IRS gets a full accounting of your finances and their piece of your pie, but veterans and their families legally are restricted from any assistance attached with a fee and are left to figure it out on their own.Two government agencies, two different approaches, two different agendas.It is legal to make sure you pay your taxes, but illegal to make certain your claim for benefits is correct and complete in order to receive your entitlements. Interesting that there should be such a stark contrast between the two and who actually benefits from this arrangement.Decades ago the VA instituted a law that an attorney could not charge a veteran more than $10.00 for representing him. This was done to protect the veteran from being taken advantage of by those who would be so inclined to do so.So one might have to ask, who is truthfully exploiting and taking advantage of our veterans and their families? Considering some recent actions on the part of the VA, the answer to this question may not be what youd expect.The application for Improved Pension was originally a 4-page, simple straight forward application. Due to the benefit being highlighted and the rise in the number of applications being submitted, the VA decided it was time to increase it to a 26-page application, and write it so that you probably wont figure it out increasing the odds they wont have to pay or at the very least delay having to pay.While the benefit sat idle and unused, 4 pages seemed to make perfect sense. Now thatBaby Boomersare our largest demographic and the VA is being flooded with applications forAid and Attendance, whose best interest is it in that the process should suddenly become so much more complicated? The veteran is not who first comes to mind as to who stands to gain the most from this change. It seems a little suspect as to the true motivation for having done so. Is the VA once again protecting the veteran?If you dont get it right the first time, you should not feel too badly about it as the national rate of applications being returned to the originating VA regional and local offices as being incomplete or missing documentation is 46%.I wonder if these same employees who failed VA Open Book tests could find permanent employment with the IRS. I suspect that performance standards are probably just a little higher. Millions of taxpayers monies going uncollected not going to happen, but it is ok for a million veterans to be waiting on the VA to get it right. There is something incredibly wrong with this scenario.The VA continues to operate off an antiquatedFiduciaryprocess refusing to acknowledgePOA or DPOA. The IRS acknowledgesPOA. Your mom or dad might have some investments that pay dividends, so there may be some monies to be collected, so for the sake of efficiency they will gladly work with you to assure a proper return has been filed.The VAs refusal to respond to the demands of accepting POA and doing away with the fiduciary process is once again done in the name of protecting the veteran. According to the VA they have to make certain that the family member or other interested party who holds POA cant take advantage of the veteran or widow and have access to the pension money to spend at their discretion such as purchasing Depends or Ensure.Im sure that somewhere there is someone who absconded with funds they were not entitled to and did in fact take advantage of a veteran, but Im willing to wager a guess that most who are providing care for a loved one have spent the check out of their own pocket long before it is received.It is the lesser of two evils. On one hand you have the family member who is taking advantage of the veteran or widow by writing a check every month to the ALF or caregiver hoping they will have enough to pay it as credit cards are maxed out and all funds have been depleted while waiting to be approved as a fiduciary.On the other hand you have the VA who wants to take months to arrange for a fiduciary to be appointed without much care as to how you will pay for everything pending their approval. In the meantime if you have to move your loved one to a lesser quality facility due to costs, or arrange to bring them in-home and provide the care yourself, keep in mind the VA is only doing their job and protecting the veteran or widow.So if the veteran is doing without basic essentials and is living in conditions that are not healthy or services being provided are not adequate even though they are entitled to the pension which would allow for better care and services, who is really taking advantage of the veteran?All of this protecting has created an opportunity for many individuals and companies to Carpe Diem Seize the Moment and many of these folks, but not all, have found a way to use filing for this pension as a revenue generator, and doing so under the guise of reaching out to veterans and their families at no cost for their assistance to make application, but it sure helps if mom and dad need someone to manage their investments and move them around so they will qualify for the pension from a financial standpoint.Seminars are being held daily nationwide at $500.00 a session to learn how you too can use this pension to recruit new business and increase your sales. Dont overlook the kids who are taking care of mom and dad, they will be so grateful for your assistance they will want you to manage their assets as well. While you are at it, sell some annuities.What most dont realize is that by moving things around to a trust or annuity can often mean that when mom or dad need that money to continue paying for their care, they wont have access to it. It will sit in that trust until they die and the beneficiaries get it.For those who are fortunate enough to have assets that need protecting, these services are valid, but for those who go into this situation strictly based on wanting to file for this pension, you need to educate yourself on whether this is truly in your best interest in the long run.Again this frenzy of businesses using this pension to get in the hen house is largely due to the fact that the VA has created a need for these services due to the lack of information, the lack of trained employees well versed in Improved Pension, taking a simple application and turning it into more than it needs to be. If it was as originally designed a simple 4- page application based on meeting the need for assistance and financial guidelines, there would not be a need nor an opportunity for those who use this as a calling card.As a result, the VA has responded by now sending out an additional form to those who submit an application that they have to sign stating that neither they nor the veteran have paid anyone for any type of assistance in completing the application. The application will not be processed until this form has been returned.So in the name of protecting the veteran, which in my opinion translates to denying the veteran, there is yet another hurdle to jump through.Rather an unfair dynamic that the VA has its attorneys and council, but a veteran is not entitled to any representation upon making an initial application for any benefit or compensation. They are only entitled to representation if they are appealing a decision on their claim while the IRS wants to make sure you get it right the first time.Of the two, which do you think is more efficient?There are more of us that file income tax returns than there are veterans/widows filing for benefits, so how is it that the IRS can receive and process a higher volume of paper so seamlessly while the VA claims they never received the application even though you have a signed Registered Return Receipt proving that they did?If you posed the question of why the IRS created the EZ form while the VA took an easy form and turned it into 26 pages, it really is self explanatory. One wants your money and the other hedges their bets they can keep their money.This mindset is nothing new. For insight as to how long this treatment and mentality has been permitted and promoted, one need look no further than what was done to the Bonus Army when our veterans marched into Washington in 1932 demanding what had been promised. Not much has changed in 77 years. Do yourself a favor and Google Bonus Army. Youll be enlightened for having done so.I know there are a lot of good hardworking people at the VA and local offices who have the right intent, but they are only acting under the directives they have been given. What I want to know is who signs the memo authorizing these practices.When bonuses hinge on giving a veteran the lowest possible disability rating rather than the rating they deserve, Im hard pressed to believe that this qualifies as acting in the veterans best interest. Make no mistake here, there is a vested interest, but somewhere along the way the interest got shifted to self serving.Like solving any other mystery follow the money.Until such time that the VA can get its house in order, I think the individuals who do nothing but help file for Improved Pension and have no hidden agenda or want to sell you anything, should have the right to provide the same assistance as your accountant does. Most of these well intended folks have to stay behind closed doors for fear of retribution by the VA for actually helping a veteran make a correct application.The VA will argue that the veteran is entitled to assistance with filing for free, but when the SO of the office you walk into knows nothing about the pension, or says you dont qualify, when actually you do, free comes at a pretty hefty price.Yes these folks (the good ones) who work secretly behind the scenes helping veterans and their families should be able to charge a modest fee for their expertise and assistance, but the VA will never sanction anything of the likes, they have too much to lose.There would be too many applications to approve with no reason to deny them. There are budgets to be justified, bonuses to be earned, and credits for getting a Service Organization assigned as Claimants Representative rather than the family member so that you cant call and inquire about the status of the claim. The SO isnt paying the monthly bill so they wont have much motivation to follow up and press for a ruling or approval. And lastly they are busy making sure that no one other than them can take advantage of a veteran or widow.The IRS has a few free months before it is tax season again. Maybe they can step in and show the VA how to get the job done. Better yet, instead of employees getting bonuses for the highest number of denied applications or lowest disability ratings given, how about an imposed penalty with incurring interest for any application that takes longer than 90 days to process!

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Todays Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) can take many different shapes and forms.As recent as ten years ago, when people referenced SNFs, they were generally talking about a traditional long term care nursing home. In recent years, the SNF model has evolved to include specialized short term rehabilitation centers, geared towards helping people return home after a serious illness, injury or operation. These centers are staffed with a team of licensed therapists, compassionate nurses and doctors.Admission eligibility depends on a few factors. First, are you in need of long term care or short term rehabilitation services? If you are in need of short term rehabilitation and you have Medicare or private insurance, both will help pay for these services. Prior to entering a SNF, Medicare beneficiaries must have been hospitalized for a minimum of three consecutive nights. Medicare covers the first 20 SNF days paid in full. Days 21-100, the Medicare beneficiary either pays a daily co-insurance rate or may have opted for a secondary insurance that picks up these co-payments. Medicaid traditionally pays for long term care services.What should you do if youre discharged home but dont feel strong enough to be home? Medicare allows a 30-day window for people who return home to be admitted into a SNF, as long as the patient was in the hospital for at least three consecutive midnights. There is no need to readmit to the hospital, as you can be directly admitted to a SNF.There are multiple skilled nursing facilities in your area, how should you choose where to go? www.Medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare offers a reliable rating system based on staffing, quality measures and health inspection outcomes. Understanding the 5-star rating system is crucial to ensuring that you receive exceptional clinical care from a reputable facility. New SNFs will not obtain their 5-star rating until after one year of operation. As with rated facilities, it is incredibly beneficial to schedule a tour for yourself or a loved one to gain understanding about your SNF of choice. While on a tour of the SNF be sure to observe the staff friendliness, building cleanliness, amenities and overall feel of the facility. Its our privilege to guide you through this process and be your personal resource on the path to optimal wellness.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Chad James, N.H.A. Chad James is the Executive Director for The Center at Lowry and may be reached at 303-676-4000.

Drinking Enough FluidsIts important for your body to have plenty of fluids each day. Water helps you digest your food, absorb nutrients, and then get rid of the unused waste.With age, some people may lose their sense of thirst. To further complicate matters, some medicines might make it even more important to have plenty of fluids.Drinking enough fluids every day also is essential if you exercise regularly. Check with your doctor, however, if youve been told to limit how much you drink.Go4Life has the following tips: Try to add liquids through out the day. Take sips from a glass of water, milk, or juice between bites during meals. Have a cup of low-fat soup as an afternoon snack. Drink a full glass of water if you need to take a pill. Have a glass of water before you exercise or go outside to garden or walk, especially on a hot day. Remember, water is a good way to add fluids to your daily routine without adding calories. Drink fat-free or low-fat milk, or other drinks without added sugars. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so sensibly and in moderation. That means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men. Dont stop drinking liquids if you have a urinary control problem. Talk with your doctor about treatment.This article was extracted from the following website:www.nia.nih.gov/Go4LifeGo4Life is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Currently, every nursing home is continuously being branded with its own overall 5-star rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMC).This forced ranking system used to be a derivative of three separate analytical sources: health inspections (prior 3 years), staffing and QMs-quality measures (Nursing Home Compare combines 16 QMs, a subset of the 24 QMs listed on Nursing Home Compare) to create a providers QM rating. QMs are derived from clinical data reported by each nursing home and are compared across the country and to every other nursing home by state respectively on Nursing Home Compare (Medicare.gov). This rating system provides the public with profound insights into the quality of care and outcomes to expect from providers.Effective April, 2016 CMS added six new QMs, five are implemented now and the sixth involving antianxiety/hypnotic medication use is being postponed. These metrics are evident on Medicare.gov and consist of: % of short-stay residents who were successfully discharged to the community, % of short-stay residents who have had an outpatient emergency department visit, % of short-stay residents who were re-hospitalized after a nursing home admission, % of short-stay residents who made improvements in function, % of long-stay residents whose ability to move independently worsened and the % of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication.In summary, understanding the metrics behind the Medicare 5-star rating system can mean the difference between accepting substandard care and receiving the exceptional clinical care and specialty quality services our loved ones deserve. To gain further discernment into this rating system, log on Medicare.gov, Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare, and click on Spotlight in the bottom left or on find nursing homes to reveal details of their measures. Whereas no system could guarantee a consumer with any level of care, it does provide consumers a vivid breakdown of what can be expected and what others experienced. Consumers would be best served to utilize this five star rating tool alongside other sources of information and an in-person visits to better determine which provider to trust and would be most suitable for their health needs.Editors Note: Submitted by Gerry Lafont MPA, NHA; Executive Director of Operations with The Center at Centennial, 719 685-8888 or glafont@centeratcentennial.com.

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What is the most significant change youve seen in your industry over the past year?With advancements in technology, audiology and hearing aids can now be offered as a fully mobile service. From the initial consultation, testing, diagnose to treatment, Doctors Hearing can fully take care of a patient in the comfort of their own home.What about further in the future?Treatment for tinnitus (ringing in the ears) has significantly advanced over the last 10 years. Previously, patients were told, I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do for you. You will just have to learn to live with the ringing. Current tinnitus treatments are highly effective in reducing ringing in the ears. However, I am excited to see what the next 10 years hold for advancements in tinnitus treatment.What are three key challenges your industry is facing?The three key problems facing Audiology, in SWFL, can be summed up in one phrase, Sales, sales, sales! Unfortunately, just about on every corner and even in big box stores, hearing aids have sadly turned into a retail industry. Since when do people shop for medical treatment in retail? And most patients are not informed that there is a difference. In fact, in Collier County I could count on one hand the number of Doctors of Audiology. Yet to most outside of the field, it looks like there are dozens of medical professionals. In reality, there are dozens of sales people. My advice to patients searching for proper medical care is to look at the credentials and work with a Doctor of Audiology. Just like a dentist is the doctor to see when one has problems with teeth, a Doctor of Audiology is the professional to see when one has problems with hearing loss, tinnitus or balance.What is your superpower? What strength or talent that has contributed most to your success?I worked in private practices in Naples for 7 years before opening my own practice. I would hear the same complaints from patients over and over, I cannot driveI do not have transportation until next week The office is so far away In SWFL there is a demand for aging in place. Many older adults want to keep their independence for as long as possible. In opening my practice, I knew that I wanted to meet this previously unserved need.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Doctors Hearing, Dr. Ann Rasmussen.

With the Medicare annual election period right around the corner its that time again when your mailboxes will be filled with fliers and ads from every insurance company you have heard of and some you may not have heard of; but the question is? What do I need to know?Oct. 1st - This is the time when brokers and insurance company representatives can tell you about their plans details, but no selling allowed!Oct. 15th thru Dec. 7th AEP, is the election period in which a Medicare beneficiary may shop around and make a change to their current MAPD plan, which stands for Medicare Advantage plan (HMO or PPO type Plan) with Prescription Drugs, or they may elect a plan for the first time if they hadnt done so previously. If a beneficiary is on a Medicare supplement and a stand-alone Part D drug plan, they may change their plan to a MAPD plan and vice-versa. It is important to know that the last plan you enroll in is the plan that will be in affect for Jan. 1st.Jan. 1st thru Feb. 14th is also an election period called the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment period. This period is a time where a beneficiary who has a MAPD plan can switch from the MAPD and go back to Original Medicare with a Medicare supplement and a Part D Rx Plan. Coverage would start on the first of the following month.How to pick a plan? What company? $100 vs $0 premiums?Words of advice: Be sure to find a plan your doctors accept, and make sure all your prescriptions are covered. Find a broker who represents all the companies who offer MAPD plans, and multiple Medicare Supp. plans so you can have choices.When shopping for MAPD plans take careful notice of your Out Of Pocket Maximum, this is the part where during one calendar year it is the most you are responsible for paying in co-payments and co-insurances for the medical expenses covered by your plan. Prescription co-pays and co-insurances have their own guidelines. Supplement or Medigap Plans vs. MAPD plans?Medigap supplement plans are going to run around $220 a month in premium but have little or no co-pays or coinsurance during the year for qualified Medicare expenses not fully covered by Original Medicare.Medigap plans do not have prescription coverage but must be purchased separately for around $25 to $45 a month.MAPD plans will have a co-pays for doctors and hospital visits and typically will have a network, so it is very important that you check with your doctors to make sure they except the plans. A plan that has no premium will have a larger out of pocket maximum, and a MAPD plan that has a $100 premium will have less of an out of pocket maximum.Can I get some help paying for all this?The answer is YES: Its called the Medicare Savings Program.If you are married and make under $3266 a month in income, or $2413 as a single, you will no longer have to pay the Part B premium that is deducted from your Social Security Check every month, and you will also get Prescription help.Paying less than $7 dollars a month for brand named drugs, and about $2 dollars for generics.If you make below 2,069.11 as a single and $2,802.08 as a couple, you are also entitled to extra benefits that will help you with co-payments and co-insurances in hospitals and doctor visits.More info can be found on the following information on Www.figlarinsurance.com, www.medicare.gov, and www.ct.govThis article was submitted byMarc Figlar, Certified Senior AdvisorMarc can be reached at 203-394-3447

How do I keep my Parents safe and at home?As my parents and grandparents age, I often compare the struggles they face now to the struggles I faced growing up. My safety and well-being were always first and foremost in their minds.Now that I am older, I find myself having those same feelings about safety and well-being. Only this time, its me worried about my parents safety. I finally understand what I put them through; I have the same loving concern for their safety that they had for me. Since the biggest concern for most older adults is staying independent and living at home for as long as possible, you must find the right home care agency that can help.As you or your loved ones are trying to navigate the complicated health care system, you must find a home care agency that is also an advocate and can help ask the right questions. In choosing the right home care agency here is a list of things to consider.Do they provide free care management/advocation to ensure you get the right help?Do they have a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) on staff?How committed are they to the community? Do they volunteer? Do they donate back to the community?Are they a resource center? Can they help you find other services you might need or help you find the right senior living option if you cant stay home?How do they train their staff, how long is the training, and what benefits do they offer their staff?Can they help you find ways to pay for care other than you paying out of pocket? Do they take Medicaid? Can they help you easily get Veterans benefits?The biggest thing to remember as you or your loved ones are facing difficult health care challenges is that you are not alone. There are experts out there ready to help.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jake Rankin, CEO Talem Home Care & Placement Services, MBA, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) He may be reached at 720-789-7350 or at Jake@Talemhc.com.

Activities Bring Pleasure to Individuals with AlzheimersIt is very important to keep those with Alzheimers active in hobbies and interests that gave them pleasure prior to their Alzheimers diagnosis. Those activities can help improve quality of life in several ways, such as: Foster emotional connections with others Encourage self-expression Stir memories Lessen anxiety and irritability that the Alzheimers diagnosis will bring Make those afflicted with Alzheimers feel more involved with lifeSuggested Activities for Those with AlzheimersBelow are 10 activities that you can do with your loved ones. At certain times of the day, some activities may work better than others. Please understand that the persons level of interest or involvement in the activity may decrease as their Alzheimers progresses. Use music to spark memories in people with Alzheimers. Sing songs, play their favorite music. Use live music, or CDs. Radio stations with too many commercials cause confusion. Do arts and crafts, painting or knitting. Keep projects and patterns simple. Organize office or household items such as buttons according to color. Organize loose change according to denomination. This is extremely important for those who used to take pleasure in organizational tasks. Clean around the house, sweep the patio, wipe the table, fold towels or try other household tasks that help the person feel a sense of accomplishment. Tend to the garden. Read the newspaper. Look at books that they used to enjoy. Engage them with family photos and videos. Cook or bake simple recipes together. Work on puzzles together.Be Supportive and Flexible in your ApproachIf your loved one resists the activity, then have them take a break. You can try again later, or ask them how the activity can be changed to make it more enjoyable for them. Remember to concentrate on the process of the activity and not the results. It does not matter if you never finish the project together. What matters is that your loved one enjoyed the time spent on it, and felt useful.Editors Note: This article was submitted by MaryAnn Ciambriello, RB, BSN, owner of Alzheimers & Dementia Care, LLC; www.alzdementiacare.com. She can be reached at 203-520-0116 or Alzdementiacare@gmail.com. See ad on page

To learn more aboutActive Home Health, Hospice and Personal Care, CLICK HERE.Active Home Health and Hospice was created with the goal of improving the standard of patient care in the home setting and actively serving those we care for in their journey through life. The ownership consists of local Registered Nurses and Healthcare Administrators that recognized a need in the community and wanted to make a positive impact on patient care. Although there are many Home Health and Hospice companies in Utah, we wanted to raise the bar by providing excellence in patient focused care. Active Home Health and Hospice is locally owned and operated, with over 25 years of combined healthcare experience. Our mission is to stand for excellence in patient service and care. We pledge to lead by example in the community by placing patient care where it belongs, above profit. We believe in hiring attentive caregivers nurtured in a culture of mutual respect and accountability. Actives employees feel empowered because their input is needed and appreciated. Our wonderful caregivers provide patients with loving, respectful, personal care in the comfort of their own home. We believe in providing end of life care with the comfort and dignity that our patients deserve. We always strive to promote the well-being and maximum independence of our patients, and above all we love those we serve! Our commitment to you and your loved ones is excellence. We are honored you would choose Active as your care team during your time of need. You have our commitment that we will place you first as we serve you through this unique part of your lifes journey. Sincerely, Your Active Care Team

Heart attacks kill more people in the U.S. than any other single disease.Chest pain is the most common symptom reported. The sensation is described as tightness, squeezing or heaviness in the chest. Some people experience pain in the left arm, neck and jaw. It is critical to have all symptoms of a possible heart attack assessed and monitored by a physician who specializes in heart disease treatment.Heart pain can be difficult to point to with a single finger, explains Louis J. Scala, MD, a Board Certified physician with specialization in Cardiology. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating and feeling anxious. We pay attention to symptoms and monitor the individuals risk factors.Your physician addresses both modifiable risk factors (smoking, diet, exercise) and non-modifiable risk factors (age, genetics, gender). Risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and high stress can improve with medications and lifestyle modifications, with physician supervision.Understanding heart attack symptoms and your risk factors can save your life or that of a loved one. Dont guess. Always have symptoms evaluated by a physician.Editors Note: Louis J. Scala, MD, Cardiac Care Group, LLC is located at 3208 Chiquita Blvd. S., Suite 110, Cape Coral, FL. Call 239-574-8463 or visit www.flccg.com.

RSV is a highly contagious potential life threatening illness. We are now enrolling participants over 60 in our RSV vaccine research study.

Why would we call arthritis the silent disease? Most people don't recognize the signs and symptoms of arthritis as they begin to get them. Arthritis is not an injury and does not happen overnight. Arthritis is actually part of the aging process, and while aging cannot be prevented, we can learn how to age gracefully.Based on 2010-2012 data from the National Health Interview survey an estimated 52.5 million, or 23% of adults, have been diagnosed with arthritis. Additionally, 23 million adults have some type of activity limitation.Its projected that by 2030 more than 67 million adults will be diagnosed with arthritis. Of those, 25 million will have activity limitations.So, what can be done?Obesity is a known risk factor for the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Mechanically speaking, body weight is a 1:4 ratio. This means that one pound of added body weight translates into four pounds of pressure in the knees and hips. Simply losing 10 pounds can relieve 40 pounds of pressure in the lower extremities.Did you know that obese adults are up to four times more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis? Reduction in body weight can be a significant healthy improvement in the lives of those with arthritis.Movement has been proven time and time again to benefit those with arthritis. Most people who have been diagnosed with arthritis report that they have no leisure time activities in their lives. That is considerably higher than those without arthritis.Those who suffer with arthritis also suffer from other diseases associated with inactivity, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and other limitations. Physical activity not only reduces the symptoms of arthritis, but lowers the risk of other conditions associated with low activity.Not surprisingly the CDC reports that arthritis is the number one disability in the United States. The most common reported disability is difficulty climbing a flight of stairs or walking three blocks. That means that 1 in 10 adults have trouble walking a distance comparable to walking from a parking lot to the back of a large store or strolling through the mall.The TOSH Arthritis Program is a multi-disciplinary program designed to help people with arthritis become more physically active and to help them better manage their arthritis symptoms. Simply put, if you have arthritis, we can help improve the quality of your life.Editors Note: this article was written by Dale Aguirre of the TOSH Arthritis Program. For more information or questions, please call the TOSH Arthritis Program at 801-314-2210.

Encouraging Older Adults to Be More IndependentSep 22, 2021|Caregivers,Eldercare,teleCalm Caregiver Phone ServiceAs we continue to live longer lives than the generations before us, quality of life issues for an aging population become more pressing than ever. AARP reports 90% of seniors wish to remain in their own homes, rather than move in with their children, or to an assisted living facility. In the case they begin to need daily assistance, the number wishing to stay in their own homes still remains high at 82%.Staying at homeBack in 2015, JAMA Internal Medicine researchers found thatalmost 2 million seniorsover the age of 65, or nearly 6% of Americans in the age group (excluding nursing home residents), rarely or never left their homes. This is a greater number than the total population of residential nursing homes at 1.4 million. There areseven key risk factorsfor loss of independence including poor mental or physical health, social isolation, unsuitable environment and unsuitable living conditions.For those defined as housebound not leaving home in the prior 30 days 80% have dementia. For the semi-housebound those who dont go out alone this figure remains high at 60%. In these cases, telephone services such asteleCalmare useful in providing peace of mind for seniors, their families and caregivers. Maintaining regular contact strengthens networks and combats isolation.Senior care communitiesIndependence means many things. For some its the freedom to continue to enjoy life with some adjustments. Suburban living can be a lot of effort with many amenities only reachable by car. Senior care communities in cities, with access to public transport and more facilities nearer to hand are becoming very popular, with many being developed in the affluent and cultural areas, for example. Staff can then cover the basics such as chores and catering to allow residents to spend more time on more fulfilling activities that the community in them and the city around them provide.Assisted livingFor seniors living in assisted living facilities and their loved ones, maintaining open lines of communication with carers and facility managers is vital in helping seniors maintain their independence. As part of theirhealthcare management educationthey will have undergone specialized training in running senior living facilities and their expertise can help shape positive outcomes.Its common for carers to organize social events, both within and outside the care home and assist in things like running small errands. By creating a suitable environment and living conditions whereby seniors in assisted living facilities are treated as individuals, research shows theyll stay more independent for much longer. Seniors may need help, but their own preferences being acknowledged and supported by care staff can help people stay more autonomous for longer and increase quality of life commensurately.Specially written forteleCalmBy: Razia JacineWant to contribute an article to teleCalm? Contact us atinfo@teleCalmProtects.comStill have questions?Call888-701-0411.Talk with our US-based Customer Success team.Let us know what you think.Were here to help you!

When the radio starts to play something with a beat, do you tap your feet and bob your headalmost without realizing it? Well, were here to say: Dont fight it! Let loose! Dancing is one of the best forms of exercise you can do to stay healthy. Dancing is an all-around workout that exercises all parts of your body and affects all of your major systems. Whether you like to waltz or samba or power down to a Reggaeton beat, you cant beat dancing for an all-around benefits smorgasbord. Plus, it just feels good! The best part is, you can enjoy dancing no matter what your age or body type. Do you like it slow and meditative? Try Yoga Trance/Dance. Or fast and rhythmic? How about Hip-Hop? Want to dance with a partner? Social Dancing is healthy, too. Whatever your favorite beat, theres a dance style out there ready for you. Following are just a few of the many benefits of taking to the dance floor:Dancing is Good for Your HeartCardio is where its at for most dance fitness routines! Even social dancing builds endurance and will have you breathing more deeply in no time. A study published in the journal Circulation found that, in a group of 130 patients with stable chronic heart failure, waltz dancing was a safe form of aerobic exercise. In the study, patients alternated 5 minutes slow and 3 minutes fast periods of dancing for a total of 21 minutes essentially, a safe form of interval training. After 8 weeks, dancers demonstrated increased endurance, stronger heart muscles, and expressed greater life satisfaction. Most dance classes contain elements of cardio, but if you want to go all-out, try Latin, Hip-Hop, Afro-Cuban, Zumba, Jazzercise, LaBlast, TurboJam, or Bokwaa program based on South African rhythms that blends high-energy cardio-respiratory, muscular, and flexibility moves, according to experts.Dancing is Good for Your Bones & JointsDancing is a weight-bearing activity; that means it is adding bone mass to your skeleton incrementally, making your bones and joints stronger. Combined with a healthy diet that includes calcium and vitamin D (talk to your doctor or a nutritionist), you might help yourself avoid osteoporosis later in life. Exercising your joints keeps them limber and strong, and regular exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness. In a small St Louis Medical Center study of 34 residents of a senior apartment complex (average age 80), participants were able to decrease the amount of pain medication they took by 39% after 12 weeks of a program of low-impact dance therapy.Dancing Helps You Breathe More DeeplyHow are you breathing right now? If youre sitting down reading this, chances are, youre taking small, shallow breaths. Most of us breathe like this all day, because we sit in the same position most of the time. Any type of exercise even if its just walking out to the mailbox! forces us to change our breathing pattern, and thats a good thing. When we dance, we have to breathe more deeply, drawing more rich oxygen into our lungs and into our bloodstream and exhaling more carbon dioxide. At the same time, were stretching our rib cage and back, swinging our arms and legs, and generally loosening up. Doesnt it feel good to take deep breaths and stretch once in a while?Dancing Improves Balance and CoordinationEveryones body changes as they grow older, and sometimes it takes time to adjust to our new body image. Do we even recognize the person in the mirror? Sometimes trying a different dance style helps with adjusting to a different body size or shape; for example, the Bollywood dance style is enhanced by curvier shapes. Dancing helps to improve self-confidence while improving balance and coordination. An 8-week study reported in Gerontology found that salsa dancing was a good way to help seniors improve postural strengthsomething that helps prevent falls. Ballet classes are another way to improve balance, as well as core strength and flexibility.Dancing Lightens Our Mood and Helps With InsomniaWhen you hear good news, you might feel like dancing with joy. Moving our body is a spontaneous expression of feeling good. Why else would we dance at celebrations such as weddings and graduations? Researchers are studying how dancing affects mood: A 2013 study published in The American Journal of Dance Therapy showed that participants who self-identified as depressed, anxious, or stressed improved after two weeks of tango lessons. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 73. At a one-month follow-up survey, participants were still feeling better. No partner? No problem! Many dance styles dont require one. Its the physical movement that makes the difference, not necessarily a particular dance step or style. If youre feeling a little blue, just turn on the radio to your favorite station and start moving to the music. [Note: Serious depression or anxiety always requires a doctors care. Dont try to diagnose or treat yourself. If youve been feeling sad or anxious or unable to sleep well for a couple of weeks or more, please talk to your doctor.]Dancing May Help Prevent DementiaThe workings of our brain are still a mystery in many ways, including what brings on the scary, complex patterns of memory loss known as dementia. Experts now believe that dancing may help prevent the onset of dementia, because having to think about complicated steps and making many small decisions in a small span of time helps to build new neural pathways. A study of 469 people over age 75 published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that participating in leisure activities such as board games, musicalinstruments, or sports was important for reduced risk of dementia; dancing was the only physical activity associated with that reduced risk, beating out such common sports activities as swimming, golf, and tennis.Dancing Can Help You Lose WeightA 30-minute dance class burns between 130 and 250 calories, about the same as jogging. Your class might go higher or lower, depending on its intensity. Social dancing is a great activity for weight loss, because it is an endurance event! Any high-energy cardio dance class that gives you a full-body workout also qualifies, such as Zumba, hip-hop, pole dancing, or belly dancing. Ballet will target your lower body, while Afro-Cuban dance will target your shoulders and back.What to Expect in a Dance ClassAlways read the course description thoroughly before registering for a class, and if youre not sure whether its right for you, ask to talk to the instructor. Be sure to mention any physical limitations or recent injuries you may have. Ask about what to wear and any accessories you should bring, if that information isnt mentioned in the course description (for instance, some classes might require bare feet or socks with grips on the bottom). There are dance classes appropriate for participants of all fitness levels. Dont tough it out and risk injury if you feel ill or uncomfortable.There are four broad categories of dance fitness classes: Cardio dance: for example Latin, reggaeton, hip-hop, social dancing Barre workouts: such as ballet Mind-body dance: including yoga/trance, Nia Sensual workouts: like pole dancing, belly dancing, hulaDance teachers often change up their choreography to stay fresh and keep up with the times, offering new music and new steps to prevent boredom. Dance class often becomes not only a fitness activity but a social event. However, if you cant attend a class with others, check out YouTube or rent a DVD from the library. Theres no reason not to try a dance class today!Written by Patricia Rockwood, Instructor and Staff Writer, Adult & Community Enrichment (ACE), Suncoast Technical College, Sarasota County District Schools. For information about dance classes, visit our website ace-sarasota.com or call our office (941) 361-6590.

There are a lot of different options for long-term care, as you can see from this book. Each comes with its own unique pros and cons. One of those is the cost of the care. Assisted living can range from the low $2,000s all the way up to $6,000+ per month. Memory care usually starts in the high $4,000s. Skilled nursing can go all the way up to $13,000 in Central Florida! If youre looking through this Senior Blue Book, theres a high likelihood that you or one of your loved ones is needing this type of care. However, from our experience, theres also a high likelihood that you dont know that there are benefits that can help you pay for it! Medicaid is a great option for skilled nursing or some assisted living facilities. Veterans benefits can be instrumental in helping our veterans and their spouses pay for assisted living or memory care. Here is the important thing about those benefits most people can qualify despite what they may believe or have been told. There are many ways to get qualified for these benefits while protecting you or your loved ones nest egg. The best part about this is that you can do so in ways that the benefits programs permit! Now, that doesnt mean that its easy or quick. Sometimes it can take months to get everything in place. If that means saving tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, its time and effort well spent. In order to make sure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, its important to work with an expert. Thats why so many Floridians choose the Family First Firm to guide them through these complex processes. The Family First Firms main office is located on Colonial Drive minutes from downtown Orlando, with satellite offices around Central Florida. The firm is fortunate to have a caring and compassionate team with extensive experience and uncomparable results. If you are interested in applying for Medicaid or Veterans benefits, you need to call 407-574-8125 for a free needs assessment.

You may have lived in your home for 50+ years. You may have raised your children in your home. You have worked your entire life to accumulate the items in your home. You wonder, how can I give up this home that is full of love and memories? Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:Is home maintenance becoming a problem?Is it time to live closer to my children or grandchildren?Is the home becoming a financial burden?If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to move on. Whether moving to another community or to a senior-supportive environment, you need a trusted SRES in your corner. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist is a Realtor that is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. Their mission is to help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial, legal and emotional issues that accompany the sale of a forever home.An SRES understands that this is a very stressful time for the family so they are patient and helpful during the process. Their decision to become an SRES is rooted in their desire to help others. It means that your Realtor has respect for seniors; has the ability to listen deeply and knows how to communicate the old-fashioned way with a handshake, a smile and a visit.An SRES will help you properly price your home for maximum benefit. They will help you prepare to sell by recommending their team of trusted professionals in doing necessary repairs, to assist you with an estate sale or to help stage the home. Finally, your SRES will counsel you, and keep you involved and updated, making the transaction less stressful and more successful.Editors Note: This article was written by Caryn Becker, Realtor & SRES with Century 21 Curbow Realty. She can be reached at 719-233-2489 or by email at caryn@carynbecker.com

There is a little-known pension for Veterans and their spouses to help pay for care costs. The Aid and Attendance Pension has been available for over 60 years, yet the VA estimates that millions of Veterans who qualify have not applied. Veterans earned this benefit by their service to our County. It is available for up to 20 hours per week of personalized care and completely paid for by the pension.Health costs covered by the pension are generally those not covered by Medicare. Maybe there is a need for some help around the house, with medicine reminders, meals or transportation to doctor appointments. The Aid and Attendance Pension provides from $1000 to $2000 per month to pay for these services. The pension is used for tasks that help a qualifying Veteran and their spouse live healthier or safer in their own residence.Aid and Attendance is a reimbursement pension. In-home care must be ongoing before the Veterans Administration pays the monthly benefit. Fortunately, there is a program that may pay for the care before the pensions disbursements begin and without recourse as long as the paperwork was conscientiously and accurately submitted. Therefore, Veterans and their spouses can have no out-of-pocket expenses for care before AND after the VAs eligibility determination. They never receive nor pay a bill for their care.The process to become qualified is laborious with a needs assessment, physicians evaluation and many forms. However, by working with an accredited Veterans Administrations agency, free guidance is provided to correctly present the application.To be eligible for the standard pension a Veteran must be at least 65 years of age, served as active military for 90 days during an approved time of war and received an honorable discharged. The spouse will need to provide a marriage certificate. Discharge certificates (DD-214 after 1950) can be restored if they have become lost. Help with the eligibility process is at absolutely no cost or obligation. Most Veterans and their spouses needing care will qualify.The important things for Veterans and their spouses to remember is that assistance is available to get the necessary forms completed, to help present their eligibility accurately, to pay for care before and after the pension begins and to help them live a higher quality of life. All these happen without any out-of-pocket expenses because of this unique program. More free information is available.Thousands of Veterans and their spouses have already utilized these services to start this pension paying for care. Those not receiving this benefit ought to consider applying for the Aid and Attendance Pension. Theyve earned it!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Mark O. Bowman. Dr. Bowman is the owner of Home Care Assistance of Utah and their office can be reached at 801.733.6100, by email atmbowman@homecareassistance.com

Kitchen Krush was developed locally with a passion to deliver revolutionary products to serve the needs of people.Are you frustrated with:1. A traditional cane that is hard to see with in the dark and too bulky to carry around?2. Attempts to open jars and have excruciating pain?3. Unable to reach for items in cupboards or bend over to pick something up?Kitchen Krush developed revolutionary products to serve.Finally Im able to open jars much easier. Send me your cards so I can start telling people about you!The reacher closes easily. I now have one in every room, in my car, and in my garage. I wouldnt give mine up for the world.Such a great cane, extremely solid and stable footing, makes you feel confident even on wet surfaces. Nicely adjustable up to 39 inches for tall people like me. The light is great also.For your convenience, you can order online at www.kitchenkrush.com or with our simple cut and mail order option. Do not miss out and select your favorite product(s) to have today!

To learn more about Anywhere Urgent Care, CLICK HERESummer in Colorado provides an endless array of opportunities to get out and soak up some sun. All while we enjoy all the beauty that nature has to offer. However, this doesnt come without some concerns about staying safe and healthy.We will address some of the most common health threats you can experience during the Colorado summer. And then well provide some tips to remain safe and active all summer long.Protect Yourself from SunburnsThe idea of being outdoors in the warm summer months is appealing to most people. With its endless array of nature trails, outdoor parks, and swimming holes, Colorado certainly has no shortage of beautiful ways to spend your day outside. However, its important to protect your skin while having fun in the sun. What are the best ways to do this? [1]Avoid the sun during peak hours:Described as the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., it can be helpful to avoid the sun when the rays are at their strongest. This isnt always feasible, as many outdoor activities take place during this time. Therefore, if you must be outdoors during this time, put these other tips into practice to protect yourself.Wear a wide-brimmed hat:The addition of a wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun off the delicate skin of your face and neck and help prevent painful burns.Use an Appropriate Sunscreen:If you have fair skin or tend to burn easily, be sure to use a high-quality SPF 30 or above sunscreen. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour before heading outdoors. If you are sweating or swimming, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours to provide maximum protection from dangerous and painful burns.Protect Yourself from Heat Exhaustion & DehydrationSpending too much time outdoors in extremely high temperatures can sometimes result in a condition known as heat exhaustion. Strenuous exercise can contribute to heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can cause uncomfortable cramping in its mildest form or result in a potentially fatal heatstroke in its most serious form. Use the following tips to protect yourself from heat exhaustion. [2]Take frequent breaks:When you feel yourself overheating, be sure to go into the shade or find an air-conditioned area to take a break in. Additionally, going swimming can provide some relief from overheating.Drink plenty of water:Having plenty of cold water on hand to drink can help prevent you from overheating and awill also protect you fromdehydration. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, as these tend to promote dehydration. Focus on pure, cold water for the best level of protection.Wear light-colored clothing:Dark clothing attracts and traps heat close to the skin, making you more prone to overheating. Wearing white or other light-colored clothing can help keep you cooler for a longer period of time.Protect Yourself from Altitude SicknessIt can be difficult to get used to a different altitude. As a result,altitude sicknesscan cause headaches, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and many other troublesome symptoms. Use the following tips to help avoid altitude sickness. [3]Ask your doctor for appropriate medication:In some cases, a prescription medication can help you adjust to a different altitude. Ask your doctor is this option might be right for you.Allow your body to adjust gradually:Altitude sickness can be prevented when you let your body gradually adjust to a new location. Dont engage in strenuous physical activities in a new area without first learning how your body is coping with the change in altitude. Take it easy at first until youve fully acclimated to your new area.Protect Yourself from Insect BitesWhen youre out in nature, insect bites are a fact of life. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from uncomfortable bites. [4]Wear bug spray:There are a variety of products now on the market that can be applied to the skin to deter insects from biting you. Additionally, candles using these same ingredients can be placed in gathering areas to keep pesky insects from bothering you.Avoid sweet perfumes:Insects are sometimes drawn to sweet fragrances such as hair products and perfumes. It is best to avoid these products when heading outdoors.Use insect nets:Gathering or eating areas can be covered with mesh nets that will keep insects from infiltrating the area. Quickly disposing of trash and food waste will also keep bees and wasps away, as they are naturally drawn to fermenting fruit and other foods.Having fun in the warm Colorado sun during the beautiful summer months is a worthy goal. Use these tips to make sure you and your family stay safe and healthy all summer long as you pursue your outdoor festivities.

SAINT ALPHONSUS MAKING A CRITICAL DIFFERENCE FOR SENIORS In response to the needs of an aging population, Saint Alphonsus Health System opened Senior ERs this past year within all their emergency departments in Boise, Eagle, Nampa (2 locations), Ontario and Baker City. Saint Alphonsus emergency staff are highly skilled and trained to provide the most advanced medical care for patients of all ages, said Sally Jeffcoat, President and CEO, Saint Alphonsus Health System. As part of our mission to heal body, mind, and spirit we have chosen to seek additional training and education and go even further to address an unmet need for this growing segment of our population. We are proud to be the first in Idaho and Oregon to create Senior ERs. Saint Alphonsus Senior ERs address the special medical needs, preferences and physical comforts of older adults and their caregivers. Beyond the typical ER visit, where staff focus on treating the medical issue at hand, the Senior ERTM goes deeper, assessing and addressing root causes for each visit . The care and attention senior patients receive is intended to make them feel more calm, safe, secure, informed and cared for. And caregivers can have greater peace of mind that staff are looking at their loved ones long-term needs. To create the Senior ERTM, Saint Alphonsus implemented fundamental changes in culture, physical environment and operations. Each Senior ERTM is run by a specially trained care team focused on providing a better, gentler, more patient-centered experience that produces better patient outcomes. Emergency Nurses have completed in-depth courses on Geriatric Emergency Nursing Education Emergency physicians have specialized knowledge in the care of seniors Pharmacists may review medications that could pose a problem or may have contributed to the patients ER visit Licensed social workers or case managers may be available to discuss care options and screenings with both the patient and the caregiver Facility modifications have been made to address the safety, comfort and communication for seniors, and may include: quieter setting for care pressure reducing mattresses hearing and vision aids large print appropriate flooring and lighting Saint Alphonsus has physical variations in each ER. In some locations, seniors will be treated in dedicated Senior ERTM space and in others all patient beds are outfitted for seniors. The Boise ER is currently under construction to expand to better serve the needs of seniors, so the accommodations will change during each phase of construction. No matter what physical variations you may encounter, all Saint Alphonsus staff have received the additional, specialized training and are committed to offer a similar Senior ERTM experience to all seniors accessing emergency services. Locations: Boise1055 N Curtis Road Eagle323 E Riverside Drive (Eagle Road/State Hwy 44) Nampa1512 12th Avenue Road Nampa4400 E. Flamingo Road (off I-84/Garrity Exit) Ontario351 SW Ninth Street Baker City3325 Pocahontas Road

A few weeks ago I was invited to a screening of the film Last Will and Embezzlement. The documentary, produced by filmmaker, Pamela S.K. Glasner, underscores the serious and imminent danger of elder exploitation and victimization after her own father, suffering from Alzheimers disease, was victimized. An individual, who befriended her mother, architected a series of events resulting in a bogus power of attorney which allowed the revision of wills and advanced directives eventually allowing complete control over her now-widowed fathers assets.Entertainer Mickey Rooneys plight with exploitation by a family member is also featured in the film. The 90 year old actor was granted protection from his step-children after he personally filed a case against them charging emotional and financial abuse. Through his civil action, Mr. Rooney was granted court-ordered protection and conservatorship of his estate. Later, in his testimony before the United States Senate urging for tougher laws to protect the elderly from fraud and exploitation he said If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody.Frustration and anger over what happened to her father prompted Ms. Glasner to produce the film with the hopes of preventing exploitation of other vulnerable adults and those who care for them. Additionally, her hope is to bring exposure to the need for more effective legislation to protect the elderly. I came away from the viewing with a greater appreciation for the plight of caregivers trying to protect loved ones who may not be competent to identify financial exploitation and abuse. The law provides many new vehicles and methods people can employ to help safeguard against exploitation. However, many people have not reviewed their legal documents for years and they may be outdated or no longer effective in achieving long-term goals. Many of us are too trusting of others and not vigilant about keeping our private information safe from identity theft. The film impressed me as a valuable tool to help educate the public about the ever-present danger of victimization and abuse. With that goal in mind, Senior Choices purchased a copy of the film and is scheduling viewings to help educate and empower the public to combat financial abuse and exploitation. If your organization or community would like to schedule a viewing of Last Will and Embezzlement, contact Senior Choices of Southwest Florida toll-free at 1-866-413-5337. If you suspect elder abuse, neglect or exploitation call the Elder Abuse Hotline toll-free at 1-800-962-2873 (1-800-96-Abuse). Senior Choices of Southwest Florida is an area agency on aging which contracts and receives funding from the Department of Elder Affairs to provide services to people age 60 and over and those who are disabled.Editors Note: Submitted by Marilyn Gregory, Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator, Senior Choices of Southwest Florida.

Facility is contracted to accept this Medicaid based program. New Choice Waiver is designed to help nursing home residents move to more independent community settings.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are not the same as Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Even though most people dont understand the differences, they are very different kinds of insurance. As such, the rules that the beneficiary must follow to receive health care are also very different. Make sure you understand these differences before enrolling.If original Medicare (Parts A & B) is your primary insurance, you are not restricted by HMO or PPO networks for your medical care. Without referrals, you may see any doctor or provider within the U.S. that agrees to see you.Sometimes you can shift drug coverage from Part D to Part B. If you are using insulin, pain medication, or certain inhalers (which can all be pricy, even under Part D), the same active ingredients may be available for use in insulin pumps, pain pumps or nebulizers. These devices are considered Durable Medicare Equipment (DME); therefore, the equipment, as well as the medications administered through the equipment, are covered under Part B, which in many cases will result in substantially lower out of pocket costs for the beneficiary. Talk to your doctor to see if this is an option for you.Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers are still allowed to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions,even with the ACA becoming law. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the ACA (Obamacare). When you apply for a Medigap policy outside of being new to Medicare (or recently turning 65), the insurance company in most cases can review your health history and deny coverage if you're health history or current condition doesn't meet their underwriting criteria. This hasn't change under the ACA. Note: There are numerous exceptions to this rule. Consult with a qualified Medicare advisor to learn more.You are allowed to change your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy any time throughout the year, not just at open enrollment. If you encounter a large rate increase at any time, you may apply for a Medigap from a different carrier. There are no calendar restrictions. Once approved, you can make the switch. Consult with your qualified Medicare advisor to learn more.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Bill Gundelfinger-Mr. Medicare of Total Retirement Alliance, Medicare Experts. Helping Medicare Beneficiaries get the most out of their health insurance. He can be reached at 720-675-8032 or 800-376-5450

FACT: 1% of Realtors in the United States is qualified to work with Seniors.As a Senior Real Estate Specialist I help seniors navigate the sale of their home by providing a patient, specialized, and compassionate one-stop service from start to finish. My full team eliminates all of the extra phone calls, interviewing, hiring, stress and costs that youll have to endure. A Realtor who knows how to help seniors and their family through this transition of selling their home and downsizing is very important. The National Association of Realtors created a special designation for Realtors who work with seniors. The Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) & Accredited Senior Agent (ASA) credentials guarantees that a Realtor has learned how to be the best best serve the needs of seniors who are selling their home. Call for a list of TRUSTED RESOURCES!

Kristin Sines, Owner of Nurse Next Door of Dallas NW, and Director of Happier Aging along with Michelle Duncan, Home Care Coordinator join Seniors Blue Book Publisher, Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN in this Senior Care Spotlight.Learn more about Nurse Next Door How Nurse Next Door's services work in conjunction with home health & hospice How they help hospitals decrease their remission rate Safety measures and procedure implemented during COVID-19 How their services work with long term insurance Happier Aging Culture Nurse Next Door covers all DFW since 2004Learn more about Nurse Next Door by watching the video belowNurse Next DoorSenior Care Spotlight | Nurse Next Door

To learn more about Assisted Living Locators, CLICK HERE.Its hard watching your loved one age. Suddenly it becomes clear that mom or dad can no longer live on their own, as their safety and well-being are at risk. As seniors are less able to stay home because of safety or security concerns, many families are caught in a position where they dont know which direction to turn.Senior care and senior living are a rapidly changing landscape of options, and the choices available to the average person looking for a new home can seem overwhelming. Its time to get informed.While navigating the senior care maze can be emotional and frustrating, there are resources available to you. This turning point is especially challenging since very often, the need is unexpected and immediate. An eldercare advisor can help bridge that gap by educating and informing you of the options that relate to your specific situation. An eldercare advisor can be an invaluable voice in sorting out the issues and bringing a fresh perspective to the situation.Here are 3 reasons why you need an eldercare advisor to help your family: Its an Emotional DecisionMaking decisions, sometimes fast decisions depending on your loved ones situation, can be emotional and stressful. We dont make our best or most informed decisions when we are faced with frustration and sadness. An Advisor is a Local Expert That Can Save You TimeEldercare advisors can provide an insiders view on local senior communities and short- and long-term care options. They can narrow down your list of communities to visit and ensure it is the right fit for your loved one. They visit communities regularly and have been working with families in your similar situation. Comprehensively trained, they are true experts and are a great resource for community, care and transition information. Its a Free Service!Eldercare Advisors are ready to help you find independent living, assisted living and memory care communities that meet your loved ones care needs.This article was submitted by Nikki Wulff, Owner of Assisted Living Locators. She can be reached at 402-926-9505

Wisdom perspective - time to do the things you enjoy these are just a few of the things gained with age. However, as we get older, we may have more difficulty performing tasks that were previously done with ease. We may find the day-to-day activities, more challenging, and that can be frustrating. It is important to understand that you do have options. While not every older adult is able to live completely independently, there are things that you can do to help support self-sufficiency, and maintain your independence now and in the future.Identify Challenges: Whether its out of embarrassment or concern, older adults sometimes hide the challenges they are facing from others, which can lead to stress and result in problems down the road. Identifying changes in abilities and accepting them is the first step to developing effective coping strategies. Make a list of the tasks that have become more challenging and focus on the most difficult. Identifying challenges can help you access the resources you need and gain a sense of control. Be sure to address your concerns with your physician, and dont let fear prevent you from seeking the care you need.Explore Solutions: Being empowered in the decision-making process is an essential component to maintaining your independence. After you have acknowledged the areas where you need assistance, pool your resources to identify solutions. Is there someone who is able and willing to help that you can delegate tasks to? Are there products or services that can assist you in better addressing your challenges? If driving has become more difficult, ask family and friends to set up a ride schedule or take advantage of public transportation and ride-sharing. If showering is becoming a challenge, consider purchasing a shower chair or installing an additional grab bar.Invest in Yourself: Physical activity, proper nutrition and mental stimulation are not only vital for good health, but they help you feel better inside and out! While youre at it, be sure to make time to nurture your hobbies, or take up new ones. Making an investment in your health and well-being now, will help you maintain your functional independence as long as possible.Create a Safe Home Environment: Youve probably hears the phrase a stitch in time saves nine. Taking a proactive approach with home safety can help prevent slips and falls, that can lead to injury and further mobility challenges. So, be sure to keep your home hazard free by removing throw rugs and securing lose electrical wires and other trip hazards. Organizing and labeling your personal items also creates an environment where you can remain comfortable and independent longer.Make Time for Socializing: Independence doesnt mean isolation. On the contrary, maintaining strong social relationships can provide us with the network we need to maintain an independent lifestyle. Whether its a weekly call with family, lunch with your neighbor, or game night with friends, make social time a part of your daily routine.Ask for Help: Asking for assistance when you are striving for independence may be counterintuitive, but it is important to recognize that everyone faces challenges throughout their life. There is no shame in asking for the assistance you need. In fact, utilizing supportive resources may help you maintain your independence longer, and that is everyones goal.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Molly K. Miceli, RN, BA.Molly is the Founder and CEO of LifeStyle Options, Inc. and may be reached at 847-240-7330 or by email at lifestyle@lifestyleoptions.com

Sometimes I am asked what planning documents are most important, and people are often surprised when I first mention the need for powers of attorney.A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that appoints a person to act as your agent in your absence or when you are unable to act for yourself. Depending upon how the document is drafted your agent can be authorized to make financial and health care decisions for you.Married couples frequently believe their spouse will be able to handle everything on their behalf should a need arise. This is simply not the case. For example, if a married couple owns property together, and one of them is mentally or physically incapacitated, without a proper POA the other spouse would need to be appointed as a guardian for the incapacitated spouse in order to sell the property. This would likewise apply to investment and retirement accounts and other types of property.Another area where a lack of a Power of Attorney can create problems is in healthcare decision making. Do not make the mistake of believing you have the right to make health decisions for your parent or spouse if they are unable to do so. A Durable Power of Attorney should be in place to deal with these situations or you could end up in court seeking a guardianship order so you can take care of a loved one.Court proceedings can be quite costly in that they involve court filing fees, attorney fees, physicians fees, and other costs. These can be avoided with some simple planning. When my wifes mother suffered a stroke we were able to administer her affairs because we had planned in advance. We never had to go to court, and my wife took care of all her mothers financial and medical needs without ever having to obtain court permission.Moreover, do not be fooled by a one size fits all power of attorney. POAs need to be drafted with your specific needs in mind, so do not trust your needs to something that can be pulled off the web. It could be a very costly mistake.Editors Note: This article was submitted by William H. Moller. Bill is an attorney with The Moller Law Group, LLC and may be reached at 719-687-2328 or by email at whmoller@mollerlawgroup.com.

The benefits of a Pre-Arranged Funeral Plan removes the decision-making burden from the survivor by making personal choices will in advance of needMakes sure services and merchandise you choose now will be guaranteed, no matter what the cost in the futureAll growth earned in the plan adds to the final benefit, with excess refunded to the survivorsA variety of payment plans are available to meet any familys needsThe plan is transferable if the insured moves from the area. When transferred, the receiving mortuary or funeral home determines status of the price guaranteePlans can provide First Day Coverage (two or three health questions), or be Guaranteed Issue (no health questions) depending on the individuals healthThe Plan may be made Irrevocable to preserve the ability to obtain any government assistance in the futurePlan is Insured through a national insurance company. The consumer enjoys risk protection during payment periodAccidental Death Benefit included for Guaranteed Issue multi-year contractsTransportation Benefit (additional $500) if death occurs 250 or more miles away from principal residence, and basic plan exceeds $2000Grandchild Protection plan ($2,500 benefit) for a nominal premium at the time of applicationWhen you plan ahead, you will never be caught off guard. By choosing a pre-arranged funeral plan you can take the financial and emotional burden off of your loved ones. You can be sure that your choices are honored while giving peace of mind to those left behind.This article was submitted by Caesar Procunier, Pre-Need Counselor for Broomhead Funeral Home. He can be reached at 801-633-8238 or 801-254-3389 - broomfh@msn.com www.broomheadfuneralhome.com

To learn more about Pathlights, CLICK HEREMission, Ethos, and Commitment to Serviceand Excellence Remains the Same.PLOWS Council on Aging has officially become Pathlights, a name developed in partnership with the community, to better reflect the organization today and respond to the future.Pathlights helps guide adults 60 years of age and over, adults with disabilities, their caregivers, families, and friends along their best path to aging providing resources, advocacy, programs, and services needed to live with independence and dignity in the community. To make the transition smooth, the nonprofit will continue to reference formerly known as PLOWS Council on Aging in its communications for the next several months.The launch of our new brand is a clear indication that the community is ready to evolve, even during the most challenging of times, said Kenneth Grunke, Executive Director at Pathlights. We are very proud that even under a new name, our critical programs and services continue without interruption during the pandemic and our team of professional staff and dedicated volunteers remain steadfast providing essential care and attention that is needed now more than ever. We also take great pride in working with our partners to help empower individuals to take the steps that can enhance their lives, while shedding light on the many options and multiple paths to aging.Grunke said the nonprofit committed to the name change more than a year ago. Over time, we learned that the name PLOWS was confusing and misleading. While an acronym for some of the Townships served, it focused on our geographic area, but failed to speak to our mission and ability to provide critical comprehensive programs and services. Furthermore, Council on Aging gave the impression of being government run or owned. So, we began a thoughtful and comprehensive process involving significant and diverse community feedback to help us identify this new brand name, tagline, logo, and visual identity. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jennifer Petterson, Marketing and Communications, at Pathlights. For information, call 708/361-0219 or visit www.pathlights.org and follow us at https://www.facebook.com/PATHLIGHTSIL/

Soaking in the easy Florida lifestyle, Marty and Sue Raskie relish each day of their hard-earned retirement. After more than 40 years of working in health care, the couple knew it was time to determine the best fit for their long-term care plans.I was a pharmacist for many years and Sue was a registered nurse, so we know what happens on the other end of it, Marty Raskie recalls. We know how difficult it is to arrange for health care for older people when there are limited resources. Its kind of like you wouldnt go to court without a lawyer, so you dont want to go into health care without an advisor.The Raskies are members of Senior Choice at Home, a Continuing Care at Home Program, the only one of its kind in the state of Florida. This helps seniors stay in the comfort of their homes longer, adding to their independence and quality of life. This program is referred to as a Continuing Care Retirement Community Without Walls, which wraps around you inside your home. The membership-based program provides comprehensive long-term care and personal care services for older adults who prefer to age in place, with the assurance that future living arrangements are secured and covered in their membership.We dont have a close support system anymore because our children have all moved away, so we needed that umbrella system to know that if we became disabled or anything would happen, there would be somebody there to take care of us. They would coordinate the care, get us what we need and help us with finding the right retirement home, Marty says.A 2021 AARP survey shows that 77% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their homes for the long term, which has been a consistent number for more than a decade. As an alternative to moving into a retirement home, Senior Choice at Home enables active seniors to live independently among friends and neighbors, while being treated to the highest level of care at home.One of the things that impressed me the most is that theyre very proactive, Marty explains. Our care coordinator comes out to the house regularly, and we can contact her at any time. While they are checking you out, they will also check your home for things like tripping hazards and that you have a fire extinguisher.Now more than ever, thousands of seniors across the country are opting to receive continuing care at home. With Senior Choice at Home, Marty sleeps better at night knowing its seamless network of care provides all the services they need to live safely in their own home, including personal care coordination, home inspections and emergency response system services.When you get up in the middle of the night, you dont have to worry anymore, Marty states. You dont have to think about what happens if you fall and break your leg. You can call your care coordinator, so they can take care of the next steps for you.When a member needs medical attention, Senior Choice at Homes personal care coordinators are at their side, helping them to navigate through the health care journey. Their needs may range from a short stay in skilled nursing for rehabilitation or support from home health aides, who can assist with bathing, grocery shopping, cooking and other tasks.Senior Choice at Home gives members peace of mind knowing if and when needs change, support will be there to provide every level of care, every step of the way.To learn more, about the author, Senior Choice at Home, CLICK HERE!

To learn more aboutPioneer Valley Lodge,CLICK HERE.Time and again, research shows that seniors who have a close group of friends tend to live longer than people who dont. Creating, nurturing, and maintaining friendships is hard in adulthood but the health benefits outweigh the potential stress that comes with fostering new relationships. Here are four health benefits of friendship for older adults:No More LonelinessLoneliness is a common feeling among seniors, even those in senior living facilities. Studies have revealed that 17% of seniors are in contact with friends, relatives, or neighbors once a week, with 11% in contact just once a month. In fact,millions of older adultssay their television is their main form of company. And loneliness can have a big impact on a persons mental health and awareness.Cognitive AbilityOne of the most important benefits of friendship in older adults is it can boost your cognitive ability. Social interactions with other people stimulate the brain in an array of cognitive functions. Communication skills, for instance, are an integral part of successful relationships and you will keep your communication skills sharp by talking to your friends.Navigate TraumaEveryone experiences trauma, big or small, so its important to find healthy ways to navigate events such as illness, loss, grief, or divorce. Having a friend or two can help older adults cope with trauma, connect on similar issues, and heal.Be More ActiveFriends can also encourage each other to be more active! While you might not be inclined to take a daily walk normally, with the company of a friend, you might both start walking every day. It stops feeling like exercise and starts feeling like time to catch up with your friend. Friendships also increase a persons sense of belonging and purpose, an element thats extremely important for your mental health. The value friends bring to seniors is priceless, so next time you second-guess starting up a new relationship, think about all the benefits you will see from it!

A New Decade, A Fresh and Safe StartWith the start of a new decade, it's a great time to get a fresh start. Make your space safe and comfortable by getting rid of the stuff you really dont need or want anymore. The challenge is deciding what to let go of. Here are some helpful tips to consider.Only keep what you LOVE and what you NEED.Everything else is just more stuffget rid of it!!Ask yourself whats the worst thing that will happen if you let go of this item?When is the last time you used this item?If its been more than a year, its not worth keeping.Did this item come into your life for a reason (one time occasion), a season (for a little while) or a lifetime (a forever keeper)?If it has a special memory but you really dont want it in your space anymore, take a picture of it and then let it go.Would you enjoy the money youd get from selling the item more than keeping the item itself?Here are some helpful tips for purging papers!Schedule a particular time on your calendar to do this project.Get support from someone in your life before you start, and plan on reporting to them after to share your success!Make it pleasant, put on music that is soothing and uplifting, preferably instrumental.(Lyrics can clutter your brain when youre trying to concentrate on this project!) Light a candle, open a window, get the air smelling good and fresh.Remove all bills and statements that are from the previous year.If they need to be kept for tax purposes or permanent records, file them in your archive files Shred or recycle the rest.Remember: Tax files only need to be kept for seven years.Glance through ALL of your files to purge what is no longer relevant. Example: Outdated events and documents, closed accounts, instruction manuals for items you no longer own, etc.Reward yourself in some special way when you have finished!Its going to feel GREAT to get this handled, so go for it!!If you are not able to complete these tasks on your own, hire a professional organizer.The cost will be offset by your increased safety and happiness.Editors Note: The author, Cheryl Chandler, is a Professional Organizer experienced in handling the needs of seniors. Please call her at (801) 759-1195 for a FREE 15-minute Phone Consultation.

According to a recent study by Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA), consumer choice---your choice---is now a primary force changing healthcare in America. Todays consumers are more savvy and skeptical. You want to know what youre getting for your money. You also expect user-friendly interfaces, plus a variety of provider and product options that best suit your needs.Perhaps the consumer choice trending with the broadest implications is home-based care. We all know that the "graying of America" is a very real phenomenon. Studies tell us that by 2019, people older than 65 years will outnumber those younger than five years and the population of people 80 and over will triple between 2010 and 2050.As Americans age and live longer, an increasing number of people will experience a chronic condition or, more likely, multiple ones. Many experts forecast dire fiscal implications as a result.There's very little doubt that in-home healthcare provides a cost-saving measure. One example is cited by Dr. Steven Landers, CEO of VNA Health Group, who says a person who undergoes surgery and is transitioned to home care for a month can expect a bill for about $1,200?as opposed to a $12,000 bill for a skilled nursing facility. While he notes that in some cases patients need a range of medical help that only a nursing home can provide, "more people can go home."There's a wealth of information available to help guide patients and loved ones in all aspects of the decision-making process. For the first time, Medicare officials have posted online quality scores for more than 3,800 hospice providers. These public rankings help you make informed choices about important aspects of hospice care, plus they encourage providers to improve their services. Comprehensive information on home health can also be found at www.medicare.gov, including a provider ratings guide, staffing and services, checklists and other helpful tips.Pennsylvania, along with thirty-six other states, has enacted the Caregiver Advice, Record, and Enable (CARE) Act, which requires hospitals to help designate a family caregiver, take steps to notify that person of discharge plans, and teach the caregiver how to perform follow-up in-home medical tasks.For most of us opting for home health or home-based hospice care services, the choice is a fulfillment of our heartfelt wishes. Older Americans overwhelmingly express a desire to age in place and receive care at home rather than in institutional settings. An AARP survey found that nearly three quarters of a survey population of those age 45-plus strongly agreed with the statement, What Id really like to do is stay in my current residence for as long as possible._________________________________________Editors Note: This article was contributed by Wendy Shumaker, Asst. Director of Marketing for Homeland Hospice, HomeHealth and HomeCare.

The Longest Day is all about love. Love for all those affected by Alzheimers disease. On the summer solstice, June 21, 2018, participants will team up to do an activity they love or an activity loved by those affected to help end Alzheimers. What people do on The Longest Day is up to them! This is a way to honor someone living or lost to the disease by selecting one of their favorite hobbies, or select an activity that honors a caregiver. Or, do what they are passionate about to recognize this important day.To demonstrate the commitment our participants have to our fight, we ask each team to raise funds and awareness to fuel the efforts of the Alzheimers Association. From face-to-face support to online education programs and promising worldwide research initiatives, all donations raised make a difference in the lives of the millions of people affected by Alzheimers today and those who will face the disease tomorrow. Every dollar raised helps to strengthen our impact while moving us closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimers disease.More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimers disease, here in Pennsylvania 400,000 people are affected by Alzheimers disease or related dementia. There are 15 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimers or other dementias. Last year these caregivers provided an estimated 18.2 billion hours of care valued at over $230 billion. These caregivers are our inspiration for The Longest Day, we want to show them our support for their fight and help end this disease.You can show your support for those affected by this devastating disease by registering your Longest Day team today. Visit www.alz.org/tld to register, build your team, set your activity and start raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimers Association. If you have any questions about The Longest Day or any of the programs and services offered by the Alzheimers Association call our Helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800.272.3900.

Ever struggle to remember what day it is? It happens to all of us and some types of memory loss is perfectly normal. Yet, some types are early signs of dementia and possibly mild to moderate Alzheimers Disease. What signs do we look for? Lets compare normal age-related memory changes and dementia symptoms. And how you can be pro-active in your brain health.NORMAL AGE RELEATED MEMORY CHANGES:Able to function independently and pursue normal activities, despite occasional memory lapsesMay pause to remember directions, but does not get lost in familiar placesJudgment and decision-making ability the same as alwaysSYMPTOMS THAT MAY INDICATE DEMENTIA:Difficulty performing simple tasks (paying bills, dressing appropriately, washing up); forgetting how to do things you have done many timesGets lost or disoriented even in familiar places; unable to follow directionsTrouble making choices; May show poor judgment or behave in socially inappropriate wayKEEP YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY EIGHT PILLARS OF BRAIN HEALTH:Stay Active take the stairs instead of the elevator Eat Well choose brain healthy foods such as: dark leafy vegetables, berries, dark chocolate Sleep Well establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine, limit daytime napping, avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol close to bedtime Exercise Your Brain try learning a new language or volunteer Connect invite friends for coffee, go dancing, use social media to stay connected Relax & Reduce Stress learn how to say no, set clear boundaries with others Control Risk Factors get regular check-ups, know your family medical history, be more active Get Involved with Research speak with a research volunteer about his/her experience, contact your local research centerHAVE A HEALTHY BRIAN CHECK-UP:Research clinics like ClinCloud provide memory assessments and are administered in the clinic by a certified memory assessor or from the comfort of your own home via telehealth. Amemory assessmentinvolves general questions around personal, social, and work life as well as specific questions concentrating onmemoryand mood. A cognitive assessment provides a baseline of your cognitive health in order to track your brain functioning over time and personalized recommendations on ways to optimize cognitive functioning, over time. It is your choice, so why not give it a try!This article was submitted by Jessica Branning, Chief Executive Officer, ClinCloud Clinical Research and may be reached at 407.636.4031 or jbranning@myclincloud.com

To learn more aboutBridges Community Homecare, Palliative and Hospice, CLICK HERE.Healthcare can be perplexing, confusing and even overwhelming at times. It isnt always clear which services are available to you and how they could impact your quality of life. At Bridges Community Home Health and Hospice, we believe advocacy and transparency are a fundamental right for everyone in our care.Along with the care services and support provided through your professional care team, our healthcare social workers provide additional coordination to help you understand your treatment plan and the options available to you beyond your health needs.Coordination of ServicesOur healthcare social workers coordinate the various services you may need to enjoy life in your home. Do you need special equipment like a hospital bed, wheelchair, or shower bench? While that equipment will come directly from a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier, our social workers work with you to ensure it all happens. Are you thinking about assisted living or do you have a need for a surgery and temporary inpatient stay in a rehab facility? Our social workers can educate you on your options and help you coordinate that care.Find Funding SourcesAre you worried about how youll pay for the care you need? Maybe youre overwhelmed by the costs of assisted living or wonder how youll pay for a rehab stay in a skilled nursing facility. The social workers at Bridges Community Home Health and Hospice are experts in understanding sources of funding and can help you find ways to pay for your healthcare. Schedule a meeting with one of our social workers to learn more about the different options you have.Resource SupportLets face it: there can be a lot of hoops to jump through when you need healthcare. Thats another reason you need an advocate. Bridges social workers can help you fill out paperwork and make sure that all the Is are dotted and the Ts crossed.Caregiver and Family SupportAs a caregiver are you overwhelmed with all the things you need to do to care for your loved one? We know it can be overwhelming, but thats why were hereto help make it easier. Youre probably not aware of all the services that can help you in your role. Many of those services are paid for by insurance and some services are offered free by the community. Dont despair. Make an appointment with one of our healthcare social workers and let us make life easier.Psychosocial Assessment and InterventionsBody and mind. Mind and spirit. At Bridges were not only concerned with your physical healthwere concerned with your mental and social health too. As human beings, we all need healthy thinking, healthy relationships and healthy bodies. Our social workers can provide assessments that give important insights into your mental and social healthand they can help you find resources for support so you can find and keep the joy of living.

Click the link to learn more aboutAshford Assisted Living and Memory Care of DRAPER or SPRINGVILLE.Greg Nield and Robert Aird own and operate Ashford Assisted Living and Memory Care. Together Rob and Greg have decades of experience in developing owning and operating local business enterprises. Both being born and raised locally along the Wasatch Front, these two friends met as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in October of 2000. They were assigned to be companions in Cuernavaca Mexico for only six short weeks, but from those humble beginnings they have forged a life long friendship and business partnership. Greg and Rob started Ashford together during the economic crisis of 2008. They saw a lack of high quality locally owned memory care facilities and decided to jump into the market with both feet. Together they have developed from the ground up multiple successful locations for our unique and award winning Memory Care and Assisted Living buildings. Both Rob and Greg can be seen in our buildings helping residents and families thrive. The hands-on ownership team can be seen serenading in a Mariachi get-up with guitar in hand or dining with our wonderful residents and staff.

In a typical day at InnovAge Colorado PACE - Lakewood, 87-year-old Katie looks forward to a day of activity.She enjoys arts and crafts, Bingo, crocheting, and most of all, chatting with staff members and fellow participants. PACE is a great fit for Katie, who is a self-proclaimed social butterfly. Katie appreciates the ability to get all the medical care she needs under one roof and the chance to socialize daily. Katie comes to InnovAge as a participant in the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), an alternative to nursing facilities that provides customized healthcare and social engagement to older adults to help them stay independent.After experiencing a heart attack on the day after Christmas three years ago, and as a 34-year breast cancer survivor, Katie is determined to make her health a priority. Katies team of InnovAge PACE doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, dentists, physical therapists, nutritionists, home health aides, and social workers provide her with medical care and social support at the Lakewood PACE center. They work together to address all of her healthcare needs. With their support, Katie continues to live independently and drives her own car. Since coming to InnovAge, Katie was nominated by her peers to serve as president of the PACE Participants Council. She has strong leadership, a skill she attributes to being the eldest of 10 children. PACE Participant Advisory Committee members are InnovAge PACE participants who represent their fellow participants perspectives about services at the center. They work with InnovAge leadership to continually improve the program. As Participants Council president, Katie encourages participants to voice their suggestions or concerns related to their PACE center, and concludes each meeting with employee praise. The InnovAge employees are so great to us, Katie says, They also deserve recognition. The Lakewood PACE center was recently renovated. The center includes a new rehabilitation gym, updated clinical and dental facilities, a beauty shop, and more. The mission of InnovAge is to sustain and enhance the independence and quality of life for those it serves.For more information, visit www.MyInnovAge.com. Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Emma Heirendt, marketing specialist at InnovAge. To talk with a senior care expert, call 844-704-9613. TTY:711.

Talking with your aging parents and loved ones when they need assistance is often not an easy thing to do. Each family is unique; each set of circumstances is unique. But there are common threads with many. First, the aging person of concern needs to be considered for their capacity to make decisions. An individual's decisional capacity is based on their ability to:? Understand relevant information? Process the available information? Personalize the context in which the decisions being made? State their preferenceOften times, families step in when they realize their aging loved ones needs hands on care. This would include help with meals (preparation, cooking, shopping); medications; safety issues (falls) and socialization (depression and isolation). Many families struggle knowing when it's time to reach out for help. Here are some questions to help determine this:? Emergency: Would your loved one be able to get help in an emergency?? Risk: Is your loved one at risk for being taken advantage of? (financially, discussing private information, health, personal possessions)? Your Life: Is the amount of care you are doing interfering with your quality of life? Are you resentful of the time? Are you missing opportunities that you dont want to miss out on?Families often face real obstacles when dealing with an aging parent. Common obstacles to having the conversation and to the acceptance of care often include:? Not starting the conversation early enough? Family members not being on the same page? Thinking too far ahead and not focusing on the here and now? Having a factual conversation when that might be difficult for the aging person to understandCathy Pisarz is Corporate Director of Memory Care for Maplewood Senior Living. Maplewood Senior Living, a premier senior living provider, based in Westport, Connecticut, is known for its upscale senior living residences, offering a broad range of services, amenities and care to its residents. Ms. Pisarz is a professional with over 25 years of experience in working with those with dementia and aging. She can be reached at cpicarz@maplewoodsl.com. Maplewood Senior Living is based in Westport, CT and can be found online at www.MapleowodSeniorLiving.com.

There is an important service that should be performed by every Assisted Living Facility when they take on the responsibility of caring for a loved one in your family.In fact I encourage you to add this to your list of criteria when selecting a facility particularly when you are dealing with a senior who is frail or has memory care issues. The question: When a resident is sent out of the facility to the hospital Emergency Room, do they send a person from the facility to act as an patient advocate? An advocate can speak about the medical condition and needs of that resident, can explain the resident's baseline condition, medication list, allergies, recent behavior and issues surrounding the circumstances leading to the visit to the ER.Too often residents get sent out on their own to an ER and the hospital staff don't know the circumstances of the crisis or the background of this resident, now patient. Family members are often summoned to come and help. Many times the family members that can come to the ER are the ones who are most available at the time, but they may not be providing current vital information because they are not up to date on the resident's condition or they don't understand the true medical condition of their loved one. Memory care residents struggling with a crisis can be extremely difficult to deal with and figure out when they are not in the company of an informed advocate.Sending an informed patient advocate to the ER, will lead to a reduction in hospital admissions, a reduction in return trips to the ER, faster recovery times due to better diagnosis and more appropriate medical solutions put in place. There is a reduction in stress for the resident because they have a trusted familiar person with them to help navigate this crisis. The ER doctors and nurses really appreciate having the information and will actually often show preferential treatment in terms of getting this patient taken care of because they have the ability to order tests and eliminate probable causes faster. Make sure your loved one has someone to speak on their behalf when they get sent to the ER.Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Russ Udelhofen,Administrator ofJaxpointe Assisted Living and Memory Care Homes. He can be reached at info@jaxpointe.com.

Back pain is a common problem that affects at least 75 to 85 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime. The causes of back pain vary, but are most often due to muscle strains, accidents, or injuries; other causes are related to lifestyle factors. If you are suffering from chronic back pain, these helpful tips may provide some relief.Get a good nights sleep.Did you know a lack of quality sleep can worsen back pain? To help keep your back in alignment, invest in a comfortably firm mattress. You may also want to try different sleeping positions, such as lying on your side or placing a pillow under or between your knees.Exercise regularly.When suffering from back pain, exercise has been found to effectively reduce or alleviate symptoms. In addition, strengthening your back muscles helps support your spine. Get moving with slow, gentle exercises - such as swimming, walking, or yoga - and increase your pace or intensity if possible.Maintain a healthy weight.One of the best ways to avoid back pain is to keep off those extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to regular exercise, eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, and low on sugar and processed foods.Stretch to improve flexibility.Regular stretching - such as before bed, exercising, playing sports, or heaving lifting - is key to staying flexible and avoiding back pain. Simple stretches, such as bending side to side or bending forward, can improve blood circulation to the back muscles and reduce injury.Practice good posture.Poor posture, especially if you sit for long periods of time, can cause back pain or make it worse. Avoid slouching or slumping over your keyboard. Instead, remind yourself to sit up straight and keep your shoulders relaxed. If you dont have an ergonomic chair for the office, try putting a pillow behind your lower back for extra support.Apply heat or cold.If you suffer from muscle spasms, cramps, or back strain, heat therapy (such as with a heating pad) can help provide some relief. Additionally, regular applications of cold therapy (using ice packs) can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Try either therapy several times a day for about 20 minutes.In the majority of cases, back pain gets better with non-surgical methods. However, back pain can be a symptom of other underlying issues that may require medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.If you suffer from persistent back pain, Coastal Orthopedics is here to help. Our orthopedic specialists are committed to developing the right treatment options best suited for each patient so that they can get back to living life.Written & Submitted By: Coastal Orthopedics- Click here for more information*

The palliative care industry emerged as a way to provide comfort and support for those navigating long-term illness and health care options. Palliative care is comprised of various pain and symptom management services, along with counseling and support for patients and their families.What is symptom management?Symptom management refers to various methods used to alleviate the pain and discomfort surrounding serious illness. Some challenges that palliative care addresses include shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, lack of appetite and nausea.How does counseling help?Many families are faced with the struggle of caring for a loved one suffering from serious illness but are not equipped to handle the situation alone. Palliative counseling helps families identify their goals and determine the best method of care based on each unique situation. Once the method(s) of care have been chosen, palliative care professionals continue to offer guidance in the form of coping mechanisms, community resources, financial concerns and more.Palliative v. HospiceOftentimes, the term palliative is confused with hospice, but the two methods of care differ greatly. Whereas hospice care is reserved for patients with a prognosis of six months or fewer, palliative care is available for patients of all ages and during all stages of serious illnesses, including but not limited to cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimers, etc.Palliative v. Primary PhysicianPalliative care does not work against primary medical care but in collaboration with such care. While doctors focus mostly on general health and treating the disease, palliative care professionals have the specialized skills to provide daily comfort and additional guidance.Where is Palliative Care available?Pathways in Fort Collins is a nonprofit hospice, palliative care and grief management organization that has served Larimer and Weld Counties for nearly 40 years. Our palliative care team consists of a physician, advanced practice nurse or nurse practitioner and medical social worker, all with expertise in pain control, other symptom management, and psychosocial intervention. Telephone assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Evan Hyatt who is the President of Pathways. He may be reached at 970-663-3500 or by email at Evan.hyatt@pathways-care.org

As we age we begin to have aches and pains, our backs, hips, ankles, and one of the biggest culprits our knees. Knee pain affects all ages, even those who are healthy and active.More than 14 million Americans suffer from arthritic knee pain. The number of people having knee replacement surgery has doubled in the last decade, with the largest increase in the under 65 age group. This year, approximately 700,000 Americans will have a knee-replacement surgery.If your knees are imperfect, you are not alone. Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal, Michael Jordan and Tom Brady all complain of rickety joints.Ways to encourage healthy knees. Never injure your knees Take care of your knees when you are young. Stay active: Exercise may be the last thing you want to do when your knees hurt, but studies show that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. Healthy Knees: Run to prevent future problems. Recent knee science shows that regular and vigorous physical activity, including distance running is good for healthy knees Unhealthy Knees: Avoid running and other weight-bearing activities. Try cycling or swimming, range of motion and aerobic exercises instead. For those with balance issues, chair aerobics are also an option. Avoid exercising your knees when you are experiencing a bad flare-up. Strengthen muscles Your muscles protect and support joints affected by arthritis. Maintain a healthy weight If you are over weight, loose weight. Excess weight puts strain on your knees, hips, ankles, spine and feet. Eat a balanced diet A variety of nutrients may help ease knee pain, especially fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. Follow a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fish and lean meats, as well as nuts, avocados, olive and canola oil.Healthy knees can help you to live a more independent life.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr. Terry Madsen, MD with Madsen Orthopedics. He may be reached at 972-664-0606. Dr Madsen practices at Plano Surgical Hospital.

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To learn more aboutThe Wellington - MBK Senior Living,CLICK HERE.As McDonald's so succinctly told us, You deserve a break today. If youre the primary caregiver of your elder loved one, you undoubtedly understand the sentiment. But how does one take a break? The answer is Respite Care!Respite Care for the elderly is a short-term stay at a senior living community. While often used by seniors who are recovering from a hospital visit or other health circumstances, it is also available for other circumstances as well. When the caregiver takes a vacation or needs a break, respite care is a fabulous service to use. Whether it's just for a few hours or a few weeks, respite caregivers take over for you, ensuring your loved one is well cared for during your time away. The services are designed to provide relief to the primary/regular caregiver (usually a family member). Respite caregivers are also available to come to your loved ones home to help with tasks such as going to doctors appointments, picking up prescriptions, grocery shopping as well as meal preparation and light housekeeping duties. There are a variety of skill levels for respite caregivers, from nurses, home health aids or simply assistants. Respite caregivers are typically trained in collaborating with the primary caregivers, to understand and help resolve any concerns and encourage open communications with other family members to accurately assess the respite needs.While Medicare does not cover Respite Care in most cases, there are funding options that may be available. A great resource to find options iswww.211.org a free and confidential service that helps people across the country find local resources for many situations. You can also contact your state and federal Elder Care Offices or the Aging and Disability Resource Center in your state to access respite care options. Many states also offer coverage through Medicaid, and some have separate caregiver support programs known as 1915C Home and Community-Based Waivers.Being a primary caregiver for your loved one is a rewarding and loving experience yet to be the best you can be, you need to take care of YOU too! Respite Care may be the answer!

When someone in your family is sick, your only concern is finding the best care for them! When you need a hospital that can give specialized, advanced care you may need a step above an ordinary hospital. A Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) is a hospital that offers specialized medical, nursing and rehabilitation services for patients who need more advanced care for recovery. Patients in an LTACH typically have a chronic or medically complex medical condition that requires hospitalization for an average of 25 days or more in a facility that offers a 24/7 specialized treatment program. Long term often leads people to assume that its like a nursing facility (nursing home), but a more correct description of an LTACH, would be a post-acute care hospital a place for healing after a lengthy illness or major injury.LTACHs offer critical care or post-operative services but with a stronger recovery and rehabilitative focus allowed by the longer length of stay. Patients referred to an LTACH must meet an admission criteria designated by their insurer including Medicare, Medicaid, or other healthcare insurers.At an LTACH, patients can continue to receive intensive interventions, such as ventilator weaning, cardiac monitoring, aggressive wound management, or antibiotic infusions while being managed by a coordinated patient care team. Typical services include daily client contact by Hospitalists and/or Pulmonologists, telemetry, laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation, or dialysis as ordered and typically an LTACH has an intensive staff-to patient ratio.For those looking to understand what services and conditions may be available for treatment at an LTACH, the following are the most common: Extensive Wound Management Respiratory Failure Ventilator-Weaning Cardiovascular Disease COPD Congestive Heart Failure Head Injury/Trauma Amputation Infectious Diseases (including MRSA, VRE) Malnutrition Pneumonia Post-Operative Patients Renal Disease/Failure Spinal Cord Injury Stroke Trauma Dialysis (acute or end stage) Parenteral Nutrition Medically Complex PatientsMost frequent questions about LTACH Services:Is an LTACH like hospice? No. Hospice care is primarily for those not expected to recover and have a terminal illness. In contrast, the Long Term Acute Care Hospital is for patients who can be treated, recover, and then return home or to a lower level of care.Is an LTACH like a nursing home? Not at all. Patients in a Long Term Acute Care Hospital are too medically complex for nursing homes to typically accept. LTACHs offer daily physician management, 24-hour nursing care, pharmacy in-house, radiology, dialysis, 24-hour respiratory therapy, and 6 day a week rehabilitation therapy. In addition, admission to an LTACH avoids using precious skilled nursing facility days granted by Medicare.Editors Note: This article was contributed by Mary Ellen Kable. Mary Ellen is the CEO of LifeCare Hospitals of Mechanicsburg.

Many elderly people struggle over time with long-term and short-term memories. There are different ways to help avoid a rapid decrease of memory skills according to various studies. Below are 6 ways which might help you strengthen your memory.1. Meditate To Improve Working MemoryMeditation helps you to become mindful and gain control over thoughts. It strengthens the ability to focus and sharpens the mind. You can use the app CALM to help you guide through meditation or just follow these easy steps: The first step is committing to a regular, daily practice at a convenient time Find a quiet place to relax and sit comfortably Breathe deeply Take a few moments to settle into your body. Gently observe your surrounding with your senses (excluding your vision) Start focusing solely on breathing and the sensations around it. How the oxygen moves through your nose into your lungs and out again. Thoughts will come and go. Acknowledge them and let them go.2. Drink Coffee To Improve Your Memory Consolidation.Michael Yassa, an assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences at Johns Hopkins, and his team of scientists found that caffeine has a positive effect on our long-term memory. Their research, published by the journal Nature Neuroscience, shows that caffeine enhances certain memories at least up to 24 hours after it is consumed.Weve always known that caffeine has cognitive-enhancing effects, but its particular effects on strengthening memories and making them resistant to forgetting have never been examined in detail in humans, said Yassa, senior author of the paper. We report for the first time a specific effect of caffeine on reducing forgetting over 24 hours.3. Eat Berries For Better Long-Term Memory.In a study published in the Annals of Neurology in April 2012, researchers analyzed blueberry and strawberry intake and memory capabilities of 122,000 nurses ages 30 to 55. Data had been collected for 25 years. Participants who ate the most blueberries and strawberries showed less memory decline in later adulthood, by up to 2.5 years than non-berry eaters. A smaller study featured in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2010 showed that drinking blueberry juice daily for 12 weeks improved older adults learning and memory skills by 20 percent.4. Exercise To Improve Your Memory RecallIn a study done at the University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular aerobic exercise, the kind that gets your heart and your sweat glands pumping, appears to boost the size of the hippocampus, the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning. Resistance training, balance and muscle toning exercises did not have the same results.The finding comes at a critical time. Researchers say one new case of dementia is detected every four seconds globally. They estimate that by the year 2050, more than 115 million people will have dementia worldwide.5. Chew Gum To Make Stronger MemoriesThere are three main potential explanations, says Scholey. In March 2000, Japanese researchers showed that brain activity in the hippocampus, an area important for memory, increases while people chew but it is not clear why.Recent research has also found that insulin receptors in the hippocampus may be involved in memory. Insulin mops up glucose in the bloodstream and chewing causes the release of insulin because the body is expecting food. If insulin receptors in the brain are involved in memory, we may have an insulin-mediated mechanism explaining our findings but that is very, very speculative, Scholey says.But there could be a simpler answer. One interesting thing we saw in our study was that chewing increased heart rate. Anything that improves delivery of things like oxygen in the brain, such as an increased heart rate, is a potential cognitive enhancer to some degree, he says.But a thorough explanation for the findings will have to account for why some aspects of memory improved but others did not, Graham says. She points out that gum-chewers ability to quickly decide whether complex images matched images they had previously been shown was no better than the controls.6. Sleep More To Consolidate Your Memories.Researchers have tested this process by teaching people new skills and then scanning their brains after a period with or without sleep. When people have a chance to sleep, for example, after practicing a skill similar to piano scales, the centers of the brain that control speed and accuracy are more active than those regions in people who havent slept. Scientists think that while we sleep, memories and skills are shifted to more efficient and permanent brain regions, making for higher proficiency the next day. In fact, sleeping shortly after learning new information has been shown to help retention. Some research indicates that when people learn before going to sleep (or even before taking a nap), they remember the information better in the long term.Keep in mind that our home health care professionals can always assist with activities to improve your wellbeing. Benefit from Just Like Familys yearlong experience as a home health care provider here in Naples, FL and call us for a free consultation under (239)431-6661Submitted and Written By: Just Like Family Home Care - click here for more information

Did you know that age-related cataracts are extremely common? A normal part of life, almost every person will develop cataracts at some stage. In fact, the majority of people will develop cataracts as they age. It is said that by the year 2020 more than 30 million American people will have cataracts and experience the blurring and distorted vision that comes along with it.Many people are aware of the term, but do they know what exactly a cataract is or the symptoms that go along with it? With cataracts, vision can slowly become distorted over time. This gradual vision impairment can often go unnoticed for long periods. Cataracts can continue to progress at this pace until a person is blind. Thankfully, cataracts are very treatable and impaired vision can be restored due to modern medical advances.The term cataract derives from Greek and Latin roots. The term comes from the Greek and Latin word for waterfall. It is believed that this term came about because the clouding of a persons eye with cataracts resembled water flowing in ones eyes. Those with untreated cataracts will experience blurred or distorted vision as well as faded colors. As the cataract progresses, these symptoms worsen and can lead to blindness. Although cataracts are associated with the typical signs of aging, they can also result from trauma, sun exposure or disease. The best way to understand the cause of cataracts is to examine the way that the eyes work. To do this, we must examine the parts of the eye, especially the lens and eyeball. The lens is comprised primarily of water and protein. The protein is distributed such a way that light can pass through it without being distorted.When we age, the eye changes and the protein starts to separate and clump together. This creates a buildup that is difficult to see through; this will begin to affect a persons vision as the buildup hardens. The lens will begin to thicken and it begins to become less transparent and pliable. This may only affect a small area of the eye at first, but within a matter of time that spot will increase and eventually cover the entire lens of the eye. The vision impairment experienced by a person with cataracts is because the light is scattered through the lens so that it cannot translate sharp images to the retina.Not all cataracts are the same. There are classifications of cataracts that are determined based on location on a persons lens. There are three primary types of cataracts nuclear, cortical and subcapsular. Other types which are not a result of aging include congenital and traumaticcataracts. Article Submitted & Written By:Community Eye Center- click for more information*

If you've taken on the caregiver role for a senior or someone with a chronic illness or disability, chances are you have experienced more than your share of fatigue, frustration, loneliness and stress. Few of us expect to add caregiving to an already challenging list of family and professional responsibilities. But if the task falls on you and the strain of caregiving threatens to throw your hectic life off balance, take a tip or two from those who have walked in your shoes.Get all the help you can. Seek or accept help from family members, friends, neighbors, volunteers from your community or church group, paid caregivers or a geriatric care manager. Help may take the form of care or companionship for your loved one, assistance with shopping or homemaking or help completing daily activities such as bathing, dressing and meal preparation.Safeguard your physical and mental health. Undertaking the role of a caregiver can mean accepting a great deal of additional responsibility on top of managing your own health. Surprisingly, the primary reason many seniors are moved from the comfort of their own home into an institutional setting is the decline in health of the caregiver, not the patient. Many caregivers take minimal time to care for themselves, not allowing time to exercise, rest or to eat regular meals. Exhaustion can compromise your body's immune system and lead to illness. Caregivers often don't rest when they are ill and postpone their own health care needs like flu shots, and doctor appointments. Between 40 and 70 percent of caregivers experience symptoms of depression. Its important to eat well, get enough sleep, see your doctor regularly and take time for yourself in order to stay healthy, keep your loved ones healthy and avoid burnout.Make time for yourself. Schedule respite times when you can attend to your needs and pursue your interests. Exercise, shop, read or enjoy yourself with friends and other family members - engaging in whatever activities you find most fulfilling and relaxing. Either through finding activities your loved ones are interested in or by having someone else come in to provide you some relief, making time for yourself is an important element in maintaining your physical and mental well-being.Consider connecting with other caregivers. Communicating with people who share your challenges can be a relief. Contact your local senior center or hospital to learn about caregiver support groups in your area or connect with fellow caregivers via the Internet.As with other priorities in your life, the responsibility of caring for yourself comes down to you. Even small steps toward positive change can reap significant benefits for you and your loved ones.ResCare Home Care can assist you by providing respite care, in-home senior care, care management or other personal home care services or by referring you to other professionals in your community who can address your needs.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Elizabeth Squires. Elizabeth Squires is a Branch Manager with ResCare Home Care and may be reached at 801-288-4100 or by email at esquires@rescare.com

New Evidence Warrants New CDC Precaution: Face CoveringsF.E.A.R. can be an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. We experience fear when our thoughts scare us, say the experts. Surely, theres plenty to be fearful of during these unprecedented, frightening times surrounding the novel coronavirus.But truth is often the first casualty of fear caused by misinformation and myths, says epidemiologist Dr. Mary Beth Saunders, medical director of infection prevention and epidemiology with Lee Health.The facts of today may not be the truths of tomorrow, Dr. Saunders says. Information surrounding this pandemic changes every day. It is important to pay attention to credible health experts like Lee Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO) for the most accurate information. The Real Facts Behind Some Coronavirus MYTHS MYTH: Because I'm asymptomatic, that means I don't have COVID. Therefore, I can't transmit it.Dr. Saunders says studies indicate a significant number of individuals with coronavirus are asymptomatic (they lack symptoms). The danger, Dr. Saunders warns, is that even those who are pre-symptomatic (they eventually develop symptoms) can transmit the virus to others before showing any symptoms of the disease. "This means that people who are in close proximity to each other can spread the virus by speaking, coughing, or sneezing even if those people don't show any symptoms," Dr. Saunders says. "This is new evidence. The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies)especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.MYTH: Because I'm young and am in good health, the virus wont affect me. How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary, Dr. Saunders says. But so far, the information from the ongoing pandemic suggests the virus spreads more efficiently than the flu, regardless of ones age. Dr. Saunders adds its important to remember that although the disease can infect people of all ages, those who are higher risk need to take extra precautions. Higher risk groups include older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions. Serious underlying medical conditions can include (per the CDC):Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthmaSerious heart conditionsConditions that can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.Severe obesity(body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)DiabetesChronic kidney disease and who are undergoing dialysisLiver diseaseMYTH: If I become infected with coronavirus, I could end up on a breathing machine.Most people who catch COVID-19 recover at home and their own body takes care of the virus without medical care. If you have cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek the advice of your local medical provider or care at a medical facility if your symptoms are worsening, Dr. Saunders says.MYTH: I can only catch coronavirus if someone coughs or sneezes near or on me. The truth is the virus can land on surfaces when someone coughs or sneezes, Dr. Saunders notes. And if you touch that surface with your hands and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose, you can still contract the virus and become sick.MYTH: Hand dryers are effective in killing the coronavirus disease.One of the most effective ways to protect yourself against the virus is to frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Then, after your hands are cleaned, dry them thoroughly using paper towels.MYTH: The sun or temperatures warmer than 77 degrees prevent the coronavirus disease.You can catch COVID-19 no matter how sunny or hot the weather is, says Dr. Saunders.Stay Healthy with These Tips:Wash your hands frequentlyMaintain social distancingAvoid touching eyes, nose and mouthCover cough or sneeze with a tissueIf you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care earlyCall your doctor before you visit any of our facilities which will allow us to quickly direct you to the right place.Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.Stay Informed, Stay StrongSubmitted and Written By: Lee Health - click here for more information

1 Be assertive:Take time to clarify what you want to communicate and set your focus on that agenda. Avoid being sidetracked.2 Stay calm:As voices rise, it is more difficult to listen with an open mind. Even if you disagree, let your loved one finish their thoughts before you explain your position. Dont make assumptions or accusations. 3. Be Selective:Pick your battles. In some circumstances it may be easer to walk away or go along with a loved ones wishes to not create distance with those around you. 4. Optimize your energy:Be sensitive to your energy levels. Look for places and times in which you are most effective to get what you need out of the conversations.5. Compensate for your weaknesses:Some hearing and memory loss is a normal part of aging and can be effectively managed.If you are having trouble hearing, consider a hearing test. If you forget important things, keep lists and notes.6. Seek independence, avoid dependence:Seek social contact where people encourage you to do things yourself and where they challenge you mentally and physically.7. Raise the issue:Often there are issues that everyone knows are there, but there is reluctance to raise the topic. Take the lead. If the topic is a difficult one, it is often helpful to set the stage by prefacing a conversation with I want to talk to you about something important.8. Defend without being defensiveYour child may come to you with what seems to be an accusation. Conflict and anger rarely change minds, but frank and constructive discussions can. 9. Look for points of agreement:Even if you disagree with 90 percent of what someone is saying, find the common ground where there is some agreement or room for compromise.10. Listen and put yourself in the other persons shoes:When children come to you with an issue, it is normally because they are concerned and because they care. Even if you don't like what they have to say, appreciate why they are saying it and look for ways to express your appreciation for their caring.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Beth Byer of The Court of Colorado Springs. For further information she can be reached at 719-637-087

To learn more about FirstLight Home Care of Omaha,CLICK HERE.For many older adults, their senior years offer time to travel and explore the world. Likewise, they finally have the flexibility to visit children and grandchildren in different locations. However, if they have issues with mobility, a chronic illness or disability, it can spoil their travel plans. Thats where travel companions can help.Whether your spouse just had surgery or needs oxygen, your parent is elderly and in a wheelchair, or your loved one has physical limitations, you can still travel together. In fact, at FirstLightHome Care, we can provide travel companion services throughout your whole journey. Well be there with you and your loved one every step of the way, making the experience as enjoyable, comfortable and stress-free as possible.FirstLight Home Cares travel companions will be with your loved one every step of the way, providing support for them and peace of mind for you.From family reunions and vacations to weddings and other important milestone events, our travel companions can ensure your senior doesnt miss a thing. We can help you navigate the airport and get to your destination, safely and comfortably. Well also help during the entire trip and on the return, ensuring your loved one is able to get back to home base without any troubles.This service not only makes traveling easier and more convenient, but also provides peace of mind too. You dont have to worry or stress about how to manage through a busy airport terminal or security, on an airplane or in a hotel. You can simply take it easy and enjoy your time together.Ways Our Travel Companions Can Help SeniorsWe can meet many needs and provide the level oftravel companion servicesthat are right for you and your loved one. Whether your family member needs daily assistance with bathing and dressing or just some help getting around while traveling, well be there. Well ensure your loved one doesnt miss an event and gets the care and attention they need to have fun, maintain their dignity and embrace the joys of traveling.We can also help with:Checking in at the airport and the ticketing processCarrying luggage or transporting your loved one in a wheelchairHelping your loved one navigate security or customsProviding assistance with ground transportationUnloading bags at the final destinationHelping with the hotel check-in processBathing, dressing and personal hygiene during the tripAssistance with meals, medication reminders and moreOur travel companions arent just for seniors, either. We can help those with special needs or disabilities, as well as veterans who need a helping hand. We can also provide support if a loved one just recovered from surgery or an illness and needs assistance during a trip. The journey will be easier and more enjoyable with help from the travel companions at FirstLight Home Care.You also wont have a reason to put off that family vacation or trip across the country. Instead, you can get the support and assistance you and your loved one need, providing reassurance at every point of the journey. Our goal is to provide qualitytravel companion servicesthat connect people with their loved ones, exciting opportunities and the world around them.

At some point in our life each of us will experience the loss of someone we love dearly. With loss comes grief. Although grief is a universal emotion it may be one of the most intimate and personal feelings we ever experience. Losing a loved one evokes anxiety and feelings of loneliness that we may have never known before. Even though we may be lucky to have family and friends to support us, we feel alone in our grief.There may be times when grief seems everlasting and the pain and discomfort feels like it will never dissipate. It is true that grief has its own life span, but there are identifiable stages of grief that can help individuals navigate through their journey. Immediately following a loss you may feel numb. The responsibility of focusing on medical care for your loved one, making final arrangements and managing the paper work that comes after a death may sometimes shadow the reality of your loss. When all of the housekeeping is complete you may even experience a feeling of disconnection wondering if your loved one is really gone. When the realness of the situation begins to seep through, an extreme sadness may overcome you. This stage is often the most difficult and most frightening. It may also be the longest lasting stage. Over time this sadness will decrease and you may feel a reluctant acceptance of your loved ones death. As this acceptance takes hold you will realize that life does move forward and you can return to living even without him/her present each day. Life will be different, but you will experience joy again.Our society has made great strides in understanding end-of-life issues as they relate to the patient we still have a long way to travel to understand the impact of loss on those who are left behind. Friends and family members may suggest you move on or get over it. Grief is not something you have control over. Sometimes the loneliness of grief causes us to forget that help is available. Supports groups and individual counseling are available. It is when you are experiencing your lowest moment, that reaching out is most important. With time and support you will be able to look forward to the future once again. Editors Note: Judith Pilchik Zucker, LCSW, is a Bereavement Coordinator and Counselor with the Saint Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (SBHPCC). For information about bereavement programs and services offered by the SBHPCC, please call 973-322-4817 or visit www.sbhcshospice.com.

Everyone knows suffering. Often, when we are the most wounded, and we need help the most, we dont know where to get it. Navigating the dizzying medical-care maze can be both time-consuming and confusing.This is where a Patient Advocate comes in. What does a "Patient Advocate" do? The simple answer is that they help people navigate the healthcare system. A Patient Advocate acts as a support structure, and if legally contracted to do so, may act as a liaison between a patient and their Health Care Provider and/or Insurance Company. The Patient Advocate does not compete with your healthcare provider, they offer assistance where the role of physician becomes limited. A Patient Advocate can help alleviate the pain and the frustration that goes with the worry of uncertainty, fear, and the unknown related to health care issues.The Healthcare system is changing dramatically. There are thousands of pages to read to keep up with the changes. To add to the complexity, each insurance plan and each insurance company have different contracts and rules for individual policies. Each insurance company has a different contract and payment schedule with individual hospitals and providers. It is easy to see how we find ourselves in a maze that is difficult if not impossible to navigate. The addition of long waits and runarounds add to this frustration.Do you need a Patient Advocate? Consider hiring an advocate if:You have several medical conditions to follow.You are unable to think clearly. Some people are in shock following a diagnosis. Some medications impact the patients comprehension and concentration, and some conditions are complicated to understand.You have been diagnosed with a progressive or degenerative illness. You have a chronic illness that requires follow up care.You have medical bills that you don't completely understand or have the time or energy to deal with. Each provider bills separately, even within the hospital, and there is a high percentage of bills with errors. An advocate can be a medical bill detective.The need for Patient Advocacy relates to people of all ages and life styles. It doesn't discriminate.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Patricia Horne, a Professional Patient Advocate with Patient Advocate Solutions, and may be reached at 801-698-0919 or by email at pat@PatientAdvocateSolutions.com

To learn more about Stone Law LLC,CLICK HERE.What are Conservatorship and Guardianship?When an individual is no longer able to manage his or her financial affairs or personal needs the court can assign, through a formal legal proceeding, either a guardian or conservator or both to take over and make these decisions for the individual. This legal proceeding results in removing the individuals rights to make decisions regarding his or her affairs, typically due to the individuals inability to do so safely and effectively.In Colorado the court appoints aguardianto makehealth and welfare decisionsfor the individual while aconservatoris appointed tomanage the protected persons finances and assets. Keeping these separate allows for an individual to remain in control of health and welfare decisions if capable, while only taking away the financial decision making; the reverse could also be possible, depending on the ability of the individual. Depending on the circumstances, if both a guardian and conservator are required, the court could appoint two different people, one as conservator and one as guardian, who must work together to making decisions that are in the best interest of the incapacitated person.The purpose of conservatorship and guardianship is twofold. First, the conservator seeks to prevent inappropriate use of the protected persons assets. Second, the guardian is able to manage the affairs of the protected person, including, obtaining or providing for the support, care, education, or welfare of the protected person or someone entitled to support by the protected person.Who Will Be My Guardian or Conservator?When appointing a guardian or conservator, the court takes several factors into consideration, including a person or agent named within the protected persons durable power of attorney. Ensuring that someone appointed as your conservator will act in your best interest is crucial. You dont want someone taking over for you who will spend your hard earned money frivolously. Having the correct powers of attorney in place as part of a comprehensive estate plan can give you peace the of mind of knowing a person you trust will take care of you. Call Stone Law today and we can help ensure you have all the right documents in place.

To learn more about A Call To Order,CLICK HERE.We hope and pray that nothing will happen to our home or business, but its a good idea to be prepared just in case. You likely have insurance on your home or business and many material things in your house can be easily replaced should disaster strike. Other things like photos and important documents can be hard or impossible to replace. Missing documents can make it harder to rebuild after disaster strikes. Thats why it is a good idea to keep them safe and secure.Invest in a Fire SafeA good fire safe will survive a lot of damage. Invest in a quality one for any documents you want to keep at home. You can get a fairly small box that can be stashed away in a closet or cabinet. Make sure both you and your spouse know where the safe is kept and has a key to open it. Be sure that the rating is over 2400 degrees.Get a Bank Deposit BoxYou may also want to rent a bank deposit box and store important documents, or notarized copies of them there. This will come in handy when you need the information on the documents (i.e. your insurance policy number), or you need to replace documents that didnt survive a home emergency. Place in sealable plastic bags or folders.Make Physical CopiesIts amazing how much easier it is to get a replacement passport or birth certificate if you have a copy of the original. Thats why its helpful to make these paper copies and keep them in a secure offsite location (like a bank deposit box). You could also keep them at a family members home. Make sure the copies are stored safely to avoid issues like identity theft.Make Digital Copies and Store them Online or CloudLast but not least, go ahead and scan the documents or take pictures of them with your phone and store them on a secure online server. Places like Deposit Box, or even Google Photo will store quite a bit of information for you free of charge. Since your document scans are living in the cloud, you can easily access them from anywhere with your phone or a borrowed computer. This also makes it easy to email them off to insurance agents, or government officials to get replacement documents made.Spend a little time this week to sort through your most important documents and get your paperwork in order. It wont take you long to scan them, take pictures of them, and/or make photocopies. The little work youre doing now to be prepared will potentially safe you a lot of headache down the road.Make it a point to revisit your documents every 6 months to make sure everything is up to date and in order. Once the original setup is done, it will be much easier to keep up with it. Youll likely only need to change out one or two document copies a year.

Making the transition into an independent living community is exciting, but it can leave you with lots of questions. How do I know when its time to move? Everyones reasons for moving to a senior living community are different. For some, its due to need, like a health crisis or change in available care at home. For others, its based on a lifestyle choice, so they can surround themselves with top-notch services, amenities, and opportunities. Whichever is the case for you, here are some things to consider when deciding when the right time to move are:The lifestyle youd like to live.Your healthcare needs and who is available to help you meet them.Your needs in the upcoming futureits easier to make the move earlier than later.How do I choose a Community thats right for me? Deciding which community is right for you takes a little bit of research. Youll want to think about location, amenities, staff, affordability and ratings.What should I expect once I get there? Once you make your decision, the hard parts over; now its time to explore, relax, and enjoy your new home.In a quality, full-service Retirement Living community, you can live the life you want without worries like everyday maintenance or security. There are many benefits and opportunities like:Delicious and nutritious restaurant-style diningFull calendar of events and activitiesTransportation services that make running errands and visiting your favorite places easySpacious, beautiful living areas that make coming home the best part of your dayInternet and cable connections so you can stay connected 24/7Housekeeping servicesA community of like-minded people that will quickly make you feel like youre homeChange is never easy, especially big lifestyle changes like moving into an independent living Community. Ask the right question, tour, and then take a deep breath and feel confident in your choices.Editor's Note: This article submitted by Tim Watson, Executive Director at Flatrions Terrrace. He can be reached at 303-939-0594 or by email at tim.watson@flatironsterrace.com

Have you made your funeral wishes known to those you leave behind? Have you determined who will pay your burial expenses?Funerals can be a difficult topic to discuss, but a fact all our families will face one day. If you take time to preplan your funeral, you will relieve your family of a great burden at a difficult time in their lives. They will not have to make important costly decisions at a time of great stress. This is a time when emotions run high and can lead to family conflicts about your funeral plans that can be made will in advance, thoughtfully and clearly, without family disagreements and with guaranteed costs. Remember, your funeral is for those you leave behind. It's a time for family unity and love, a time to openly grieve and support one another. It's part of your legacy; a gift you can give to those who love you.How can I pre-plan? It's simple and cost effective; a pre-need funeral plan can be made and paid for in advance. Your wishes are considered in detail, clearly thinking of and planning for this time. Funding has several options; your funeral pre-need planner will explain all this to you and answer all questions. You will have peace of mind and your family will no longer be burdened with this inevitable event. It's a gift they will always be thankful for.For further information contact Sheila Stewart, pre-need planner, 228-596-1848Author: Sheila Stewart

Women are Veterans too! A fervent adage held by women who have fought alongside their male counterparts in the U.S. Military ever since the Revolutionary War. Although women have been serving their country for decades, they have not always received the recognition, benefits, and care entitled to them or even self-identify as a "Veteran." At VA we aim to change this!Currently there are 1.8 million women Veterans (WV); the fastest growing segment of the Veteran population. Today women make up 15% of active duty military and 18% of guard and reserve forces. In Utah, there are over 13,000 WV with more coming home every day.VA's Women Veterans Health Care provides WV with a full range of services necessary for healthy aging. From disease screening and prevention, to home health care, access to specialty clinics, Veterans nursing homes, geriatric care and support with end-of-life decisions.The VA Salt Lake City Women Veterans Program is committed to meeting the unique needs of WV by delivering the highest quality health care to each woman, while offering her the privacy, dignity and sensitivity to gender-specific needs that she deserves. One example of this quality of care is the Women's Clinic; a comprehensive primary care clinic which provides treatment for heart disease, high blood pressure, colon and breast cancer, nutrition and fitness information, safe driving evaluations, help with osteoporosis, menopause management and specialty GYN and pharmacy services. In addition, we offer groups, activities, events and retreats specifically for WV.Do you live in a rural area? We can take care of you at one of our Community based outpatient clinics or through women's telehealth; speak face-to-face over a computer monitor with a women's health provider or pharmacist. In addition, use My HealtheVet to view your medical record, refill prescriptions, make appointments or email your provider.Additionally, on April 23, 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs launched its new Women Veterans hotline1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)an incoming call center that receives and responds to questions from women Veterans, their families, and caregivers across the nation about available VA services and resources.Remember VA knows women Veterans!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Gina Painter, LCSW, Women Veterans Program Manager at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She may be reached at 801 582-1565 x5423 or by email at gina.painter@va.gov. For more information visit the website at http://www.saltlakecity.va.gov/services_women_veterans.asp

I spent January, February and early March helping many folks who were at different stages of downsizing. Some knew they had a home waiting for them in one of the Homestead Communities, while others were moving out of the area to be closer to grandchildren. None of them expected a moratorium on real estate activities.Those early days were filled with questions by my Sellers, leading me to research and uncover answers for what was essentially new territory in real estate...it was quite an adventure. It has led to much evolution and change in the buying and selling of homes. New technologies have emerged, new forms have been authored, new strategies have been adopted. Proactive agents have adapted and helped their buyers and sellers to do the same.So, where are we now? To start, as of Wednesday May 20th, real estate has been deemed essential by the Governor. This means that regardless of Red, Yellow, or Green designations, people across the State can buy and sell homeswith restrictions. These restrictions focus on the human interaction portion of the buying/selling process, and most elements will make sense. Lets touch on the highlights.The guidelines below apply to all business that support real estate. This means Realtors, appraisers, inspectors, notaries, title companies, etcshould operate by these standards.Showings are allowed no more than 3 people can be in attendance. Typically, this will be the realtor and 2 others. Social distancing protocols must to be followed.No Open Houses showings shall be by appointment only as per above.Visitors shall avoid touching surfaces, items in a home.Seller should have lights on, doors/cabinets open, to minimize the need to touch surfaces in the home.Anything touched during a showing must be sanitized before the next visit.Allow for 30 minutes between each showingAny in-person activity (showing, appraisal, inspection) shall require the use of a face maskVerbal screening of a visitors health must occur 24 hours prior to the visit.Name/Contact information must be gathered for each in-person visit (for purposes of contact tracing) and kept on file by the Realtor.When possible, viewing a home online first is recommendedWhen possible, the use of electronic signatures is recommendedNo materials to be left out (marketing materials) or left behind (business cards)A Property Access Notice (PAN) form must be signed by Seller and anyone doing in-person activity at the property. This is a new Pennsylvania Association of Realtors (PAR) form and is required.A Seller should be provided with CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting a home by their Realtor.As you can see the State is taking this seriously, and so you and your realtor should too. What are the practical implications of this and what should you think through?First How strong is the virtual presentation of your home? Is the home staged? Professionally photographed? Is there a virtual tour? Is there a 3D tour (allowing you to move through the home and pan left or right at the click of the mouse)?With the emphasis on using an online viewing before visiting a home make sure your home shines and is fully marketed. From my own experience, Ive had my listings professionally photographed and staged for the last 10 yearsit makes a BIG difference. More recently Ive used virtual tours in the last few years, and have now begun to use the 3D tour for homes. As times change so should the tools your Realtor brings to the table.Second How will you handle the cleaning of a home post-showing? Will you return to do it after each showing? Will you expect the Buyers agent to clean? Who provides the cleaning materials? What happens with the trash produced as a result?None of these are difficult questions but it will be critical for Sellers and their Realtor to create a plan for the process. In my experience, I would have the home properly prepared so visitors will only need to touch surfaces minimally, if at all. To that end, if anything is touched I would ask the Buyers agent to clean those surfaces since they will have firsthand knowledge and know what specifically to clean. I do recommend that the Seller provide appropriate cleaning materials. As a Seller, you may have special cleaning solutions for different parts of your homea brass door knob for exampleand a disinfecting wipe with bleach may not be the best choice for every surface. I would also provide plastic bags (like the ones from the grocery store) that can be used to transport out of the home (by the person visiting) any trash that is generated.I have created simple document for my Sellers that allow them to indicate how they want showings handled, along with any special instructions on cleaning, where cleaning supplies will be located, and a place to indicate other concerns. I provide this completed form to all agents or other visitors so all parties can know the expectation. Again, as times change so must we and Ive found my Sellers have appreciated the forethought.Third Confirm that your Realtor will be asking the screening questions on the health of visitors, and will be gathering the name and contact of all visitors. This may seem obvious since it is a requirement issued by the Governor, but of all the guidelines issued regarding real estate this is the one Ive heard the most argument regarding. I wont debate the merits of these two guidelines, but would suggest that whether I agree or not I must abide by them.In closing, Ive heard the phrase the new normal used quite a bit during this pandemic. It is often said with a bit of sarcasm and regret for what weve lost over these months. There has indeed been loss weve experienced and there are changes we are learning to live with. I choose to use the phrase the current normal because circumstances will continue to cause us to adaptit is part of life. And in truth, not all change is bad. I trust you are well, adapting to the current normal and I wish you success in selling!_________________________________This article was written by Mike Julian. He is an agent with Realty One Group Unlimited and is a Director of theCertain SaleRetirementLiving Program.

What family caregivers need to know about services, costs and finding the right place.Assisted living facilities are designed for older people who are no longer able to manage living independently and need help with daily activities such as bathing or dressing, but dont require the round-the-clock health care that a nursing home would provide.Typically, residents need a little bit of help, says Rachel Reeves, director of communications for the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), an industry group. Assisted living is there to offer that assistance, while maximizing their independence.Assisted living facilities usually provide residents with their own apartments or rooms, as well as some common areas. They offer around-the-clock supervision and a range of services, including meals, housekeeping and laundry, as well as assistance with personal care and help with medications.Assisted living also aims to offer a rich social environment where residents can get plenty of interaction thats beneficial to their health care and mental well-being, Reeves says. That can include social and recreational activities, such as book clubs, trips to movies and concerts, and exercise and wellness programs.Facilities typically offer multiple levels of care depending on what residents need and what they and their families can afford.Assisted living facilities, which are mostly regulated at the state level, have a lot of variation among them.To ensure that you find one thats a good fit for your loved one, its important to follow a structured, methodical search process and ask a lot of questions. Have your senior living advisor carefully evaluate the facilitys contract before you sign it.And include your loved one, if you can, in the decision-making, Its imperative that the person who will be moving there be involved in choices about care.Range of assisted living servicesNationwide, 28,900 assisted living facilities nationwide have nearly 1 million beds, according to the most recent data available from the National Center for Assisted Living.They vary widely in size, from fewer than 10 residents to more than 100, with an average capacity of 33. More than half of assisted living facilities are part of national chains with the rest independently owned.Most facilities provide some basic health care services, according to the organization.Access to a pharmacy: 83.6 percentDietary and nutritional guidance: 82.8 percentPhysical, occupational and/or speech therapy: 71.4 percentHospice care: 67.7 percentSkilled nursing care: 66.1 percentMental health services or counseling: 55 percentSocial worker services: 51.1 percentSome offer specialized services for people with dementia, sometimes called Memory Care. A little more than 14 percent of assisted living facilities have a special memory care unit, wing or floor, and another 8.7 percent accept only dementia patients.Some also offer services tailored for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or particular medical conditions such as Parkinson's Disease.How to find facilities in your areaThe best way to find the right community is to connect with a FREE local referral service like: The Right Senior Living Solution will have files of the care and ammenities offered by the communities in the local area. A reputable senior living advor will have an array of professional partners that will assist you with all of your needs to make the transition to a new community and lifestyle as smooth as possible.  A Local Senior Living Advisor will have knowledge of:1. What are the size and types of units available?2. Do any units have kitchens or kitchenettes?3. Are all the rooms private?4. Are bathrooms private?5. Is special care available for residents with Alzheimers disease or other conditions?6. Does each resident have a written care plan, and is the person involved in creating it?7. Is a contract available that details fees, services and admission and discharge policies?8. Are additional services available if a residents needs change?Remember that the person you speak with will most likely be a marketing or sales representative whose job is to promote the residence and a good well connected assisted living advisor will assist you in negotiating and getting the best move in incentive package available.What to look for when you visit with your advisorOnce you and your advisor narrow down your list to a few communities/facilities with the services and price range youre looking for, your advisor will schedule visits and tour the communities with you. During your visit you will speak with administrators, staff and the residents to ask questions and get a feel of the community.Its good to also bring a friend or family member for support.An Advisor will recommend visiting each community/facility multiple times. It is best to be there during mealtimes and perhaps even have lunch with residents, to give you a better sense of what its like to live there.When visiting communities with your senior living advisor, there are some other very important things to look for:CleanlinessAn emergency generator or alternative power source in case of an outageEnough common areas, such as dens and living roomsA floor plan that's logical and easy to followLarge enough rooms for your family members needsRooms and bathrooms with handrails and call buttonsSafety locks on doors and windowsSecurity and fire safety systemsServices such as banking, a beauty salon or a cafWell-lit stairs and hallways with well-marked exitsA good referral agency like The Right Senior Living Solution will advise that you ask plenty of questions about staff members, including their qualifications and whether they receive additional training from the facility.On your visits, observe how employees interact with residents. Ask about the facilitys suggestion, complaint and grievance procedures, and whether it has resident and family councils to provide feedback.Before signing a contract:Look carefully at the facilitys contract. Take it home with you and go over it with other family members.State regulations for assisted living facilities are on the National Center for Assisted Livings website. The list also contains contact information for each state's regulators, who can guide you on how to find information about a facility.Make sure you clearly understand the terms, and if you have questions, get them answered before you sign. Your Advisor will know: How much are entrance fees and monthly rent, and is a security deposit required? What level of personal and health care services are provided? What privileges do residents have? For example, are they permitted to bring personal furniture? What are the transfer and discharge policies? What specific reasons would lead to a resident being asked to move out, and how much notice would be given? Is a residents space held if he or she has to be hospitalized? Does the contract put any limitations on your right to bring legal action for injury, negligence or other causes? Consumer Reports cautions that many residences include arbitration clauses, which require disputes to be settled outside the legal system via a third party.Some financing options to keep in mind: Long-term care insurance If you have a policy, it probably covers assisted living, but Medicare and most private health insurance plans do not. Medicaid. The federal/state health care program for people with low incomes and limited assets, may provide some help if youve exhausted other financial resources.Most states offer some level of financial aid to qualified assisted living residents Do you qualify for Aid & Attendance Benefit  Department of Veterans AffairsFormer service members may be able to get federal help. The Aid and Attendance benefit, a supplement to VA pensions for older veterans who need help with daily living activities, can help pay for assisted living or memory care.VA health care does not pay for room and board at an assisted living but might cover some additional services.The Right Senior Living Solution Specializes in communities in:Independent Living in BradentonIndependent Living in SarasotaAssisted Living in BradentonAssisted Living in SarasotaMemory Care in BradentonMemory Care in SarasotaGeorge Smith The Right senior Living Solution(941) 705-0293

Turn to ADCO Hearing for hearing devices for deaf sourced from some of the best-selling brands in the market. We have an extensive selection of assistive devices, amplified phones, hearing aid supplies, and more for all your hearing needs. ADCO Hearing has been changing lives since the 1950s and today, we can provide the hearing support YOU need. We strive to provide products, expertise, and service to those living with hearing loss so you get to live more comfortably. Take a look at our collection and go with ADCO today!Check out the assistive listening devices, amplified cordless phones, ear care and hearing supplies, and other professional supplies from diagnostic supplies, earlights, pocket lights, tinnitus maskers, to otoscopes on our website.

The aging of the Baby Boomers coupled with an increase in life expectancy and decrease in birth rates means that older adults make up a larger percentage of the U.S. population than ever before.Additionally, the country continues to become a more diverse population across all measures. Every day 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 and with all of these changes come unique challenges to keeping America healthy.Adults aged 65 and older report a growing need for help with navigating their insurance, staying healthy and active, remaining socially engaged and staying mentally sharp [1]. Older adults of all backgrounds often have complex needs that require coordinated care. Providing coordinated care requires an interdisciplinary team tailored to each individuals needs.How can a team approach help you? An interdisciplinary care team can include: physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, psychiatrists, medical directors, pharmacists, phlebotomist, outreach professionals, Medicare specialists, community outreach and social service providers, the consumer (you), family members, and caregivers. At Oak Street Health, we are rebuilding healthcare as it should be - which is why as an OakStreet Health patient, you have all of these care team members here to help meet your needs.Oak Street Health was designed to meet your needs through high-quality, affordable care in a community setting right in your neighborhood that provides special attention and engagement opportunities for all of patients. We pride ourselves in being more than just a doctors office. We are a team of families, friends, and loved ones here to meet your changing needs every step of the way. We have one-on-one counseling for insurance assistance to help navigate your Medicare benefits. We have care managers to help with your social needs and community rooms and community coordinators filled with activities and events to keep you social and active each day. Oak Street Health provides the unique care that you deserve to make sure you and your loved ones remain happy, healthy, and out of the hospital.Editors note: [1] Hagerty, John. (2016, November). AARP Research - 2016 AARP Member Opinion Survey. https://www.aarp.org/ research/topics/politics/info-2016/2016-member-opinion-survey.html. This article was submitted by Julia Clark MPH, PhD, and Director of Clinical Services - Oak Street Health. Oak Street Health can be reached at 844.496.8738 or you can visit their website at www.oakstreethealth.com to experience the Oak Street Health difference today.

No one wakes up in the morning with a deliberate plan to fail, but I do believe many of us plan for failure by simply procrastinating because while we all know we will die it all seems so far off. Unfortunately, too often the unexpected arises, and families are left scrambling to figure out what to do for those they love. When my mothers health became such that my father had to place her in long-term care I remember telling him how much the planning to care for her might cost. He told then he would gladly pay more than that for the problem to just go away.My parents had basic estate planning in place, but what they did not have was a plan for life and a plan for death. What is a plan for life? Well, it involves basic estate planning such as a will and powers of attorney, but it also includes contingency planning for the unexpected. For example, what is the plan if one spouse needs long-term care and the other does not? What happens if both require it? What happens if one spouse is in long-term care and the stay at home spouse dies. What happens if in a situation such as the ones Ive named the families are blended; who makes what decisions for whom?A plan for death is easier, but often neglected. We found out at my mothers death that we did not have the first idea how to have my mom interred in the local VA cemetery, and we had to wade through a lot of misinformation until we got the right information.What to do then? Plan for the unexpected. Consult with the necessary professionals today so that the unexpected does not catch you unawares. The decisions you make today will affect your family tomorrow; help them to enact your wishes by giving them the tools they need to implement your plans for both life and death. The problems will not just go away.Editors Note: This article was submitted by William H. Moller, Attorney and Counselor at Law, The Moller Law Group, LLC. He may be reached at 719-694-1284, or by email at whmoller@mollerlawgroup.com.

Opportunities that local organizations that offer regardless of ones skills, experience, education, trade, or profession, Volunteer opportunities are flexible and based on the volunteers interests and time commitments. Volunteer opportunities include mentoring and tutoring children, delivering Meals on Wheels, providing transportation to critical medical appointments and much more.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

Everything is so costly, how can we afford the care we need? I often hear this from families just starting the care service maze.For those families that find that mom and dad, or their spouse needs a little more help, they begin a trip of discovery for affordable care. With many options available, finding the right fit can be overwhelming. Often the decision is influenced by factors such as whether there is a spouse or local family members to help with care, is the home a safe location, and the size of the care budget available. Lets examine how these factors affect the outcome.Family CareA first consideration is who is available to provide the free care we all take for granted. Because chronic care may be associated with advanced age, often the spouse may have issues of their own that may limit the quality of care provided. For a husband who needs a walker and has a history of falls, the spouse may not be strong enough to render help when needed. If the care is from a daughter or son who is just across town or in nearby Denver, the need to be available can be a daily task that may impact their family and career.Home or CommunityJust as in real estate, care should consider the best location. If the home is a safe place it will likely be the first choice for care, but lets examine that qualifier; is it safe? For someone who needs help with meal prep and showering assist, home is where everyone wants to be. For our previous example, the home with stairs can be a formidable obstacle. Add a little dementia and being home alone may not be a suitable environment. Then a community care provider may be a better choice.Managing CostsNow we begin to explore costs and how to pay for the care required. If there is a long term care policy, the policy may have low payout or short duration. For memory issues, the need for care can last 5 years or more. A life insurance policy may be convertible into a care policy. A home may be used for a reverse mortgage to provide funds. If dad was a veteran, the Aid & Attendance Pension may provide funds for care. Finally, Medicaid is the safety net that provides a helping hand when resources are low. To help sort these financial choices its best to consult a Care Cost Advisor to create a roadmap to pay for care. Its a free service that could be invaluable.Editors Note: Article submitted by Chuck Shaw, Care Cost Advisor, VA Accredited Agent & Financial Advisor. He may be reached at 719-638-1319 or capitalwealth@ymail.com

My mom had a stroke, she lives in an apartment with stairs. She calls me at all hours of the day and night to come help her, I am frazzled trying to make sure her needs are getting met. Help. My dad passed a year ago, he was our moms primary caregiver, us girls have been taking care of her full time since he passed. We have families, we have jobs, we just cant do it anymore.When the needs of an older adult become greater than the families ability to care for them, then most likely it is time for a change.Change is difficult for both the older adult and the family members who are caregiving. It is common for older adults to want to stay in their home, which can leave the family feeling guilty about no longer being able to honor their wishes.Moving an older adult into a senior community can ultimately bring relief to all concerned. The family transitions out of the role of full-time caregivers and back into the role of being supportive loved ones. The older adult now has a 24/7 support system in place to ensure all their needs are being met. Easy access to meals and socializing are often the icing on the cake for older adults who move into a senior community.The process of finding the right senior community can be extremely stressful and time consuming. Every community is different, and your loved ones needs are unique. One way to make the search less stressful is to work with a free, local, Senior Living Advisor.A Senior Living Advisor assists with narrowing down the communities, checking availability, confirming pricing, scheduling tours, attending the tours with the family, and providing guidance in making an informed decision.When it is time for a change, enlist the support of a local Senior Living Advisor; you dont have to navigate this difficult journey alone.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Danita Nixon (CSA), Certified Senior Advisor, Owner of Senior Living Advisors of Colorado, she may be reached at970-541-4592 or by email danita@slacolo.com

Reverse mortgages are designed for adults 62 and over who own their own home and wish to access their home's equity while retaining ownership. These programs are government insured and can provide tax-free cash on a monthly basis. Reverse mortgages allow elders to access thehome equitythey have built up in their homes now, and defer payment of the loan until they die, sell, or move out of the home. Because there are no required mortgage payments on a reverse mortgage, theinterestis added to the loan balance each month. The rising loan balance can eventually grow to exceed the value of the home, particularly in times of declining home values or if the borrower continues to live in the home for many years. However, the borrower (or the borrower's estate) is generally not required to repay any additional loan balance in excess of the value of the home.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

The Regional Transportation Districts (RTDs) bus and light rail system provides wheelchair-accessible public transit at discounted fares for seniors. In addition, RTD offers the following services:call-n-Ride is a curb-to-curb transportation service available in select locations. By calling at least one hour in advance, you can be transported in a small bus that is easy to board and wheelchair accessible.seniorRide provides bus service for groups of 10 or more to cultural, educational and entertainment events. Monthly activities are scheduled by RTD. Passengers need to make reservations in advance.Midday Shopper provides prearranged weekday trips to area shopping centers, with Saturday Shopper offering service to any preferred shopping destination when reserved five days in advance.access-a-Ride is a service for those who are unable to ride, board or exit a regular accessible fixed-route bus and/or have a specific impairment-related condition that makes it impossible to travel to and from a bus stop.Discount one-way Local cash fares for all RTD regular bus and light services are 85. For more information, log on to RTD-Denver.com or call RTDs Telephone Information Center at 303.299.6000 (TDD 303.299.6089).Author:RTD regular bus

Kare Works presents Seniors Blue Book Senior Care Spotlight with Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN; featuring Laurie Miller, Owner and Administrator of Apple Care and Companion. Laurie shares her expertise on the many factors to consider if you are thinking about bringing your loved one home from a senior living community.Laurie shares additional information on this important topic on the Apple Care and Companion blog post:Thinking about bringing your loved one home from a senior living community?Learn more about Apple Care and Companion

Wills and powers of attorney make up a simple estate plan. When your needs and wishes require more detailed instructions, adding a trust to your plan allows you to specifically direct where your assets go and how those assets can be used when you pass away. A properly funded trust keeps your wishes private, not a part of public court proceedings, and is more difficult to contest than a will only.There are many different types of trusts, each with specific purposes. Any trust can be tailored to meet your specific needs and wishes for your loved ones.A Revocable Living Trust can be modified or revoked by the creator. Trust assets go directly to beneficiaries, not through your will. One key benefit is planning for estate tax concerns and establishing protections to keep assets in your family.An Irrevocable Trust cannot be changed or modified and is managed by a trustee, who is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the creator of the trust and managing assets in the best interest of beneficiaries. These are frequently created as part of a plan for helping a person pay for their long-term care, especially in a nursing home.Heritage or Dynasty Trusts allow for assets to remain within your family, passing from one generation to the next. This type of trust can keep assets within families even if your children or grandchildren divorce and allow for protection from creditors.A Special Needs Trust can be a valuable tool when a loved one has a disability or needs finances protected from receiving an inheritance all at once, allowing for continued access to public or government benefits and services.Charitable Trusts leave a legacy to a charity based on your interests or religious beliefs. Assets can be given before or after other beneficiaries, in a fixed amount or a percentage of all assets. This type of trust planning comes with tax benefits, both immediate and in the future.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Andrew P. Stone, Esq.Andrew isthe principle attorney with Stone Law, LLC and may be reached at877-897-6591 or by email at andrew@stonelawllc.com

For aging veterans, one of the most important benefit programs is the Aid and Attendance Program (A&A) available through the Veterans Administration. An earned pension benefit, it was established in 1951 to assist qualified veterans, and/or their surviving spouse. A&A provides pension benefits that enable veterans to live independently while receiving medical and non-medical care both in the home and in qualified facilities. The program remains generally unknown to most people.Types of Care EligibleThe availability of this program is something all veterans and their surviving spouse should know about. The A&A can fund services such as in-home care, assisted living facility expenses and other medical costs that many seniors face.QualificationsTo qualify for the A&A, a veteran must have served 90 days or more of active duty with at least one of those days served during a US-declared war. Service in a war zone is not required. Discharge must be for any reason other than dishonorable conditions and the age of 65 must be attained.The benefits are designed for those who meet specific financial criteria and demonstrate a physical need for healthcare known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The Department of Veterans Affairs determines active duty as full-time service.Costly MisunderstandingThere are several reasons why veterans are unaware of, or misunderstand these benefits. First is the name of the benefit itself. The Aid and Attendance Program is also known as the Veterans Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit Program. Pension benefits usually come after years of service, not after only 90 days.Many veterans often assume the available benefits are for those who have a service-related disability not just because they turned 65. As the name implies this program is a non-service connected benefit and does not require a disability and is available in part just by virtue of age.Some may assume that their income is too high to qualify. The reality is not the gross amount received in income but what is left after deducting qualifying expenses for care. Many are surprised to learn that this net number puts them in a range for qualification.Not applying in a timely manner may result in denial of benefits if the veteran passes before the application is completed and payments start. Upon death, the application process stops. If approved, benefits are paid retroactively back to the date of application.Contributing to the lack of wider awareness of the program is that the Veterans Administration prohibits anyone from profiting from the assistance in making and filing the application for the benefit.A useful resource is the State of Connecticut, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Advocacy and Assistance www.ct.gov/ctva . These district offices are staffed by knowledgeable veterans who can help shepherd what could be a lengthy and somewhat complicated process. The VAs website is http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp.Surviving SpousesThe A&A benefit is only available to the veteran during the veterans lifetime. After the veterans death, the surviving spouse may apply providing they were still married at the veterans death and the spouse did not remarry.Other assistance can be provided through various national, county or local service organizations. In addition, in-home care providers like Comfort Keepers and senior care facilities can assist in accessing the information necessary to evaluate a persons eligibility for the Veterans Improved Pension Benefit Program.This article was submitted by Dennis Patouhas, owner of Comfort Keepers of Lower Fairfield County. He may be reached at 203-629-5029 or dennispatouhas@comfortkeepers.com

Music-Thanatology is a musical/clinical practice that unites music and medicine in end of life care. The music-thanatologist utilizes harp and voice at the bedside to lovingly serve the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of the dying and their loved ones with prescriptive music.Prescriptive music is live music that responds to physiological changes observed in the patient moment by moment. For example, by observing vital signs such as heart rate, the music-thanatologist provides a musical prescription that is tailored to each specific situation. The warmth of this living music can bring solace, dignity and grace to those nearing the ultimate journey at the end of life.This music can help to ease the physical symptoms such as pain, restlessness, agitation, sleeplessness and labored breathing. It offers an atmosphere of serenity and comfort that can be profoundly soothing for those present. Difficult emotions such as anger, fear, sadness and grief can be relieved as listeners enter into a musical presence of beauty, intimacy and compassion.Music-Thanatology is not intended to entertain or distract the patient. Instead this music allows the patient to enter into the unbinding process of letting go in his or her very own personal way.In general, the music is quiet, restful and meditative. This music, referred to in Music-Thanatology as prescriptive music, is in fact music which is prescriptively delivered and is more specific to individual patient needs based on observations of the patients vital signs and overall affect. While there is a place for commonly known music or old favorites during many phases of life, music-thanatologists will consciously steer away from familiar music toward music that is unassociated with particular memories, thoughts or feelings. This approach encourages the listener to simply receive on a deep level.Whether conscious or unconscious, the music is patient directed since we connect at the level of breath, pulse, pain, effort and tension. In addition to this medical delivery of music, the music seeks to be an expression of beauty and love; and as such, it transcends diverse affiliations of faith and culture.Since antiquity, music and medicine have a long tradition as allies in healing. Music-Thanatology is a contemporary field rooted in that same tradition. Many physicians, nurses and caregivers welcome music vigils as an integral form of care for relieving suffering and bringing comfort for their patients and families.Editors Note: Christine Jones, CM-Th, M.I.S., B.A., is a certified Music-Thanatologist living and working in the state of Utah and may be reached by email at lyricalharp.jones@gmail.com

Joliet Area Community Hospice Considered the model for quality compassionate care for people facing end of life, hospice provides expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to each patients individual needs and wishes.Hospice can improve a persons quality of life when curative treatments and technology are no longer effective or desired. Like various sectors of the medical community, Joliet Area Community Hospice (JACH) includes complementary therapies in patient care plans and with family bereavement. Currently music, art, pet, massage, Reiki and aroma therapies are offered to our patients. These non-invasive therapies promote comfort and well-being and complement the medical and social support they already receive from their interdisciplinary care teams. Complementary therapies promote relaxation and rest, minimize anxiety and stress, release tension, reduce pain, helps with agitation and improve functional status and quality of life.Aromatherapy has minimal side effects and is ideal in hospice care. Not only does it benefit the patient but also family members and caregivers. Our trained staff choose the right essential oils and method of application. They incorporate aromatherapy through touch and massage or through diffusers. Massage in itself is beneficial and when paired with aromatherapy, canboost the mood and ease the tension many hospice patients experience.Reiki treats the whole person. It is a Japanese therapy for stress reduction and relaxation. Reiki is a popular and beneficial healing modality that is utilized for health and wellness. It is based on energetic principles and is practiced in many hospitals, medical settings, and in private practice all around the world.Music can be a powerful tool at end of life by bringing peace and harmony to a hospice patient. Studies have shown that patients at end of life engage more easily when music is playing. Music therapy has always proven to enhance verbal and motor abilities for adults, teenagers and children.Pet therapy promotes conversation, activity and emotional connections during a visit. Some patients enjoy petting the animal and having them lay by them to cuddle. Others like to throw a ball and play fetch, while some give the dog commands to do. People who love animals and have had pets of their own can feel a sense of normalcy from a pet therapy visit.Art therapy is also beneficial to hospice patients as well as their family member and can help when dealing with anticipatory grief. Art is a perfect outlet to express feelings and in turn reducing anxiety. Adults, teenagers and children benefit from art therapy as a means of relaxation and stress relief. Therapies offered to JACH patients and families are administered wherever home is and by licensed staff or volunteers as required. Editors Note: As a hospice patient or family member, ask your care team about these additional therapies that may provide additional bene?ts to you. Submitted by Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 815.740.4104.

People often ask the question: is it Alzheimer's or is it dementia? The fact is that dementia is the name that refers to all types of memory loss diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. In other words, Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia, the same as vascular dementia, Picks disease, alcohol dementia, Lewy Body disease, and the many other diseases that cause memory loss. Long ago, before these types of dementias had a name, it wasn't uncommon to hear families talk about their senile old grandma who just got crazy when she got old. Grandma probably suffered from one of these diseases and went undiagnosed and untreated.Finding An Alternate SolutionFortunately, people started understanding the need for specialized care. Both Assisted Living and Memory Care communities started coming around. Families are usually distressed and at wits end by the time they realize there is help out there. Many people have a hard time moving a parent or loved one into a community. They feel an overwhelming amount of guilt. But families are usually surprised and relieved when they see their loved ones doing well in an environment that is tailored to their needs. Its usually not long before grandma is engaging in activities, both group and individual. She's eating nutritious meals, having personal care done by caregivers that specialize in dementia. These diseases don't reverse, so grandma will continue with this journey, but she will be in good hands and take each day as it comes. Often the families or caregivers say they wish they had done this sooner, but they had no idea that there were places available where grandma could still have a quality life.Here are some common tips when the time comes to look into getting help:First understand that the people caring for the person with dementia need help, guidance and reassurance as well.When visiting communities, look for happy employees that are engaged with the residents.Ensure the community is secure with outdoor spaces that allow residents to wander safely.Does it have the look and feel of a home?Are their odors?A Steinberg study shows that smaller homes, or clusters are the most desirable environment. Avoiding too much stimulation or confusion.And finally; does it feel good; is it right for you and your family? Being a caregiver for your loved one 24/7 can become exhausting and overwhelming. Just know you don't have to go through it alone. There are many free resources available to help you along the way. If you need help finding resources, give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.Editors Note: This article written by JoAnne Mohrland, Executive Director, Regency Columbia Village, 208-344-2954.

I have been featuring articles focusing on the scams and exploitation tactics that have been targeted at seniors in Southwest Florida. Sadly, however, statistics show that seniors continue to be victimized at an alarming rate. Please take steps to protect yourself before you are a victim. Be careful, informed and prepared!Be aware that you are at risk from strangers and those closest to you. Over 90% of all reported elder exploitation is committed by family members. Sadly enough, most often children and grandchildren are the culprits of financial deception. Common tactics are to deplete joint checking accounts, promising and not delivering care in exchange for monetary compensation or property, and outright stealing right under the victims nose. Surround yourself with trusted, ensured, bonded, experienced professionals that can provide you with information and security. When dealing with home repair or service providers, check theFlorida Department of Professional Regulation to verify appropriate licensing.Never purchase anything from someone who calls or visits without being invited. This is especially true when dealing with charitable organizations. If you are interested in the product or wish to know more about the charity, invite the solicitor to send you material that you can examine at your convenience. Legitimate companies and charitable organizations will never pressure you for money. Remember, you are in control!Shred, Shred, Shred. Identity theft is a profitable business for crooks. Monitor your bank and credit card statements and report any discrepancies immediately to your financial institution.Don't give any personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Legitimate businesses and agencies will not call you asking for your personal information over the phone or email.Sign up for the Do Not Call List. Visit www.donotcall.gov, or call toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register to stop telemarketers from calling you. This service is sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission. Remember to register both your home and cell phones.If you suspect financial exploitation or a potential scam, report it to local law enforcement immediately. LEAPP (Lee Elder Abuse Prevention Partnership) is a local coalition advocating against elder abuse and exploitation. To learn more about LEAPP, contact United Way 211. For more information on assistance for seniors, contact the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-866-413-5337.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Marilyn Gregory, Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator, Seniorchoices for Southwest Florida, Inc. Elder Helpline 1-866-413-5337.

For more information on Companion Caregiver Services, Click Here.More than 29% of the United States population currently receives home health care from a family member. This could be for a chronic illness, disability, surgical operation, aging, the list goes on. Due to the growing number of elderly people;the nation is facing a shortage on caregivers to assist in homes, facilities, and senior living communities. Two companies in Fort Myers, FL have come up with a solution to this growing issue.Caregiver BurnoutMany people stay at home to assist a loved one. Thus, they have the difficult task of trying to manage a life of their own, a paying job, and the full time task of family caregiver. Six out of ten unpaid caregivers say they manage the task of care giving and a full time job.In turn, almost all family designated caregivers typically face a breaking point physically/mentally; an event commonly referred to as burnout. According to The World Health Organization:Burn-out is a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions:feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion;increased mental distance from ones job or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's jobReduced professional productivityTherefore; the demand for home health care workers is unmistakably high. And that is why the Home Health Care industry is growing at a rapid rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; the job outlook for home healthcare providers is double that of the national average.

PLAN FOR THE FUTUREWhile its important for everyone to plan for the future, legal plans are especially vital for a person diagnosed with dementia. The sooner planning begins, the more likely it is that the person with dementia will be able to participate. Legal planning includes: Planning for long-term care and health care. Making arrangements for finances and property. Naming another person to make decisions on behalf of the person with dementia.QUICK TIPS FOR LEGAL PLANNING1. Those named in the power of attorney document should have a copy of and access to the original.2. The person with dementia should name a successor (back-up) agent for power of attorney in the event that the agent may one day be unable to act.3. Once a power of attorney for health care documents and/or a signed living will is in place, give copies to the persons health care providers.4. Consider choosing an attorney or a bank to manage the individuals estate if the person lacks a trusted individual with time or expertise.5. The person with dementia should discuss his or her wishes with the chosen power of attorney to make sure the agent is comfortable carrying them out.THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL PLANNINGAfter receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimers disease or another dementia, the need for and cost of future care may not be immediately considered. Financial planning often gets pushed aside because of stress and fear. The sooner planning begins, the more the person with dementia may be able to participate in making decisions.KEY TIPS1. Discuss finances and future care wishes soon after a diagnosis.2. Organize and review important documents.3. Seek help from well-qualified financial and legal advisers.4. Estimate possible costs for the entire disease process.5. Look at insurance options.6. Find out for which government programs you are eligible.7. Learn about income tax breaks you may qualify for.8. Take advantage of low-cost and free community services.9. Consider how personal property and work-related benefits can become a source of income.The local chapter of the Alzheimers Association offers a wide variety of free online and in-person classes, including legal and financial planning. Call today for more information. 208.206.0041.See add on page 79

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Good news for seniors facing hip replacement: A much better outcome with computer and robotic-aided surgery. Why is the outcome better? Because the orthopedic surgeon can better align new hip components with computers and a robotic arm than by older methods using an alignment rod.Not all of us are built the same. When laying on the operating table, our hip may not be aligned as it would be when standing or going about activities of daily living. How can the surgeon know this? If there was a map or picture of the pelvis in normal everyday position, it could be compared to how the hip is aligned on the operating table. With this comparison, and measuring the difference in the patients position, the surgeon could determine the best place for new hip components. This is where computer and robotic- aided surgery can help.Heres how it works: The new system used a CT scan before surgery to map the patients anatomy in small increments, in three dimensions. These measurements are fed into computer software that assists the surgeon in the exact placement of new hip components. This improves longevity, stability, rotation, and other factors affecting the patients outcome. During surgery, when its time to place the cup into the pelvis, the computer guides a robotic arm to assist the surgeon in placing it exactly where it need to be for that patient, adjusting placement based on measurements taken before surgery. All of this results in the ideal hip replacement for the best outcome possible.In earlier generations, a hospital stay of several weeks was needed and the new hip joint would not last as long as current-day replacements. Now, with computer-aided and minimally invasive surgery, a hospital stay of two to four days is normal and the new hip may last thirty years. Most important is the patients comfort with the new hip; the better the fit, the more comfortable the patient.Editors note: For further information contact an Orthopaedic Surgeon listed in this resource directory.

Seniors have more housing options than ever, from the booming tiny house market to roommates and retirement communities. Senior living communities, however, remain a popular choice.What makes these communities so popular? Here are some common reasons.1. No need for Lawn Care or Home Maintenance. No two residences are exactly alike, but one common feature is that residents dont have to worry about household chores, repairs or lawn care.2. Tailor Amenities to Seniors Needs. Most residences offer a variety of amenities, and residents choose the level and type of care they receive.3. It Helps Preserve Family Relationships. Caregiving is an important job, but it is also exhausting. Disagreements about caregiving can cause tension and strained relationships among families. By taking on many caregiving duties, senior residences allow family members and their loved ones to spend more relaxed, enjoyable time together.4. Living Communities Encourage Safety. Secure entrances, monitoring, and the constant presence of other people in the community encourage safety. Most living centers also provide residents with some type of alert system to request help in case of an emergency, such as a fall.5. They Offer Many Activities.Art, fitness, and outings are common at most residences.6. Socializing is Encouraged. Loneliness can be a serious problem among older adults, but it doesnt have to be permanent. Senior living communities offer many opportunities for socialization, from coordinated activity schedules to simply having coffee with a neighbor.7. They are built for Accessibility. Because they are built with seniors in mind, these communities are accessible to people at all mobility levels. Doorways, rooms, and hallways can accommodate wheelchairs.8. They Come in All Varieties. There are many different options for senior living, depending on your loved ones needs. Options include active-adult communities, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care.9. Seniors Can Consolidate and Even Reduce Expenses. Senior living communities are not inexpensive. They do, however, include many services and amenities. Communities also offer the convenience of a single monthly fee for benefits like housekeeping, meals, cable TV, and social activities. Because they often include transportation services, residents usually dont need a car, further reducing expenses.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Tina Mitchell, Executive Director of Randall Residence of Wood Dale. She can be reached at 630-242-2988 or tmitchell@randallresi

Most older adults want to live in their homes for as long as possible. Aging at home brings with it many benefits as well as concerns. A longtime home is a place of comfort, memories and can be a source of connections to family, friends, places of worship, shops and health providers.However, most homes were not built to support the mobility, sensory and cognitive changes that often accompany aging. As one ages, everyday tasks such as climbing the stairs, standing at counters or in the shower, getting in and out of the bathtub and reaching objects in cabinets can become more difficult.With some preplanning, the use of todays technology, some home modifications, and outside assisted services when needed, you can make your home better suited to meet the changing needs of the people who live there.Simple precautions clearing the floor of clutter and removing rugs, improve lighting, add no-slip strips or non-skids mats on floors that may get wet. Place items on lower shelves for easier access.Modifications-Through-out the home replace door handles and facet handles with levers rather than knobs. Add ramp access and/or wider door ways for better mobility and access. Handrails on both sides of stairs or stair lift.Bathroom Higher Toilet seats, grab bars at toilet, shower and bath, level entry shower (no step) with bench.Technology Medical Alert Systems, smart home devices and home monitoring systems enable residents to call for emergency assistance, perform simple tasks by voice command and creates peace of mind for yourself and loved ones afar.In-Home Assistance ServicesIn-Home care and Home Health care are options to assist aging at home.All of these modifications can be tailored to be make your life easier and keep you independent at home for longer. Most importantly, keep your overall health, safety and everyones peace of mind a top priority.When the time comes that you or your loved ones are unable to stay in the home safely, turn to your SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) to assist in the transition. As Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES)we have unique training and experience in helping home buyers and sellers.Information in this article was extracted from NAR and Eldercare Locator by Bonnie Warren of Pathway Home Team at Keller Williams. Bonnie can be reached at 407-222-4508 or email bonniewarren@kw.com

The DiDi and Joan Team is a real estate team with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.DiDi and Joan provide attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to your real estate needs. This team has a deep respect for their clients and fully understand the emotional elements that are present when buying and selling real estate, especially in regard to seniors. DiDi and Joan will be there every step of the way, from understanding the desire to move, educating seniors on the housing opportunities available to them, and helping ease the transition for both the senior and their family.DiDi and Joan appreciate how exciting and emotional this time can be in a seniors life, and to ensure a positive outcome, this team spends ample time listening to their clients to truly understand them. With vast real estate and industry knowledge, DiDi and Joan are prepared to provide an assessment of your home and, if necessary, information on improvements that can be made to make the home more salable. DiDi and Joan pride themselves on making sure that every client understands the value of their home, the current market conditions, and how their home stacks up against local competition. With their pricing and marketing strategies in place, this team is fully equipped tosell your home quickly for the highest price possible. DiDi and Joan, in addition to their real estate expertise, also have a network of professionals to make moving as stress free as possible, including trustworthy real estate attorneys, mortgage specialist, stagers, estate sales specialists, and movers.Determining your next step may encompass a complex set of decisions, like fi nancing, type of senior housing, location, and determining long term future needs. DiDi and Joan are invested in your future and are determined to make sure that all of their clients needs and desires are met. Exploring real estate options can feel overwhelming and stressful, but with the DiDi and Joan Team, you will be guided every step of the way with industry professionals to ensure you make the best decisions to fi t your individual needs to determine the best place for you to call home.Editoris Note: You can reach DiDi and Joan at 630-207-0058 or email Didi@didihanni.com.

Hire Caregivers Privately (not via an Agency)As the need for additional help becomes apparent to loved ones, outside caregivers are often considered. Perhaps there is someone completely trustworthy who lives on the block or is a member at your church who is a good fit. Perhaps you got a great reference about a specific individual. While these finds can be ideal - evenperfect- notice the common thread. Each one is the result of someone personally knowing and vouching for the caregiver - the most powerful reference possible. Whether personally known by you or by someone you know and trust, that sort of recommendation is the gold standard and may well work great.When you start considering strangers, though, everything changes. I have personally seen cases where caregivers were hired off Craigslist. By the time we became involved there was stated concern caregivers were drugging the senior to make them more cooperative. Our jaws dropped. Adult Protective Services were next to get involved.Elder abuse is a real and growing problem and caregivers are often the culprits. Abuse includes physical, emotional, financial, sexual, psychological and neglect. Bringing in strangers with minimal or no vetting is a recipe for disaster. Even if you are fortunate enough to find one or more great caregivers, you may still have turnover problems that create a revolving door effect that creates more problems than it solves. Caregivers have their own lives, their own health and personal issues and, no matter how conscientious, cannot possibly be available at all times.Care communities and in-home aide companies are required by law to perform criminal background checks on all their employees (including sex offender registry), have liability insurance and require continuing education of their employees. They handle payroll, benefits and do their best to find a replacement caregiver if your normal one can't make a shift or simply is taking some time off. When you hire privately, you become responsible for all these issues and more.Many people have hired privately and found a great caregiver but for every success story with a happy ending, there are others where things went wrong - even tragically wrong. With the right person, this option can be a God-send but that right person is a diamond in the rough, so - BEWARE - and do your homework thoroughly!Hire Caregivers Through An AgencyHiring fully trained professional caregivers through an agency is the option most often considered for in-home care. Like any business, there are good agencies and bad agencies and everything in between. Make sure you do your due diligence in vetting agencies. Look at on-line reviews and consult local social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor. Consider all the reviews with a grain of salt. We know people are far more motivated to post a review when they're angry but that doesn't make the review invalid or the angry reviewer wrong - they may have valid reasons for their anger and they may not. Be discerning. Look for specific concerns and issues and see if the cumulative effect creates something of a consensus. Do your homework!Of course, each agency is the sum total of its caregivers and staff. Good agencies are good because they hire and retain better caregivers. Even so, there remains the possibility you get a bad caregiver so you must be vigilant until trust is established. This is particularly true for seniors with significant cognitive decline who may not be able to speak up for themselves. Trust but verify.When you hire a professional caregiver they will be trained, insured, bonded, licensed and compensated by a company that takes care of their taxes, insurance, benefits, etc. Due to exploding demand,staffing is a present and growing problem. Even if you are blessed with phenomenal caregivers, there will be times they cannot be there due to personal issues, vacations or mundane things like car trouble or being sick. At best, that means a last minute change in caregivers. At worst, it means no caregiver.Then there is the cost, which adds up quickly. Three hours is typically the minimum and $22-$26/hour is the going rate in most areas. 8 hours a day at $25/hour equals $200/day. That is enough to pay for many LTCCs and is a really good start for many others. Oh, and the $6000 you're spending at home is inadditionto all your other costs of home ownership or renting from groceries to utilities to home repairs & maintenance. The $6000 you spend at the LTCC gets you 24/7 care, all of your meals (bought, prepared, served and cleaned up), housekeeping, utilities, social activities, entertainment and more. Hmmm.It should be noted that what we are talking about here is HomeCareorAides- NOT HomeHealthcare. Aides provide assistance for things you cannot do alone but there are limits. Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, etc. can be handled by aides. Administering medication can not - but they can offer verbal reminders. Aides can also help with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, or IADLs, like cleaning, laundry, meals, shopping, banking and pharmacy runs with or without the senior (as his/her capabilities and desire dictate).Home Healthcare, on the other hand, is medical professionals that are sent into your home for specific medical tasks like changing a wound dressing. These professionals dont help with ADLs or IADLs - they are there to do specific jobs and when they are finished, they leave.There are also out-of-home resources like Senior Centers and Senior Day Care that can be quite beneficial to both the senior, who gets socialization, entertainment, etc., and the caregiver, who gets a break while knowing their loved one is in a safe place.Written & Submitted By: Care Patrol- click for more information*

Theres one thing that is certain in this world, yet its the one thing no one wants to think about, let alone talk about. Dying and death.Death is the only thing in life that is guaranteed. Death is the only absolute. We dont know how it will happen or when it will happen, but we all acknowledge and understand that it will happen. So why dont we want to think about it? Why is it so challenging to talk about? The answer is that it is both a difficult and emotional concept. Perhaps our brains think that if we dont think about it, it wont happen, but we all know that is not true.Lets reframe the discussion. Rather than thinking about death and dying, lets think about life and living. It may be more palatable to talk about how we want to live at the end of our life. It can be empowering to share our wishes for end of life care with our loved ones. If your loved ones dont know what you want, and they have to make your end of life decisions for you, its quite probable that they will have feelings of guilt wondering if they made the same decisions that you would have made.Conversation Ready NTX is a local, grassroots organization focused on getting people to think about and share their end of life wishes. We want to help people answer the question what matters most to you at the end of your life. These are not discussions about funeral arrangements or medical interventions but rather discussions about the time period before we die. During our interactive discussions, people have mentioned things such as not being alone at the end, being near nature, having a beloved pet nearby, making sure their glasses are on, praying with family and much more.Having the conversation about your end of life wishes is a gift to your loved ones. It provides a roadmap for those who will be making these tough and emotional decisions based on what you want and what youve shared with your loved ones.It wont make death any less sad, but it will help guide your loved ones to make decisions about you knowing what you want.Have the conversation today!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Laurie Miller, founder of Conversation Ready NTX. She may be reached at 469-619-547. See article on page 146.

So, what is this new twist all about? Starting January 2010, a change in the law makes it easier to save on Medicare Drug Plan Costs. More Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and resources.Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Some people with limited income and resources are eligible for Extra Help to pay for the costs---monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription drug co-payments---related to a Medicare prescription drug plan.To qualify for Extra Help:You must reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.Your resources must be limited to $12,510 for an individual or $25,010 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds. We do not count your house and car as resources; andYour annual income must be limited to $16,245 for an individual or $21,855 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples where your income may be higher are if you or your spouse: Support other family members who live with you. Have earnings from work, or Live in Alaska or Hawaii. Beginning January 1, 2010, when determining your eligibility for Extra Help:We will no longer count as a resource any life insurance policy: and We will no longer count as income the help you receive regularly from someone else to pay your household expenses food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, and property taxes.What Else Do I Need to Know?If you already receive Extra Help, you will not need to reapply in 2010. Social Security will check to see if you are entitled to any additional Extra Help because we no longer count your life insurance or help with household expenses.Beginning January 1, 2010, when you file your application for Extra Help, you also can start your application process for the Medicare Savings Programs state programs that provide help with other Medicare costs. Social Security will send information to your state unless you tell us not to on the Extra Help application. Your state will contact you to help you apply for a Medicare Savings Program. These Medicare Savings Programs help people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare expenses. The Medicare Savings Programs help pay for your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. For some people, the Medicare Savings Programs also may pay for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) premiums, if any, and Part A and Part B deductibles and co-payments. How Do I Apply for Extra Help?It's easy to apply for Extra Help. You can apply at our website at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html. You can also apply by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office. How long has been since you've done The Twist or seen Chubby Checker? When you visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov, you can watch his twist video and hear him explain how the new twist in the law works. This article was submitted by Mickie Douglas Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Salt Lake City, UT

Scientific studies have unlocked many of the mysteries of the human brain, but not the aging process. The brain succumbs to the human aging process losing its agility. The good news is that by staying mentally active you can improve brain function and even grow new brain cells, even after 50.The new science of Neurobics has emerged that focuses on exercising the brain. Established by leading neurobiology labs around the world, Neurobic activities are simple, fun and can be done anywhere and anytime. Everyday life can be your Neurobic gym.As part of our human nature, we like what is predictable and routine. We develop routines for almost everything from driving the same routes to following a morning personal hygiene ritual. The reliance on these routines requires less thought which results in less activity for your brain. Neurobics calls us to get out of our routines by engaging in activities that:Use one or more of your five senses (e.g., sight, taste, sound, touch, and smell)Involve your full attention and concentrationBreak your routine significantlySome examples of Neurobic Exercises are:Use you non-dominant hand. Try working with the hand that you normally do not use for tasks such as stapling, writing, turning on machines, holding a book, even brushing your teeth.Spend time in a new environment. Go to a new park, store or venue. Travel seems to slow age-related mental decline.Find a new route to work. It doesn't have to be a longer route - just different. Visit an Outdoor Market. Use your senses at your local farmers market during harvest season. Taste a new apple variety. Talk to the local grower.Get out of your routine and Neurobicize your brain! For information about how Stay at Home helps families, please call A.J. Canfield (239) 939-1200 or visit us on the web at www.StayHomeLee.com. We know that we can never be as good as family, but we are the # 1 best alternative.Editors Note: The Arden Group, Inc. 2007-2011. All Rights Reserved

Like other organs in the body, bones are constantly changing. Throughout childhood and as young adults, bones grow in strength and in size. Around the age of 30, bones reach their peak strength and then naturally become weaker with age.Osteoporosis affects one in every four adults and is a condition where bones become weak to the point of breaking. Symptoms of osteoporosis do not occur until a lot of bone strength is lost. The most visible symptoms may include loss of height, along with curvature of the upper back.Osteoporosis may also result in crippling and painful fractures, occurring most often in the hip, back or wrist. About 80% of these fractures occur after relatively minor falls or accidents.What Can You Do to Prevent Bone Loss? Medication - Calcium is one of the important minerals needed by your body for bones to form. If you do not get enough calcium and vitamin D, or your body does not absorb enough calcium from your diet, your bones may become brittle and more likely to fracture. Adults age 50 and older should have 1,200 mg of calcium and 800 - 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Bone Density Screening - If you are over age 65, postmenopausal with a bone fracture, on have been on prolonged hormone replacement therapy or take steroids for an illness, you should have a bone density test. The bone densitometer uses small quantity of x-ray to measure the amount of bone mineral, which relates directly to bone strength.Healthy Lifestyle Habits Healthy eating and exercise is very important for slowing the progression of osteoporosis. Although mild exercise does not protect bones, moderate exercise (more than 3 days a week for 90 minutes) can help. Before beginning any exercise program, talk to your doctor.Help Managing Your Bone HealthSaint Alphonsus has a team of experts that can help:Bone Density ScreeningIndividual Physical EvaluationsNutrition CounselingWellness ClassesEducation on balance and preventing fallsTo schedule your Bone Density Screening, call (208) 367-8787. For all other services, call (208) 367-DOCS.

Dementia, Delirium and Alzheimers DiseaseUnderstanding the differences between these terms is a first step in understanding what may be going on with you, a family member, a friend, or colleague.Dementia is often incorrectly used as an interchangeable term for Alzheimers Disease. Dementia does not define any specific disease, rather denotes that there are symptoms causing cognitive difficulties severe enough to interfere with daily live. These disorders cause the death of neurons (brain cells) or permanent damage to the neurons. Illnesses of dementia are generally of a gradual onset, while being progressive. At this time there are no known cures. Treatments are available to mitigate the severity of some symptoms such as behavioral therapies, person centered interventions, and in some instances medications.Alzheimers Diseases (AD) is the most frequently occurring form of dementia with three distinct forms and one variant, affecting people from 30 years of age to over 85.In addition to AD, some of the other forms are vascular dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, the Frontal Temporal Dementias, Parkinsonian Dementia, AIDS related dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and dementia due to a traumatic brain injury.Delirium follows a time pattern with an abrupt onset, and of a short duration. Delirium can occur within a diagnosis of a dementia related illness, or when there is no such illness present. Delirium is a temporary event that can result in confusion, disorientation, changing levels of consciousness, hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, jerky movements, disturbed sleep cycles, memory impairment, periodic agitated behavior, mood changes, altered speech, and changes in blood pressure and pulse. Delirium can be treated and cured because it is caused by an underlying medical problem (such seemingly simple things as a bladder infection or constipation can precipitate a bout of dementia) drug toxicity (caused by taking medications improperly, incorrect dosage, incorrect medication, anesthesia, among other drug factors) and environmental factors (such as sensory overload, too much noise, sensory deprivation often stemming from isolation, and impaired hearing). Once the underlying cause of the delirium is treated the symptoms subside and the person returns to previous levels of functioning. Unlike dementia, delirium does not involve structural changes to the brain.Alzheimers & Dementia Resource Center is here to help you every step of the way, from initial concerns, to diagnosis, to treatment interventions, skill building, learning about the disease and understanding all the options available to you so that you and the person for whom you are caring can LIVE with a dementia related illness.This article was written by Edith Gendron, Chief of Operations for the Alzheimers and Dementia Resource Center. She can be reached at 407-436-7750

Right now, almost 500,000 leading edge Baby Boomers in Colorado are facing difficult issues about aging. For most of them, it's not getting older that causes them the most concern, it's their aging parents.To help address their concerns, Covenant Retirement Communities tapped the insight of thousands of professionals to create an online resource with practical information and tips for seniors and their families. The web site, www.HavingtheConversation.com, helps families talk about sensitive subjects such as: Personal and home health care Transportation General services Housing and living environment Social networking Financial and legalThe articles include topics such as, when is the right time to give up the car? or is staying in the house a good idea? By reading the article before beginning the conversation, you can be confident that youve covered the major points on all sides of the issue. You can start making progress toward a realistic solution.Getting startedBy far the most popular page is the article titled, how to best get started. It tells adult children how to bring up sensitive subjects without scaring or alienating mom or dad. Professionals advise that its best to have family conversations sooner rather than later. That way the aging parent can be actively involved. Conversation is a two-way street. If we delay conversations until were faced with declining health or a crisis, the conversation won't be satisfying for either side. Delay causes more stress than having the conversation.Handling objectionsParents objections are another source of stress. HavingtheConversation.com includes an article titled, what if your parents say No? It happens a lot. You may be trying to have a conversation about staying in the family home. Your parents may say they are not ready for change. The article offers tools that will give you the confidence of knowing what to do next. By working with your parents, you can help them make decisions that will make their lives easier and offer more peace of mind.In addition to the downloadable articles, the web site includes a video, checklists for families, and lists of national resources, local services and supportive spiritual insight.Provided by Peter Milbourn, marketing director at Covenant Village of Colorado, who can be reached at (303) 403-2231 or PJMilbourn@covenantretirement.org.

For centuries, music has played a powerful role in overall wellness and has been recognized for its therapeutic ability. Music can promote desired changes in a persons energy level, manage moods, provide distraction during a difficult situation or provide the necessary support to move through the same difficult situation. Music is an inherent part of being human and can be thought of as its own health domain.When a loved one is in palliative or hospice care, they often need comfort or help from something that does not come from medication or other traditional treatment. Music therapy, as described by the American Music Therapy Association, uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy can be key in helping patients deal with many of the emotional and physical challenges they are facing during a difficult time. Family and loved ones can also benefit from music therapy to help them navigate through grief, stress and overwhelming feelings.In hospice or palliative care, music therapists focus on identifying and expressing emotions, increasing socialization, improving mental and physical capabilities and supporting spiritual needs. Music therapists, who are Board Certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists, use different techniques depending on a persons situation. For instance, lyric analysis promotes mental stimulation and can prompt discussion and reflection on a patients own life. Using instruments, such as beating on a drum, can help with rhythmic movement and coordination. Singing along with music encourages breath work and speech articulation. Its a form of therapy that offers many tactics to help a patient and their specific needs.For family and loved ones, music can be a way to express grief, alleviate stress and even share a memory with the patient by making a connection into their past together. It creates a familiar and comfortable environment for people to explore and share their feelings and thoughts.Music therapy is very much seen as enjoyable and non-threatening so it is often welcomed by patients of different ages and abilities and can be executed individually or within a group. It can be a very personal experience, yet a healing one that is unique to each patient and person.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Tammy Brannen-Smith, LCSW.Brannen-Smith is the Director of Pathways for Grief and Loss with Pathways and may be reached at 970-292-1072 or by email at tammy.brannen-smith@pathways-care.org

For more information on American House Fort Myers, Click Here.It is quite common to encounter confusion around the use of the words dementia and Alzheimers. The most important differentiator is, dementia is an overall term like heart disease that covers a wide variety of conditions, including Alzheimers. Though not the only type, Alzheimers is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is not considered a disease, while Alzheimers is.Causes of DementiaDementia is caused by the brain's physical deterioration. These abnormal changes trigger a decline in thinking skills, also known as cognitive abilities, and can be severe enough to compromise independent function. They can diminish quality of life, affect behavior, feelings and relationships.Types of Dementia Alzheimers disease: Alzheimers accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Early symptoms typically include difficulty remembering recent conversations, names or events. Later symptoms include apathy and depression, compromised communication, poor judgment, disorientation, confusion, and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking. Vascular dementia: Vascular dementia, accounting for about 10 percent of dementia cases, results from blood vessel blockage or damage leading to infarcts (strokes) or bleeding in the brain. The type of brain injury determines how thinking and physical functioning are affected. Initial symptoms include compromised judgment or ability to make decisions, plan or organize, as opposed to memory loss. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): Accounting for 5 to 50 percent of cases, Lewy body symptoms include sleep disturbances, well-formed visual hallucinations, and slowness, gait imbalance or other Parkinsonian movement features. Memory and thinking problems are also possible. Mixed dementia: In mixed dementia, more than one cause of dementia occurs simultaneously in the brain. Recent studies suggest that mixed dementia is more common than previously thought. Most commonly, this type is a mixture of Alzheimers and vascular dementia. Parkinsons disease: Parkinsons disease dementia is a decline in thinking and reasoning that develops in people living with Parkinsons at least one year after diagnosis. It often results in a progressive dementia similar to DLB or Alzheimers. Along with movement issues related to Parkinsons, symptoms include changes in memory, trouble interpreting visual information, muffled speech, delusions and depression. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): Frontotemporal dementia (or frontotemporal degenerations) refers to a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell lossin the brain's frontal or temporal lobes. There are several different diseases that cause FTD and result in disorders that include changes in personality and behavior and difficulty with language. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD): This disease occurs when prion protein in the body destroys brain cells, which results in a rapid decline in thinking and reasoning, as well as involuntary muscle movements, confusion, difficulty walking and mood changes. This type of dementia worsens unusually fast.Learn what you can do to join the fight againstAlzheimers disease.For information on Alzheimers and Dementia-related illnesses, contact these organizations:Alzheimers Association, (800) 272-3900Alzheimers Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR), (800) 438-4380Alzheimers Foundation of America, (866) 232-8484

Planning a funeral for your parents is a difficult and emotional process. It can be overwhelming and confusing, with so many decisions needing to be made. However, by being organized and methodical in your approach, you can ensure that the funeral is a meaningful and respectful celebration of their lives.Choose a funeral home.The first step in planning a funeral is to choose a funeral home. While this can be a difficult decision, it's important to find a funeral home that you trust and feel comfortable with. Look for a funeral home that is reputable and has experience in planning funerals. You may also want to consider the location, price, and accommodations offered by each funeral home.Notify family and friends.Once you have chosen a funeral home, it's important to notify family and friends about the funeral arrangements. You may want to send out an email or phone call to let people know about the funeral date, time, and location. This will give people plenty of time to make travel arrangements and plan accordingly.Plan the funeral service.The funeral service is an important part of the funeral, as it provides an opportunity to honor and remember your parents. When planning the service, you may want to include music, readings, and personal anecdotes about your parents. You may also want to consider hiring a minister or celebrant to lead the service.Choose the burial or cremation option.Another important decision to make is whether to have a traditional burial or cremation. Consider your parents' wishes and religious beliefs when making this decision. If you choose burial, you will need to select a cemetery and purchase a burial plot. If you choose cremation, you will need to select an urn for their remains.Consider other services.In addition to the funeral service and burial or cremation, there may be other services that you need to consider. For example, you may want to have a wake or visitation period to allow friends and family to pay their respects. You may also need to arrange transportation for the remains, as well as flowers and other funeral decorations.Deal with financial matters.Finally, you will need to deal with any financial matters related to the funeral. This may include paying for the funeral home services, burial or cremation, and other related expenses. You may also need to file any insurance claims or arrange for payment from your parents' estate.In conclusion, planning a funeral for your parents can be a difficult and emotional process, but by following these steps, you can ensure that it is a meaningful and respectful celebration of their lives. Remember to take your time, be organized, and seek support from loved ones throughout the process.Article Written By: Seniors Blue Book

Pam's involvement with Care Centers for the elderly, handicapped, and disabled is a true gift. She is a very talented hair dresser who can work in all types of environments and around all kinds of obstacles. The individuals absolutely love getting their hair done. Their faces light up every time Pam is there. The individuals are so pleased when they get that new look it gives them a boost of confidence and a source of independence. They always want to go out and show off their new dos because they are happy with it. The individuals also ask Pam about hair products used on their hair and what they need to do to care for their hair. She does such a great job explaining it so they can understand. It is a true blessing to have someone like Pam to be able to do in-home and facility visits. For many individuals because the wheel chairs make it more challenging to go to a salon and get the services that Pam provides when she comes to the home. She also donates her time and services for Hospice patients.Many of Pam's clients say she is one of the most selfless, compassionate, and genuine people they have had the honor of knowing. They truly believe Hospice Hair (her volunteered service for hospice patients) makes those last few months, weeks, even days better. She has dedicated much of her time and effort into going to homes, and for just one hour, making the people she takes care of feel very loved and cared for. This feeling of care is a different feeling than feeding or bathing them. She is making them feel beautiful. That feeling of beauty is an invaluable important gift. Pam truly loves what she does because she truly loves those she does it for.Note: Pam's Mobile Hair Salon provides free hair services to Hospice patients and $10 services for an in-home or facility visit. To reach Pam, or donate to her cause, call (801) 870-3139.

For patients who require more intensive nursing and respiratory care including post accident and ventilator dependent patients.Sub acutecare is specially designed to provide short-term rehabilitation to help recover from an injury or illness, or to provide the compassionate care you need when facing multiple medical problems or illnesses for a longer period of time.Asub acuteor post acute facility is a licensed, skilled nursing home that is equipped to deliver care to a patient when they have been discharged from the Intensive CareUnit(ICU) or some other acute setting.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

Whoa, Thats Way Too Hot!When my parents were newlyweds they were involved in an awful cabin fire. They were in the mountains of southeast Idaho with some good friends. They came back from a horse ride and started into the cabin. My mother stooped at the door way to light a match. As the match ignited it sparked the fumes of a leaking kerosene lamp. The resulting explosion blew her off the steps. My father was already inside and faced the full brunt of the explosion. By a series of miraculous events they survived and finally ended up at the burn unit at the U. But as you can imagine their recovery was horrific.I saw my parents live with the scars of that day while growing up. I heard them recount the events in frightening detail. But many good things came from this experience. Countless times my father would tell me that during his lowest moments he was surrounded by other people, burnt more badly than he was. Often they were kids. There is always someone worse off than you, became our unofficial family slogan.Now I feel I have an opportunity to prevent people from suffering in an avoidable fire. I have worked around medical oxygen for over a decade and have seen people put themselves in danger while using it. A few moments of education can correct most of these situations. To accelerate the distribution of this information I created an oxygen training program for professionals. It is a 30-40 minute presentation which covers how to properly use oxygen tanks, regulators, concentrators, and other oxygen equipment. It also reviews the most common hazards overlooked when using oxygen. It is done in a written test format that easily accommodates personnel training documentation.This program can be geared for any or all medical professionals, including RNs, CNA's and staff among others. It can also be customized for your particular team dynamics. This program is a community service and is done at no charge. Please feel free to contact me to schedule this important training- spaces do fill up quickly. Lets be safe while providing for those who are worse off than us.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Travis Hall, owner of MedStar Home Medical. He can be contacted via phone or email, 801-768-4464 or travis@MedstarHomeMedical.com.

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. Many of the residents at the retirement and assisted living community where I work suffer from Parkinson's Disease. This doesn't mean that they are stuck in wheelchairs and have to be spoon fed. In fact, one of our residents with Parkinson's Disease came by my office the other day to inform me that he had just been skiing, did two runs, and then called it a day. However, living with Parkinson's Disease can be a challenge, both for the person with the disease, and for their family. Parkinson's is a progressive degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. The most obvious symptoms are movement-related and include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking and gait. Some very famous people have Parkinson's Disease, including Michael J. Fox and Mohammed Ali, who began showing symptoms at the age of 38. Early diagnosis can help people better deal with the symptoms and get the medical help as well as the physical therapy that can make their lives easier.Ten early warning signs of Parkinson's Disease from www.parkinson.org, include :1) Tremor or shaking in your finger, thumb, hand, chin or lip2) Small handwriting or handwriting that has suddenly gotten smaller3) Loss of smell or trouble smelling foods like bananas, dill pickles, or licorice4) Trouble sleeping and sudden movements during sleep5) Trouble moving or walking, with a stiff feeling in your body, arms or legs6) Constipation and trouble moving your bowels without straining7) A soft or low voice when you speak in a normal tone8) A masked face that looks serious, depressed, or angry when you are not in a bad mood.9) Dizziness and fainting when you stand up out of a chair10) Stooping or hunching over and not being able to stand up as straight as you used toIf you would like more information about Parkinson's Disease, if you currently have the disease, or if you know someone who does, contact the Utah Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) at www.utah.apda.org for information, support groups, etc.

This refers to what happens if someone gets hurt on the job. If the company isn't insured, then the claim gets filed against the homeowner's insurance. If the company is insured, then the claim gets filed against the company's insurance.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}##listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

Every year thousands of seniors utilize physical therapy to get back on their feet. Reasons may include: recovering from a joint replacement, chronic or acute pain in any part of the body, stroke, balance and falls, recovering from an extended illness, and declining strength and function. The primary goal of physical therapy is to help alleviate pain and restore function and return independence. Most people are aware that you can receive physical therapy in your home through a home health agency when you are required to be homebound. Many people may not know there is another option to receive the therapy they need. Those who may not qualify for home health services or are no longer technically homebound can receive the therapy they need in the comfort of their own home. Much like an old fashioned doctors house call you can receive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in your home that is paid for by most insurances including Medicare part B, Medicare HMO , and secondary insurance benefits.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jim Harrison, DPT. Jim is a Physical Therapist with South Mountain Home Rehabilitation. He can be reached at 801-523-6376 or jim@smhrehab.com . Visit his website www.smhrehab.com.

Work out your way from the comfort of your home with online classes just for SilverSneakers members.SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program. Its an opportunity to improve your health, gain confidence and make new friends in a whole new way, said SilverSneakers member and Florida resident, Pat McCormick. Now SilverSneakers has made it even easier to make fitness a habit with SilverSneakers LIVE online classes!With hundreds of virtual SilverSneakers classes a week, you have a variety of options so you can find something that fits your needs and your schedule. Youll find everything from Zumba and strength classes to yoga and tai chi. There are classes for beginners and ones for more advanced exercisers.SilverSneakers LIVE workouts, like all SilverSneakers classes, are tailored specifically for older adults. Some people might be more active, some may have more limitations, and others may be managing chronic conditions. Thats why youll find a variety of ways to adapt each workout to meet your personal needs.During the COVID-19 pandemic, home is often the safest place to be, and now you can enjoy your favorite SilverSneakers classes without stepping outside. It may also be an advantage for anyone who feels uncomfortable in a gym or is hesitant to try a new class.To ensure that you dont miss a workout, youll get a personal email reminder for each class that you sign up for. Easy!Forming a community online may sound unlikely, but its happening at SilverSneakers LIVE! Members log in before class and stay on after class to talk to each other in the chat function. Many members credit this virtual community with helping them to reduce social isolation and loneliness.Ready to Get Started? If youre already a SilverSneakers member, log in to or create your online account to check out SilverSneakers LIVE. If you are not a member but have a Medicare Plan, it may include SilverSneakers at no additional cost. Check your eligibility and log in at SilverSneakers.com.If you dont have SilverSneakers as a benefit through your Medicare plan, visit our Facebook page to experience SilverSneakers Facebook Live classes!Editors Note: For more information visit SilverSneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632

Ever since physicist Enrico Fermi discovered the potential of nuclear fission in 1934, many dedicated men and women have worked effortlessly to utilize this power in defense of the United States. Now, more than 70 years later, our nuclear program has produced many scientific advances.Unfortunately, the thousands of courageous Americans responsible for these nuclear advances, paid a high price for their service, developing serious illnesses as a result of exposure to radiation and toxic materials. Too often these workers were neither adequately protected from, nor informed of, the occupational hazards to which they were exposed.As an approved provider under several government programs (including EEOICPA, RECA, FECA, and DCMWC), Nuclear Care Partners works with former Department of Energy workers, including former uranium workers, Rocky Flats workers, GJ Operations Office / AEC compound workers, who have been diagnosed with work related illnesses and as a result qualify for no cost in-home medical benefits.Nuclear Care Partners connects former workers with information and resources for health screenings and claims filing assistance. Once a former worker has filed for their medical benefits, Nuclear Care Partners creates a customized plan of care for that worker to slow the progression of their illness and keep them as healthy as possible while remaining in the comfort of their home.If you know a former Department of Energy employee, contractor or subcontractor and would like more information about these programs, please call Nuclear Care Partners at 888-525-5111.Editors Note: This article was submitted by John Kelley who is known locally as an advocate for former Department of Energy workers. John can be reached at 970-644-2992.

We are reaching a point in modern medicine where the concept of Aggressive Care at the end-of-life needs to be re-defined. When we think of aggressive medical care, we often think of all the amazing technology that can be used to prolong life in the 21st century. However, Hospice care, while usually seen as opposite of aggressive care, is in reality also aggressive care.The modern Hospice movement, while recognizing the futility of life support and in-effective therapies at the end-of-life, is not No Care. It is often more caremore aggressive pain management, more aggressive symptom management, insistent wound care, and more aggressive Quality of life care.Hospice care and aggressive care are not opposites. The goals are just different. The goal in Hospice is neither to cure the disease nor to extend life expectancy beyond all reason. With hospice, the goals become things such as preservation of dignity, allowing the patient to maintain control, to stay at home, and recognizing the importance of treating emotional and spiritual suffering. It is helping patients and families through one of the greatest times of change and personal growth they will ever experience on this planet. Sounds like pretty aggressive care doesnt it!A recent study has shown that people with similar medical conditions enrolled on hospice in a timely manner, actually lived LONGER than their counterparts who continued the traditional aggressive treatments such as chemo-therapy or high risk surgeries and procedures. Payment sources will continue to divide aggressive and non aggressive medical therapies, but medically and realistically, that line is becoming less and less clear.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jerry L Old MD, on behalf of Alpine Home Health and Hospice. For more information they can be reached at 970-257-1275

To learn more about The Retreat at Palisade, CLICK HERE.1. Active Games and SportsThese give you the chance to get some exercise, improve your hand-eye coordination, and gain a sense of control over the physical world. All of that can be very satisfying, especially if you get to overcome obstacles or compete with other people in a friendly way.Consider examples like:GolfMiniature golfPoolShuffleboardBocceTennisBadmintonPickle ballCroquetBall tossingFrisbee tossingVolleyball (including with a beach ball or balloon)HorseshoesLawn bowlingIndoor bowlingWii BowlingCurling2. Dancing, Karaoke, and Other Performance ArtsDancing to music can connect your body to exciting and healing rhythms. Singing popular songs (even badly) in front of other people can help you enjoy the humor in your efforts and avoid taking yourself too seriously. And performing in other wayssuch as acting in a skit or trying a stand-up comedy routine can remind you of how fun it is to tell stories in new or creative ways.Take a chance and try things like:Line, ballroom, salsa, or swing dancingSeniors' or all-ages karaokeActing in a playTelling jokes to an audienceReading books to groups of young kidsWriting and acting out skitsParticipating in comedic improvStarting a seniors' dance troupe3. Parties and Other Social GatheringsSocializing can be a powerful way to inject more fun into your life. That's particularly true if you get to reminisce about old times or talk about the other things that interest you. In fact, a good conversation may elevate your mood and outlook more than anything else on this list, especially if you keep things jovial.So don't shy away from attending other people's parties or joining clubs. Also, consider planning some of your own events. You can plan parties around all kinds of themes such as:Casino nightMurder mysteryTrivia nightMexican fiestaUgly sweaters nightThe 1920s, 50s, 60s, etc.Masquerade ballArabian nightsMardi GrasPiratesHawaiian luauJungle bashThe OscarsFormal teaSecret Santa4. Traditional Games and PuzzlesBoard games and card games provide great ways to socialize and benefit from the joyful challenges of friendly competition. And puzzles can help sharpen your mind and give you a sense of progress and accomplishment.Consider options like:UnoScrabblePictionaryYahtzeeBingoCheckersChinese checkersDominoesMonopolyChessBackgammonCribbageGo FishPokerBridgeMahjongCanastaRummySolitaireCrazy EightsCrossword puzzlesJigsaw puzzlesWord search puzzles5. Animal InteractionsJust like people, animals want and need to have fun. So playing with them can be mutually beneficial.Besides, it's often easy to find animals to interact with even if you don't have any pets. For example, many animal shelters welcome seniors who want to givedogs, cats, or other critters some quality attention.6. Gardening, Bird-watching, and Other Outdoor PastimesAs long as the weather is decent, being outside can do wonders for your mood. After all, the natural world is full of pleasurable sights, sounds, smells, and other sensory delights. They let you feel like an explorer or like you're connected to something larger than yourself.Consider diversions such as:GardeningBird-watchingWalkingHikingPicnicsBoat ridesMetal detectingKite flyingNature photography7. Arts and CraftsThese kinds of creative recreational pursuits are great for people of all ages, and they often make terrific elderly activities.Ideas like these can reignite a person's vitality and sense of what's possible:PaintingSketching/drawingCeramicsMosaicsWoodcraftPolymer clay modelingPapercraftBeadingKnittingCrochetingEmbroideryQuilt makingCard makingJewelry making8. Active LearningLearning is always more fun when it's something you choose to do for its own sake. Whole new avenues of possibility reveal themselves.So follow your curiosity and impulses. Learning something new is beneficial at any age. As examples, consider learning how to:Sing or play a musical instrumentSpeak a foreign languageUse computers more effectivelyWrite codeDesign websitesTake professional-quality photosWrite great storiesCook exotic mealsDecipher hieroglyphsPerform magic tricks9. Outings and excursionsMany great options exist, especially when you gather a small group of people to share the experiences. You may not be a kid, but that doesn't mean you can't go on field trips for some laughter, excitement, exploration, and social bonding.Consider excursions to places or events like:Theme parksCarnivalsCounty fairsComedy clubsHands-on science museumsAdult arcadesConcertsSporting eventsTheatrical performancesArt showsWineriesBeer festivalsWhy Play Is ImportantScientific studies continue to show that enjoyable activities can have several major benefits. For example, they have the power to help:Improve how your brain works. Do you want to maintain your memory and optimize your ability to learn new things? Engaging in play on a regular basis can enhance your creativity and mental sharpness.Heal, establish, or maintain relationships. A lot of seniors are lonely. In fact, on average, seniors without spouses or partners spend about10 hours alone each day. But having fun can enable older adults to make new friends or improve existing relationships.Things like laughter and friendly competition are known to increase harmony, trust, empathy, and intimacy among people who experience them together.Improve your mental and emotional well-being. Do you like the way you feel when you have a brighter outlook on life and your sense of time recedes into the background? Engaging in activities you enjoy can expand your optimism, multiply your moments of joy, and reduce your stress. It can even help prevent depression.Extend your life and improve your physical vitality. Who doesn't want to feel younger or more energetic? Creating plenty of fun moments in your life can be a good way to boost your immune system, reduce your risk of illness, and minimize your perception of any pain you might already have.Play should be a major part of life for everyone. We can all probably use many more joyful experiences. It's who we are, no matter our age.

Hearing Services And Resources include private, non-profit and government organizations providing resources and hearing services. There are many programs available that are on a sliding scale and income qualifying.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

Coverage For Critical Care And Support Services For the first time, people living with Alzheimers disease will have access to care planning with a medical professional. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized its decision to pay for cognitive and functional assessments and care planning for patients with Alzheimers disease and other cognitive impairments. CMS has now made it easier for physicians to provide critical care and support services for persons living with Alzheimers disease. Following a diagnosis, care planning is crucial to improving outcomes and maintaining quality of life for the diagnosed and their caregivers, as well as controlling costs and planning appropriately for the future.This is a step in the right direction and an important milestone for the millions of Americans living with Alzheimers disease. The decision by CMS will provide much needed care and support to these individuals and their caregivers. The impact it will have on those families is priceless. The fact that this disease is finally being recognized as a true epidemic is critical to the growth in funding and research we need to finally end this disease, said Becky Prince, Executive Director, Greater Dallas, Alzheimers Association.More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease today, and that number could rise as high as 16 million by 2050. Whats more, over 85 percent of people with Alzheimers and other dementias have one or more other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Care planning is critical for coordinating care and managing chronic conditions.Alzheimers is the most expensive disease in America at a cost of $236 billion annually, it is also the only leading cause of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. In Texas 350,000 people have been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease andby 2025, this number is expected to grow 40 percent to 490,000.Thousands of our families have reached out to us over the past several months to tell us how essential this service is for those contending with Alzheimers disease. Now that CMS is increasing access to cognitive assessment and care planning sessions, individuals and their medical professionals can develop a plan to better manage these conditions, said Robert Egge, Alzheimers Association Chief Public Policy Officer. Proper care planning results in fewer hospitalizations, fewer emergency room visits and better management of medication all of which improves the quality of life for both patients and caregivers, and helps manage overall care costs.For more information about this new Alzheimers care planning coverage, visit www.cms.gov. To find out more information about Alzheimers disease, visit alz.org or call the 24/7 helpline 1-800-272-3900.'

Remember that time a woman in the post office ran over to you, gave you a big hug and asked about your children? You had no idea who she was, yet it was pretty clear that she knew you.OK, maybe you dont remember, but dont jump to conclusions. Not all memory loss is a symptom of Alzheimers disease. Memory problems and other symptoms of cognitive decline can range from the natural forgetfulness of normal aging to full blown dementia and be caused by a number of afflictions, not limited to Alzheimers disease, some treatable and some not.Normal AgingAs healthy people age they may miss an appointment here or there or forget someones name or face, but the memory lapse will not be significant enough to affect safety or normal activities. They may have some word-finding difficulty or the occasional misplaced item, but given enough time they will eventually be able to figure it out.Mild Cognitive ImpairmentSomeone with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may have trouble with familiar tasks, but not significant enough to affect their ability to eat, get dressed, or maintain proper hygiene. They can find it difficult to follow conversations, books or movies and be challenged by making decisions and solving problems. Loved ones may also notice mood swings, poor judgment, or withdrawal from social activities. Approximately 20% of people with MCI will return to normal cognitive function within a few years, though some will remain at this stage and others will develop Alzheimers disease or other dementia.Is it Dementia?Vitamin and hormone deficiencies, depression, medication side-effects, infections and brain tumors can cause symptoms similar to dementia. If you are experiencing symptoms that you find troubling or that impact your daily life, see a doctor right away so that a treatable condition is handled correctly. If symptoms indicate MCI, Alzheimers or other dementia-causing disease, early diagnosis will mean early access to support, treatments and medication.What Can We Do?Scientists are actively studying MCI, especially since we know that those with Alzheimers disease or similar diseases may not show symptoms for many years. Greater Boston has two Alzheimers Research Centers, Boston University Alzheimers Disease Center, with which Concord Park is affiliated, and one at Harvard Medical School. Learn more about research participation and their current studies on their websites.Mary Baum is the Director of Compass Memory Support Programs at Concord Park Assisted Living in Concord and may be reached at mbaum@concordpark.net or (978) 369-4728.

Northland Heights Senior Living in the North Hills is a new senior housing community and they are accepting new residents! Learn more here!

Finding the right information at the right time can be challenging when a major life event happens.Many people do not know where to begin. Others find it hard to admit they need help. Some people do not use computers. Each person has unique needs and every community is different. Information must be tailored to each person and community.Where to start? 2-1-1 and Elder Helpline services offer free, confidential community resource information and referral. Calls are answered by trained specialists that know what types of non-emergency local help is available and can access comprehensive resource databases.What is 2-1-1? It is a 3-digit local number that connects callers to information about social services people of all ages may need in the county they live. For example, food, housing, affordable child or parent care, health/medical concerns, or short-term help for paying bills. 2-1-1 specialists offer information and referral services a caller may not know about. Callers are responsible for making their own contacts with potential service providers. To reach 2-1-1 assistance in Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee Counties, dial 2-1-1 or the alternate number provided. Charlotte County: Call 2-1-1 or (941) 205-2161 for cell phone, TTY users and residents in Englewood. Charlotte 2-1-1 is a service of the Charlotte County Human Services. Sarasota and Manatee Counties: Call 2-1-1 or (941) 308-4357. 2-1-1 is a service of United Way Manasota.How is Elder Helpline different? Elder Helpline provides information and access to resources for adults over 60, adults with disabilities and their caregivers. It is a toll free helpline answered Monday through Friday between 8am-5pm. Charlotte and Sarasota Counties: Call (866) 413-5337. Elder Helpline is a service of the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida. Manatee County: Call (800) 963-5337. Elder Help Line is a service of Senior Connection Center, Inc. To access the Statewide Florida Elder Helpline, call (800) 963-5337Editors Note: Dale Adler, MA, MSW is a social worker, gerontologist and program consultant. She can be reached at dladler@lifecourseconcepts.com or (239) 466-7812.

Q: If I have had a partial mastectomy(lumpectomy) for breast cancer, do I need to have post-operative radiation therapy?A: After a patient has had a breast-conserving surgery, there is a risk of the cancer recurring within the same breast. Even if your surgeon does a great job and the margins are clear, there is a chance that residual microscopic cancer cells can be left behind. Radiation therapy has the ability to destroy those microscopic cancer cells, which vastly decreases the risk that the breast cancer can return.Q: What are my options for radiation therapy after I've already had a partial mastectomy for breast cancer?A: Radiation options depend on the stage of the cancer, specifically the size of the tumor and the number of lymph nodes involved. Most patients require external beam radiotherapy to the breast, and lymphatic drainage regions may be treated if cancer is detected in the lymph nodes. Certain patients with smaller cancers may qualify for MammoSite APBI (accelerated partial breast irradiation). With APBI a balloon device within the lumpectomy cavity allows radiation to treat from the inside, the length of treatment is only one week, and the side effects are mild.Q: Why do I need to have radiation after my surgery (lumpectomy) for breast cancer?A: Although surgery removes the visible tumor, there may be microscopic cancer cells remaining in the breast. Radiation treatment is given in order to eradicate these cancer cells. Radiation has been proven to significantly reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence. For early-stage breast cancer (stage I and II), the chances of a cancer returning after surgery alone may be as high as 3050%. With radiation, this chance is reduced to less than 10%.Q: My yearly mammograms showed a suspicious spot in my left breast and my doctor has ordered a biopsy. What does that mean?A: A biopsy means the doctors will go in and take a small piece of the spot and look at it under the microscope to determine whether it is cancer or not. Doctors don't want to miss a cancer, so even slightly suspicious spots are routinely biopsied. In fact, 90% of all biopsies are negative, meaning the spot is not cancer.Q: If my biopsy shows cancer, what happens next?A: Your doctors will stage your cancer, meaning they will determine how far advanced it is. If your cancer is caught early, which is usually the case, you will have your choice of keeping your breast or having a mastectomy.Q: I was diagnosed with breast cancer very recently and was told that I am a candidate for chemo-therapy. How will my doctors know that the chemotherapy that they have selected for my breast cancer will work for me to treat my specific breast cancer?A: People often see breast cancer as one disease and treated only one way. In fact, breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different cells of origin, subtypes driven by various signals that promote tumor growth, with varying risks of recurrence. It is common for different medical oncologists to select different treatment protocols due to the vast number of available therapies for breast cancer. Upon completion of chemotherapy treatment, we will continue to follow you very closely with blood work, a physical exam and imaging to make sure the disease does not return.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Janet Sperry, MD and Shemin Saferali, MD.

Talking to your loved one about moving into anassisted living communitymay seem like an impossible task.Its common to feel uncomfortable when suggesting to someone that they may need assistance with daily tasks or activities. Brookdale Senior Living talks to families and future residents everyday about how to get the conversation started. With more than 100,000 residents in 46 states calling Brookdale home, the team at Brookdale has learned a few things about what works and what doesnt work. Here are some tips to help approach the conversation in a way thats both beneficial to you and your loved one:Start the conversation early:You dont want your loved one to feel as if you are forcing them to move tomorrow. Begin talking about the possibility of moving into an assisted living community while it is still off in the distance. This will help them feel like its less of an ambush, as well as give them some time to come to terms with the idea.Do research:Having the information and facts about a few localassisted living facilitiescan help you explain what your loved one will gain if they moved. You can list the positives, as well as the negatives, of each facility. By relaying the facts, you can help dispel the negative connotations your loved one might associate with assisted living.Keep it private:Your initial conversation should be held in a comfortable, private setting. Try to minimize the number of people present. You do not want your loved one to feel embarrassed or threatened in any way. By keeping the conversation private, they may feel more open to hearing more.Focus on the positives:When your loved one hears the phrase assisted living community, it may conjure up negative imagery. This is why its important to focus on the positive aspects this lifestyle change. Talk about the services, social opportunities, and security. Explain to them how the move will impact their life in a positive way.Brookdale understands this decision is important, and its not easy to make the choice. But its a process the company will gladly go through with you answering any questions that you may have. The more you gather information, the better decision youll be able to make in the future.Editoris Note: For more information about Brookdale, visit brookdale.com or call 855-350-3800 to speak with a national senior living advisor.

When caring for your own or for a loved ones wound, it is important to understand at-home treatment methods as well as symptoms that require professional medical attention. Wounds can be caused by injury, disease (such as diabetes), a surgical incision, poor circulation, poor nutrition or other factors. Most wounds heal naturally over time, but sometimes this process does not happen as it should.Acute wounds are injuries that occur on the skin suddenly rather than over time. These wounds can be painful and exposure to air can lead to infection as well as further damage of vessels, nerves and muscle tissue. General symptoms include pain, bleeding and swelling and treatment must be provided as quickly as possible. Basic steps toward acute wound healing include: Apply pressure and control the bleeding Clean the wound area with soap or saline solution If possible, remove debris from the wound Keep the wound moist and covered to prevent infection. A moist wound heals twice as quickly as a dry one. Maintain proper nutrition including quality proteinWounds should show signs of healing within two weeks and be largely healed in four weeks. Wounds that do not respond in this manner should be seen by a medical provider. Additional signs to seek medical attention for a wound include: Bleeding cannot be stopped or blood is soaking through the outside of the dressing The wound is very deep or has jagged edges The dressing becomes wet or falls off Pain from the wound continues to increase Signs of infection are present such as increased redness and warmth, increased drainage and odor, increased pain, swelling, and feverIf an acute wound fails to heal properly, it can progress into a chronic wound. Generally, this is the worst scenario for a wound because failure to heal properly has led to an abandonment of blood, oxygen and nutrients being administered by the body to the injury.When a wound progresses to a chronic phase, at-home healing becomes out of the question. Professional medical attention is now the only option to properly treat the wound and prevent complications and potential amputations. Addressing a wounds underlying causes, such as diabetes, tissue ischemia, and/or venous insufficiency, is an essential treatment component.download Before I Fall 2017 movie nowEditors Note: This article was submitted by Linda S. Meola, MBA.Linda is a Program Director with the Stamford Health Wound Care, Ostomy, and Hyperbaric Center and may be reached at 203-276-2486 or by email at LMeola@stamhealth.org

Many seniors and their families tend to put off the decision to look into the possibility of moving into a senior living community. The process can seem overwhelming, triggering anxieties about loss of independence, affordability, change of lifestyleand, in the near term, the difficult logistics of moving.There are many more senior living options available today than there were even a decade ago. More than ever, there is a focus on personalizing the living experience for every resident. Lifestyle options are tailored to individual needs and preferences, so residents can choose from the many services and amenities available to them.The ideal time to begin to look is at least six months to a year before the move will become necessary. Waiting until your loved one is in urgent need of regular care may narrow your choices.How can you tell when seniors might be ready for the services of a senior living community? Look for these signs.Depression or low mood. Do you observe a lower activity level? Are they seeing friends and partaking in activities they have loved for years?Loss of mobility. Are they having difficulty moving around their home, or going up and down stairs? Having trouble walking or being unsteady on their feet not only limits mobility but also puts them at risk for falls.Changes in routine. Do they show less interest daily routines such as cooking and cleaning? Illness or mobility issues could be keeping them from maintaining their usual routines. Are they taking care of themselves physically? Look to see if they are keeping up with basic daily routines such as bathing, brushing teeth and wearing clean clothes.Personality changes. Are you noticing different attitudes and habits? Memory loss, difficulty in performing familiar tasks, poor judgment, misplacing items, disorientation, rapid mood swings, increased apathy or passiveness are all early warning signs of Alzheimers. A doctors evaluation can help determine the cause and treatment for these symptoms.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Mimi Tapia-Bowie at The Village at Stonebridge. She may be reached at 972-542-9100.

People often ask the question; Is it Alzheimers or is it Dementia? The fact is; Dementia is the name that refers to all types of memory loss diseases, including Alzheimers disease. In other words, Alzheimers disease is a type of Dementia, the same as Vascular Dementia, Picks disease, Alcohol dementia, Lewy Body Disease, and the many other diseases that cause memory loss. Long ago, before these types of dementias had a name, it wasnt uncommon to hear families talk about their senile old grandma who just got crazy when she got old. Grandma probably suffered from one of these diseases and went undiagnosed and untreated. Fortunately, people started understanding the need for specialized care. Both Assisted Living and Memory Care communities started coming around. Families are usually distressed and at wits end by the time they realize there is help out there. Many people have a hard time moving a parent or loved one into a community. They feel an overwhelming amount of guilt. But families are usually surprised and relieved when they see their loved ones doing well in an environment that is tailored to their needs. Its usually not long before grandma is engaging in activities, both group and individual. Shes eating nutritious meals, having personal care done by caregivers that specialize in dementia. These diseases dont reverse, so grandma will continue with this journey, but she will be in good hands and take each day as it comes. Often the families or caregivers say they wish they had done this sooner, but they had no idea that there were places available where grandma could still have a quality life. Here are some common tips when the time comes to look into getting help. First understand that the people caring for the person with dementia need help, guidance and reassurance as well. When visiting communities, look for happy employees that are engaged with the residents. Ensure the community is secure with outdoor spaces that allow residents to wander safely. Does it have the look and feel of a home? Are their odors? A Steinberg study shows that smaller homes, or clusters are the most desirable environment. Avoiding too much stimulation or confusion. And finally; does it feel good; is it right for you and your family? Being a caregiver for your loved one 24/7 can become exhausting and overwhelming. Just know you dont have to go through it alone. There are many free resources available to help you along the way. If you need help finding resources, give us a call and we will be happy to assist you. Authors Note: Written by JoAnne Mohrland/Executive Director Regency Columbia Village 208-344-2954Author:Joanne Mohrland

The mission of the PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources is to improve access to long term services and supports for individuals, their loved ones and caregivers, regardless of age, income, or ability, through an integrated network of partner agencies committed to expanding the use of community based solutions, promoting person centered decision making, and enhancing the quality of services. PA Link provides a myriad of services including: Person-Centered Counseling (PCC)- Designed to help consumers navigate the vast array of Long Term Services and Supports options. Based on an individuals needs, preferences, values, and strengths with a focus on an individuals prioritized goals. Information + Referral/Assistance-No Wrong Door access ensuring that linkages to appropriate services and programs are provided with minimal confusion to the individual. Benefits Counseling and Application Assistance-Connections to services and supports and streamlined access to public programs. Partnership Development / Trainings / Cross Trainings-Opportunity for staff to network, share ideas and best practices. Providing free or low-cost trainings to increase knowledge and skill sets of agency staff. Community Outreach and Education- Increase awareness of PA Link partner services through partner newsletters, health fairs and expos, and various media sources. Person-Centered Transition Support- Transitions between systems, programs, settings and life stages, such as nursing home transition, youth transition and military reintegration. Quality Assurance- Collection of data vital for programming, grant preparation and service system improvements.To contact the PA Link just call 1-800-753-8827Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ginger Monsted. Ginger is the Link Cumberland Coordinator and Service Area 9 Coordinator.

Caregivers wonder about signs indicating a loved one may have Alzheimers or dementia.Is simple forgetfulness an indicator? Is the type of forgetfulness a factor? How complicated is memory loss to diagnose? How might I notice true forgetfulness in a loved one? Isnt becoming forgetful as we age normal?There is a term called cognitive control that means the ability to coordinate, organize behavior, plan, and reason which are considered higher order brain processes that support or impair day-to-day function. Disorganization and an inability to plan becomes more relevant with an individual who previously possessed or excelled with these skills.Are you noticing stacks of mail on the kitchen table unopened? Does your parent tell you repeatedly that they are going to take a specific action yet the action never occurs? Is your loved one able to evaluate information between two alternatives and easily make a decision? When questioned, does mom or dad say, Ill decide later or I just cant make up my mind.Delay tactics that may seem normal may indicate cognitive decline. Responses that are vague rather than specific may indicate cognitive decline. No one wants to admit that he or she cant remember or make a reasonable decision. We either know and can recall information or we cant. Sometimes we may experience a delay in accessing information; this is normal. When we cant remember at all or we continually repeat information this is indicative of memory loss.Seek a specialist like a neurologist or a neuropsychologist to complete a thorough cognitive assessment to determine if what you are seeing is normal aging or something more serious. If you or a loved one are seeking information related to aspects of daily care and caregiving, my book, The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Lifes Unexpected may be found at www.TheCaregivingTrapBook.com.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Pamela D. Wilson, MS, BS/BA, CG, CSA. Pamela may be reached at 303-810-1816 or at pamela@thecarenavigator.com.

You should ask your doctor today; is my hearing OK? Recent medical research and studies are showing that untreated hearing loss is linked to numerous other serious medical conditions. The link getting the most attention is the relationship of untreated hearing loss and early onsets of dementia and Alzheimers.The Johns Hopkins study found older adults with hearing deficits were significantly more likely than those with normal hearing to develop problems with memory and thinking. The study led by Dr. Frank Lin found participants with hearing issues had significant mental impairments three years earlier and showed an up to 500% greater probability of developing dementia and Alzheimers than participants with normal hearing. Additional studies found untreated hearing loss is also linked to increased falls, increased hospitalization, diabetes, heart conditions, loneliness and depression, paranoia and anti-social behaviors. Another study showed that a leading cause of medical errors is communication between patient and doctor linked to untreated hearing loss in patients.Hearing loss is a common and natural part of aging. Our body parts wear out based on our individual genes, habits and activities. About one-third of adults over 55 and two-thirds of adults over the age of 70 have some degree of hearing loss. Nearly 100% of adults over 80 have hearing loss. On average, a person will wait over 7 years between first admitting a hearing loss and getting hearing aids. The big problem is that people do not know what they are not hearing. They simply do not recognize the damage they are doing to themselves. You hear with your brain and not with your ears. The ear canal mechanisms deliver sound to the brain for interpretation and action. In order to work effectively, the brain requires clear, undistorted sound. Hearing healthcare starts with a good annual hearing evaluation. Individuals with a hearing deficit should, as quickly as possible, get and regularly use hearing aids and/or assistive listening devices. Hearing aids are expensive but there are affordable solutions. In IL, Medicaid covers hearing aids, batteries and repairs. If you have Medicaid, there are a few organizations like ABHF in the greater Chicago Area that can provide affordable hearing healthcare and hearing aids. The Americans for Better Hearing Foundation (ABHF) is a 501c3 non-profit that accepts Medicaid and provides discounted retail hearing aids. ABHF provides on-site Audiology services in over 120 nursing homes and operates four (4) Hearing Clinics in the Chicago area. Please, act today! Take action for yourself, a loved one or a friend to get the appropriate hearing healthcare.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Richard Uzuanis, Mr. Uzuanis is the Executive Director of the Americans for Better Hearing Foundation and may be reached at 630.3213555 or by email at execdir@abhf.org; visit www.abhf.org.

Nurse Next Doors unique concept of Making Lives Better through Happier Aging has had a powerful impact in their clients lives.They help their clients rediscover activities and interest they thought they had lost forever or can no longer do. Nurse Next Door caregivers are passionate and empowered to find those happiness gems with their clients and have them come to life during each visit.They make it meaningful, memorable, fun, unusual and unexpected.These constant positive experiences lead to happiness and fulfillment with each client; which in turn promotes overall health and well-being. Its a wonderful and caring client experience!Nurse Next Door is locally owned by Christopher and Ellen Peacock. If you or someone you know needs assistance and could benefit from Happier Aging, please call Nurse Next Door where a live person answers the phone 24-hours a day. At Nurse Next Door, Its about Caring, not just Health Care.Editors Note: Article submitted by Nurse Next Door. For more information call (941) 222-0920 or email sarasota@nursenextdoor.com.

Maryann is 78 and living in her home with an abusive spouse. Maryann requires home health care during the day, and her husband provides her care throughout the night. Maryann confides in her home health care provider, Virginia, that her husband is abusive and that she needs help and would like to live in a safe place. Maryann says her husband pushes her down at night, and wont help her get up. She has had to visit the emergency room several times due to injuries from these episodes; but always says she just falls.Maryann has no income independent from her spouse. Her children, although aware of the decades of abuse, are unwilling or unable to assist their mother in relocating to a safe place.This scenario is real and it is real in Fremont County. Domestic violence does not occur only to younger, underprivileged people, or even just older, underprivileged people. Domestic violence knows no age, sex, religious or socio-economic boundaries. As in all family violence, their abuse ranges from the obvious physical and economic abuse, to the less obvious social isolation and emotional abuse. The tragic news is that there are an estimated 200 to 250 incidents of domestic violence among seniors in Fremont County on an annual basisand yet it goes virtually unreported.We now know that there are unique factors that pose a barrier to these individuals reporting the incidents to then seek assistance. Some of the key factors that contribute to non-reporting are shame (i.e. older victims feels they should know better), economic dependency, poor health, or they are too old to start over. But, it does not have to be that way.The Fremont County Domestic Violence Coalition is ready and available to help both individual victims and also offers informational sessions to groups and organizations.Author:Dee Hoza and Barb Topliss the District Attorneys office

As you age, keeping your brain healthy is just as important as keeping your physical body in shape.Every brain changes with age. Cognitive changes are common, but there are many things you can do to maintain a healthy brain and prevent cognitive decline.For anyone looking to preserve cognitive health, as well as for those individuals who are experiencing cognitive issues due to an injury or event, keeping your brain active is key. Exercising your brain stimulates connectivity and strengthens your brains ability to protect against some of the natural changes that come with aging. Specialized services such as Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy can help to preserve and strengthen cognitive skills without using medication or invasive treatments.Evidence shows that functional Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy is effective in compensating for problems you may be experiencing with memory, attention, or communication. These issues can be frustrating and worrisome. The good news is that thanks to decades of research, there are many proven strategies that you can use to protect your brain and improve your cognitive skills. You will feel sharper, in control, and more confident when you put these strategies to use.Eat a balanced diet. Good nutrition supports brain function and decreases inflammation. Start by making one new choice or healthy substitution each day.Do your best to move your body every day. Exercise improves blood flow and stimulates brain cells to make new connections.Stay connected with others. Socialization helps with communication, improves mood, and lowers the risk of depression.Incorporate specialized services like Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, which can help to sharpen skills and compensate for problems with thinking.Taking a balanced and proactive approach to maintaining your brain health by using the above strategies will result in improved recall, better communication skills, increased confidence, more independence and simply living your best life.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jessica Chappell, MA, CBIT. Jessica is the Executive Director of Main Line Rehabilitation Associates, Inc. If you would like more information on Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, call 1-877-480-6714 or email jchappell@mainline-rehab.com. Please see their website at www.mainline-rehab.com and their ad on page 26.

Benefits of Virtual Care are Just a Screen AwayIts been a little stressful lately, especially as weve all heard the experts warn us repeatedly that the coronavirus can be hardest on those who are older or in fragile health. Often, though, those are also the people who need to see their doctors routinely to stay healthy and safe. So, what should you do?Thanks to good planning by health systems like Penn State Health, the option for virtual care, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, was already in place and quickly became the preferred choice for accessing expert care safely.Virtual care means care accessed via an online platform, through the use of personal devices, such as laptops or mobile devices like phones or tablets. While it may seem odd at first to think about seeing your doctor over a screen rather than in person, the same heart-to-heart conversations, education and frequent check-ins are possible via virtual care. And the best part is you can see the doctor from the comfort of your own home, without having to drive anywhere. You can even wear your PJs!Virtual care linked to a health system also can facilitate coordinated care with your preferred specialists and primary care providers. For example, Penn State Health offers follow-up care via the Penn State Health OnDemand app for patients who may have trouble travelling. Not tech-savvy? No worries! Its easy to get started with virtual care. You can either download the app to your mobile device for free or you can visit our website, pennstatehealthondemand.com. After creating an account and answering a few questions, patients have immediate access to urgent care virtual visits with board-certified doctors who are ready to help. In addition, current Penn State Health patients can check with their own providers practices for access to regular or follow-up visits via virtual care.Telehealth visits are billed to insurance and can be subject to normal copays since the level of service is the same as an in-person visit. For those who need prescriptions, e-prescribing to a local pharmacy can make the whole process as convenient as possible.Virtual care, along with Penn State Healths wide array of local primary care and specialty doctors and our new hospitals currently under construction, assures access to the care you need when you need it and that makes life during a pandemic a little less stressful.__________________This article was contributed by Penn State Health.

This technology is amazing - we can actually have a conversation with mom now instead of her running it and us only being able to say 'yes' or 'no.' It's crazy, she's a 73 year old woman and she has called everyone now. - A. CostaA captioned telephone service for people with hearing loss called CapTel allows individuals who arent able to follow conversations with traditional or amplified telephones to hear and read simultaneously what their callers are saying. The captions appear on the phones display screen allowing people who have difficulty hearing the freedom of telephone access regardless of their hearing ability.Through the Colorado Equipment Distribution Program, CapTel phones are distributed for FREE to those who qualify! EDP gives users the choice of which CapTel model best suits their needs. Whether its a model that only requires a traditional analog telephone line, OR a model that uses a high speed internet connection, there is a CapTel model that fits the bill. No matter which option is chosen, the hearing impaired are better able to re-engage with friends and family (combatting loneliness and isolation). Increased social engagement is increased and confidence is regained.For more information visit, www.relaycolorado.com/captelTo apply for your CapTel phone Call: 855.767.6128 or Email: TEDP_ccdhh@state.co.usEditors Note: This article was submitted by Kristine Shipley, Senior National Marketing Manager & Customer Relationships Manager III, with Relay Colorado 711/Sprint and may be reached at 720-210-5881 or by email: Kristine.m.shipley@sprint.com

There is a growing form of Elder Exploitation wherein adult children, other family members or friends return to live with senior parents or grandparents. This form of Financial Exploitation occurs under the guise of helping the senior victim with day-to-day living. It may also be presented as a temporary relief of financial hardship by the person requesting to live with the senior, only to become something entirely different.Some of the perpetrators may include family members, caregivers, neighbors, friends, acquaintances, or other. The living arrangement and the help is rarely negotiated, and the senior victim soon finds his home invaded.Before allowing anyone to stay for any length of time, discuss the nature and duration of the visit. Establish boundaries. Resist any proposal to allow anyone to stay for an indeterminate period of time. Resist any proposal to trade help for rent, living expenses, or the like unless established in writing and reviewed by a third party. Once the perpetrator has established a residence at the seniors home, it can be very difficult to evict. Written by Tanner Stellmon, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Ada County Prosecuting Attorneys Office.Idaho Legal Aid Services is an excellent resource related to housing issues: www.idaholegalaid.orgThe following sites may also help with these types of situations:www.ncjrs.gov/elderabuse/www.dailyfinance.com/2008/10/06/how-to-deal-with-a-deadbeat-adult-child/ www.adultchildrenlivingathome.com/8mistakes.pdfwww.landlordology.com/tenant-eviction/www.stopfraud.govwww.ncall.us/resourcesOther forms of Elder Abuse include Neglect, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse and Sexual Abuse. FACES Family Justice Center provides multiple services in one location for victims of: Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, and Sexual Abuse. FACES currently provides Case Management and other services for individuals 50 and older that meet the criteria for Abuse Later in Life. If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable to or a victim of abuse or exploitation, please contact us to find out about available options and services. FACES Family Justice Center. 417 S. 6th Street. Boise ID 83706. 208-577-4405. www.facesofadacounty.com

Weve always had a passion for belonging to a community and serving in a capacity where our efforts will improve the experience for others.Youll notice a big difference in Caliber Patient Care when comparing us to other transport companies. Our entire staff is trained in CPR and First Aid, while many are certified EMTs, and each undergoes a battery of background checks and defensive driving training before they ever get behind the wheel. Our uniformed drivers are also monitored daily, coached frequently and get regular refresher training on driving skills and people skills to ensure they are at their best when you come onboard. We provide one-to-one rides, so youre ensured of getting to your appointment on-time and not waiting long when your appointment ends and youre ready to go home. Our fleet of customized vans are new models with low mileage, maintained regularly and able to transport wheelchairs, scooters, stretchers as well as ambulatory passengers in air-conditioned comfort.At Caliber we say Compassion Drives Us and were confident you will see it in the comfortable ride you get, with an experienced, safe, qualified team. Were thrilled to be here in Southwest Florida, serving our community, from bedside-to-doctorside.

A person is subjected to the legal control of an external entity or organization, known as a conservator which is someone appointed by a court to assume responsibility for the interests of a minor or incompetent person.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

The challenge of finding appropriate senior living for either ourselves or loved ones is a universal dilemma we inevitably face.The initial investigation can seem overwhelming without a little preliminary education and research. While word-of-mouth referrals through friends and associates accompanied by Internet queries are a great beginning, there are many additional criteria to consider. The following checklist provides key questions and assistance in streamlining the process, ultimately providing you and/or loved ones with rewarding end-results, peace-of-mind thus creating the perfect match! Licensing & Complaints: Is the facility licensed, accredited and in good standing with the Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake County Aging Ombudsman and Better Business Bureau? Are there outstanding complaints against them? Location, location, location: Is the community situated in a safe and ideal area? What supplemental amenities are close by? Ownership History: How often has the community changed ownership or been in business? Care Competency & Medical Options: Does an R.N. oversee all aspects of residential care? Are there on-site medical services and professionals available to minimize outside doctor visits? Care Levels: Can the prospect age in place with a full or partial care continuum to minimize transfers? Are there memory care options, if applicable? Events & Activities: Does this community match the prospects personality and allow them to maintain as much independence as possible? What kinds of activities/events are scheduled commensurate with the prospects needs? Transportation: What transportation options exist? Occupancy: Is there a wait list and what is the move-in timeline? Financial Options: What kind of financial options exist to afford the prospect a stay at the community? Can I begin to utilize a long-term care policy or qualify for veterans benefits? Do they accept Medicaid?Editors Note: This article was submitted by Chantelle Knudson. Chantelle is the Sales Director with Highland Cove Retirement and may be reached at 801-272- 8226 or by email at cknudson@centurypa.com

When it comes to hearing loss, most people think the only choice they have is to spend thousands of dollars on hearing aids, but thats not true - you DO have choices.Did you know that by age 65, one out of every three of your friends will be living with a notable level of hearing loss? Statistics show 75% of those living with mild to moderate hearing loss will never see an Audiologist, but rather continue to struggle to hear in difficult settings such as restaurants, cars and social gatherings.Assistive listening devices, such as personal amplifiers, are one solution that many find to be a suitable option, as they are very cost effective and can offer enough amplification for mild, moderate and profound hearing loss. PSAPs, or Personal Sound Amplifying Products, often closely resemble hearing aids. So what is the difference? A hearing aid is a medical device that addresses your specific level of hearing loss and may be programmed for your individual needs. A PSAP, however, is NOT a medical device it is a product that provides amplification only, with pre-programmed options for different environments such as noisy restaurants. While the cost of hearing aids varies greatly, an average hearing aid will cost approximately $2,500 each. Comparatively, a high quality PSAP will only cost you around $425 each a very notable savings!Whether you have been suffering from hearing loss for years or if you are just starting to experience difficulty hearing certain sounds, I encourage you to explore your options, gather information and find out which solution may be right for you. PSAPs may be a great alternative for those who are not ready for, or cannot afford, a hearing aid.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Abby Armijo.Abby is the President and Owner of ADCO Hearing Products and may be reached at 303-794-3704 or by email at abby@adcohearing.com

Its been three years since Dotties husband passed away. She took good care of him right up to the end. Thats what people do when theyve been married as long as Dottie and her husband. Shes on her own now and lonely. Bill always paid the bills and oversaw their retirement investments. Now, its up to her to keep track of everything.Dottie is at risk of being exploited and she probably already knows the individuals who may take advantage of her. The annual financial loss by elder financial abuse is estimated to be $2.6 billion annually. An individual doesnt have to have a large net worth to be a target.Here is who exploiters look for:Homeowners.they are home alone leaving them exposed to scam artistsLonely.sales and scam solicitations can fill a need for socially isolated seniorsDiminished reasoning and memory issues make older adults more vulnerablePredictable patterns of payments (pensions, social security, investment income) make elders more at risk for financial abuseThe perpetrators are not strangers, they are people seniors trust. The top three categories of perpetrators account for 46% of all reported elder financial abuse;* Trusted Professional 18%* Family Member 17%* Non-agency caregiver 11%People who take advantage of seniors are friendly and persuasive. They may start with small amounts of money and take more as time passes, if no one intervenes. They often rationalize their behavior by claiming the senior wants them to have the money/asset, doesnt need it anyway, or that the senior will never miss it.Here are the ways seniors and their families can guard against financial abuse:Have a reliable power of attorney, favor family members who do not live with the seniorKeep belongings neat; and list valuables (collectables, jewelry) in the householdReport instances of financial abuse to police and bank Compliance DepartmentUse an agency with an insured and bonded agency model that has employees as workers, not private individuals who have no accountability to a formal employerEncourage direct deposits of checksHave a safe and secure place where important documents are kept, such as POAs, WillsSeniors should talk to their family and make arrangements before severe illness or disability happens. Unfortunately, many cases of financial abuse are not discovered until a senior has passed away and the family discovers money or valuables missing from the seniors home or bank. This is a difficult financial and emotional situation that can be avoided.Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Bobbie Mecalo, CAPM, BSBA., co-owner of Abby Senior Care, Inc. Bobbiemay be reached at 303-699-8840 or by email atbmecalo@abbyseniorcare.com

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. For every 100,000 people, 438 new cancer cases were reported and 159 people died of cancer. Prevention is the best way to fight it, as many types of cancers can be prevented, while others are more easily treated when diagnosed early. Cancer screenings are an important part of early diagnosis, prevention and treatment.Colon Cancer Everyone age 50 and older needs to get regularly screened for colorectal (colon) cancer. When found early, colorectal cancer can be treated. Screening helps find abnormal growths that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Almost all colorectal cancers start as polyps, or abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. Screening can help find these polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, after skin cancer. The risk of developing breast cancer increases as women get older. Current recommendations are for women ages 50 to 74 to get a mammogram (an x-ray picture of the breasts) every two years. Cervical Cancer Pap tests are recommended every three years for women ages 21-65. There are other screening options for cervical cancer, too. Lung Cancer I urge you, if you smoke, to quit now. Lung cancer, one of the many risks from smoking, is the leading cancer killer in women. If you are over 55 and a current smoker, or someone who has quit within the past 15 years, ask your doctor about lung cancer screening. Skin Cancer Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer every year in the U.S. Skin cancer can be serious, expensive, and sometimes even deadly. Fortunately, most skin cancers can be prevented. Protect your skin when you go outside. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothes, or hang out in the shade when you can. Prostate Cancer Men who are 55 to 69 years old should make individual decisions about being screened for prostate cancer with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Men who are 70 years old and older should not be screened for prostate cancer routinely. Learn more about cancer screening and prevention at: www.cdc.gov/cancer.Editors Note: This article was written by Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN; Publisher, Seniors Blue Book; President Dallas Area Gerontological Society. She may be reached at Kathleen@SeniorsBlueBook.com Article on page 23

Cooking for one or even two, presents challenges as we age. It can be dif?cult to shop and prepare healthy, well-balanced meals on a daily basis. Did you know the Older Americans Act provides grants to State and community senior organizations to help provide a healthy, well-balanced meals for older adults?Through the Community dining and home delivered meal programs, seniors struggling with isolation and loneliness or those who have difficulty buying or preparing meals for themselves have two great options! Older adults who have transportationcan get a healthy meal and spend time with friends in a community dining setting. Homebound seniors, unable to shop, prepare or obtain meals, can also receive a nutritious meals delivered to their homes up to five days per week, often by a friendly volunteer. Community dining meals and those offered to homebound older adults are approved by Registered Dietitians and provide 1/3 of the daily nutrition needs of the average older adult. Older Adults must be 60 and older to qualify to receive meals or be a disabled person or spouse residing with an eligible individual. There is no income or asset requirementfor community dining or home delivered meals. A suggested donation is requested and appreciated for all meals, however it is also not required. No one is denied a meal if unable or unwilling to contribute. While the importance of offering nutritious meals to older adults cannot be overstated, having the opportunity to join others for a meal in a community setting is a great way to get out of the house and see other people. No one likes to eat alone and having the ability to join others who are the same age, with a similar history and experiences can make for an enjoyable dining experience!For homebound seniors, having a friendly face greet them each day while delivering a nutritious meal, can be something to look forward to and serve as a daily well-being check. For more information on Community and home delivered meals, a contact list has been provided. If your County is not represented on this list, please call your local Agency on Aging and they will be able to assist you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Leslie Edstrom, Community Planning Division Manager for The Agency on Aging Northeastern Illinois. Leslie has a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Gerontology.

To learn more aboutAmada Senior Care, CLICK HERE.Ken Jenson, owner ofAmada Senior CareColorado Springs, is a devoted family man who believes that, just like everything else in life, senior care should always be a family endeavor. To Ken,even if he and his team provide the highest quality of care for a senior client, they are only doing part of their job unless they also support that clients family. It is this commitment to caring for the entire family that has earned Amada Senior Care Colorado Springs itsreputation for providing superior senior care to our neighbors in Monument, Castle Rock, Stratmoor, Cimarron Hills, Gleneagle, Black Forrest, Highlands Ranch, and other nearby communities.ClickHEREto hear Ken describe COVID safety practices protecting clients and communities.ClickHEREfor Kens insights on long-term care insurance and rising premiums.Here at Amada Colorado Springs, it is our goal to meet all of a familys senior care needs and to exceed their expectations of what care can be. If we have been brought in to provide in-home care for a senior, we go beyond assisting them with activities of daily living like cooking and housekeeping to enrich our clients life in the most meaningful ways we can. This could mean discussing a favorite scripture with Aunt May, or baking Dads favorite cookies, or even helping Grandma keep her prized flower garden tidy. By adding these personal touches to the care we provide, we are able to show our senior clients that they are truly valued as we vastly improve the quality of their lives.When home is no longer the ideal environment for a senior, we will guide that senior and his or her family to the assisted living environment that ideally suits their unique needs and preferences. We will even continue to check in on clients who have moved to senior housing communities, just to make sure we havent missed an opportunity to be of service to them.At Amada Colorado Springs, we have learned through personal and professional experiences that the loved ones of senior care clients are often overlooked. We know how stressful and overwhelming it can feel to try to ensure the best care for a loved one who struggles due to his or her age. We believe that if we are to properly honor our calling to provide the best senior care possible, we must make sure that a senior clients loved ones feel encouraged and supported throughout their senior care journey.We invite you to contact us at Amada Senior Care Colorado Springs to learn more about how we can help a senior in your life age with dignity and give your family the peace of mind they deserve. Let our family take care of yours, because, as we say,Someone you love needs us.

If you are contemplating a move to an adult living community for the lifestyle, support and peace of mind it offers, you may find the selection process a bit daunting. There is a great deal to think about it is, after all, your future you are planning. The truth is the process can be a rewarding one resulting in a better understanding of what you require and what you want, bringing about a gratifying lifestyle change.Before you begin, take into account your current needs and possible changes in them over time, as well as your financial situation. Once you have done that, you can start looking at your options. Information on communities can be easily attained by visiting their websites, or calling and requesting brochures. When you have narrowed down your possibilities, schedule visits at times that are convenient for you spacing visits out enough to avoid information overload.Below is a handy initial evaluation checklist that will help you quickly slim down your options. It includes topics that you may not normally think to consider, and allows you to more easily compare one community to another. After each visit, ask yourself:Is the location close to shops, doctor's offices, a pharmacy, and other destinations important to me?Is the location convenient for family and friends? If the facility is not in my town, are there hotels nearby for when family visits?What living arrangements are available apartments, private rooms, shared rooms?What are the fees and what is included?Are the buildings and the grounds well-kept and attractive?Are the common spaces pleasant and appealing?How many rooms are there where residents can spend time with each other and with visiting family members?Are the dining rooms clean and attractive? Can the community cater to specific dietary needs or special requests?Do I like the food? Can visiting family members join me for meals?Is there a private room available for family celebrations or private family dinners?Is there a posted, varied schedule of activities and events, and do they interest me?Did I feel comfortable during my visit? Could I see myself living there?In addition, visit the communities you are partial to more than once. To be sure you are getting the complete picture; stop in, without an appointment, at various times of day. Lastly, take your time so that you are sure to make the best lifestyle choice for you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Elizabeth Dupree. Elizabeth Dupree is a Senior Director of Community Relations with Benchmark Senior Living Continuing Care Retirement Communities and may be reached at 781-430-6000 or by email at edupree@benchmarkquality.com.

If there is anything we have learned in the last 50 years, it is that exercise is the best preventive medicine. The evidence is now clearer than ever that a sedentary lifestyle is one of the greatest threats to our health and wellness. It is even considered by many to be as dangerous as smoking.The easiest way to improve our overall health is the increase our daily physical activity. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week for adults. Over 80% of adults do not meet this minimum standard, and it shows in our overall poor health.It is never too late to improve physical fitness and every minute of activity counts. A single bout of moderate to vigorous physical activity can:The Best Preventative Medicine:improve sleep qualityreduce anxiety and depressionimprove brain function and cognitionreduce blood pressure n improve insulin functionStart with simple improvements like walking more, taking the stairs, or even doing household chores like vacuuming and mopping more frequently. As you get stronger, do a little bit more or increase the intensity. If you can, add in muscle strengthening exercises to further reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. The cost of preventable chronic diseases has led to skyrocketing medical costs and diminished quality of life for older adults. Physical activity is also linked to reduced risk of cancer, dementia, depression, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. In fact, those who are highly fit are 74% less likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. One of the simplest ways to reduce our overall healthcare costs and improve quality of life in our later years is to be physically fit. Research from The Cooper Institute shows that being fit can result in a 40% savings in annual healthcare costs as we age. Imagine the impact that could have on healthcare costs across the country if we all improved our physical fitness. Quality of life is everything and becomes even more important as we age. Now is the time to get up and get moving. Every minute counts and can help you live Well. Into the Future. 'Editors Note: This article was submitted by the Cooper Institute, CooperInstitute.org

Providing meaningful care for the valuable life for those requiring both medical and non-medical in-home care has been the vision of Prestige Care Services since its start in 2015.Their vision to advocate for people in the health care system by giving honest, reliable support and streamlined communication between patients, their families, and their health care team has proven to be a successful model for them. RN-owned and directed, Prestige Care Services offers knowledge, experience, and nurturing to the heart of all care.Prestige Care Services is a partnership between Kim Parisi, RN and Kerrie Thacker, administrator. Both long-term residents of Sarasota, their combined experience, abilities, and passion have successfully demonstrated that when people are in the center of the heart of care, people thrive. Physicians have recognized that continuity of care and consistent communication empowers their patients to live independent lives inthe comfort of their own homes. In addition, families have recognized that regardless of where home is, whether an independent or assisted living facility or a private home, the prestige advantage empowers a higher quality of life with personalized, professional care.The passion that Kerrie and Kim have inspired in those they meet has led to many opportunities for community involvement. This involvement has led to their growth which is now extended south to include Charlotte, Desoto, and Collier Counties. They look forward to serving these communities as fervently as they have the Sarasota community. Their success has allowed them to design programs which have allowed services to be surprisingly affordable for all. They are an asset to our senior community, offering peace of mind to the patients and families who have benefitted from the meaningful care that they have provided for their valuable life.Editors Note: This article was provided by Prestige Care Services.

While its wonderful to be a caregiverto give back to parents or a loved one by helping them as they age or manage an illness, caregiving also can be stressful and frustrating at times. In other words, being a caregiver is no picnic. Its important to take care of yourself.Here are 11 ways self-care tips:Eat healthy foods: Many studies show that eating the right foods leafy green vegetables, whole grains, berries, and lean protein, can make a positive impact, while indulging in unhealthy foodssugars, excessive carbohydrates and fried foods, can have a negative impact.Stay active: Adding moderate exercise (yoga, walking, strength-training) a few times a week is proven to improve physical health as well as emotional well-being.Meditation: Starting or ending the day with meditation, even just five minutes, can help with the tension of the day or improve sleep.Vent frustration, guilt, anger, fear or sadness. Whether you talk to a therapist or friend, or others in a support group, negative feelings need to be verbalized.Stay social. Say yes to events, parties or get-together to combat feeling isolated or depressed.Appreciate nature. Scientific studies have linked stress reduction to spending time in nature. Take a walk in a forest preserve or park to appreciate the beauty of the scenery.Ask for help. Most people want to help, so reach out when you need help.Take breaks several times a day. Caregiving is a job, and a tough one. You need breaks, even if it is running an errand.Nurture your relationship with your spouse/partner. Dont forget about the importance of your partner. Let him or her be there for you, and try not to take out your frustration on him or her.Take care of your own health. The most important aspect of self-care is not skipping your own medical care.Take time every day to realize the value of the work you are doing. Your loved one appreciates it, whether or not he/she expresses it.Thank yourself for being a caregiver!Editors Note: Jackie Pilossoph is a Business Development Manager for Home Care Assistance, a premier home care company serving Chicagoland homecareassistancechicago.com. Pilossoph is also the creator of Love Essentially, a weekly column in the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, and several other newspapers nationwide.

Pondering the question of what the hearing impaired really want, it can be said that they want to be good fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, sensitive to others needs and thoughts. They want to hear intimate speech and to hear clearly the words, I love you, I appreciate you in tones that match the message. They want to bond and feel at one. They are tired of being an invisible segment of their social circle. They want to hear small talk and contribute in kind. They want to be able to relax and enjoy, to breathe deeply and freely, not anxious and tense during a meal at a fine restaurant. They want to hear the dialogue over the music, television without dominating every cubic inch of the room, and their spouse to smile and squeeze their hand in the quiet moment, without having to repeat to the point of frustration. They want to know who youre talking to on the phone without asking or hear you through the door when caught in bathrobe. Older hearing-impaired individuals want to be able to pass the Mini Mental State Exam when the crucial questions are asked, without having checkbook, driver's license, deed to their home, and personal independence taken from them. They want to hear the small child's voice, and to be a calming influence that there is a bright future in store for the next generation. What do hearing impaired individuals want? They want all of the above, and the only way they can get it is by seeking out the services of a dedicated, caring hearing health professional. Borrowing from poet William Butler Yeats, the hearing-impaired individual is like the Falcon flying in ever widening gyres, unable to hear the Falconer standing below, and simply searching for answers to their steadily advancing problem. The hearing health professional is like the Falconer, welcoming arm stretched forth, waiting for the struggling Falcon to come home.Dr. Chartrand serves as Director of Research at Digicare Hearing Solutions, Inc., with offices located in Colorado City, La Junta, and Trinidad, and as Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at NorthCentral University. Information: 719-676-4377.

Lori Siegesmund runs a construction company that offers a range of services everything from framing and insulation to drywall and specialty ceilings.But shes especially excited about a new service that not only further diversifies the operation, but also helps customers with unique needs. This empowers people to make choices.As owner and president, Siegesmund oversees 579 Construction based in Grand Junction and a new division called SafeSpace Builders.SafeSpace Builders designs and installs modifications and equipment in residential and commercial spaces to better accommodate people with disabilities as well as help seniors stay in their homes.The firm recently received designation as a Medicaid contractor. That means it receives referrals and can directly bill Medicaid for services provided to people enrolled in the program.Sue Hayes, director of marketing for SafeSpace Builders, says the operation is at once a business and needed public service. I see it as giving back to our community.Siegesmund launched 579 Construction nearly three years ago as a new iteration of TP Acoustics, a business her late grandfather, Howard Perry, operated for 25 years. While that firm installed acoustic ceilings, it also provided other construction services.Siegesmund worked with her grandfather for nearly 12 years, handling everything from accounting and payroll to estimating and project management.Today, 579 Construction operates divisions for commercial framing, thermal and moisture protection and commercial drywall and acoustic and specialty ceiling installation and finishing.Operating out of the Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction, 579 Construction works on a variety of projects throughout Colorado. The company employs a staff of 27.SafeSpace Builders will serve Western Colorado, Siegesmund says, sending crews to various locations to handle multiple projects.Those projects begin with a free assessment to determine whats needed whether thats a full remodel; renovations in a bathroom or kitchen; or the installation of ramps, lifts and other devices. The firm also works with doctors, physical therapists and other health care providers to tailor services to their patients.Modifications often are made to bathrooms and kitchens to make them more accessible and safer for people to use, Siegesmund says. That might include barrier-free showers and grab bars in bathrooms as well as lower cabinets and pull-out shelves in kitchens to accommodate people in wheelchairs. Lifts and ramps also are popular additions, she says.Siegesmund says its important for her crews to remain sensitive to customers and their needs. Its definitely a more sensitive type of work.After a project, crews offer training on using new features and equipment to make sure customers know how to use them safely.The projects make a difference in customers lives, Siegesmund and Hayes say.Hayes she knows firsthand the benefits of modifications because of the assistance they offered her mother in dealing with the effects of a neurological disease.Hayes that instilled in her a passion for helping others facing similar challenges. Before joining SafeSpace, she served as director of a nonprofit organization providing mobility support for people living with physical disabilities.Modifications and specialized equipment can help people remain safely in their homes for as long as possible, in turn avoiding the expenses associated with skilled care, Hayes says.Siegesmund says she hopes to open a showroom in Grand Junction to display the various ramps, lifts and other equipment that can improve accessibility.But for now, she says shes excited about new services that will help customers with unique needs.Hayes agrees. Its a lot of excitement. The community has really embraced what we do.For more information about SafeSpace Builders, call (970) 462-9472 or visithttps://safespacebuilders.co. More information about 579 Construction is available athttps://579construction.comor

The emotional roller coaster of guilt, concern, regret, and the plethora of other feelings that go along with being a caregiver for someone with dementia and realizing that their continued health, welfare, and yours is in jeopardy is one of the most difficult realizations.Once the decision has been reached to look for a memory care community the next questions is what criteria to look at. In Massachusetts, there are many residential options where an individual with dementia can receive regular medical care as well as other personal services that will help them have a good quality of life.There are several specific criteria to consider when exploring a community. Some of the most pertinent are the medical expertise of the staff and staffing levels, the programing or activities, and the less empirical, but as important first impression.Every licensed community should be able to provide you with a document called the Disclosure of Rights and Services. This document outlines in detail the nursing staff on each shift and the ratio of staff to resident. The ratio is a good start when evaluating a community, but also look at the individuals providing the care. What experience do the nurses and aides have with caring for individuals with dementia?Next, ask for the program calendar. Are there any trips or outings? How often? How are these trips supervised? When considering a community be sure to try and meet and spend time with the program staff. Ask them about a typical day for residents.A memory care community should be visited several times. Things to look for:How do the residents look? Clean cloths, hair combed, etc.How does the area they are living in look? Carpets and floors clean, walls and paint in good repair?How are you received when visiting? Cordial greeting, offered a beverage, made to feel welcome?Talk to other residents family members. Ask them how they like the community.Finally, listen to your gut.Written by Mike Myers, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Commons in Lincoln

The Councils on Aging in Marlborough, Hudson and Northborough have received a grant (from whom) to implement a project called building a Dementia Friendly Community. The purpose is to educate the public on best practices for interacting with people, at various stages of dementia, who are living in the community. The program is called Come 2B Dementia Friendly.Health Technology students and Practical Nursing students at the Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School are working together on this project to become the First Dementia Friendly School. This will be an impactful way of spreading the Dementia Friendly initiative for years to come by educating the future tradespeople of the community.Many Assabet Valley departments already serve older adults in their shops and many students will graduate as tradespeople who will be entering homes in this community. Practical Nurse students and Health Technology students have participated in a training program from the Alzheimers Association in addition to their clinical experience. They are using their expertise and understanding to help educate other students in the school about the problems of living with dementia and provide them with some strategies they can use to help persons with dementia they may encounter in their work.The Health Technology and Practical Nurse- Dementia Friendly teams have been going into the schools technical program shops to do interactive training sessions. There has been a lot of enthusiasm for the project and many students have shared stories of family members who are living with dementia. Discussions and questions have been excellent and post program surveys have been extremely positive.At the end of the sessions the shops are given written information about dementia and a decal to display identifying their shop as Dementia Friendly. Once the training is complete the school will be labeled Dementia Friendly and the team will move on to the next phase.Assabet Valley is proud to be working on a community wide project and the education the students provide for each other is one more way that we show our commitment to be the best we can be.For more information on the project visit the website: http://www.come2bdementiafriendlymarlborough.org/For information on the Practical Nurse Program visit www.assabetvalleylpn.orgFor information on Assabet Valley Regional Technical visit www.assabettech.comThis article was submitted by Ellen Santos MSN, RN, CNE, Director of Practical Nursing, Assabet Valley RVSD

When older adults consider variations in assisted living facilities within Texas, it is important to be aware of the facility differences. The most important differentiating factor deals with the number of residents the facility is licensed to care for. A smaller assisted living facility will care for residents ranging between 3-16 in occupancy. While a larger assisted living can have dozens if not hundreds of residents within their care. A sought after alternative to commercial settings are smaller assisted living facilities called Residential Care Homes. These are licensed facilities by the state of Texas doing business out of a residential property.Do to sheer size of properties found with larger facilities, smaller assisted living alternatives have proven to result in both residents and family members feeling more in touch and connected. The benefits of a home-like setting for assisted living (or a residential setting for older adults) is the personal touch, and the attention to detail in set of choices and creative approaches towards senior care - working closely with the doctors, the families, and the residents. Within the homelike setting, owners and staff are known to be more hands on with all the day-to-day operations. As a result, there is a familiarity with the medication requirements, and personal needs of each resident.Being that the state regulations for assisted living facilities are moderate, it may surprise seekers to discover that there is a difference between the staff to resident ratio found in smaller versus larger facilities. It is not uncommon to encounter a Residential Care Home with a ratio of 1 caregiver to 3 residents. While at larger facilities they could surpass a ratio of 1:12 during shifts. Neglect and abuse are growing concerns due to the influx of new facilities simply meeting basic requirements. More than the frequency of contact between a staff and residents, an environment with a corporate feel can trigger unwelcoming emotions for someone wrestling with familiarity. Sometimes a larger assisted living facility will use linoleum floors, hospital style curtains in semi-private rooms, and cafeteria-style food services. Residential Care Homes have proved to be a solid option for older adults while seeking a welcoming place to call their new home under the assisted living umbrella.This viewpoint is not to say, necessarily that there aren't benefits of a larger, more corporate facility structure. Choosing an assisted living facility takes a great deal of research, and time visiting and interviewing different facilities and administrators.Editorial Note: Article written by Aaron Floarea with Garland Serenity Homes, www. garlandserenityhome.com. Aaron can be reached at ?214-952-3818 or aaronfloarea@yahoo.comSee add on page 213

The stark reality? There is a housing crisis for people with developmental disabilities.More than 6 million Americans have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD).Nearly 500,000 young people with autism will enter adulthood in the next decade.There is a severe shortage of independent living options for people with disabilities.Nearly 1 in 3 young adults with a disability had no community participation in the last year.Governmental cutbacks have left social workers spread severely thin, reducing their capacity to assist people with disabilities.Nearly 3 in 4 people with disabilities live in the family home, often relying on parents for basic activities like preparing meals and dressing, as well as transportation and connecting to the outside world.Our response? Bethesda Cornerstone Village.Cornerstone Village is a residential community designed to unite people with developmental disabilities with other members of the community in a loving, Christian environment.Each Cornerstone Village will be developed to maximize accessibility, and a specific percentage of the units will be reserved for independent adults with developmental disabilities.Heres why:It furthers the cause of inclusion by creating an opportunity for people with IDD to live in an integrated community.Providing a safe home for people with IDD gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is safe.Intermingling people with developmental disabilities and people without disabilities results in a more meaningful and rewarding life for all.Living in a Christian environment will strengthen the spiritual lives of all residents.Community programming and activities will bring people together, fostering deep friendships and lifelong learning.What does the future look like?The Cornerstone Village in Victoria, Minn., is the first of its kind in the U.S.and it wont be the last.We are moving forward with a thoughtful but aggressive strategy to open multiple Cornerstone communities in several states, including Wisconsin and California in addition to Minnesota.In addition to providing truly inclusive living for people with disabilities, Cornerstone will provide much-needed revenue to help Bethesda Lutheran Communities continue to deliver quality services for adults with disabilities across the country.Many of the services Bethesda offers are reimbursed by the government, but we still rely on other sources of incomelike donationsto fund more than 30% of our services. So not only will Cornerstone address the immediate need of housing and community for people with disabilities, but it will help us continue to deliver on our mission for years to come.

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Charitable and government organizations providing resources and dental services. Many programsprovidedental care for low income individuals at an affordable price, including patients with no insurance.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

If you are 62 or better, you can use a reverse mortgage loan to purchase a new home or turn your current homes equity into cash. A reverse mortgage loan is a way to turn the equity in your home into cash without having to make monthly mortgage payments. Instead of monthly payments, the loan is repaid in one lump sum when the last borrower leaves the home. As part of the loan, the borrower is required to continue paying property taxes and insurance and maintain the home.Top Potential Advantages of a Reverse Mortgage LoanFor most people, your home is the largest investment you have in retirement. Its important that you take the time to understand the facts about a Reverse Mortgage Loan. Learn more why a Reverse Mortgage loan might be right for you.Eliminate monthly mortgage payment except for taxes, insurance and home must be maintained.)Enhance qualify of life with additional cash flowLoan process can pay for in-home healthcare and nursing home costsPurchase a 2nd homeTop Retirement Strategies YOU MAY HAVE NOT THOUGHT ABOUT*.Typically, the average retiree makes their financial decisions without even thinking about home equity or a reverse mortgage loan. Here are several common retirement strategies which could change how those decisions are usually made. Medicare gap from 62-65 Roth Conversions and NUA Options Life Insurance with Long-Term Care (LTC) or Living benefit RidersThis article does not constitute financial advice. You should consult a reverse mortgage planner or financial advisor regarding your specific situation.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Bill Niehus, a Reverse Mortgage Planner. He can be reached at 719-650-2620.

Cooking for one or even two, presents challenges as we age. It can be difficult to shop and prepare healthy, well-balanced meals on a daily basis. Did you know the Older Americans Act provides grants to State and community senior organizations to help provide a healthy, well-balanced meals for older adults? Through the Community dining and home delivered meal programs, seniors struggling with isolation and loneliness or those who have difficulty buying or preparing meals for themselves have two great options! Older adults who have transportation can get a healthy meal and spend time with friends in a community dining setting. Homebound seniors, unable to shop, prepare or obtain meals, can also receive a nutritious meals delivered to their homes up to five days per week, often by a friendly volunteer.Community dining meals and those offered to homebound older adults are approved by Registered Dietitians and provide 1/3 of the daily nutrition needs of the average older adult. Older Adults must be 60 and older to qualify to receive meals or be a disabled person or spouse residing with an eligible individual. There is no income or asset requirement for community dining or home delivered meals. A suggested donation is requested and appreciated for all meals, however it is also not required. No one is denied a meal if unable or unwilling to contribute.While the importance of offering nutritious meals to older adults cannot be overstated, having the opportunity to join others for a meal in a community setting is a great way to get out of the house and see other people. No one likes to eat alone and having the ability to join others who are the same age, with a similar history and experiences can make for an enjoyable dining experience!For homebound seniors, having a friendly face greet them each day while delivering a nutritious meal, can be something to look forward to and serve as a daily well-being check. For more information on Community and home delivered meals, a contact list has been provided. If your County is not represented on this list, please call your local Agency on Aging and they will be able to assist you.This article was submitted by Leslie Edstrom, Community Planning Division Manager for The Agency on Aging Northeastern Illinois. Leslie has a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Gerontology.

As of April 3, 2020, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that all Americans use a cloth type mask when they are in public settings such as grocery stores and pharmacies (Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings, Especially in Areas of Significant Community-Based Transmission).In light of this news, many Americans will need to make their own cloth masks. Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN (Seniors Blue Book Publisher and President of the Dallas Area Gerontological Society has compiled some information to assist you to make your own at home. One version will require some sewing to create your mask, the other requires no sewing and is very simple.Easy to Sew DIY MaskTake a 32 x 23 cm cloth. Fold horizontally in half, inner side out.Stitch the edges in place but leave an opening at the center.Cut out the edgy corners then, reverse the cloth to reveal the outer side.Again,sew around the edges.On one shorter side, make 6 consecutive 2-cm markings from a corner. Do the same on the opposite side.Make a fold by meeting the first 2-cm marking with the second. Secure with a clip. Do this with the third and fourth and then, the fifth and sixth. Make sure youre folding upward.Do the same thing on the opposite side. By the time you finish folding, youll have three horizontal lines created by the folds at the center.Stitch edgesof the folds in place.Fold the same edges 1 cm inward. Secure in place using clips.Sew them in place leaving an opening at their centers.Take two 25-cm long garters. Insert them into each folded side. You can use a hair clip for ease in insertion.Tie a knot at the ends of the garters to seal them in place.How to make a mask with fabric without sewing:How to make a face mask out of fabric (Jenny Chang-Rodriguez / TODAY)Use a square scarf or a cut a large square out of a T-shirt (at least 20 inches by 20 inches).Fold two sides of the square in to meet each other in the middle then fold this in half lengthwise. You should be left with a long rectangle with the edges sandwiched inside.Grab two hair ties (or rubber bands) and pull one around each end of the long rectangle, roughly breaking the rectangle into thirds. (It should almost look like a candy wrapper.)Fold each outside third of fabric into the center.Pull the mask on by fitting the hair elastic around ears and making sure the end tails of fabric are against your face so the mask stays put.Click on the photo to view a video of Kathleen making a No Sew MaskHow to Make a "NO SEW" Cloth MaskInstructions from the CDC on making facemasks:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.htmlCloth Face Coverings: Questions and Answers from the CDC:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.htmlPage last reviewed:April 4, 2020Content source:National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD),Division of Viral DiseasesSource of How to make a fabric mask without sewing: https://news.yahoo.com/face-mask-fabric-without-sewing-190232948.htmlSource of Easy to sew cloth mask: https://sewing.com/cloth-mask-diy/#sbbdfw #kareworks #makeyourownmask #diymask #covid19 #sbbcovid19 #clothmask #fabricmask #coronavirus#homemademask

Youve been on a waiting list for a senior living facility for years. In the meantime, your dream cruise is planned and that familyreunionis around the corner...then you get the call."If youre like many downsizing Seniors the question echoing in your mindis; What do I doabout the house? Here is a quick guide that can give you the confidence and structure that you need.First, take a breathyou can do this! Next, identify a trusted Realtor who has genuine experience helping Seniors. Start by looking forRealtors that have the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation. Seniors and their families need a Realtor to help navigate the maze of financial, legal, and emotional issues accompanying the sale of your memory filled home. Im a longtime SRES and still depend on this special training to helpSeniorsthrough the process. It may sound old school, but a Realtor who listens deeply and communicates with a smile, handshake, and a visit is a must. Skills like patience, planning, and guiding are critical.Inviteyour Realtor in as early as possible towalk through the home to learn its unique character and story!Look for a Realtor who can translatethe story intoaplan to market that uniqueness. Part of their role will be to help you understand how to prepare your home for the marketwhat projects to tackle, which ones to ignore, and how to not go overboard as you prepare to sell.Like all top Realtors,we have a handy list of trusted resources to help tackle agreed upon projects. Pricing should be based on reality and facts, not hopes and dreams. Location, size, and amenities are part of the equation as are market activity, market trends, and area competition. Over the years, weve developed a very customized, yet simple, tool to accurately forecast list and sale prices. All top Realtors will have something similar in their tool belt.Be comfortable asking questionsworking with a Realtor should be a collaboration, not a dictatorship.Using a professional stagerand photographer is another must do in todays market. Digital marketing demands high quality, properly lit, compelling photosof an expertly staged homed so that it shines and tells its story clearly. Every Realtor handles this differently,but we believe in this concept so strongly that we provideboth astagerand photographerat no cost to our listing clientsit is just too important to skip.These are the steps that lead to the For Sale signand hopefully the ability to breathe a bit easier._________________________________This article was written by Mike Julian, in collaboration with Eric J. Gearhart. Both are agents with Realty One Group Unlimited and are Directors of theCertain SaleRetirementLiving Program.

GENERAL: Emergency numbers posted by each telephone. Appliances, lamps, and cords in good condition. All electrical equipment UL labeled. A sufficient number of outlets located in every room. Do not use outlet extensions. Overload protection by circuit breakers or fuses. The water heater thermostat should be set at 110F or lower. Medications should be stored in a safe place per instructions on the container label. Carpeting and rugs not worn or torn, with rug edges secured to the floor. Small, loose rugs should have non-skid backing. Do not place in traffic areas.LIVING ROOM: Electric cords are placed along walls, not under rugs, and away from traffic areas. Sturdy secure chairs and couches. Walkways should be clear.BATHROOM: The bathtub or shower has a non-skid mat or strips in the standing area. Handrails installed in the walls by the bathtub and toilet. Durable towel bars and the soap dish in the shower stall should be firmly installed. Faucet and valve handles should be unbreakable. Keep electrical appliances away from the bathtub or shower area.STAIRWAYS AND HALLS: Steps in good condition and free of objects. Steps have non-skid strips, or carpeting securely fastened and free of holes or fraying. Smoke detectors placed in hallways and near sleeping areas. Hallways and stairs equipped with night lights. Handrails sturdy and securely fastened. Banister supports close enough to prevent a child from placing his head between them. Light switches located at top and bottom of stairways.KITCHEN: The stove and sink areas should be well-lit. Gas stove equipped with pilot lights and an automatic cut-off. The stove should not be located under a window with curtains. The kitchen exhaust discharges directly outside or through ducts to the outside. Hazardous household agents stored out of reach of children. Turn pan handles away from burners and edge of stove. Avoid wearing garments with long or loose sleeves. Keep pot holders near stove. Keep knives in a knife rack or drawer. Keep drawers, cupboards closed. Wipe up grease or liquid spills at once.BEDROOM: Keep lamp or flashlight within reach of bed. Use night lights.OUTDOOR AREA: Steps and walkways should be in good condition. Doorways and stairs should be well-lit. Handrails sturdy, securely fastened.Editors Note: This information was submitted courtesy ofBrightStar Mountainside, Greater Salt Lake Area. They may be reached at(801) 290-1290 or on the web at www.BrightStarCare.com

Many times after a serious injury or illness, the need for additional 24-hour medical assistance is needed to help a person heal, properly rehabilitate and ensure that he or she is in stable condition before returning home.What most people dont know is that there are different options when choosing a continued care provider after your primary acute hospital stay. Each organization can vary by the length of stay, therapy intensity and type of medical personnel.Your medical provider can help you choose, but it is also important for you to be informed of your options in order to determine what care is best for you.Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTAC)If a person is in need of intensive medical care for a longer period of time (an average of 25 days or more), they should consider a long-term acute care hospital. This facility is best for patients who have just been released from an intensive care unit, who need to be monitored closely and more frequently by nurses and doctors.Long-term acute care hospitals focus on stabilizing a patients medical condition rather than providing comprehensive rehabilitation.In-Patient Rehabilitation HospitalIn-patient rehabilitation hospitals focus on short intensive medical rehabilitation, with the goal of getting the patient home as soon as possible. Patients who choose an in-patient rehabilitation hospital have daily doctor visits, receive specialized rehab nursing care and undergo more significant rehabilitation.These facilities specialize in intensive rehabilitation teams to include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists and more. Each patient receives at least three hours of rehab therapy per day, five days per week.The average length of stay at an in-patient rehabilitation hospital is 12-16 days.Skilled Nursing FacilityA skilled nursing facility offers long-term care for patients who are medically stable, but still need professional medical care and supervision. Although nurses are available 24 hours a day, doctors are only required to visit patients once each month.The skilled nursing facility requires that the patient stays at their primary acute hospital for three days to qualify for admission.Whatever your medical needs are, there is a 24-hour medical facility that is right for you. Always consult your family and medical provider to help you make the best possible choice for you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Julia Cowan with Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital and may be reached at 303-367-1166

Written and Submitted By: BrightStar Care of North Sarasota & Manatee - click here for more informationIf you have an elderly loved one, you may have been waiting anxiously for the COVID-19 vaccine. Because COVID-19 symptoms can be more dangerous for older people, its natural for you to want your loved one to receive a vaccine as quickly as possible. For some older people, however, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is an intimidating prospect. Because COVID-19 testing and approval took place at such an unprecedented pace, your seniors may have concerns, worries, or even fears about its safety. Here, we offer some suggestions for allaying those concerns and helping your seniors determine the best course of action for their health care. Start off with an open discussion.Acknowledge your loved ones worries with validating statements like I understand your concerns. Reiterate what the person says, to show that you hear whats being stated, in order to effectively communicate. Ask questions to better understand the others point of view. Offer information and provide reassurance.Talk about the efficacy rate of the vaccine.Seniors are at a greatly increased risk of serious consequences from COVID-19, which is why its important for them to get the vaccine. They should know that the vaccine is a powerful tool against the virus, with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at 94.1% efficacy and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at 95%. The most recent vaccine, from Johnson and Johnson, has a 90% efficacy rate, but studies have shown that its 100% effective in reducing severe effects of COVID-19, like hospitalization and death.Acknowledge concerns about risks.The vaccines were approved very quickly, so its understandable that people might be worried about risks and side effects. However, theyve been thoroughly tested. Research indicates side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are minimal, like a low-grade fever or pain at the injection site. Further, the information we have so far indicates that older adults may have a lower risk of side effects from the vaccine than younger people.Know who to trust. Theres so much informationand misinformationswirling around about the COVID-19 vaccine. Make sure to get your information from reliable, unbiased sources like theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)or theNational Institutes of Health (NIH). Its also smart to talk to your doctor about the vaccine. A persons doctor can not only explain the most recent COVID-19 vaccine update, but can also discuss whether the vaccine is appropriate, considering the individuals allergies and medical conditions.Talk about the testing.While the process may have seemed rushed, the vaccine testing was actually quite rigorous. It might be helpful to share information about how the vaccines effectiveness and safety were established.The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was tested on 44,000 people, with 41% if the participants over 56 years of age.The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial had 30,351 participants, including older adults, 25% over the age of 65.The Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials involved about 45,000 people, 34% of them over age 60.In trials for all three vaccines, scientists overseeing the studies observed participants after they received the vaccine and noted only minor side effects over the course of two months.Address the goal of a return to normalcy.The COVID-19 vaccine wont miraculously transport us all back to our pre-pandemic lives. However, seniors who receive the vaccine are taking the first step toward a less restricted lifestyle, a return to hobbies and in-person interaction with friends and loved ones.At BrightStar Care, we know that healthcare can sometimes be confusing, and caring for a family member can be challenging. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available, in the comforting, familiar surroundings of home. Further, because we have a Director of Nursing overseeing all care, at every level, whether personal or skilled, our patients and their family members have access to someone with insight regarding COVID-19 vaccination. If you have questions related to the vaccines, or any follow-up questions, feel free to ask and we'll offer expert advice, click here to contact us!

To learn more aboutArbor View Senior Living - WellAge Senior Living, CLICK HERE.In addition to facing the challenge of caring for and supporting vulnerable senior populations over the two-year span of the pandemic, another major consideration for senior living operators has been keeping workers safe since Covid-19 spread nationwide. While focusing on worker safety is always important in senior living, it has become acutely critical today.Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a program in March a national emphasis program to focus on workplace inspections, outreach, and compliance assistance for companies where workers had a high risk of contracting Covid-19. Beyond the expected hotspots for Covid-19, such as manufacturing facilities and meatpacking plants, OSHA would also put a spotlight on assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities and others in health care. OSHA also reminded employers, as part of the Whistleblower Protection Program, that they should not retaliate against workers who lodged complaints about Covid-19 workplace safety. This announcement was a preview of what was to come.On June 21, OSHA announced a new Emergency Temporary Standard to strengthen efforts to protect workers in health care settings. Too many of our frontline healthcare workers continue to be at high risk of contracting the coronavirus, said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in a press release announcing the ETS.The emergency rule requires many health care employers to implement a written Covid-19 infection prevention program, report Covid-19 cases to OSHA, and pay workers who are unable to work due to Covid-19 symptoms. In the prevention plan, operators must cover areas of concern for certain medical procedures, physical distancing, physical barriers, personal protective equipment, cleaning, disinfection, ventilation, health screening, training, recordkeeping and reporting. The ETS also stated providers should encourage employees to get the Covid-19 vaccine; that encouragement later became a mandate.While OSHA provided templates and guidance for compliance, the rapid deployment for the new standard caught many in senior living off guard. Organizations were expected to comply two weeks after the June 21 launch for some measures, 30 days for others. An estimated 10 million senior living workers fell under the new ETS, and despite pushback from senior living organizations such as LeadingAge and the American Health Care Association for operators to have more implementation time, the ETS was implemented without delay.Size and Experience MatteredLarger assisted living, memory care, home care and other senior living providers especially those affiliated with operators of long-term care facilities were able to cope with the ETS implementation because they have a framework for worker safety education and oversight in place. Over the last decade, nursing homes have seen increased scrutiny from OSHA for workplace safety, said Gloria Martinez, Director of Employee Safety for both WellAge Senior Living and Vivage Senior Living. Adjusting to these new measures was not as much a burden for our locations since we have systems in place.Under the ETS brought on by Covid-19 concerns, OSHA inspectors are conducting on-site visits or remote inspections as needed. Typical triggers for an inspection are a staff complaint or outbreak at a facility. In addition, OSHA is scrutinizing the quality of the on-site safety coordinator in senior living communities. This extends to reviewing their training, experience and ability to dedicate the time necessary to the job. Martinez, who had more than 25 years as a safety and health professional (the last five in health care) before joining Vivage and WellAge, today oversees workplace safety at more than 40 facilities. In this role, she interprets OSHA standards for facility safety coordinators, provides training for supervisors at the communities, and develops everyday safety programs that benefit frontline workers.Workplace safety is not a piece of paper, a policy or a procedure, she said. Its about developing a culture of health and safety by creating proactive safety programs.While many organizations offer employees computer-based safety training, Martinez says in-person training is essential. She also said when the Covid-19 ETS guidance was released, it was much easier for her to roll out to facilities as systems and procedures were in place.Safety SavesOSHAs ETS for Covid-19 workplace safety comes with a bite from the Department of Labor. OSHA citations come with maximum penalties of $13,653 per violation, said Jon M. VonderHaar, a safety services consultant. Willful or repeated violations can amount to penalties 10 times that.Martinez and VonderHaar emphasize that while the Covid-19 ETS is critical to comply with, having an overall culture focused on workplace safety is good for workers and good for business. They also stress creating a culture of safety must start with organizational leadership to be effective.Businesses lacking safety practices have more injuries and these injuries have both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include workers compensation payments, medical expenses, and costs for legal services. Examples of indirect costs include training replacement employees, accident investigation and implementation of corrective measures, lost productivity, repairs of damaged equipment and property, and costs associated with lower employee morale and absenteeism. VonderHaar said there are numerous reports that indicate for every dollar spent on workplace safety, there is a return of $3 to $5.While the Covid-19 ETS left some organizations scrambling this year, the larger issue is creating a culture of safety as a way of business, with formal training the norm and oversight in place internally so an organization can adjust as needed. Martinez calls this Prevention through Design, based on a Harvard Medical Practice Study that found having effective systems and controls in place can enhance worker safety. Having these systems and culture in place reduces an organizations risk exposure and helps maximize employee potential. In a business where our focus is helping seniors age well and live well, having motivated staff who feel safe is a difference maker.Written By: Margie Guerrieri is the Regional Marketing and Sales Director for WellAge Senior Living, a Colorado-based senior living management company. Visitwellageseniorsolutions.com.

The decision to move a loved one into an assisted living community is challenging, to say the least. On top of dealing with the range of emotions connected with the decision, finding a community that meets your parent or spouses needs requires a fair amount of due diligence. You want a community that will treat your loved one with dignity and respect, but you also want one with plenty of amenities, classy accommodations, and a premium on residents well-beingin other words, someplace that will feel like home.Fortunately, in Naples, Florida, assisted living communitiesare available that cater to your loved ones every need and more. Finding the perfect community could take a little bit of work, however. You want to learn everything about an assisted living community in Naples if you can. You want to tour potential communities for your loved one, talking to residents and staffers. You should include your loved one in the process: After all, he or she will be doing the living in whichever community you choose. And you should ask questionsmany, many questions.Sometimes you will complete your due diligence with multiple assisted living communities in Naples, and the one you select just feels righta good fit for your loved one and for your familyand something you knew from the start. That doesnt mean you shouldnt ask questions along the way. Here are seven things to ask about when searching for assisted living in Naples:1. What dining options does your community provide?Moving to a senior living community shouldnt mean taking a step back in quality of life, including dining and nutrition. Ask about a communitys meal options. The best communities offer restaurant-style dining and three meals a day prepared by outstanding chefs. Some assisted living residents may have trouble eating, which is why The Arbor Company developedDining with Dignity. Through this program, chefs are trained to prepare nutritious, delicious meals that can be eaten with just seniors hands and are easy to chew and swallow. Residents are able to enjoy the full dining experience without embarrassment.2. Are your apartments cozy?Ask to see floor plans and pictures of the apartments an assisted living community offers. Residents shouldnt feel crammed, and even studios should have space for seniors to sit and relax somewhere other than the bed. Also, apartments should not feel like dorm rooms but, rather, like home; residents should have the ability to decorate and furnish apartments as they wish.3. What does Naples offer seniors?Florida already is a haven for retirees, but Naples is truly a special city for seniors. Shopping, restaurants, cultural opportunities, a robust senior sceneNaples has it all. Moreover, Naples offers plenty of activities seniors can enjoy with their families, such as the Naples Botanical Gardenand Naples Pier. And of course, the weather here is wonderful, to be enjoyed 12 months of the year.4. How will you attend to my loved ones unique needs?Seniors in an assisted living communityusually require some sort of individualized attention, ranging from help with laundry to assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)or anything in between. The answer to this question will go a long way to determining whether a senior living community is right for your loved one. If a community isnt ready to bend over backward for its residents, it might not be the best choice for your family.5. What social activities and events do you host?Quality senior living is about making the mostor as much as a resident wantsof every day. Assisted living communities should be vibrant, welcoming places where residents are engaged, enjoying life, and anything but bored. Ask about social activities a community hosts, the types of events and clubs it offers, and what opportunities are available for residents to get out and about Naples.6. How can my loved one alert you if theres a problem?Many residents in assisted living are there because they need some level of monitoring and care they wouldnt be able to receive at home. Therefore, if they experience a problem when a staffer isnt around, they need to be able to contact someone for help. Proactive communities provide both wearable alert pendants and in-room call buttons so that no matter where a resident is, he or she can call for help when necessary.You likely have plenty of additional questions on your mind as you search for assisted living communities in Naples. We at Barrington Terracecan answer those questions. Contact us today to learn more about our outstanding assisted living community and to schedule a tour.Written and Submitted By: Barrington Terrace - click here for more information

For more information on the author, Stellar Transport, CLICK HERE!No matter your age or phase in life, socialization will always be essential. We all strive for community, connection, and intimacy on different levels. For young people, the ability to socialize allows for continuous growth and development. For older adults, the need for socialization is persistent and can help avoid isolation, create a sense of belonging, and improve health. When it comes to seniors in assisted living facilities, socialization is vital. Meeting new people can assist in creating new memories and achieve a healthier outlook on life.Why Socialization is ImportantSocialization provides value, and the older people get, the more at risk they are for feeling lonely. While senior citizens likely live alone or away from their loved ones, isolation becomes common. During COVID-19 restrictions, seniors were even more at risk as the pandemic resulted in quarantining, social distancing, and the inability to go outside. With restrictions easing, seniors are now able to regain the benefits of socialization. After nearly a year of some seniors receiving little to no contact, physical and emotional distress might have developed. Socializing with others can avoid the potential impacts of isolation, as senior citizens develop a sense of warmth through the community.Taking Advantage of Community OpportunitiesWhether it is bingo or karaoke night, seniors should take advantage of as many events as possible at their assisted living facility. Game nights and other events can provide seniors the opportunity of meeting new friends. New connections can grant seniors the ability to increase the number of people they talk to daily. If seniors are uninterested in the events proposed by the assisted living facility, they should consider hosting an intimate group themselves. Whether seniors love reading, knitting, or watching movies, a social club can be created from just about any hobby. Beginning a club can allow seniors to branch out in their community by connecting them with others who share the same interests.Attend OutingsWith COVID-19 restrictions easing, seniors can begin attending to social life outside of an assisted living facility. With non-emergency transportation services such as Stellar Transport, seniors can request transportation services to just about anywhere. Located in Melbourne, Florida, Stellar Transport can take seniors to where they need to go, whether they want to attend a family dinner or the park. Seniors should attempt to go to a family dinner once a week or at the least every month. The push to attend an outside dinner with those they are familiar with can encourage seniors to gain the courage they need to socialize within their housing facility.If seniors enjoy spending time at parks, they can also gather a group for a weekend outing. Similar to how seniors might begin a social club, they can ask around those interested in heading for an outdoor festivity. Activities seniors can consider while at the park including having a picnic, taking a walk, painting a portrait, or reading a book. Finding a small group of people who enjoy the same activities can create lifelong friends.

There is a basic human feeling when planting seeds or bulbs a sense of accomplishment and a state of deep peace. However, gardening not only feels good, but it is also good for you. In addition to growing nutritious fruits and vegetables, here are some of the other health benefits of gardening.Stress-RelieverGardening is a great way to relax. When asked to either garden or read for 30 minutes after doing a stressful task, those who gardened were in abetter mood and less stressed. Those who read were also less stressed, but their mood got worse.Good ExerciseDid you know gardening activities, such as digging and weeding, could count toward yourrecommended weekly exercise? In astudyon aging, gardeners reported better balance and speed, though moreresearchneeds to be done to see what exact benefits gardening brings.Social ButterfliesGardens have a seemingly magical power to bring people together, whether for planting, weeding, watering or just relaxing under the trees. You and your loved one could go to your local government to start a community garden. There are garden societies that you can join, as well. Garden societies hold meetings, share knowledge, create events to promote gardening (including plant sales) and volunteer to beautify their communities.Gardening and AgingAging and the repetitive movements involved in gardening can make it difficult to enjoy all of the benefits. However, there are numerous ways to remain active in gardening without pain or discomfort.Take breaks.It may be tempting to check off all the tasks on your garden to-do list, but overtaxing yourself could lead to injuries. Dont try to do everything in one day.Build raised garden beds.Hardware stores and garden centers sell kits that can bring your garden up from the ground, so you dont need to kneel. You can customize the height of raised beds for your comfort.Get some garden gadgets.There is an array of assistive devices for gardeners, such as a kneeler with grab bars, long-handled or extendable tools, and arthritis-friendly hand tools. Specialized garden tools lessen physical strain.Provided by Treasure Valley ComForCare, Steve Kalina

What is a Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH)?A Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) that provides specialized medical, nursing and rehabilitation services for patients who need more advanced care for their recovery process, but who no longer require services at a traditional hospital. Patients typically have a chronic or medically complex medical condition that requires hospitalization for an average of 25 days or more in a facility that offers a 24/7 specialized treatment program. Long term often leads people to assume that its similar to a long-term facility (Nursing Home), but a more accurate description of an LTACH, would be a post-acute care hospital. The main difference between a traditional hospital and an LTACH is the length of stay. Traditional hospitals are focused on caring for a patient for an average of four to five days, where initial surgical interventions and diagnostic procedures are performed, while a long term acute care hospital typically cares for a patient an average of 25 days. The purpose of a LTACH is to provide critical care-level services but with a stronger recovery and rehabilitative focus permitted by the longer length of stay. Patients referred to an LTACH must meet an admission criteria designated by their insurer including Medicare, Medicaid and commercial insurers. At an LTACH, patients can continue to receive intensive interventions, such as ventilator weaning, cardiac monitoring, aggressive wound management, antibiotic infusions, TPN, while being managed by a coordinated patient care team. Long term acute care hospitals offer specialized programs for patients who require ventilator-weaning, wound care, infectious disease management, or intensive management of medically complex conditions. Typical services include daily management and rounding by Hospitalists and/or Pulmonologists, telemetry, laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, respiratory therapy, rehabilitation, dialysis, and an intensive staff-to patient ratio. For those looking to understand what services and conditions may be available for treatment at an LTACH, the following are the most common: Ventilator-Weaning Respiratory Failure Wounds Medically Complex Amputation Cardiovascular Disease COPD CHF Head Injury/Trauma Infectious Diseases (including MRSA, VRE) Malnutrition Pneumonia Post-Operative Patients Renal Disease/Failure Spinal Cord Injury Stroke Trauma Most common questions about LTACH Services: Is an LTACH like a nursing home? Not at all. Patients in a Long Term Acute Care Hospital are too medically complex for nursing homes to typically accept. LTACHs provide daily physician management, 24 hour nursing care, pharmacy in-house, radiology, dialysis, 24 hour respiratory therapy, and 6 day a week rehabilitation therapy. In addition, admission to an LTACH avoids using precious skilled nursing facility days granted by Medicare. Is LTACH like hospice? Hospice care is primarily for those not expected to recover and have a terminal illness. In contrast, the Long Term Acute Care Hospital is for patients who can be treated, recover and then return home or to a lower level of care.Written by Tammy Pettingill Director of Marketing Southwest Idaho Advanced Care Hospital

For more information on Assisting Hands Home Care, Click Here.Holidays can be a tough time for individuals with Alzheimer's, as well as those providing them care, and other friends and family. The reality of the situation can come to light during the holidays. It may be that one or two people have been providing care and suddenly the rest of the family is exposed to the changes in their loved one. Holidays can also be the time when family comes to terms with the fact that additional help is needed for their loved one and begins to look to professional Alzheimers in home caregivers for guidance and relief.The person affected by Alzheimer's may have a difficult time during the holidays. Family in home caregivers may feel overwhelmed trying to provide care for their loved one while also keeping up holiday festivities and traditions for that person and everyone else. Even family in home caregivers who have been providing care on a regular basis may have to confront new realities when family and friends come over to celebrate and note the changes that have occurred in the manner and behavior of their loved one.In order to avoid additional stress and make for a happier holiday celebration for everyone, it may be time for the caregiver to adjust his or her own expectations, as well as the expectations of everyone else. First, the caregiver should determine what can realistically be accomplished, which traditions can continue, what may need to change, and where additional help may be needed from other family members, friends or professional in home caregivers. Often the caregivers own expectations are the most difficult ones to change. Giving ones self permission to change holiday traditions and expectations is often most difficult for the caregiver who has often assumed the responsibilities and role of the person they are caring for and who is no longer able to take on that role for themselves.Some things for the family caregiver to consider when preparing for holiday celebrations are:Having a potluck instead of a formal dinnerChanging the celebration to a lunch or brunch instead of dinner (this time can be a better for those with Alzheimer's)Whether or not alcohol will be availableIf a new location might work betterIf the host or hostess responsibilities can be transferred to someone newUsing professional services for outside food preparation or cleaningWhether or not using professional home care services to provide Alzheimer's care while holiday preparations are underway, or during the festivities themselves, will help make the individual with Alzheimer's more comfortable and less disoriented by the situation.Once the family caregiver has determined possible changes, they should be communicated with honesty and sensitivity to the rest of the family. Likely, they will need to be informed of the reasons for the changes and the situation regarding the changes their loved one with Alzheimer's has experienced. It is helpful to let family members know that their loved one can no longer think or remember things clearly and may not even know who they are, so that they can be mentally prepared as well, and be able to handle their reaction in a way that will not adversely affect the positive atmosphere of the gathering.While input from others can be considered, the family caregiver who knows the situation best should be prepared to patiently explain the reasons the changes need to be made and stand by any decisions that are not up for negotiation. This is especially true when the caregiver knows that giving in to the demands of others will actually make the situation worse for everyone.After the holidays are over, the family caregiver should take time to rest and recuperate. Arranging to have professional in home caregivers come in to provide Alzheimer's care so that the family caregiver can have a break is important. The family caregiver should take time to do something enjoyable like take in a movie, have dinner with a friend, get a massage or spend time at a park or museum.Making holiday celebrations easier for both caregiver and the relative affected by Alzheimer's can make for happier, more enjoyable occasions for everyone.

Seniors Blue Book ArticleFall 2015 EditionKelle Sweeney, Education Coordinator, Friends in ActionAs a caregiver, you are doing everything in your power to make sure your loved one is well cared for, and youre probably feeling the strain of your efforts: increased frustration, shortened fuse, poor sleep, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed, high blood-pressure, etc. Respite can help you bring your life back into balance.Respite is a temporary break from your caregiving responsibilities. Respite can take place in your home or in a facility. Respite can be provided by a family member, friend, paid provider, or volunteer. Friends in Action, a nonprofit dedicated to helping family caregivers, recruits and trains volunteers as part of their Legacy Corps program to provide companionship respite for veterans and military families. Legacy Corps volunteers commit to one full year of service (Nov Oct) and deliver compassionate, consistent support to caregivers on a weekly basis, allowing stressed out wives, husbands, daughters, sons, neighbors, and friends to rest and recharge. Entering the 4th year in Idaho, Legacy Corps volunteers have provided a total of 14,000 hours of relief to 191 family caregivers in the Gem State a value of over $250,000.The Idaho Caregiver Alliance (ICA) is another organization focused on providing access to respite for caregivers across the lifespan. The ICA was formed with grant funding from National Lifespan Respite Coalition and is making great strides to ensure that family caregivers in Idaho have the tools and resources they need starting with respite. In 2015 the ICA successfully worked with state law makers to pass House Concurrent Resolution 24 which officially recognizes family caregivers as an integral part of our health system. The ICA is also testing the implementation of an Emergency Respite Program designed to offer support to caregivers when unplanned events or emergencies occur. To learn more about the Emergency Respite program please visit the Idaho Federation of Families for Childrens Mental Health website (www.idahofederation.org) or call (208) 433-8845.You can learn more about respite, caregiver resources, the Legacy Corps program, and the Idaho Caregiver Alliance at the 5th Annual Family Caregiver Conference on February 20, 2016. The Annual Family Caregiver Conference is a partnership with Boise State University to provide caregivers of adults and children with disabilities the resources they need to provide good care for their loved one while taking good care of themselves too.For information on respite, or to learn how you can become a Legacy Corps volunteer and be a hero to a family caregiver, contact Friends in Action at (208) 333-1363.

SENIOR LIVING 101 When it is time to make the next move, you want to be sure it is the right move.UNDERSTAND THE LEVELS OF CARE One of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing the level of care that you or your loved one will need. The Radcliff offers three specially tailored levels outlined here. If more significant care is required, you may consider a skilled nursing facility.INDEPENDENT Perfect for active seniors looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle. Residents do not require assistance with daily activities or 24/7 nursing but enjoy the convenient services, senior-friendly surroundings and social opportunities and amenities of a luxury residence.ASSISTED CARE Designed to provide residents with a nurturing, comfortable, home environment where they feel confident and in-control. Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and more are offered to help encourage independence.MEMORY CARE Comprehensive and compassionate care for those with Alzheimers, Dementia and other forms of memory loss. Memory care offers structured programs that provides the stability of a routine while maximizing independence.CHOOSE THE LOCATION The closest community may not be the best fi t. Find a balanced distance - where family is close enough for frequent visits but does not sacrifice quality care, service, amenities and activities that the resident enjoys.ASSESS THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY Visit the residence at different times of the day to get a fuller understanding of what socialization and activities look like.GET TO KNOW THE STAFF Pay attention to staff interactions. Is the staff friendly and outgoing, do they make eye contact and are they engaged? Be sure to meet the management team before you make a final decision.Editors Note: Article submitted by Becky Greeley, Welcoming Director at The Radcliff. Please contact Becky at 630-242-2988 extension 202 for more information or to schedule a tour.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed the world in many ways. One thing that has not changed, and has become more important, is the need to have legal planning in place if you get sick or worse. So, Powers of Attorney to have a trusted person in place to pay your bills and handle your finances; Health Care Proxies to have a someone in place to make medical decisions if you cant make them for yourself; and estate planning documents like Wills and Trusts are even more important now than ever.Covid-19 also has put limits on how you can put these documents in place. Seniors cant easily or safely meet in an attorneys office to discuss planning and to sign the documents, many of which need to be signed in the presence of witnesses and a notary public.Fortunately, we humans are a resourceful species and some solutions have been put into place so that you can get these important documents in place; such as:-a computer, tablet or smartphone, using video conferencing software (ZOOM and similar), can allow meetings to take place between your lawyer and you remotely.-if your lawyer and you are comfortable with you coming in to the office, many offices now have protective shields and air purifiers in place so that you can see and hear your lawyer in person safely with masks.-meetings to execute documents can take place in many ways. There are three options my office has been using:Meet in person with the protective safeguards (shields, masks and air purifiers) with witnesses and the notary keeping social distance but still being in your presence to meet legal requirements.When the documents are finalized, meet through a video conference with the lawyer to confirm the choices you have made in the documents. Then follow up with a drive in document signing in the office parking lot where the notary and witnesses provide the documents through the car window and watch as they are executed (and no, you cant get fries with that).Massachusetts passed a remote notarization law that allows documents to be witnessed and notarized remotely using a computer or smart-phone (not easy or simple, but it works).If you havent done legal planning before or need to make changes to your plan, the Pandemic should not be an excuse not to do it now.Editors Note; This article was submitted by Estate and Elderlaw Attorney Timothy R. Loff, Esq. of the Law Offices of Timothy R. Loff, Newton, who may be reached at 617-332-7021 or information@lofflaw.com.

When it comes to deciding whether a will or trust is best for you, it is important to understand your options and which one is most appropriate for your situation.WillA testamentary will (simply referred to as a will) is a legal document used to transfer an estate to beneficiaries after the death of the testator (the person making the will). Within the will, the testator usually names a personal representative (also called an executor) for the estate. A will is revocable (it can be cancelled by the testator) or it can amended by the testator. For a will to be valid in Idaho, it must meet specific requirements under Idaho law.Living TrustsA person, during his or her lifetime, may create a living trust whereby the settlor (the person making the trust), trustee (the person who has legal authority to manage the trust assets) and beneficiary (the person who makes use of the trust assets) are all the same person. After the settlor dies, depending on the trust instructions, the trust assets may be distributed outright or held within the trust and distributed over time or upon the happening of a designated event. Living Trusts may be appropriate for persons who own real property in more than one state or have a blended family where spouses have children from prior relationships.Testamentary TrustsA testamentary trust is a trust within a will. A testamentary trust is created upon the death of a person as specified in his or her will. The testamentary trust holds assets within the trust instead of outright distribution to a beneficiary. A common scenario is when parents create a testamentary trust to hold assets for the support of minor children or for college education for children until they reach a specified age. A testamentary trust can also hold assets for the special needs of a disabled child who receives government benefits.A New or Updated Estate PlanWhether a will or trust is appropriate for you depends on your circumstances. If you already have a will or trust, it should be reviewed periodically to make sure it reflects your current wishes and needs or upon any significant change in your life such as divorce or death of a spouse or beneficiary.This article was written by Donna A. Schuyler, Attorney, who practices in the areas of estate planning, elder law, guardianship and probate.Donna Schuyler Law, PLLC; elderlawboise.com; Phone 208-344-1947

Submitted by Coastal Orthopedics, CLICK HERE for more information.Article Written By: Dr. Meredith ButulisWe are born with feet and ankles made to support us through life, yet 78% of adults experience at least one episode of foot or ankle pain.1 Most pain and injuries occur over time, based on how we use our feet, which makes many sources of foot and ankle pain preventable. Use the checklist below to see what you can do for foot and ankle health at home.1. Check your footwearPatients often ask what brand of shoe is best. Footwear choices matter. The best choice is often related to shoe structure, as opposed to brand. Shoes that are too small, heeled shoes, and flip flops can lead to bunions and a variety of muscle and joint pains, not only in the feet, but also the knees, hips, and low back.2,3The top activities associated with sore feet are running, hiking, basketball, fitness walking, dancing, and using a treadmill.1 If your daily activity includes fitness, hiking, or athletics, be sure to pick a shoe that matches your activity. For example, if you plan to run a long distance, you need running shoes instead of weight lifting shoes. Generally, athletic shoes need to be replaced every 300-500 miles, or every 3-6 months, as their support materials break down.2. Roll your archesEver try to stretch a knot? The muscles and fascia wrapping around muscles can develop areas of tension that feel like knots. These knot-feeling areas dont stretch well. Taking one minute each day to roll your foot on a ball can help reduce tension not only in your feet, but all the way up the back of your calves, knees, hamstrings, and spine.3. Strengthen your archesThe average adult takes 4,000 to 18,000 steps every day.4 With the foot and ankle containing 29 muscles, and close to 25% of the bones in the whole body, every step determines how the rest of your joints feel. If you are struggling with foot, ankle, knee, hip, or back pain, start performing foot strengthening exercises every day.In either a seated or standing position, feel the weight of your heels, big toes, and little toes on the floor. Try to make your toes as flat as possible, as opposed to curling them under. Use muscles inside your feet to slightly elevate your arches. Repeat 10 times. Once you can perform this exercise comfortably 10 times, start progressing how long you hold each arch lift for. Work up to 5-10 second holds on each repetition.4. Stretch your calvesCalf flexibility affects how much motion you have in your ankle. Stiff ankles are more susceptible to injury. Perform a calf stretch beginning in staggered stance facing a counter or wall to hold for support. Toes should point forward as you bend your front knee and keep your back heel in contact with the ground. Hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds, then repeat on your other side.5. Strengthen your calvesCalf muscles help stabilize the ankle, and create push-off power for walking, stairs, running, or jumping. A basic calf raise exercise provides a good starting point for strength. Begin standing on two feet with your hands on a counter for support as needed. Keep your knees straight, and toes flat on the floor. Press your toes gently into the ground as you rise up on the balls of your feet. Start with an initial goal of one set of 10 repetitions. Over the course of a month, work up to three sets of 10 repetitions.SummaryWant healthy feet, ankles, knees, hips, and backs? Start by protecting your feet with the exercises above. Consistency is key. Seek how many tips you can incorporate on a daily basis.

While spring is the season of new beginnings, it is also the season of more sunshine and as the weather heats up, spring also brings increased energy usage especially as many of us continue to spend more time at home.To help you save energy this spring, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is offering some simple tips.Check windows for air leaks: Check your windows for drafts. Re-caulking and using weather strips can help to keep the warm air outside.Leave incandescent bulbs behind: LED bulbs are 85% more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer.Try to block out the sun: Use thermal-backed drapes for your windows and sliding doors and keep them closed during the sunniest parts of the day to help keep your home cool.Always turn off your fan: Ceiling fans cool people not rooms. Turn ceiling fans off when you leave a room. Leaving them on in an empty room can drive up energy costs.Never leave your A/C filter dirty: Be sure to change the filter and make a habit of doing so within the timeframe recommended for your model.Inspect the ceiling for duct leaks: If the ceiling is dirty around your A/C vents, that is a good indication of leaks in your ducts. Contact an A/C contractor to perform a duct test if thats the case.Consolidate electronics with power strips: Easily turn off a group of electronics at once when theyre not in use by consolidating several plugs onto a power strip. Thiscould saveyouup to $100 a year.Get energy savvy: Install a smart thermostat and control the temperature of your home from anywhere. When used appropriately, these can help a single-family home save about 3% of total energy costs.Looking for more ways to save this spring? Check out FPLs various energy saving programs, like our ceiling insulation and A/C rebates, no cost On Call program and free Energy Analyzer tool at fpl.com/save/programs. Submitted By: FPLWritten By: Andre Sowerby-ThomasAndre Sowerby-Thomas is FPLs Home, Business and Energy Solutions expert and residential contributor to Watts Happening, a blog by FPL focused on helping residential and business customers become energy savings pros. For more than 15 years, Andre he has helped customers improve their energy efficiency and lower their home/business energy costs.

An ethical marketplace takes twotrustworthy businesses and educated consumers.When preparing for a purchase, whether $100 or $100,000, as an educated consumer you do your research. Trust but verifytake recommendations from credible sources AND look into ratings, complaints, and customer reviews to learn about others experiences. Check with local governing and regulatory agencies or watchdogs to ensure the recommended businesses are appropriately licensed and insured. After researching, you can contact the business. Just because its online doesnt mean its safeto ensure you are shopping with a legitimate site check the sites security settings, its web address should start with https:// and include a lock icon on the purchase page. Read the sites privacy policy, the fine print, check for return policies, restocking fees, and cancellation requirements. Resist high-pressure salesa deal too good to be true or a good deal only available on the spot, is usually too good to be true. Shop around, get at least three estimates. Be wary of extremely low estimates that could be upsold later. When youre ready to purchase get a written contract. Make sure it specifies the price, the product or service and who will execute it and in what time frame. Require all modifications to the original contract to be in writing and signed by both parties. Keep documentation of your purchasesave a copy of the invoice, contract, confirmation page/email confirmation until you receive the item or the service is complete to your satisfaction. If your product or service comes with a warranty, be sure to keep the documentation until that warranty is void. Be sure to know and understand the return policy and keep this documented with your purchase records. Pay by credit card, if possible; you may have additional protection if theres a problem.Be an educated consumer. A community built on educated consumers will promote good business practices and a marketplace where buyers and sellers can feel safe and trust each other.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado and may be reached at 719-636-1155 or by email at info@bbbsc.org

In fall, a gardeners thoughts tend to turn toward winding things down. That goes for Florida gardeners as well as northern ones! In fall we do things such as planting cool weather annuals, tending fruit trees,anda heck of a lot oftrimming.The changing of seasons is also a perfect time to reflect on the Zen principle that everything in the universe is in a constant state of transformation. To a Zen Buddhist, impermanence is taken for granted, and nowhere is impermanence more evident than in a garden. Flowers grow, bloom, and die back. Fruits ripen, then fall to the ground and rot. During a summer of steady rains, the perennial shrubs grow so fast, they needconstantpruning!Impermanenceis one of the important concepts on display in theelegantJapanese art form of ikebana. Other concepts covered in this meditative practice areimperfectionandminimalism. Ikebana is a contemplative practice on a par with the ritual of the tea ceremony. It can be both relaxing and expressive,spiritualand secular. Along with calligraphy, ikebana and the tea ceremony are often practiced by Zen Buddhists because these activities are calming and require a certain degree of meditative concentration, according to Tricycle.org.Ikebana probably first appeared in Japan around the 7th century, imported from Chinaas an outgrowth of the regular practice ofoffering flowersto theBuddha. It wasnt until the 15th century, however, that ikebana began developing into a more ritualized art form. About this time, the 8th shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa (14361490), who was a patron of the artsparticularly flower arrangingcontributed greatly to the art form by practicing it himself, thus increasing its popularity among the upper classes. In fact, many of Japans generals through the ages have been practitioners of ikebana as a method of relaxation. Yoshimasa and his contemporaries even influenced the first codification of basic rules for ikebana.Although there have been many schools of ikebana through the ages, all have shared a common goal of honoring nature and respecting the spirit. Each floral arrangement forms a roughly triangular shape which is pleasing to the eye aesthetically, but also has deeper significance: The tallest branch represents heaven, the next highest represents humans, and a small bundle of flowers at the base represents earth. Creative ikebana practitionerscanuse seasonal and locally sourced materials to create new arrangements within these basic parameters.CONTEMPORARY PRACTITIONERSHayatoNishiyama, who lives in Kyoto, went to artschooland joined an ikebana club. Eventually hegrew tolovebotanyso much that he gave up art and became a gardener instead. The constant change of seasons inspires his work, as shown in an arrangement featuring autumn-red rowan branches (a gift from a northern friend) set against late-summer purple asters. Another work,showing three small flowers planted in mossone in bud, one flowering, and onefadingseems to comment on past, present, and future as well as the cyclical nature of time and life.Ikebana practitioners seem to prefer to usethe flowersand othermaterials that are native to wherever they live. Emily Thompson, a self-taught floral artist working in Manhattan, often usessuch unusual materials as weeds, hairy seed pods, and exotics. She is attempting to build worlds made of the infinite wealth of nature,she toldThe New York Times. One of her arrangements features a twisted, lichen-covered apple-tree branch with decaying leaves and one withered apple, paired with snowy Serena roses. Besides illustrating the contrast and impermanence,the arrangement sparks contemplation about how far that apple branch traveled to get to her hands.TRY IT YOURSELFIkebana courses may be found at many local schools, and through national and international organizations. You dont need elaborate materials: a sharp pair of pruners, akenzan(the pin-covered object we call a frog) to hold your materials firmly in place, and a small container. Some ikebana practitioners believe thattheir artshould be practiced in silence; others dont believe thats so important.But you might find yourself sinking into a meditative state as youthink about what materials to use, gather them from your garden or yard, andwork on your arrangement, contemplating the theories that your instructor explains to you. When you are finished with your first ikebana arrangement, you should feel a sense of wholeness as the three points of the triangle of heaven, human, and earth find their balance.According to Natalie Cenci, writing for Artsy: In Japan today, the wordkado, meaning way of flowers, is the preferred term for ikebana, as its believed to more accurately capture the spirit of the art as a lifelong path of learning. The impermanence built into this art, beginning with its dependence on natures seasons, lends itself to never-ending exploration and experimentation.Explore the many seasons of ikebana foryourself, andsee your garden with new eyes!Written by Patricia Rockwood, Instructor and Staff Writer, Adult & Community Enrichment (ACE)atSuncoast Technical College.

Back pain is a common problem that affects at least 75 to 85 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime. The causes of back pain vary, but are most often due to muscle strains, accidents, or injuries; other causes are related to lifestyle factors. If you are suffering from chronic back pain, these helpful tips may provide some relief.Get a good nights sleep.Did you know a lack of quality sleep can worsen back pain? To help keep your back in alignment, invest in a comfortably firm mattress. You may also want to try different sleeping positions, such as lying on your side or placing a pillow under or between your knees.Exercise regularly.When suffering from back pain, exercise has been found to effectively reduce or alleviate symptoms. In addition, strengthening your back muscles helps support your spine. Get moving with slow, gentle exercises - such as swimming, walking, or yoga - and increase your pace or intensity if possible.Maintain a healthy weight.One of the best ways to avoid back pain is to keep off those extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. In addition to regular exercise, eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, and low on sugar and processed foods.Stretch to improve flexibility.Regular stretching - such as before bed, exercising, playing sports, or heaving lifting - is key to staying flexible and avoiding back pain. Simple stretches, such as bending side to side or bending forward, can improve blood circulation to the back muscles and reduce injury.Practice good posture.Poor posture, especially if you sit for long periods of time, can cause back pain or make it worse. Avoid slouching or slumping over your keyboard. Instead, remind yourself to sit up straight and keep your shoulders relaxed. If you dont have an ergonomic chair for the office, try putting a pillow behind your lower back for extra support.Apply heat or cold.If you suffer from muscle spasms, cramps, or back strain, heat therapy (such as with a heating pad) can help provide some relief. Additionally, regular applications of cold therapy (using ice packs) can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Try either therapy several times a day for about 20 minutes.In the majority of cases, back pain gets better with non-surgical methods. However, back pain can be a symptom of other underlying issues that may require medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.If you suffer from persistent back pain, Coastal Orthopedics is here to help. Our orthopedic specialists are committed to developing the right treatment options best suited for each patient so that they can get back to living life.Written & Submitted By: Coastal Orthopedics- Click here for more information*

More than a century ago, cancer patients and their caregivers had few options for surviving, even thriving, after a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to the American Cancer Society, things have changed.When the American Cancer Society was founded in 1913, rarely did people talk about cancer and few people survived a cancer diagnosis. When the grim news was given to a patient, a carriage ride and champagne were the treatments to distract the patient from the inevitable end. Now, thanks to ground-breaking research, advancing treatments and American Cancer Society screening guidelines, two out of three people diagnosed with cancer are surviving the disease for at least five years. Now more than 500 people a day in the U.S. are celebrating birthdays that otherwise would have been lost to cancer.The Society has attacked cancer in many ways. Below are just some of the options available to cancer survivors.Patient NavigatorsFighting cancer is tough enough without worrying about bills, health insurance, appointments and finding the best resources. Society patient navigators guide the newly diagnosed through complex treatment options at more than 100 U.S. hospitals.Online SupportAt the website Cancer.org, patients and caregivers have access to extensive cancer information and educational resources about how to prevent, find, treat and cope with cancer.Help Any Time, Day or NightThe American Cancer Societys free helpline offers support 365 days a year at 1-800-227-2345. Cancer Information Specialists answer calls 24 hours per day, providing support and answering questions about cancer, clinical trials and local resources.Lodging With 31 locations nationwide, Hope Lodge provides a free, temporary place to stay for patients who must travel away from home for treatment. Patients save millions of dollars in lodging costs and can focus on getting well. Plans are underway now to construct a Hope Lodge in Dallas, and one already exists in Lubbock.Support GroupsSharing with another person facing cancer can make all the difference. Volunteersmany of whom are survivors themselveslead local Society-sponsored support groups nationwide. Dallas cancer survivors can participate in Look GoodFeel Better, a free program led by licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians, and also Reach to Recovery, a support program for breast cancer survivors.WellnessEducating people about staying well is key to preventing cancer and for recovery after treatment. Society staff and volunteers share proven tips on physical activity, nutrition and overall health in schools, businesses and communities across the country. The American Cancer Society also promotes healthy screening guidelines for specific cancers.This article was submitted by Joy Donovan, American Cancer Society. For more information on any of the topics, please call 1-800-227-2345.

Are you worried about the impact of a Nursing Home stay on you or your spouse? You are not alone as the majority of older adults worry about this same possibility. When a nursing home admission crisis occurs, it is understandably overwhelming. How will I pay for Nursing Home Care?Medicare coverage is available in many cases but is limited in payment duration. Long Term Care insurance can do wonders in protecting our assets and may even increase your chances of gaining admission to a competitive health care facility, but most consumers have opted out of this insurance due to high premiums. Once we have exhausted Medicare benefits, paying privately becomes inevitable, until one becomes eligible for Medicaid (Medical Assistance) benefits.Must I spend all of my assets if I am admitted to a Nursing Home? Under Medical Assistance, the spouse who is NOT in need of nursing home services, (the Community Spouse) is afforded substantial protections that provide the necessary means to continue living at home with assets and income to support them. However, understanding and benefiting from these protections is a difficult task especially given the fact that information is not readily available and few professionals specialize in educating seniors in this critical area.What can I do to lessen the impact of a Nursing Home stay?It is never too early to initiate planning. Everyone should have a Financial Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Power of Attorney with Living Will instructions these all are essential documents that allow our trusted agents to protect us in difficult times. In addition, these documents should be specifically drafted to meet our goals including asset protection powers for our spouse.Consider contacting an attorney who focuses in Elder Law today! An Elder Law attorney can help you create an effective plan to protect you and your spouse should a nursing home admission become inevitable. Peace of mind is achievable!___________________________Editors Note: This article was contributed by Shawn Pierson, Elder Law Attorney in Lititz, PA.

It can be overwhelming to think about your preferred final wishes.Funeral professionals can help make this experience positive and manageable. To begin, consider just the major decisions. From there, the details naturally follow. Here are the top five: Would you prefer for your body to be cremated, buried, or donated for research? Will any of your family or friends wish to view and spend time with your body? Should there be a celebration of life, a funeral event, a memorial service, or something else? Where will your final resting place be? A cemetery, ashes scattered somewhere specific or placed on the mantle at home, etc? Will an obituary be published in the paper or online and what information should be in it?With these five questions, the hope is to shift the conversation around death to one of preparation and a sense of control.This article was submitted by Chris Goes. Chris is a Funeral Director and Owner of Goes Funeral Care and may be reached at 970-482-2221 or by email at chris@goesfuneralcare.com

"If I insure myself against the minimal risks affecting my home, my car, and my overall acute health needs issues, why haven't I insured against this far greater risk of an eventual Long Term Care event?"Seven out of ten of us are going to require a period of extended care before we die. At present, this risk statically spans an average of three years with the cost of care ranging from $92,000, to $276,000 annually! For couples, this number rises to nine in ten that at least one person will be impacted by the need for custodial or skilled care, ranging from assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, transferring, and incontinence) or some form of cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimers care. Medicare does not cover the costs of Long Term Care.Greater longevity, advances in medicine and medical science, means that our society will continue to age. Baby Boomers are now turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day.Many have already lived this nightmare with parents and other family members, often having to place beloved family members in facilities funded by Medicaid but onlyafter having to spend down their assets to a poverty level and relinquish their independence. More than ever, there is now a choice to be had; an insurance policy that guards against families losing their hard saved earnings, and individuals losing their independence, dignity, and access to quality care.The long term care industry has been around since 1974, and several of the major carriers are launching some very creative solutions that address this pandemic issue as well as providing the public with choices that include linking long term care insurance benefits with those of life insurance and annuities.Since health qualification is a hurdle that confounds a good number of applicants, it is best to look at this coverage as early as age 40. Younger ages not only bode well with passing underwriting criteria, but also keeps premiums at a very modest level.So ask yourself, "If I insure myself against the minimal risks affecting my home, my car, and my overall acute health needs issues, why haven't I insured against this far greater risk of an eventual Long Term Care event?"Editors Note: This article was submitted by Western Slope Long Term Care Solutions. You may reach Phyllis Hoffman CLTC at 970-675-5029 or phoffman@pnwis.com and Scharee Atchison LTCi at 719-640-1300 or satchison@pnwis.com. Both Phyllis and Scharee manage their business from Cedaredge, CO.

LTACH's are focused on patients with serious medical problems that require intense, special treatment for a long time (usually about 20-30 days). These patients often transfer from Intensive Care units in traditional hospitals. It would not be unusual for a LTACH patient to need ventilator or other life support medical assistance.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

Companies offering senior-oriented health coverage and Medicare supplement programs.In a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare beneficiary pays a monthlypremiumto a private insurance company and receives coverage forinpatient hospital ("Part A")andoutpatient ("Part B")services. Typically, the plan also includesprescription drug ("Part D") coverage.Many plans also offer additional benefits, such as dental coverage or gym memberships.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

To learn more aboutDanville Support Services,CLICK HERE.Many families know that their aging parents need a little help around the home, but theyre concerned about the family budget, and they wonder if it will allow for the costs of in-home care.Danville Support Services can help your family find financial resources for those needing these services.Start by calling Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services at 385-468-3280. Ask if there are grants available for in-home care.Also ask about the state-funded Medicaid Waiver programs. Depending on your familys circumstances and the availability of programs, our local Aging and Adult Services can be a helpful solution.If your loved one is a Veteran, or the spouse of a Veteran, mom or dad may qualify for aid and attendance. Contact yourlocal Veterans Administration officefor more information. The V.A. can provide up to $2,700 a month for a qualifying couple needing assistance.We also have many clients who purchased long term care insurance, which helps cover the costs for care in the home. Some seniors also consider the benefits of a reverse mortgage to help them stay in there home long-term.A good reminder for the adult children of aging seniorsstart those Health Savings Accounts today, and be prepared to live past 90!Whatever your age, and whatever your needs around the home, Danville Supports is here to help. Some clients require our help just a few hours per week. Others need daily help with household tasks, taking medications and getting to and from the doctor.When you reach out for help, you will start to free yourself of the long list of tasks associated with caring for an aging parent. Wouldnt you rather spend more quality time with your loved ones?

A Lot Happened in 2016. 2016 is a year that will go down in the history books as extraordinary. Political and economic disruptions (Brexit and the unexpected U.S. election results among them) occurred both globally and domestically. We saw significant shiftsin politics and the economy; in attitudes regarding globalizations benefits and costs; and in the availability of debt and the cost of capital, particularly with interest rates. Seeds of change were planted in the skilled nursing and post-acute care sector, as well, with the ongoing movement away from fee-for-service payment systems to value-based payments.Change Is the Operative Word for 2017. Indeed, change is the operative word for 2017 with regard to skilled nursing. Despite the shift in administration from President Obama to President Trump, it is likely that the push toward value-based purchasing and away from fee-for-service by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) will continue. The "new normal" for skilled nursing reimbursement is likely to focus on care transitions coordinated carethat are built on a foundation of measurable quality outcomes and data sharing. Mandatory and voluntary bundles, accountable care organizations, managed long-term care support services, and value-based purchasing for hospitals are likely to become more common. Eventually, this transition will incorporate more risk sharing on the part of health care providers.Location, Location, Location. With regard to broad trends in the seniors housing sector, the NIC MAPData Service has timely and relevant measures to gauge performance. At the national level, the combined seniors housing sectorindependent living, assisted living and memory care properties-- appears to be near equilibrium. Occupancy has oscillated around 89.8% for the past three years. Despite the run-up in construction and the delivery of roughly 36,000 seniors housing units since late 2013 in the nations largest 31 metropolitan area markets, demand has largely matched new supply.At the local level, however, the data shows that not all care created equal. In some instances, markets are booming, such as San Jose, while others are not, such as San Antonio. As with any real estate, its all about location and, subsequently, its all about local market area supply and demand conditions. Influencing factors related to supply conditions include the availability of labor, natural and regulatory barriers to entry, entitlement procedures, and the competitive landscape. And for demand, influencing factors often include the concentration and number of adult children and retirees, income levels, net worth, home ownership rates, the velocity of home sales and home prices, and broad-based employment conditions and drivers. Combined, these factors will determine a local markets performance. Submitted by Beth Burnham Mace, Chief Economist of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC), and may be reached at bmace@nic.org.

Hospice Is Not One Size Fits All - Interview Before You Make a Choice Most of us recognize that when we are spending money on stuff, we are purchasing from a business. As consumers, we spend our money at different businesses for a variety of reasons. We may choose to purchase from a particular business because of location, price, and customer service, or because a person we know and trust works there. Often times, many of us spend hours completing research on any major purchase. The big question is: do you do that when choosing a healthcare provider? If not, why? In essence, all hospice agencies work within the guidelines set forth by Medicare. The basic services they provide are the same across the board. However, not all hospice agencies are the same. The differences generally boil down to the small details of customer service. It is important to research. People are sometimes reluctant to question doctors or other medical professionals about their care or the care of their loved one. But what is more important than the quality of care that loved one receives during the final stages of life? You can help determine if an agency is right for you by interviewing several hospices. Research & Interview Tips: After Business Hours Service. If you call after hours, will you get a nurse that works for the agency or an answering service? Tip: Call the hospice agency phone number after hours prior to selecting a company to see how the agency responds to your call. Do you know someone who works for the agency? Most people like to work with people they know, like, and trust. This is especially important if you ever have a concern that needs to be addressed. Added touches. Basic hospice services are the same across the board. Ask what additional services they provide, such as: pet therapy, beautician services, etc. Just as most things are not one size fits all either are healthcare providers. It is important to remember that you have options. It is common for physicians to suggest a hospice agency that they are familiar with. My suggestion to anyone making major healthcare decisions is to take the time to do the research and interview at least two companies. In the end, the most important thing is to select an agency that is the best possible fit for you and your family.Author:Honey Goodman

Talking to your loved one about moving into an assisted living community may seem like an impossible task.Its common to feel uncomfortable when suggesting to someone that they may need assistance with daily tasks or activities. Brookdale Senior Living talks to families and future residents everyday about how to get the conversation started. With more than 100,000 residents in 46 states calling Brookdale home, the team at Brookdale has learned a few things about what works and what doesnt work. Here are some tips to help approach the conversation in a way thats both beneficial to you and your loved one:Start the conversation early:You dont want your loved one to feel as if you are forcing them to move tomorrow. Begin talking about the possibility of moving into an assisted living community while it is still off in the distance. This will help them feel like its less of an ambush, as well as give them some time to come to terms with the idea.Do research:Having the information and facts about a few localassisted living facilitiescan help you explain what your loved one will gain if they moved. You can list the positives, as well as the negatives, of each facility. By relaying the facts, you can help dispel the negative connotations your loved one mightassociate with assisted living.Keep it private:Your initial conversation should be held in a comfortable, private setting. Try to minimize the number of people present. You do not want your lov