If you are a senior moving into asenior residential living community, or if your family has a senior loved one who is planning such a move, there's a lot to take care of beforehand. One of the major things to work on is finding storage for furniture and other personal items that cannot stay in the home, perhaps due to its impending sale. Many senior living facilities have limited space for residents' personal items, or they might havelimits imposed by state laws, which means that many treasured possessions must be either given away, thrown out or put into storage. Even if a facility has virtually unlimited space for personal things, it's still a good idea to store some of the bulkier and heavier items in a safe place until you're sure the new community will be a permanent home. By taking this route, you'll at least save the trouble of having to move everything twice if a change of facilities is required.Its important to find a good senior storage facility for your items. Seniors have somewhat different storage needs than people in other age categories, and there are several criteria a storage site should meet to be a good match for senior customers. Knowing how to spot a good senior storage facility when you find it saves time, money and effort. Starting early, asking the right questions and finding the right storage facility for yourself or a senior loved one helps reduce the strain of a move for those already struggling with a difficult transition period.Whats Special About Seniors Storage Needs?Seniors often have unique needs when it comes to looking for storage that younger adults may not have to think about. Where many people look for storage units to hold surplus items that are taking up space in their homes, seniors are frequently looking to store most or all of the items in their homes. The transition into assisted living facilities or other senior living arrangements often results in the need for a place to store a houseful of furniture and a lifetimes worth of keepsakes. Even when packed as efficiently as possible, this vast quantity of belongings can take up a lot of floor space and require a larger-than-usual storage unit.Moving into a new home, even if its justdownsizing into a smaller house or apartment, can be an expensive feat to accomplish for seniors living on a fixed income of Social Security and a pension. The cost is somewhat lessened if the storage is temporary, which it often is for seniors who intend to recover their things after they settle into a new place. Yet those savings are sometimes offset by the seniors need to hire professional movers who can handle the heavy items for them. This dynamic of circumstances causes seniors to need more space than younger adults, though often for less time.Things to Look for in Senior Storage ArrangementsMeeting seniors needs for storage requires some unique concessions on the part of the storage facility. Extra space for large amounts of furniture, for example, helps keep all of a seniors household items together. Flexible pricing, or even a veterans discount, can be beneficial for many seniors and families trying to budget a move.Flexibility is also helpful a few months after signing the initial contract when the senior is settled in and has the space to move some items out of storage and into their new home. It may be that a smaller storage unit is more appropriate after the couch, bed, dresser and several boxes of keepsakes have been transferred to the senior living community. Larger storage sites that have many different-sized units available make it quick work to shift the remaining items to a smaller and less expensive unit. This option is also much easier when rent on the unit is month-to-month from the start, instead of a fixed-term lease that requires you to rent a specific unit for a year or more.Some storage facilities offer valet service to help move items into or out of a storage unit. Some even offer van or truck delivery for a nominal charge. Valet service is especially attractive for many seniors, even those who have family members who live close enough to help with such a move.One studyfound that seniors in America are up to five times more afraid of becoming a burden to their loved ones than of dying. A storage facility with a convenient and affordable valet service provides seniors with the option of handling item relocations by themselves. This helps them take more control of their affairs and lessens the embarrassment that occurs when they feel theyre imposing on loved ones.Warning Signs to Watch Out ForIts always a good idea to start your search for acceptable senior storage as early as you can; theres a lot to research before the move. As you investigate storage facilities, you might notice characteristics that lead you to believe the site is not a good match for you or your senior loved one. Dont be afraid to go with your gut impressions. Common warning signs include:Rigid pricing or unit policies that impose a one-size-fits-all approach to senior storageLong-term lease requirements that force seniors to rent more space than theyre likely to need in the near futureInadequate security at the site, given the cash value of expensive items and heirlooms that are being storedRestricted access or bad site layouts, which can make it difficult for movers to get close to the unit when moving bulky items such as couchesPoorly sealed units that are not ventilated or climate-managed, which can expose irreplaceable items to moisture, mold and other hazardsPuddles of water inside public areas of the building, which indicate that leaks might be present within the units themselvesHow to Shop Around for Great Senior Storage FacilitiesThe importance of finding a great storage solution for a senior cant be overstated. It takes time and research that may include physically visiting the sites youre considering, to inspect them in person. Start your search online by looking up storage facilities located within a convenient distance of either the senior facility youve settled on or the home of a family member who can help with the move. Glance over the sites features and amenities and make a ranked list of the facilities you are considering, based on factors that matter to you, such as price, location and security.Once you have a list of at least three to six potential sites, call and make an appointment to visit each of them. If you have the time, consider showing up unannounced a couple of days before your scheduled appointments to observe how the places normally operate on a daily basis.Site managers often view these inspections as selling opportunities, so its a good idea to explain upfront that you are still investigating multiple locations. Ask to be shown the larger units, which you may need at first, and then check out the smaller options, which may wind up as your long-term choice after the final move. Look for evidence of leaks and gaps in the structure of the units, as well as dents or scrapes on the doors that could indicate frequent break-in attempts or other trouble. Try to gauge how much room a truck would require when backing up to the units youre looking at and whether any obstacles could cause maneuvering difficulties. Finally, ask about price structures, flexibility in changing units, lease conditions and whether the facility offers discounts to senior citizens, veterans or their surviving spouses.Final Questions to Ask When Youre Researching Senior Storage OptionsApart from inquiring about pricing discounts, consider asking the site manager some of these questions to get a fuller idea of how your storage choice is likely to work out:Does the site offer extra-secure storage options for valuable items such as jewelry collections, art or military medals? What about insurance on these items?Does this facility report unusual events, such as fires, leaks or break-in attempts, to residents in a timely manner? How will you be informed of such events? Are police reports or other formal documentation of these events available for customers to see?If a senior client falls behind in their payments, how long is the grace period before the facility seizes their stored items?Are on-site staff available to assist seniors with limited mobility? Will they help carry items out? Are there fees for this service?Does this facility limit the frequency of visits?Has this facility ever had an issue with bedbugs, toxic mold or other hazardous materials that could damage a seniors cloth furniture, clothing or other personal items?Can vehicles be stored at the location? Is there a parking space right next to the rented unit or are there units large enough to accommodate vehiclesandpersonal belongings? Is there a discount available for this?Can people other than the listed renter, such as a seniors next of kin or caregiver, collect items or access the site without the senior being present? How are those permissions granted and documented?

Getting older should afford you more respect, not less. No one at any age should be subjected to physical or mental abuse. If you are a senior and believe that you are in an abusive situation, it is important for you to know that you have rights and realize that elder abuse is a crime. As Americans, we all have the right to live our lives free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.The Department of Elder Affairs is committed to working with the network of social services and law enforcement agencies throughout the state to protect Florida's elders from abusive situations and environments. The Adult Protective Services Act (Chapter 415 of Florida Law) requires the state to have specific procedures for reporting and investigating instances of suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled adults and the elderly. The Department of Children and Families Adult Protective Services Office serves as the lead agency for handling reports and investigations of abuse.How do you know if you have been abused? There are many forms of abuse. Any willful act or threat that causes (or is likely to cause) you significant physical, mental or emotional harm is considered an act of abuse. Common forms of abuse include: hitting, pushing, shaking, beating, yelling, verbal harassment, coercive behavior, intimidation and other acts that cause harm. Un-fortunately, many seniors know their abusers well. Sadly, reports of abuse conducted by adult children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors, or in-home health care providers have become commonplace.Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to provide elders with the essentials needed to maintain their physical and mental health. Your parent could be a victim of neglect anytime, someone in charge of their care deprives them of food, clothing or medical care. In most cases, neglectful behavior is repeated over a period of time.Exploitation involves the un-authorized handling or usage of an elderly persons money, property or other valuable resources. Un-fortunately, there are many ways in which unsuspecting elders can be exploited. Those who misuse their power of attorney or their guardianship status in a way that results in the unauthorized appropriation, sale, or transfer of property or personal assets is guilty of exploitation.For additional information on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, contact the Senior Choices Helpline toll-free at 1-866-413-5337. If you suspect elder abuse, neglect or exploitation, call the Abuse Hotline at (800) 96-ABUSE (2873).

To learn more aboutRevel Province,CLICK HERE.The average adult begins to lose muscle mass in their early 40s at a rate of about 5% a decade. That means someone in their 70s has lost 20% of their muscle mass. No wonder the typical idea of aging includes frailty, falls, and dependence!The good news is that strength (or resistance) traininga.k.a. lifting weightscan reverse that loss of muscle mass. And you can start at any age and see benefits. Inmultiple experiments, older people who started to lift weights saw increased strength and muscle mass, as well as improved mobility and mental sharpness.In fact, onestudyshowed that 85-year-old weightlifters demonstrated similar power to 65-year-olds who did not lift, suggesting continued, long-term resistance training offers an approximately 20-year advantage.Help with chronic conditionsStrength training has been extensively studied and can reduce the signs and symptoms of many diseases and chronic conditions, especially those connected with aging: Arthritis Reduces pain and stiffness, and increases strength and flexibility Diabetes Improves glycemic control Osteoporosis Builds bone density and improves balance to help reduce risk of falls Heart disease Reduces cardiovascular risk by improving lipid profile and overall fitness Obesity Increases metabolism, which helps burn more calories and helps with long-term weight control Back pain Strengthens back and abdominal muscles to reduce stress on the spineMore independenceStudiesat Tufts University have shown that strength training is one of the best ways to fight the weakness and frailty that can come with age. It also makes other daily activities easier: Youll be able to lift that gallon of milk easilynot to mention get in and out of a chair, climb stairs, and carry groceries.Better quality of lifeOverall, lifting weights can do some amazing things for both your body and mind. Strength training hasbeen shownto be directly associated with reductions in depressive symptoms. In addition, higher intensity training has been associated with greater positive improvements in vitality, quality of life, and positive change in sleep quality.People have successfully started strength training in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s, and you can tooespecially if youre a resident at a Revel community, which offers a fitness studio and certified instructors. You will need to start slowly and follow basic safety rules (after checking with your doctor, of course). But theres no such thing as being too old or out of shape to benefit from strength training.

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

Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of end-of-life care. Hospice does not hasten nor prolong death but uses symptom management such as pain control to allow for the highest quality of life possible. The goal of hospice is to maintain dignity and peace for the patient and family for as long as life continues. Hospice treats the person rather than the disease or illness.Hospice is ordered by the patients physician when cure is no longer possible but there continues to be a need for comfort care. Comfort care is also known as palliative care.. The hospice team can care for a patient anywhere they call home; i.e.: private home, skilled nursing facility, assisted living, or independent living. The hospice team consists of the Medical Director, RNs, LPNs, Certified Nurses Aides, Social workers, Spiritual care coordinators, volunteers and bereavement counselors as well as the complimentary services such as massage, music, pet, and aroma therapies .The hospice bereavement counselor will offer support to the survivors for up to 13 months after the death,All hospices that are Medicare and Medicaid certified must operate using the same regulations. There is no difference between for- profit and not-for-profit hospices as far as following the Medicare/Medicaid guidelines and caring for the patient/ family. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance will pay for the hospice benefits which include medication, equipment, supplies, nursing and other services that are used for the comfort of the patient.All hospice care is developed around the physicians orders, patient needs, family involvement and the living environment. The patient is qualified for hospice with a physicians certification of life expectancy of 6 months or less. The RN will prepare a plan of care with the patient, family/caregiver, physician, hospice team and the Medical Director of Hospice. This plan will determine the needed pain control, symptom management, personal care (bathing, linen change, skin care, meal preparation when needed. Hospice care also includes medication management, medical equipment, nursing visits, counseling, spiritual care and social worker as requested. Volunteers are trained to sit with patients, provide comfort and companionship as desired by the patient and family/caregivers. Other services such as the music and massage therapy are offered to the patients through out their care.Hospice staff members are available 24/7 for questions, problem solving and crisis management. Hospice can assist your family/caregiver with the sometimes daunting challenges of your loved ones final passage.Editors Note: This article was written by Pamela Farrell RN, PHN, BSN, MSHA, Administrator of Mountain Valley HealthCare and Hospice, an AccentCare company serving northern Colorado to northern DenverFor questions concerning Home Health or Hospice, please call 970-346-9700

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us face to face with many unfamiliar challenges.Consequently, the past year has left many people feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed. If youre a family caregiver, we have a suggestion that may alleviate COVID-19 stress for you and your loved one: yoga.A mind-body practice that combines controlled breathing, meditation or relaxation, and physical poses, yogais knownto manage and improve anxiety.In the short term, yoga helpswith deep breathing and muscle relaxation.Long term,the development of a mind-body connectioncan helppromotea sense of control.The health benefits of yoga are well-documented. Itreducesstress and anxiety, promoting an overall sense of well-being,andalso improves balance, flexibility, range of motion, and strength. It can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases like heart disease and high blood pressure, and help people manage pain. In some cases, it can even help relieve the symptoms of chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, arthritis, and insomnia.It makes sense, then, that yoga for seniors would be beneficial.What makes yoga different from other stretching exercises for seniors is the added component of meditation. The benefits of meditationhave to do withmindfulness. Meditation can reduce and control blood pressure, improveimmune system function, alleviate muscle tension, and lower the risk of diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Further benefits of mindfulness exercise for seniors include:Pain management:The physical perception of pain is linked to the mind, so people who are experiencing stress will feel more pain.Mindful meditation helps control pain, as you focus on breathing and how your body feels in the moment. Chair yoga for seniors is a particularly good way to help manage joint pain.Lowering signs of memory loss:Meditation increases an enzyme called telomerase that can help reduce progressive diseases like Alzheimers.Increasing attention span:Recent studies indicate that meditation can potentially prevent age-related mental decline, because it improves the strength and endurance of the attention span.Improving sleep:Sleep meditation and the practice of using guided meditation to fall asleep can promote healthier sleeping habits and help you sleep more deeply.AtBrightStar Care, we know that caring for a family member can be challenging, and we want to help you find healthy ways to manage your stress. Thatsonereasonwe work hard to deliver the right care for your loved one and to be a partner you can turn to for support. 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, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved ones needs and help you when you need it most. Learn more about BrightStar Care here:https://www.seniorsbluebook.com/home-health-hospice/brightstar-care-salt-lake-city-ut-2

Protect Wealth Academy offers reliable asset protection and wealth creation plans for your estate. Whether your attorney has helped protect you against lawsuits and your accountant has helped reduce your taxes, are you certain that you are maximizing both strategies without overpaying? Our webinars let you learn hard-earned asset protection by holding a discussion to help determine if you are truly well-protected. Let yourself be totally guilt-free when it comes to worrying over being financially wiped out in the event of being slapped with a lawsuit. Call us at 800-276-1430 to protect your wealth today!Learn more:Asset Protection TeamAsset Protection Live EventsAsset Protection WebinarsAsset Protection TestimonialsMore Informations!Business Email: support@protectwealth.comBusiness Phone Number: (800) 276-1430Hours of Operation: 8AM-6PM MSTSocial Media Profiles:Facebook - Instagram - LinkedIn - YouTube

MEDMODERN is a Family Medicine clinic specializing in the care of Medicare Advantage patients.Dr. Coleman Pratt is Board Certified in both Family Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine and has focused many years of his career on the care of older patients.MEDMODERN limits enrollment size in order to offer concierge medical services, including house calls, at no additional cost to qualifying patients. Nobody should feel rushed when they visit their doctor.Dr. Pratt has spent his entire career taking care of patients and their families, while also serving as a faculty member at Tulane School of Medicine and overseeing a large network of community health centers. He has worked to perfect his approach to care which is patient centered, evidence based, and quality focused. MEDMODERN understands that patients should receive cutting edge healthcare that emphasizes a personalized relationship with their Family Physician, and puts that principle into practice.Editors Note: Article submitted by MedModern Healthcare. They can be reached at (941) 251-4612 for more information.

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

Two VA doctors have written a new book, Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory: Whats Normal, Whats Not, and What to Do About It, as a resource for individuals who are concerned about their memory or would simply like to know what they can do to improve their memory and keep it strong. Dr. Andrew Budson is Associate Chief of Staff for Education and Chief of Cognitive & Behavioral Neurology at the VA Boston Healthcare System, and Dr. Maureen OConnor is Chief of Neuropsychology at the Bedford VA Hospital; they also lead the education efforts of the Boston University Alzheimers Disease Center. They began writing the book when they realized that most people dont know which memory problems are part of normal aging and which are likely due to a brain disease, like Alzheimers.Most people think that if their memory is as good as their neighbors then it must be OK. The issue is that memory difficulties are so common, it may be that both you and your neighbor are having serious memory problems and dont realize it, Budson explains. In the last ten years there has been an explosion in our knowledge of what causes memory loss and how best to diagnose and treat it. We also know much more about how to keep ones memory strong.In the book, they explain what changes are expected in healthy aging (Step 1) and how to determine if your memory is normal (Step 2). They discuss when to see your doctor, what a memory evaluation should consist of, and the different disorders that can cause memory loss (Step 3). Medications to treat memory loss are then explained in detail (Step 4), followed by the diets and physical activities that can help (Step 5). Lastly, they discuss strategies and aids to keep your memory strong (Step 6) and how to plan your future (Step 7). The book is available at your local library or for purchase on Amazon.The VA has a full array of state-of-the art diagnostic and treatment facilities available for senior Veterans and the caregivers, including Memory Disorders clinics, Neuropsychology services, and comprehensive Geriatrics evaluations, as well as Day Programs and Long-Term Care.The Contract Adult Day Health Care program is made up of 20 community-based facilities that provide health maintenance services to during daytime hours for elderly and disabled Veterans. The program helps keep these Veterans in their community and provides caregivers with respite from the daily stresses of caring for them. Participating programs are located in many communities in Massachusetts.For more than 40 years, the Contract Nursing Home (CNH) Program has maintained some level of Veteran choice in choosing a nursing home close to the Veterans home and family and provides some local oversight. The Contract Nursing Home Program is available to eligible Veterans for their long-term care needs at 20 selected/contracted community nursing homes.For more information contact your local Veterans Outreach Coordinator, David Hencke, US Dept. of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System. at 857-364-5934 or david.hencke@va.gov.

In my early forties, I was having a lot of low back pain. So off I go to an orthopedic physicians office to find out why. The doctor looked at my X-rays and said, Kelly, you have degenerative lower back arthritis, in fact, your X-ray shows that of a 70 year-old woman instead one who is 43. I couldn't understand how this could have happened. I exercised five days a week, strengthened my stomach muscles and core, and used weights to build bone density. Besides, I thought your 40s were the new 30s! The doctor explained that lumbar spine arthritis is most commonly seen in older patients, those with previous injuries to the spine and the obese. He said my back aches were due to a lack of stretching; it was taking a back seat to my exercise routine. We came up with an arthritis management plan that would help my sore back. Because 21%, or one in five adults in the United States report doctor-diagnosed arthritis,* I thought I would share some general key points for a plan that may help you as well.ACTIVITY: Stop sitting for long periods of time; it increases the risk of lower back pain. Too little activity leads to loss of flexibility, strength, and endurance. So start a walking and stretching program. It will increase your energy level and your flexibility.DIET: Add Omega-3 rich foods to your diet; they are very effective in reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acid is found primarily in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout. One should have at least three to five servings of fatty fish per week. Calcium and mineral supplements will improve weak bones.SLEEP: Try changing your sleeping positions. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it puts stress on your lower back. Instead, sleep on your side. If you are a back sleeper, use a pillow to keep your feet in a raised position. Some people find sleeping with a small towel rolled up under their lower back is comfortable.POSTURE: Poor posture is one of the main causes of back pain. Slouching forward places a strain on your back. Practice sitting straighter and walking in a more upright position. You'll be amazed at how that will help relieve pain. *National Health Institute Statistics - 20032005Editors Note: This article was submitted by Kelly Bennett, B.S., CSI (www.csicaregiver.com). She can be reached at 239-481-6138.SMOKING: It goes without saying you should stop smoking. Not only are your lungs harmed but smoking decreases blood flow and the supply of oxygen to the spinal discs. Lack of oxygen is a major factor in low back pain.

Abuse of a senior or vulnerable adult happens much more often than most of us have any idea. Approximately 9.5% of the US population over the age of 65 experiences some type of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. We like to think that it wont happen in our families. Unfortunately, it can and very well may.Females are abused more frequently than males, and the older the individual is, the more likely they are to be abused. The vast majority of abusers are family members (approximately 90%); most abusers are adult children, spouses, or partners. Family members who abuse drugs or alcohol, who have a mental/emotional illness, and those who feel burdened by their caregiving responsibilities abuse at higher rates than those who do not.Abuse comes in many forms, neglect being the most frequent, followed by physical abuse, financial exploitation, and emotional abuse. Neglect is the refusal to provide an elderly person with life necessities such as food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, comfort, and personal safety. Physical abuse is a physical force that causes or is likely to cause injury, pain or impairment to an elder. Financial abuse or exploitation is the illegal or improper use of an elders funds, property or assets.The elder is often reluctant to acknowledge or report abuse themselves because of fear of retaliation, fear of abandonment, lack of physical and/or cognitive ability to report, or because they dont want to get the abuser, often a family member, in trouble.We must be willing to stand up to protect our elders. If you have concerns, or suspect abuse, do your part - talk to someone, call AdultProtective Services (APS). APS provides services in each state to insure the safety and well-being of elders and adults with disabilities who are in danger of being mistreated or neglected, are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm, and have no one to assist them. A staff member will make contact with the elder to assess their current risk factors. With the help of the elder, the APS worker will develop a plan to assist them. Those who have the capability to understand their circumstances have the right to refuse services, regardless of the level of risk. If you suspect abuse, call 208-334-3833.

During the summer of 1992, I took the Certified Nursing Assistant class.Little did I know, that course and the subsequent work at senior communities, would not only help pay college expenses; but more importantly, pave the way for my lifelong advocacy of our aging seniors. For twenty-three amazing years, I have visited with thousands of seniors and their families. I have listened to stories of survival, strength, disappointment, sorrow, and loveeach one unique. After hearing so many life stories, sharing tears and laughter together, I have resolved to work diligently to help seniors discover the best options for their personal situation. I want to ensure that the next chapter in life is just a continuation of their lifes adventure, not a stand-alone chapter of heart break and disaster. How do I know that its time? This question is commonly asked by seniors and their families. Time could be referring to a number of things since each story is so unique. One family may be thinking about moving mom from her lifelong home to an assisted living community and another may be worried about end of life care. A spouse may be concerned about hiring a caregiver to help with his wifes care or finding a community where each of them could get support. Each decision is real, emotional and difficult. When a family asks this question, they are acknowledging that whether it is a safety issue, caregiver exhaustion, or senior isolation, the current plan is not working and they need outside help. In fact, I tell people most likely the time was several months ago. It is so difficult to put emotion aside and make a life changing decision for our loved ones. There are great advocates out there to help you each step of the way. Please dont wait for just one more fall to decide its time. In the words of Dr. Seuss, Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. Editors note: This article was submitted by Amy Wilkerson, owner of Wilkerson Senior Care Consulting LLC. She can be reached at 801-336-5270 or wilkersoncare@outlook.com.

Get to Know your PharmacistNearly 6 in 10 Americans take a prescription drug, and of these, 21% take 3 or more prescription medications. Pharmacists can inform you of the ins and outs of your medications, promoting patient safety, reduce preventable harm and medication errors.Heres how a pharmacist can help: Understand what medications you are taking and why Know How and when to take your medications Recognize the side effects and know what to do when they occur Understand the dangers of sharing medications Learn how to save money on medicationsPharmacists can help you understand why your medications are prescribed and how they work. Also, they will tell you if you are taking a generic or brand-name, and whether it is a LA, long-acting, or ER, extended release medication. This will build confidence that your medications are effective and working.Knowing how and when to take medications is directly related to their effectiveness. What happens if you miss a dose? Ask your pharmacist; youll get good advice.Recognizing the side effects of medications will keep you from worrying that something is going wrong. If you know what to look for what to expect as a result of taking the medicationsyou will not worry or be frightened. Furthermore, if you are taking multiple medications from multiple physicians, your pharmacist can discover possible adverse interactions and possibly intervene by advising your physician of such interaction.Please Understand the dangers of sharing medications. Seniors can have different reactions to the same medication. A Pain reliever, muscle relaxer, or blood pressure medication can have different effects on different people, so dont try to save money by taking someone elses medication for the same diagnosis.Learn how to save money on medications. Your pharmacist can do this in several ways: Offering to process the prescription without going through insurance Reviewing all your prescriptions to validate necessity of so many prescriptions Encourage filling 90-day prescriptions Dispensing a generic version of a brand-name drug Advising you to safely split pills when appropriateAsk your pharmacist for a consultation. She or he will review your medications, and you will feel more comfortable as your treatment progresses.Editors note: This article provided by Kaitlin Troung, R. Ph. She can be contacted at 228 207 7716

Many retirement communities offer a continuum of care services to meet the varying needs of their residents. From maintenance, medications, meals, and more, there are many ways that communities serve their populations. But although services and amenities help us quantify the value of a retirement community residents most often choose a community based on the way they feel about it. This is often how we imagine that we will fit in with, and relate to, the other residents that live there. Why? A largely under-emphasized reason why people choose to move to a life-plan community is because of the social aspect that it offers. Its been proven that having friends, loved-ones, and companions that care about you increases overall satisfaction in life, and even increases longevity! A life-plan community offers an almost-instantaneous group of friends and neighbors who are in the same boat as you, and who become your new family to learn, grow, travel, and enjoy life with.Below are some common hesitations that people have, and some suggestions for how to think through these concerns as you consider your future:1. I love my house and Im never leaving it: As a veteran sales counselor, Ive heard many stories about how people are very attached to their house and the memories in it. However, the once beloved house becomes a major factor in that persons isolation whether its having to cancel plans with friends in order to mow the yard, shovel snow, or simply because the once familiar neighborhood is changing and new families are moving in to replace your long-time friends and neighbors. A transition to a life plan community is a time to make a new home and new memories and you are taking positive action to not allow your once-loved home to become your biggest burden.2. Thats where old people go: This comment always makes me smile because its usually coming from someone touring the community who is 99 years old, and cant imagine that they themselves are even remotely in that category. I always respond with age is just a number and quip that some 45-year-olds act like they are 100, and some 100-year-olds act like they are not a day over 30! Many life-plan communities have a minimum age of 62, and many people are choosing to move to the communities in their 60s because they can enjoy the services and amenities, and new friendships for a better-third of their life.3. I already have friends, how will I meet new ones?: A major aspect of most life plan communities is their life enrichment programming. There are often dozens of clubs, activities, trips, or interest groups that you can become part of. Like to sing? Join the chorale! Like to golf? Join the team! Like to volunteer at charitable organizations? Often communities will organize outreach programming. Becoming involved in your new community is a great way to meet new like-minded friends, and build your sense of belonging.If youve already made the decision to move to a life plan community congratulations! Your new adventure awaits you! If youre still on the fence, try to explore what hesitations are holding you back. Once you make the move, youll be glad you did! Your new friends are waiting for you!______________________________Editors Note: This article was submitted by Christina Gallagher. Christina is the Director of Marketing with Homestead Village Enhanced Senior Living.

To learn more about AccentCare Hospice,CLICK HEREMany older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV.Having a drink now and then is fine. But dont overdo it. As an older adult, alcohol may affect you differently than it does younger adults.Alcohol and agingAs you age, you become more sensitive to alcohols effects. After age 65, your lean body mass and water content drop. Plus, your metabolism slows down. Alcohol stays in your system longer. As a result,the amount of alcohol in your blood is higher than it would have been when you were younger.Older adults also are more likely to have hearing and eyesight problems. They have slower reaction times, too. This puts them at higher risk for falls, broken bones, and car crashes tied to drinking.Some health problemsin people older than age 65, and the medicines used to treat them,can worsen with alcohol's effects. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and ulcers.Heavy alcohol use can also lead to other health problems, such as cancer and liver disease.It's also linked to depression and suicide.Medicine interactionsMedicines taken by older adults are more likely to have serious interactionswith alcohol and other medicines. These include many prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and herbal products. Medicines and alcohol can interact even if theyre not taken at the same time. That's because the medicine may still be in your blood when you have a drink.Whats a safe amount?The National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism advises that people older thanage 65 who are healthy and who do not take any medicineshave no more than 7 drinks a week. And no more than 1 to 2 drinks on any 1 day. One drink equals:12 ounces of beer, ale, or wine cooler8 ounces of malt liquor5 ounces of wineOr 1.5 ounces of distilled liquorHow to cut downIf you want to limit your drinking or yourhealthcare providersuggests it, try these steps:1. Write down your reasons for cutting back. These might include wanting to improve your health or to sleep better. Other reasons may be to improve relationships and to stay independent.2. Track your drinking habits for at least 1 week. Write down when and how much you drink every day.3. Set a drinking goal. You may decide to cut down to 1 drink a day. Or not to drink at all. Write your goal on a piece of paper and put it where you will see it every day.

Thinking about long-term care placement is never easy. The move into an assisted living facility or nursing home almost always means a loss of at least some independence, and for many people the cost can seem overwhelming.For veterans with a documented service-connected disability of 70 percent or greater, financial assistance may be available to cover the entire cost of long-term care. The key to accessing this Veterans Administration benefit is finding a VA contract nursing home or state veterans nursing home in your area. Some privately or corporate owned nursing homes have obtained contracts with the Veterans Administration to provide long-term skilled nursing care to these service connected disabled veterans, which is paid entirely by the VA. State veterans nursing homes, too, are able to provide the same service.For veterans with a service-connected disability of less than 70 percent who need long-term care specifically because of their service-connected disability, the same benefit may apply. In these instances, detailed medical records documenting the need for long-term care is directly related to the veterans service-connected disability is absolutely necessary prior to admission into a state veterans or VA contract nursing home.Veterans wanting more information about VA benefits for long-term care, or finding the nearest state veterans nursing home or VA contract nursing home should contact the Veterans Service Officer for the county where they reside. Typically, this information can be located in the county government section of the phone book.For qualifying service-connected disabled veterans, this VA benefit eliminates the financial concerns frequently associated with long-term care.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lisa Seley of the Bruce McCandless Colorado State Veterans Home in Florence, CO. For further information, they can be reached at 719-784-6331

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

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 6.5 million Americans aged 65 or older are affected by depression. While some adults with depression may have been managing the disease for a number of years, others experience depression for the first time later in life.Symptoms of depression in people older than age 65 include: Social withdrawal Loss of appetite Confusion Loss of interest in activities Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness Feelings of hopelessnessUnlike typical feelings of sadness, loneliness or grief, depression does not go away on its own and may last for months or years at a time if untreated.No one knows exactly what causes depression, but some circumstances or diseases can increase the risk of depression. In the elderly, hormonal changes can be a factor, as can physical illnesses such as dementia, Alzheimers disease, arthritis, Parkinsons disease and certain thyroid disorders. Major life changessuch as retirement, the loss of a loved one or the diagnosis of a major diseasemay also trigger depression.Diagnosis DifficultiesBecause depression can mimic symptoms of other diseases, early signs may be misdiagnosed. Before diagnosis and treatment of depression, physical tests should be conducted to rule out other illnesses.Depression can also be mistakenly considered a normal part of aging, both by doctors and by senior adults. Some seniors may also see depression as a character flaw and feel uncomfortable asking for help. While all people experience life changes that can elicit grief or sadness, clinical depression is not something that should just be accepted as a part of getting older. Treatment options such as psychotherapy and antidepressants can help improve symptoms and quality of life for those suffering with depression at any age.The MetroSouth Senior Behavioral Health Unit is an acute inpatient program to treat persons 55 years or older who are suffering from symptoms such as: Overt prolonged sadness, Excessive anxiety, Sudden onset of disorientation and confusion, Thoughts, behaviors, or plans of hurting themselves or others including poor judgment in day-to-day living.For a confidential assessment, or more information, call (708) 824-4774.Editors Note: This article was submitted by MetroSouth Medical Center.

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

A geriatric assessment is a multidimensional assessment which is designed to evaluate an individuals or couples current functional ability, physical health, cognition and mental health, social environment, legal, financial status and environmental safety. Information is gathered from the individuals themselves and may be solicited from family and other key members in the persons life. The goals of the assessment are to maintain, improve, and enhance those areas which can be affected, and to minimize risk and potential harm to the individuals under assessment. Additional goals are to reduce the burden on the family caregiver(s) and provide support for the family.The Care Manager gathers the information needed for the geriatric assessment in the home of the individual or couple over several meetings. The assessment begins with comprehensive data gathering using interviews, screening techniques and instruments, data review and observation. The starting point is the gathering of personal information, medical history, review of medications, current medical concerns, including cognition, and client goals. The Care Manager also conducts functional assessments such as the ability to bath, dress, shop, prepare meals, handle finances, and live at home safely. They review the presence and completeness of advanced directives and powers of attorney as well as financial data; i.e., income, expenses, and assets.The initial meeting with the client(s) and whomever they would like present last 1.5 to 2 hours. We review our services, sign contract document and conduct the initial interview to get to know the client a bit. There are 2 to 3 additional meetings of 1.5 to 2 hours each to cover the topics outlined above. With couples, we may need an additional meeting. We can meet once or twice a week depending upon the clients schedule and energy level.After the assessment, the Care Manager organizes and documents all key information and identifies those areas that are going well and those that that needs to be addressed, or shored up. A plan is then developed in each area that needs to be addressed with goals, priorities, recommendations and potential resources.The final meeting of the assessment and care plan is with the client(s) and whomever they would like to attend to hear the summary and recommendations of our assessment; typically, 1 to 1.5 hours per person assessed.The Care Manager is available to implement or assist in the implementation of the recommendations agreed upon by the client. The care plan provides a roadmap for the caregiver and family about what needs to be done next and in the near future. When clients are working with a Care Manager, the assessment and care plan evolves over time as client needs change.At Life Changes, we provide exceptional care management services.LET US HELP YOU BE PROACTIVE!See ad on page 21

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

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.

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.Will A 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 (same as an executor) for the estate. For a will to be valid in Idaho, it must meet specific requirements under Idaho law. Revocable Living Trusts A person, during his or her lifetime, may create a revocable living trust whereby the grantor (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 grantor 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. Revocable 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 Trusts A 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. Does Having a Revocable Living Trust Eliminate Probate? To avoid the probate process, all assets must be transferred into the name of the revocable living trust. A common misconception is that a list of assets attached to the trust document accomplishes a transfer to the trust. However, the correct way to transfer assets requires an actual change to the title of assets including a home, certificate of deposits, bank accounts and brokerage accounts. Upon death, any assets titled in the name of an individual, not the trust, will be subject to the probate process. For this reason, when a person creates a revocable living trust, it is best to also create a will, called a pour-over-will, as a safety net to assure that upon death any assets titled in the name of an individual are transferred to the trust and distributed accordingly. In Idaho, generally speaking, the probate process can be quite simple and relatively inexpensive. A New or Updated Estate Plan Whether 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. Other important estate planning documents include a general durable power of attorney, living will and durable power of attorney for health care. This article was written by Donna A. Schuyler, Attorney, who practices in the areas of estate planning, probate, elder law, and guardianship. Donna Schuyler Law, PLLC; elderlawboise.com; Phone 208-344-1947

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.

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.

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

Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age. As you grow older, you may experience an increasing number of life changes. How you handle and grow from these changes is important to staying healthy. The following tips can help you play it safe in the game of life.WELLNESSHealthcare starts with you. Prevention and early detection is the key to wellness. Having a primary care physician is a must. Routine screening tests and preventive measures are recommended for maintaining good health, as is staying up-to-date on vaccinations. Getting vaccinated can help keep you, your family and your community healthy. To keep germs at bay, washing hands or using sanitizer frequently is the best defense.CATCH THE SIGNS EARLYDo you know the signs of a stroke? F.A.S.T. is a memory aid that stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Call 911 if you experience pain, pressure or fullness in the chest, pain in one or both arms, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting, pain in the jaw, indigestion or heartburn.STAY ACTIVE & EAT HEALTHYKeep moving to maintain a healthy body and mind. Choose activities you enjoy, and make sure to wear proper clothing and shoes. Healthy meals consist of a variety of foods and include more fruits and veggies. Portion control and exercise balances calories in and out. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and urinary infections.SAFETYDid you know that most falls occur at home and most fractures result from a fall? Get rid of tripping hazards such as throw rugs, install grab bars in the bathroom, use chairs with arms, use your cane or walker and be sure your house and entrances are well lit. Keep emergency contact information and medication lists on your refrigerator.Be wary of financial exploitation and scams. Ask questions and dont give out personal information, especially your social security number. If you need a doctor, call the 24/7 MetroSouth Find-A-Doctor line at 708-489-7925.Editors Note: Submitted by Maureen Rafa, Community Outreach Coordinator, MetroSouth Senior Behavioral Health Unit.Call 708-334-9080, or emailMaureen_ Rafa@MetroSouthMedicalCenter.com.

A clinical social workers purpose in health care is to enhance, promote, maintain, and restore the best possible social abilities of the patient or family. Services provided may be preventive, developmental, or remedial in nature.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

To learn more about SummitWest Care, CLICK HERE.GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - SummitWest Care is receiving two grants to help take care of the people who need to stay home.SummitWest Care received a $20,000 grant from Telligen Community Initiative and a $25,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation to help maintain their Telehealth and Remote Patient Program.It helps members who live in rural areas or those who are vulnerable. The program gained traction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.The funds will expand service and equipment, including a tablet with Bluetooth monitoring devices such as a blood pressure cuff and monitor, scale, pulse oximeter, and thermometer.Chief Executive Officer Charleen Raaum, says the program has been very successful. We had a 90-year-old patient that was very frail coming out of the hospital. We were able to engage her in telehealth. She loved the equipment. It really helped her to heal. We were able to reassure her with the biometrics. We were able to monitor her, and it was overall a successful deployment of the program, said Raaum.The devices send real-time results to the nurses at SummitWest Care. In addition, the clients can also take daily symptom surveys, message the care team, and get medication reminders.

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!

After Jimmy Zollos grandmother fell one too many times despite in-home care, his family made the decision to move her into an assisted-living community. That evening, as his family navigated their new world, they were approached by Joe and Bella, two other new residents. With a touch of humor, they warmly introduced themselves and offered a helping hand.As it turned out, Joe and Bella were widowed Holocaust survivors who found each other later in life. Two weeks later, Jimmy's grandfather, who was suffering from Parkinson's, moved into the same community. Joe and Bella were there again, offering reassuring smiles, plenty of advice, and some much-needed company. From that day on, and for the many months that followed, Joe and Bella ate every meal with Jimmys grandparents and quickly became a part of the extended Zollo family, joining them for holidays and special occasions.As Jimmy explains, his family quickly realized that they needed all sorts of new things for his grandparents, but lacked a good understanding of what to buy and where to buy it. Coincidentally, his marketing-insights firm was in the midst of conducting a large-scale project for AARP, Procter & Gamble, and other clients to deeply understand caregivers needs.Jimmys personal and professional lives intersected. So, together with a host of caregiving experts, Jimmys family launched JoeAndBella.com as the first one-stop shopping site for older adults and those who care for them.Joe & Bella offers everything from comfortable clothes to creative gifts, and from personal-care essentials to new tech that allows for safer and more effective caregiving. The shopping site features brands that understand the distinct needs of care recipients and caregivers.Joe & Bella partners with care communities by donating a percentage of each purchase made by family members to their communitys Employee Appreciation Fund to recognize and reward their frontline workers.Heres more information about how Joe & Bella partners directly with care communities.Noted aging expert Lori Bitter, president of the Business of Aging, explained that until Joe &Bella, there was no single retailer that offered pretty much everything a familycaregiver needs.As a reader of this newsletter, youre invited to use promo code QUIRKFIRST10 to receive 10% off your first purchase at JoeAndBella.com including sharing this code with somebody special.This article was submitted by Jimmy Zollo. Jimmy is the Founder of Joe & Bella and Collaborata and may be reached at jimmy@joeandbella.com

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

Benjamin Franklin said it best in this famous quote, "In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." SBB University and area expert panelists discuss the documents that you need to have in place and the best tax practices while you are alive.Panelist contact information:- Ashley Sharek, Sharek Law Office, LLC call 412-347-1731- Erin Weber, The Weber Group at Hefren-Tillotson, call 412-633-1671- Anna Marie Kijanka, Agent with New York Life call 412-334-1014

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.

Price listed includes any and all amenities a community has to offer.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

As our population grows older, the importance of understanding and addressing the unique healthcare needs for the elderly is increasing.Thats why the Emergency Department at Physicians Regional- Collier Boulevard has developed their new Older Adult ER, the only one of its kind in Lee and Collier County. Knowing that an ER visit can be a stressful experience, especially for older adults, they have taken steps to help make them feel more at ease and comfortable. This includes physical enhancements such as: Private patient rooms Special beds with thick, soft mattresses Larger, easy to read clocks Softer lighting Soothing room colors Large and easy to operate remote for nurse call and TV Arm rest seating and recliners for family comfort Portable CD player offering 1940s hits geared for patients with dementiaThough not immediately apparent, another important step the ER has taken is having staff specially trained in caring for older adults. This means all ER staff and medical providers have completed at least ten hours of geriatric care education.In addition, the ER provides a 30-minutes-or-less Service Pledge where a patients time will be noted when they enter the emergency room, and a medical professional will work diligently to have them initially seen within 30 minutes or less of their noted arrival. This allows them to receive faster care and quickly gets them into a less noisy environment to avoid confusion and help induce calm. Each patient room is also enclosed with sliding glass doors that helps drown out hallway noise.The emergency room at Physicians Regional - Collier Boulevard has 18 private rooms, offers 24-hour care by board-certified physicians and is conveniently located in East Naples at 8300 Collier Blvd., Naples, FL. It is a Certified Primary Stroke Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology.

A common goal for anyone reading this article is the eventual eradication of Alzheimers disease (AD). The numbers are staggering! There are over 5 million Americans with AD dementia and this number is expected to be over 16 million by 2050. One in eight persons age 65 and older, and 1 in 3 persons age 85 or more, currently has AD dementia. In short, we are in the midst of an AD crisis that is growing in size and scope. The good news is that exciting scientific advances in the past few years gives us tremendous hope that new treatments to slow down and even prevent the symptoms of AD will be available in the not-too-distant future. However, the single most important thing that anyone can do to make this happen and to have an impact on the AD crisis is to volunteer to participate in research.The Boston University Alzheimers Disease Center (BU ADC) aims to reduce the human and economic costs of AD through the advancement of knowledge. The BU ADC was established in 1996 as one of 29 centers in the US funded by the National Institutes of Health to advance research on AD and related conditions. At the BU ADC, there is likely a research study for anyone interested in volunteering. There are studies for individuals who already have symptoms and have been diagnosed with AD dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and there are studies for people who do not have any symptoms. Some studies are clinical trials involving taking an investigational new medicine or placebo to slow down the disease progression (e.g., the DAYBREAK Study) or even prevent the symptoms (e.g., the A4 Study). Some studies do not involve medications, but include new methods of diagnosing and detecting AD, such as PET scans and MRI scans (e.g., the ADNI study).Participation in research is not merely a means of moving the science forward; it can also provide important positive benefits to the participant, including a decreased sense of solitude by interacting with a research team who truly understands the disease and its toll on the patient, the caregiver, and family members. And, research participation fulfills that most important need for everyone touched by the disease: a sense of hope. It is shocking how difficult it is for researchers around the country to recruit an adequate number of people willing to participate in AD-related research. Yes, even in Boston! If this little article results in just one person to become enrolled in AD-related research, it would make a tremendous difference. Please help by participating and spreading the word!If you are interested in learning more about participating in one of these studies, call (617) 414-1077 or email joinadc@bu.edu. To learn more about the BU ADC and the research studies currently available, go to the Centers website: www.bu.edu/alzresearch.This article was written by Dr. Robert Stern.Dr. Robert Stern is Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Anatomy and Neurobiology at Boston University School of Medicine, where he is also Director of the Clinical Core of the BU Alzheimers Disease Center (one of only 30 centers funded by the National Institutes of Health, NIH).

Validus Senior Living announces the Grand Opening of its newest memory care community, Inspired Living at Bonita Springs, located at 27221 Bay Landing Drive.Inspired Livings hallmark is personalized care for those with Alzheimers, dementia or another type of memory loss.Inspired Living at Bonita Springs consists of 72 memory care suites and features the latest resident location technology, including an emergency call system and keyless door locks. This technology enables family members to participate and engage in the care of their loved ones regardless of distance, giving them a sense of comfort and peace of mind. It also empowers residents to explore the expansive but secure campus with confidence, knowing caregivers are there if they are needed.Our new community is one of the most technologically advanced memory care communities ever seen in Florida. But what makes us stand out from the rest is our personal approach to care, said Validus Senior Living CEO Steven Benjamin.Caregivers use a Positive Approach to Care, based on the teaching of renowned expert Teepa Snow, which focuses on what each person still can do, not on what abilities they may have lost. Programs are tailored to residents specific interests, abilities and needs and support their mental, social, spiritual and emotional wellness.Fresh, chef-prepared meals are served daily, featuring visually appealing, portion-sized gourmet food. Dining hours are flexible with snacks and refreshments available anytime.The beautifully landscaped courtyard at Inspired Living at Bonita Springs features a gazebo with butterfly garden, raised flower beds, walking paths and seating areas giving residents the option to seek out friendly conversations with new friends or to simply enjoy a little fresh air and nature on their own.Other services include daily suite tidying and weekly deep cleaning, plus full laundry service and on-site therapy services. Licensed nursing is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days week.Editors Note: For more information or to arrange your own personal tour of the community, please call Inspired Living at Bonita Springs at (239) 330-2119.

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

Home Health Care and Home Care ServicesHome health care is provided by skilled medical professionals, such as nurses, therapists and medical social workers, and includes a wide range of services that are provided in your home to treat an illness or injury. The focus of home health care is to help you get better, regain your independence and become as self-sufficient as possible. Many times, home health care is less expensive, more convenient than and as effective as the care you would receive in a hospital or a skilled nursing facility. It often follows a doctors visit or a stay at a hospital or rehabilitation facility. For Medicare beneficiaries, doctors orders are needed to initiate home health care, and you must be considered temporarily homebound. If your doctor or referring health care provider determines that you are a candidate for home health care, they should give you a list of agencies that offer these services and allow you to choose the one you would like to use. A home health care agency will make an appointment to visit you at home, ask pertinent questions about your health and do an assessment of your medical situation. The home health care professional will talk to your doctor about your care and coordinate services. Examples of home health services include monitoring of serious illness or unstable health, wound care, intravenous therapy, injections, pain management, medication management and physical, occupational or speech therapy. Your home health care provider will regularly check what you're eating and drinking, monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature, make sure you are taking your medications correctly, ask if youre having any pain, check your home for safety precautions and teach you about self-care to encourage you toward greater independence.Home care services are the non-medical services that can help maintain your quality of life while living at home in a comfortable environment. Assistance can range from companionship to hands on care, depending on the need. This can be accomplished by regular weekly visits or by a 24/7 live-in caregiver. Help which can be provided includes assistance with dressing, bathing, mobility, feeding or meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, shopping and errands. Often this kind of assistance allows a person to remain in their own home, with appropriate help, as an alternative to relocating to a residential facility. Some home health care agencies can provide both medical care and non-medical home care services for their clients. Other agencies offer non-medical home care services exclusively. Both home health care and home care agencies have the goal of keeping you safe, comfortable and healthy at home.Submitted by Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA, President & CEO, Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association.

Osteoarthritis (OA) means arthritis of the bone and is a disease that affects the entire joint involving the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments, and underlying bone. It is the most common form of arthritis. The deterioration, or wear of these tissues, eventually leads to pain and joint stiffness. One of the joints most commonly affected is the hip. When the cartilage begins to degenerate in the hip joint due to arthritis, the surface becomes rough leading to exposed bone which contains nerve endings. With movement, the roughened surfaces rub and cause pain.HipArthritis SymptomsHip arthritis can present with very minor symptoms and can progress to debilitating symptoms. Symptoms include pain in the groin with activity. The pain is usually worse in the morning and the hip feels stiff. With early OA the stiffness normally subsides as the day progresses, but may recur at the end of the day. With advancing arthritis the hip loses motion and this stiffness does not improve throughout the day. Patients may have difficulty walking, have a limp and may require use of an assistive device such as a walker.DiagnosisIf a patient suspects they may have arthritis, or if they are having any of the above symptoms, they should seek consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. At OSS Health, we have orthopaedic surgeons who are fellowship trained in treating hip and knee OA. A diagnostic evaluation will include obtaining a medical history, physical examination and x-rays.Non-surgical Treatment OptionsTreatment almost always begins with non-surgical options. Typically an anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. If oral medications fail, we typically offer injections of corticosteroids into the joint. For the hip joint these are typically performed as an outpatient procedure in our pain department. The injection blocks inflammation and helps reduce symptoms. Injections can my repeated every 3-4 months, so long as they continue to provide relief of symptoms.Physical therapy or exercise programs will also be prescribed to improve flexibility, build strength, and maintain muscle tone. Swimming, in particular, is an excellent exercise for people with arthritis. When the arthritis becomes severe causing loss of motion and balance at the hip, devices such as canes or walkers are prescribed to make it easier and safer to walk. Lastly, but most importantly, lifestyle modifications can also help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis of the hip and help prolong the time until hip replacement is necessary. These include:maintaining a healthy weight (and losing weight, if necessary)changing activities to minimize stress on the hipexercising to build up strength and flexibilitySurgical OptionsIf the non-surgical treatment options fail, surgery will help to reduce pain, enhance quality of life, and improve the ability to perform everyday activities with few or no restrictions. To treat end stage arthritis of the hip, total hip replacement has been utilized providing excellent long term outcomes. Today, there are many surgical approaches being utilized by orthopedic surgeons to perform a total hip replacement. An increased interest has developed in the Anterior Approach. This is a minimally invasive approach and is considered tissue sparing.The Anterior ApproachThe Anterior Approach for total hip replacement provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility because the muscle tissues are spared during the surgical procedure. With this surgical approach the surgical plane is between muscles allowing access to the hip without detaching them. Keeping the muscles intact may also help decrease incidence of dislocations.With the Anterior Approach, one small incision is done on the front (anterior) of the hip. Since the incision is in front, the patient avoids the pain of sitting or lying on the incision site. There are fewer restrictions after surgery and during recovery as compared to the traditional approaches. There is reduced scarring as only a small incision is utilized on the front of the hip. This surgical procedure is often times performed utilizing a high-tech operating table that facilitates exposure and allows for real time x-ray evaluation of the hip for the most optimized positioning of implants and evaluation of leg length.If you are suffering with hip pain and are looking for treatment options, you can schedule an appointment via the website (www.osshealth.com) or by calling 717-848-4800. Editors Note: This article was contributed by Dr. George Margetas, an orthopaedic surgeon with OSS Health.

To learn more about Tracy Aviary,CLICK HERE.Fish? But I thought Tracy Aviary was all about birds!Birds and fish are closely connected. In the wild, birds rely on fish as their food source. Even here at Tracy Aviary some of our birds eat fish as part of their diet, including our American White Pelicans. By being conscientious about which fish we eat, we can help ensure a sustainable fish supply in the oceans for years to come.We may not live near the ocean, as much as Id like to imagine Great Salt has hidden tidepools on the west shore. But that doesnt mean we cant still enjoy some nice sushi or grilled salmon. Fish is imported here from all around the world, so there can be a wide range in how sustainably that fish is caught or raised.Try to get fish that is caught or farmed in a way that doesnt harm the environment or other wildlife. That includes:Species has a healthy population (Not overfished)Fishing gear has a minimal impact on the environment (no dredging!)As local as possible (other countries may have weaker fishing regulations)There are so many different types of fish, and so many different ways to farm them or catch them, that it can be overwhelming. Ponds, pens, raceways, recirculating tanks, trolling, purse seining, trawling (bad! It scrapes the seafloor), gillnetting, harpoons, longlining, pots. I even learned a few new things myself while writing this! How are you supposed to know which exact fish to buy? Thats where the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guide comes in handy.If youre looking for shrimp, go for US farmed instead of imported. If youre more of a salmon person, they recommend buying salmon from New Zealand, as opposed to salmon from Chile, Norway, or Scotland.

Sometimes its easy to know when a family member needs care and assistance. For instance, maybe he or she has a major disability or requires additional help following a hospital stay. In other cases, however, it isnt immediately obvious that your senior is in need of help with the activities of daily life.As people who have had to wrestle with our own family decisions, we thought it useful to provide early guidance, so other families might know when a more careful assessment of their seniors needs is required.Below is a list of questions to consider when determining if a loved one is in need of additional care:Pay Attention to How They Look Appearance can be a sign that they are being limited either physically or mentally from completing normal daily tasks.Are they wearing dirty or stained clothing?Have they brushed their teeth?Listen to the Senior Listening to how seniors speak can tell you a lot about their current mental status. Dont assume that old age is causing these problems.Have they forgotten to refill prescriptions or take their medicine?Have they missed doctors appointments?View the Seniors Surroundings Looking at their food and medications can help you determine if they are eating healthy or even worse, taking expired medicine.Do they have fresh and stocked pantry items?Are there piles of unopened bills?Use Your Nose Using your nose as an indicator can help you determine if your family member is bathing properly or participating in otherwise normal activities.Does their living environment possess any unpleasant odors?Are they bathing regularly?If you sense a problem based on the above indictors, you and other family members should waste no time in taking the appropriate next steps. As difficult as the process might be, keep reminding yourself that by being proactive you will not only provide safety for your family member, but will also keep them happy and healthy for years to come.Editors note: This article was submitted by Charles Fairweather (908-322-8200) and Herb Ronde (973-452-0575), local owners of BrightStar, a full-service in-home medical and non-medical agency offering caregiving to seniors and disabled adults. They would gladly provide assistance in these matters.

For more information on the author Good Life Healing Center, CLICK HERE.In the United States, an estimated 300,000 people a year die from obesity.In several studies over the last five years, researchers have shown patients who receive regular acupuncture treatments see faster weight loss results than those who do not. In each case, the acupuncture treatments were combined with dietary and lifestyle changes also aimed at weight loss, but the patients who got acupuncture saw better results than those who focused on dietary and lifestyle changes alone.In traditional Chinese medicine, obesity is linked to energy or qi stagnation, especially around the stomach and spleen. TCM teaches that the energy imbalance caused by stomach and spleen qi stagnation affects digestion, the function of the pancreas, and the insulin-glucagon pathway. Each of these mechanisms is an important part of our bodys ability to take in nutrients, cycle them through our body, and get rid of unneeded waste.There are many acupoints and combinations of acupoints that have proven successful for people who are trying to lose weight. It depends on the particular qi stagnation they are exhibiting and other body type characteristics.Clinical research has shown acupuncture treatments have the ability to restore bodily balance, improve physical well-being and promote healthy weight loss. In one study in Taiwan, researchers conducted a trial of 100 patients. Each patient received three months of acupuncture treatments, after which their body mass index (BMI) was an average of three points lower than before the treatments.The researchers highlighted they saw the most success when they selected personalized acupuncture points based on each patients individual needs.It can be frustrating and challenging to complete a weight loss regime, and there are so many kinds, each telling you theirs will be different and bring you success.In TCM, any dietary or lifestyle change is recommended based on underlying causes, not surface symptoms, and with a well-rounded view of your health in mind. An acupuncturist will never analyze your health solely based on the reading of a bathroom scale. However, if you are looking for support on your weight loss journey, acupuncture may be a great thing to add to your routine.

All of us have family or friends who need assistance, whether financially, physically or, in the case of this article, mentally. In caring for our loved ones, it is important to know some legal guidelines to best serve them. When a person loses the ability to think clearly, it affects his or her ability to participate in meaningful decision-making. If that individual is unable to make rational, clear-headed decisions about health care, finances or other aspects of life, guardianship and/or conservatorship may be the next step if the person does not have power of attorney documents in place or if there is disagreement among family members about these issues. To appoint a guardian, a court must declare a person to be incapacitated based on findings where: A person who, due to his or her mental, physical and emotional status, prevents him or her from taking care of his/her own basic needs; andAs a result, that person is in danger of substantial harm; andThere is no one already legally authorized to make substitute decisions for the person. If the criteria are met, the court transfers the responsibility of determining living arrangements and medical decisions to the guardian and the responsibility for managing assets and finances to the conservator. Guardians and conservators have a duty to act in the best interest of the incapacitated person and in the least restrictive manner. Regular reports must be submitted to the court regarding the status of the incapacitated person and his or her finances and assets. Guardians- A guardianship is a legal right and duty given to a person to be responsible for managing the food, health care, housing, and other necessities of a person deemed fully or partially incapable of managing these necessities for him or herself. Conservators- A conservatorship is a legal right and duty given to a person to be responsible for managing the assets and finances of a person deemed fully or partially incapable of managing them for him or herself. Keep in mind it is possible to avoid the necessity of a guardianship and/or conservatorship through a good estate plan that includes both a medical power of attorney and a general durable power of attorney which permit trusted individuals to make health care decisions and manage financial affairs in the event of incapacity. 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

Did you know that a Senior Citizens mental, or behavioral, health has positive or negative effects on their physical health? Whether its pain, cardiovascular health or some other medical conditions, maintaining good behavioral health can significantly improve your illness recovery time continued well-being. Just as specific treatments are given for physical injury, specific mental health programs are designed for seniors. Its important to get the appropriate type of treatment for geriatric behavioral health.Sometimes a seniors behavioral health issues may be addressed on an outpatient basis based on what the doctor orders. Outpatient programs may be primarily based on group therapy during which licensed behavioral health professionals set appropriate topics for group discussion and encourage members to participate. Group therapy is effective because a participant interacts with others in a structured setting that promotes a better understanding of behavioral health issues. Seniors share their thoughts and experiences and learn from each other with professional guidance. Social interaction helps the senior talk and socialize with other seniors who may have similar experiences. In addition to group therapy, the senior may also receive individual, family or marital therapy if ordered by the doctor. Sometimes these outpatient programs can meet a seniors behavioral health needs without requiring more intensive care such as hospitalization.If a Senior Citizens Behavioral Health needs cannot be met on an outpatient basis, more intensive services such as acute geriatric behavioral health treatment in a hospital may be required. Each Patient has a goal oriented plan detailing how the hospital, patient and family will work together to reach treatment goals resulting in discharge from the hospital. A senior may need this type of treatment due to thoughts of self-harm, not wanting to live, depression, anxiety, or medication management issues. One of the greatest benefits of acute in-patient care is the 24 hour controlled environment while behavioral health issues are addressed.How does someone go about requesting behavioral health care? The first step is a phone call to a Geriatric Behavioral Health Provider, and an assessment by a healthcare professional. Strict laws regarding rights to privacy protect all conversations and treatment with behavioral health professionals or behavioral health care facilities. Your confidentiality is protected by law, so, if you feel that you or a loved one may benefit from these services please call any company listed in the Mental Health category in this Seniors Blue Book.

When considering retirement living options, seniors are looking for comfort and community, as well as an array of services and amenities that enhance and fulfill everyday living. As baby boomers age, they are setting new standards in senior living thats making senior living communities a popular option amongst the new older generation. You are not alone if you find yourself confused between the many different options when it comes to care types and styles of senior living communities. Senior living communities are designed to tailor seniors looking for varying levels of care, ranging from little assistance to 24-hour nursing.Here are the four most common types of senior living communities: Independent Senior Living Communities are best suited to seniors who are living an independent, self-sufficient life. They offer a carefree lifestyle, freeing residents of the many burdens of daily life. Meals are prepared, housekeeping, laundry and transportation services available as well as 24-hour on-site staffing and great social events and activities. Assisted Living Communities are a combination of housing, personalized assistance services and care, tailored to the individual who requires help with activities of daily living. In these communities you'll find more support services such as assistance with bathing, grooming, and dressing while still enjoying independence. Memory Care Communities are designed especially for residents with memory loss and other forms of dementia. Memory care is often provided in a secure area or special wing within an assisted living community. Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes) offer the highest level of care for residents (outside of a hospital) with an emphasis on medical care. They offer 24-hour supervised care with meals, activities and health management support for residents. When looking into senior living communities, making the right choice involves focusing on three important issues: quality of life, standards of care and cost and value. Seek the right answers to these issues and you will find yourself happily at home in a residence that is right for you. Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Mimi Tapia-Bowie at The Village at Stonebridge. She may be reached at 972-542-9100.

You served your Country; you earned the best health care possible!The VA Connecticut Healthcare System focuses on all aspects of a Veterans well-being!Weighing your options and making the right choice can be difficult when it comes to health care, especially when you are paying for things you dont need or life changes leave you uncovered for the things you do. That is why the VA offers a health care package that covers the health, wellness, foundational, and long-term needs of each and every Veteran. The VA Connecticut Healthcare System is a state-of-the-art network designed specifically for the needs of Veterans. You can enroll anytime in health care that requires no annual fees, premiums, or deductibles. The VA is able to provide you with competitive, cost-effective, quality health care options at little to no cost and the Veteran can use their private insurance along with VA health care. No matter your needs, the VA Connecticut Healthcare System has you covered.The Connecticut Healthcare System continues to be the benchmark of excellence and value in health care by providing exemplary services that are both patient-centered and evidence-based. This care is delivered by engaged, collaborative teams in an integrated environment that supports learning, discovery and continuous improvement. In fact, the VA partners with institutions of higher learning, such as Yale, to perform the cutting edge research that has made the VA one of the biggest teaching hospitals in the country. Through these efforts the VA will emphasize prevention and population health and contribute to the Connecticuts well-being through education, research and service.If a Veteran served in the military and received an honorable discharge they may qualify for VA health care benefits. Those who served in the Reserves or National Guard may also qualify if they were called to active duty by Federal order and completed the full period of the active duty.To learn more, please call 1-866-808-7921 or visit www.connecticut.va.gov. Additionally, you can download the VA New England smart app and have all the VAs services and benefits at your fingertips. Search VA New England in your app store.

As a caregiver, you may find yourself with so many responsibilities that you neglect taking care of yourself.But the best thing you can do for the person you are caring for is stay physically and emotionally strong.See the doctorVisit your physician regularly, and listen to what your body is telling you. Exhaustion, stress, sleeplessness, or changes in appetite or behavior should be taken seriously.Get movingExercise is an important part of staying healthy it can help relieve stress, prevent disease and make you feel good. But finding the time to exercise is another story.Take friends and family members up on their offers to help.You can get in a good workout in a short amount of time even a 30 minute break.Start small.While it is recommended that you get 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week, even 10 minutes a day can help.Exercise at home.Pull out a yoga mat and stretch, set up a stationary bike, or try exercise tapes.Find something you love.If you enjoy the activity, it will be easier to make it a habit.Eat wellHeart-healthy eating patterns are good for overall health and may help protect the brain. Aim for a diet which includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.Manage StressManage your level of stress.Consider how stress affects your body (stomach aches, high blood pressure) and your emotions (overeating, irritability). Find ways to relax.Give yourself credit, not guilt.It's normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short sometimes. You're doing the best you can.Take a break.Everyone needs a break from caregiving duties. No one can do it all by themselves. Look into respite care to allow time to take care of you.We Can HelpCaregiving can be overwhelming, but you aren't alone. The Alzheimer's Association is here to help.Call our24/7 Helpline:800.272.3900Locate a support group in your area online at www.alz.org/idahoSign up to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimers or The Longest Day to help find prevention, treatment or a cure for this terrible disease. Visit our website for registration information.

WOW (Widows or Widowers) was founded by Dolores Bonfield Cortis in May, 1975. Dolores was widowed at the young age of 38. She joined Parents Without Partners in the area where she resided. The group was made up of recently divorced people. Being a grieving widow with young children who also were dealing with their sorrow, is not the same as a divorced parent.Through Parents without Partners, she met other newly widowed men and women. They formed the first WOW group in the Western Suburbs. It is a place to go for understanding, companionship, and to participate in social activates with like individuals. The idea was and is that Step we need to take to get back to living a normal life without the one we loved. To give us the understanding that although we are now widowed, we can resume life with all others and feel accepted as a new person.After 43 years, we now have a membership of over 185 members. Our membership has gone up and down over the years for a variety of reasons death or members that have moved to retirement areas around the country. But we have remained consistent in our zeal to prosper, and we have 43 years to prove that!We publish a monthly News Letter that lists our social activities and support meetings. WOW continues to offer support, friendship, education and social activities to the widowed people in the western suburbs of Chicago. A monthly Social Gathering is held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 537 South York Road, In Elmhurst, IL. At 7:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month. Feel free to join us at our monthly meeting. We welcome guests of all ages!For additional information, check out our website at (www.wow.cfsites.org) or contact Dave Spero, WOW President at (630-620-4060).

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.

To learn more aboutLegacy Village of Sugar House,CLICK HERE.What is Independent Living?Independent Living, also called Retirement Living, is designed for seniors who want to trade the responsibility of maintaining a home for a lifestyle of social, educational and leisure activities. At Legacy Village, Independent Living offers the best of both worlds; private living along with services that make your life easier, and activities that encourage daily interaction with neighbors and friends.What is Assisted Living?At Legacy Village of Sugar House, we believe that the more our residents can be independent, the healthier they are and the better they feel. Maximizing independence, maintaining dignity and having choices are important.There may come a time when we all could use a helping hand. At Legacy, we provide a combination of residential living, health and recreational services, nutritious and delicious meals, and help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications in a warm, home-like environment. Our full activity program provides physical, intellectual, social and spiritual activities to enhance quality of life.What is Memory Care?Our memory care community, called The Cottage, is staffed by professionally trained caregivers that provide specialize care for residents with Alzheimers disease and memory loss. Our expert caregivers provide residents with memory support, assistance and supervision for daily activities such as personal care, medication assistance and meals all in a secure environment.Residents enjoy private apartments furnished with personal belongings and mementos that make it feel like home. Special thought is given to the dcor and functionality of each apartment. Activities are also specially designed to meet the needs of our residents

Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age. As you grow older, you may experience an increasing number of life changes. How you handle and grow from these changes is important to staying healthy. The following tips can help you play it safe in the game of life.WELLNESSHealthcare starts with you. Prevention and early detection is the key to wellness. Having a primary care physician is a must. Routine screening tests and preventive measures are recommended for maintaining good health, as is staying up-to-date on vaccinations. Getting vaccinated can help keep you, your family and your community healthy. To keep germs at bay, washing hands or using sanitizer frequently is the best defense.CATCH THE SIGNS EARLYDo you know the signs of a stroke? F.A.S.T. is a memory aid that stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call 911. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Call 911 if you experience pain, pressure or fullness in the chest, pain in one or both arms, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting, pain in the jaw, indigestion or heartburn.STAY ACTIVE & EAT HEALTHYKeep moving to maintain a healthy body and mind. Choose activities you enjoy, and make sure to wear proper clothing and shoes. Healthy meals consist of a variety of foods and include more fruits and veggies. Portion control and exercise balances calories in and out. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and urinary infections.SAFETYDid you know that most falls occur at home and most fractures result from a fall? Get rid of tripping hazards such as throw rugs, install grab bars in the bathroom, use chairs with arms, use your cane or walker and be sure your house and entrances are well lit. Keep emergency contact information and medication lists on your refrigerator.Be wary of financial exploitation and scams. Ask questions and dont give out personal information, especially your social security number.If you need a doctor, call the 24/7 MetroSouth Find-A-Doctor line at 708-489-7925.Editors Note: Submitted by Maureen Rafa, Community Outreach Coordinator, MetroSouth Senior Behavioral Health Unit. Call 708-334-9080, or email Maureen_Rafa@MetroSouthMedicalCenter.com.

Anxiety continues to be a disorder that plagues many across the nation. Anxiety does not discriminate it knows no age, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.While it is normal to experience occasional anxiety, those that suffer from an anxiety disorder have persistent and recurring intrusive thoughts and concerns. This affects their daily life, as some avoid situations completely out of worry or fear. There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Often, those that suffer from anxiety disorders can also suffer from depression concurrently.One such treatment option is medical marijuana, and Pennsylvanians can obtain a medical marijuana card to treat anxiety.Marijuana is made up of cannabinoids. These compounds act on various receptors in the brain that play an important role in various bodily processes, such as memory, perception of pain, mood, and appetite. The two most commonly known cannabinoids are CBD and THC:CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound used as therapy and treatment for a large range of medical conditions.THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound associated with the euphoric effects of cannabis.Strains of cannabis exhibit certain characteristics and can often be blended to produce certain effects. The most common way to think about strains is to consider the similarities and differences between indica vs. sativa.Sativa strains can increase serotonin levels and elevate mood, stimulate focus and creativity, and can be known for an energizing effect.Indica strains can stimulate appetite, promote muscle relaxation, and are known for the couch-lock effect.It has been shown that marijuana, specifically CBD-dominant strains, can offer temporary relief for anxiety. When using medical marijuana to treat anxiety, strains with a high level of CBD and a lower level of THC tend to be most effective. Of particular note, CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. Several 2019 studies showed that CBD reduced or improved anxiety and symptoms in patients with a variety of anxiety disorders. Prior to using marijuana for anxiety, be sure to consult your treatment team.At Solevo Wellness, the health and wellness of our patients is our first priority. Patients have the option of reserving medical marijuana online or walk in, no appointment needed.If you have additional questions, please visit us at www.solevowellness.com or follow us on Facebook and direct message our team anytime.

We visited with Connie Buckwalter, Director of Marketing with Mennonite Home Communities which includes the beautiful Woodcrest Villa. Connie talks to us about the Top 5 Reasons to Move to a Retirement Community. Come join us to learn! Connie Buckwalter, 717-390-4126, www.mennonitehome.org; www.woodcrestvilla.org; 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster PA 17601 More questions? Ask Chris Gartman, Publisher, Seniors Blue Book of South Central PA - pa-info@seniorsbluebook.com #Retirement #RetirementLiving #SeniorsBlueBook #MennoniteHomeCommunities #WoodcrestVilla

What is Nail Fungus Infection? Here are some very simple ways to recognize a toenail fungus infection:A discoloration of the toenail, white to yellow The nail becomes thick and disfigured Brown or black spots developing on the nail Parts of the nail crumble or flake Onychomycosis is the medical term for toenail fungus. Almost 12% of the population may be infected at some point in their lives according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It is estimated that fifty percent of people over the age of 70 have the infection.How Does a Nail Become Infected? Toenails come into contact with microorganisms that get onto the skin, the nail sheath and underneath the nail to the nail bed. Once you have contracted a fungal infection, it can be very difficult to cure.These microorganisms are fungal spores, and thrive in places that are dark and have high humidity. This makes the feet very susceptible to infection from wearing shoes. Wearing sandals helps the feet to get air circulation and light.Trimming your toenails too close to the skin can cause accidental cuts, providing another entry point for these fungal spores. Injuries such as dropping something on your toes can provide another point of fungal entry. All utensils used for pedicures should be disinfected in order to not spread the fungus. Tight fitting shoes can also be a cause of toenail fungus infection since they leave no room for your feet to breathe and they can cause the breakdown of the nail from rubbing, leaving an opening for the fungus to invade.What is the best treatment for toenail infection? Laser treatment can be effective 70 -84% of the time. The laser warms the nail and kills the pathogens that cause the fungus. Several treatments may be needed. The drug Lamisil has been used to treat the fungus, however, it has side effects causing possible liver problems in some individuals. Laser treatment along with a regular home foot care schedule is beneficial in the treatment of the fungus that causes Onychomycosis.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Paula Brady, L.E., C.L.S. Paula is a paramedical aesthetician and certified laser specialist with Spa Medica, LLC and may be reached at 720-379-3584 or by email at coloradolaser@gmail.com

Optimistic people live longer and have a better quality of life! They are happier, healthier, and deal with challenges better. According to a 2018 Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) study, women and men who are optimistic have longer lifespans and greater odds of reaching 85 years old. These people are believed to be more resilient, better able to regulate stressors, and to bounce from adversity. They also tend to be healthier, and engage in self-care such as exercise and ultimately believe they can affect their own well-being.Optimism is hopefulness and confidence that the world is a good place and that things will turn out ok. It is not wishful or fantasy thinking. The idea that it isnt what happens to you but how you respond to what happens to you is the ultimate Optimist mantra, and research supports this. According to the BUSM (and many others) the benefits of being an optimist include:Protects against mortalityPromotes resilient aging and longer life spanImproves ones ability to beat cancerCreates overall better health and more enjoymentImproves stress management.Brains are wired to look out for things that may put us in danger, creating a pattern of pessimistic perceptions that have kept us safe for thousands of years. However, Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, believes optimism can be learned. He found that people who learned optimism techniques were less likely to develop depression, anxiety and enjoyed improved overall health. You CAN build Optimism through:Deciding to be Optimistic-Make a commitment to see the bright side.Thought Stopping Techniques-When you feel anxiety or have negative thoughts learn to stop your thoughts in that instant.Replacement Thoughts-Find something positive that you can commit to thinking about when you are feeling anxious or down.Gratitude List - Make a list of all the little things that are good in your life.Avoid Negativity-Limit yourself from being around people or things that bring you down.Change the subject-When someone is stuck on the negative redirect to the positive.Give compliments-Saying something positive to another or to yourselfNeed help growing your optimism? Give us a call.This article was submitted by April Boykin, she is an Owner/Social Worker with Counseling resource services who can be reached at 407-654-4433 or by email at april@counselingresourceservices.com

For more information on Comfort Keepers, CLICK HERE.Stroke is the third largest killer of Canadian adults, after heart disease and cancer. Its also the primary cause of physical disabilities and is second only to Alzheimers disease as a cause of mental disability. While people at any age can be susceptible to suffering from a stroke, nearly three-quarters of strokes occur in people over the age of 65.Women are disproportionately affected by stroke: 45% more women die of stroke than men in Canada, and because they live longer, more women are living with the effects of strokeRisk factors for a stroke include high blood pressure, genetics, gender, tobacco use, heart disease, diabetes, weight, age and the use of some medications.There are three main types of stroke that can occur:Ischemic stroke Most strokes fall into this category. In an ischemic stroke, arteries narrow or are blocked, reducing blood flow to the brain.Hemorrhagic stroke During a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel leaks or bursts, causing damage.Transient ischemic attack Sometimes referred to as mini-strokes, this is a condition that is also caused by a narrowing of the arteries, but only causes temporary symptoms.Its important to note that medical attention after a stroke is critical, and time is of the essence. Anyone suffering from the symptoms of a stroke should not wait for the effects to go away or get worse. They should call 9-1-1 or visit their physician as soon as possible. Quick treatment can minimize damage and potentially save someones life.Symptoms can include:Trouble speakingConfusion or trouble understandingParalysis of the face, arms or legsTrouble seeingHeadacheTrouble walkingHeadacheVomitingNeck stiffnessDizzinessComfort KeepersCan HelpWhether the goal is healthy living to prevent strokes, or recovery after, Comfort Keepers can help. Our caregivers can provide wellness support, remind clients to take medication, provide transportation to scheduled appointments, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens and diets. As part of an individualized care plan, caregivers can let a seniors care team know if there are changes in behavior or physical characteristics. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.ReferencesWebMD. Top Causes of Stroke. Web. 2017.Mayo Clinic. Stoke Web.2019.Healthline. Massive Stroke Web. 2018.Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke. Web.Canada.com. Stroke. Web 2018.Heart and Stroke Foundation. Stroke Report 2019. Web. 2019.

Osteoporosis Prevention and TreatmentOsteoporosis is a painful, disfiguring disease that weakens bones making them more likely to fracture. One of every two women and one of every five men will havean osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime. Spinal fractures cause stooped posture, loss of height and chronic back pain. Hip fractures are the most serious consequence and can threaten ones independence and life. Other common osteoporotic fractures occur in the wrist and ribs, although the disease can affect any bone in the body.Women most commonly suffer from osteoporosis. However, this disease strikes both men and women. Without treatment, osteoporosis can silently advance until a bone breaks. By diagnosing osteoporosis in the early stages, your healthcare provider can start treatment that can prevent broken bones.Osteoporosis is diagnosed through bone density scanning, also called bone densitometry or DEXAscan, an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips. The most accurate test is a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) test of the spine and hip. This test can predict even a one percent bone loss and radiation exposure is only 1/10th the radiation of a routine chest x-ray and 1/100th the radiation of a CT bone density test.Be proactive. The key to prevention is finding out how strong your bones are before abone breaks. With information obtained from consultation and testing, your doctor can predict the likelihood of fracture and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.There are now medications available which can slow bone loss and prevent osteoporotic fractures. Other preventive measures include weight-bearing exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and simple lifestyle changesEditors note: This article was submitted by St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center. For further information on osteoporosis, or to schedule a DEXAscan, call (719) 557-4444. For more information about St. Mary-Corwin, call (719) 557-4000-4000

Ombudsman: Swedish word meaning One who speaks on behalf of anotherOur Purpose: We are a free advocacy service mandated by the Older Americans Act to help all nursing home and assisted living residents maintain their quality of life by ensuring that their rights are protected.Who We Help: Residents, families, and friends of long-term-care residents are encouraged to contact the Ombudsman. We work with facility staff, hospice, adult protection, and others to get the resident what they need.What We Do: Within facilities, we help with things as simple as hot coffee or negotiating shower times. Feeling uncomfortable for any reason, your Ombudsman will listen and keep what you say confidential until you give us permission to act. We also investigate serious violations of residents rights. Substandard care, verbal or physical abuse, privacy, and the right to self-determination are examples.If you are considering long-term-care for a loved one, contact an Ombudsman. We can provide information and suggestions that will make choosing a long-term-care option easier. We can also refer you to resources that might be able to help keep your loved one at home longer.When To Call: If you need help understanding your rights, feel that your rights are being violated, think that your choices are not respected, or if you have questions about what long-term-care services are available, it is time to call your Ombudsman.Our Contact Information: Call 800-288-1376 for a referral to the Ombudsman serving your area.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Jonelle Roberts. Jonelle is a Volunteer Ombudsman with the Northeastern Colorado Area Agency on Aging and may be reached at 970-500-4909 or by email at ombudsnecolo@gmail.com

Few words can make a senior more nervous than Assisted Living. Images of losing independenceand the foreboding 1970s Nursing Home are invoked. Some envision neglected loved ones with poorcare and minimal socialization for a hefty cost. Others prefer the stability and predictability of stayingin the home theyve lived in for years instead of somewhere new, even if that change theyre dreadingmay be for the better.In todays modernized world, where seniors have more choices now than ever before, communities aredesigned for social activity, personal care, health management, nutrition, affordability, safety, and mostof all, independence. Maintaining independence is a top priority for residents and communities alike.Once seniors get help with the activities theyve been struggling with, theyre now empowered in everyother aspect of their life. Every community that we partner with keeps a spotlight on keeping residentsas independent on possible.The best way to overcome the misconceptions is to go in person and see for yourself. By examiningcurrent residents quality of life, one can overcome their anxious memories of the Nursing Home. WithOasis Senior Advisors, were at your every step of the way, from finding the right communities,accompanying you on your tours, and representing you through the agreement process.It is always best to start this process early to guarantee the senior can participate in the selection andtouring process. Its lower stress (and even fun!) to embark on this journey when you have time andresources instead of a panic when theres an emergency.Aging can be a scary process when one looks in the mirror and asks how the last decades of life flew byso quickly. People dont like to be treated differently or talked down to just because their bodies havechanged while theyre the same people on the inside. Seniors dont get to be bossed around now ortreated any differently just because they need some help.The senior living industry has revolutionized itself into something to be celebrated. Seniors canset themselves up for a future of independence through the reassuring avenues of care, safety, andsocialization. Assisted living can and should be the beginning of a new adventure.Editors Note: This article was written by Steven Moses, CSA CDP CPRS, owner of Oasis Senior Advisors ofOrlando. He can be reached at 407 250 8300 or visit www.OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Orlando.

Keep hearing aids safe during spring weather and activities with these helpful suggestions.While spring is a wonderful time to enjoy nature and the outdoors, this seasonal change can also wreak havoc if you wear hearing aids. From sunlight to moisture, there are many potential hazards to hearing aids to look out for. In this guide, well explore how to protect your hearing aids in spring, with these helpful tips:Clean your hearing aids at least once a weekReplace or recharge your batteries frequentlyAvoid excess moistureKeep a hearing aid dehumidifier on standbyWatch the sunscreenLimit sunlight exposureStore your aids in a cool, dry locationLearn more about each of these suggestions below.Clean your hearing aids at least once a weekAs the weather turns warmer, itsimportant to cleanyour hearing aids every week or even more frequently to keep them running smoothly. Ear wax can split or break the tubing and earmolds of your aids, while excess pollen, dust and debris can also cause problems for your device. There are many great cleaning products and maintenance kits that can help you clean your hearing aids effectively. Consider asking your hearing health professional what they recommend.Replace or recharge your batteries frequentlyWhen batteries begin to run out, replace or recharge them as soon as possible to avoid any corrosion or rust build-up. You can check the power remaining in your hearing aid batteries with a battery tester. Leaving the door of the battery component open at nighttime is another way to protect and enhance the quality of your batteries and device.Avoid excess moistureExcess moisture is one of the leading causes of damage to your hearing aids. Thats why its important tolimit exposure to water, humidity, or perspirationduring the spring and summer months. Be sure to take your hearing aids off when youre showering, intensely exercising, or exposed to humid environments.Keep a hearing aid dehumidifier on standbyRegularly check the tubing and battery compartments of your hearing aids to see if there are any water droplets or accumulated moisture inside.Using a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifiercan help remove this excess moisture and condensation from your device. It will also help prevent bacteria growth that can cause itchy ears.Watch the sunscreenAs the temperatures begin to rise, many of us will apply sunscreen to protect our skin. However, sunscreen contains oils that can affect your hearing device. When applying sunscreen during these warmer months,take extra precautions with lotions and sprays. Before applying sunscreen to your ears, face, and neck, you may want to remove your hearing aids first to protect them from exposure and wash your hands before putting your devices back in.Limit sunlight exposureSunlight is another big culprit of springtime hearing aid problems. To prevent the plastic coating from melting, keep your hearing aidsout of direct sunlight. Dont leave them in a vehicle outside for an extended period, and look for shady areas when spending time outdoors.Store your aids in a cool, dry locationOur last tip to protect your hearing aids in spring is to store them in a safe, cool, and dry location when theyre not in use. As weve noted, sunlight and moisture can quickly damage your device, so consider placing your device in a cool and dry location at night and during other non-usage times.In this guide, we covered how to protect your hearing aids in spring. As the weather begins to warm up, cleaning and handling your hearing device with care can also help maintain peak performance.Written & Submitted By: CapTel- click for more information*Click Here for Original Blog*

Searching for the right adult day health (ADH) provider for your loved one is daunting. You have gone through the process of finding the right primary care physician, seeking specialists, and so many other supports that it may feel overwhelming to vet another service.This checklist is meant to help guide you in identifying the right person-environment fit when it comes to adult day health.Engaging programming. Each ADH center is unique in its size and structure. Would your loved one benefit from a smaller, more intimate group environment? Or a larger center with more space to roam and interact with others? Are there a variety of activities? Taking a tour during the middle of the program day can help to give you a firsthand understanding of what the day is like.Individualized approach. While these are group settings, ADHs should be working with your loved one as an individual. Are they asking questions about their hobbies, likes and dislikes? Do they mention modifying activities, so they can continue to be enjoyed? What about a personalized care plan?The location is right. Is it a quick drive around the corner from home? Or on your way to and from work? The location must work with your schedule and needs.Consider transportation. Regardless of whether the particular center is right down the road or not, your schedule may not allow for drop off and/or pick up. Does the ADH have a vendor? Do they have their own vans or buses? How does scheduling work?Cost is important. ADH programs are typically less expensive than other options, including home health aide services or nursing home care. What is your familys budget for this? Going in for a tour knowing this in advance can help make the decision easier.No two programs will be alike, and it can take time to find what works best for your family. Take a tour, ask as many questions as you need, and know that even when you find a provider you are comfortable with it can take time for your loved one to adjust. It is part of the process, and an ADH can help every step along the way.This article was submitted by Michelle Holmberg, MA, the director of services for Cooperative Elder Services, Inc., and may be reached at 781-863-1166 or by email at m.holmberg@elderdayservices.org.

Share your wishesAfter the often hectic buzz and planning of the holidays, we need a little time to regroup, reflect and set new resolutions come January. Maybe you've planned the holidays, the gifts, the decorations and who gets the guest bedroom. Now its time to think about you. Do your loved ones know how you'd want to be cared for if you couldn't advocate for yourself due to a serious illness or injury? Do they know if you would want extraordinary measures including being on a respirator to keep you alive? Are they aware whether or not you want comfort measures, including aggressive symptom management, to keep you comfortable until death? The decisionsabout your treatment and healthcare should be yours.Plan for the What if?While we wish and dream for many things, its understandable that even thinking about death may make us uncomfortable -- and yet a dignified and peaceful death is what we wish for. That sense of discomfort is nothing compared to thestress you and or your loved ones could endure if you haven't shared your final wishes before you are unable to actively make a decision on your own behalf. Additionally, its important to appoint someone who will act for you if any medical condition or circumstance should occur where you cannot speak for yourself. A Simple Form An Advance Directive is a legal document which expresses these preferences. It can contain a Living Will, the naming of a healthcare representative or both. Surprisingly, its pretty simple and can be done in a matter or minutes perhaps some of the most important minutes you can spend to help yourself and your family. You don't need a lawyer or a notary, just a good form and a pen to sign the document in the presence of two witnesses.We Can HelpRegional Hospice and Home Care can help. Visit us at regionalhospicect.org and download a copy of Advanced Directives, What you Should Know. Or, you canemail us at info@regionalhospicect.org and we can send it to you. Make your preferences known while you can consciously and thoughtfully planthem. Make sure to prepare for unexpected healthcare needs and make those final weeks or days less stressful for you and your loved ones by sharing thesewishes now.Make a resolution to get those wishes defined and shared before the next holiday

With the arrival of cooler weather comes winter sports activities such as skiing, football, and holiday shopping (yes, this a sport!), which all lead to us being more active. Of course, being active is good, but these activities could also cause or aggravate an already existing injury to the knee or hip, which is bad.Hip andknee paincan be the result of a variety of causes, including a ligament tear or muscle strain from a direct impact to osteoarthritis or other diseases that cause wear and tear of the joint over time.Common symptoms of knee pain include:increased pain when the knee is bent or extendedswellinglimited range of motionbuckling of the kneeinability to put your full weight on the kneeCommon symptoms of hip pain include:joint painstiffness of the hip joint after sitting for long periods of timeswelling and tendernessdifficulty sleeping on your hipUtilize these top 10 ways to relieve your hip or knee pain:Rest Intense activity can increase hip or knee pain, so give it a rest for a day or two to reduce pain and inflammation. but dont rest too much! Inactivity for long stretches of time weakens the muscles that help support the hip and knee joints. Exercise can improve the health of cartilage tissue and strengthen the muscles that support the joint. Rest when the pain is bad, but then get back to moderate activity and strength training exercises to reduce pain and help prevent further injury.Ice it To reduce pain and swelling, ice your knee or hip for 15 to 20 minutes every couple of hours. Continue this for a few days or until the pain has passed.Compress (Knee). Wrapping your knee joint with an elastic bandage or straps will help keep the swelling down and provide additional support.Elevate (Knee). Keep your knee elevated by placing a pillow or cushion underneath it while sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.Stretch and Strengthen Practice physical therapy exercises that will stretch and strengthen the knee and hip joint to improve range of motion, make supporting muscles stronger, and reduce inflammation and pain. Here are some good strengthening exercises for thekneeandhip.Weight Management Carrying a lot of excess weight not only increases inflammation in your body but also puts a lot of strain and pressure on your joints. Losing weight can significantly reduce joint pain, particularly in the knee.Medication Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen are effective in relieving mild to moderate joint pain.Injections In some cases, injections directly into your joint of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid are effective in reducing inflammation and pain.Surgery If none of the above treatments help, then surgery may be required to eliminate your knee or hip pain. There are several surgical options available depending on the extent of damage to your joint, such as:Arthroscopic surgery a minimally invasive surgery that repairs problems in the joint.Partial knee or hip replacement surgery severely damaged parts of the joint are replaced with plastic or metal parts.Total knee or hip replacement surgery the entire joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of high-grade plastics and metal alloys.Once your knee or hip pain has been eliminated, its important to practice preventative measures to reduce your chances of incurring a repeat injury and pain.Prevention Tips:Graduallyincrease your workout routine to the intensity level you desire.Stretch your legs and hips before and after performing physical activity.Wear proper-fitting shoes that offer plenty of support.Drop some pounds if youre overweight to lessen the stress on all of your joints.If you feel pain in your knee or hip while exercising, stop, and apply a cold pack if desired.Written & Submitted By: Coastal Orthopedics- click for more information*

When an individual is diagnosed with dementia, the entire family is affected, from spouses and adult children who become their loved ones caregiver to grandchildren who notice the change in their grandparent but may not understand it. The diagnosis will inevitably lead to many questions, but learning what to expect will help families to better understand the changes your loved one is experiencing.There are many resources available, from the Alzheimers Association to local organizations, who can provide information on Alzheimers disease and other dementias so you have a good basis in understanding memory impairment.To start, learn the symptoms, and share them with other family members. Common symptoms like increased agitation and changes in personality can be very hurtful, particularly to children, but knowing these are typical changes can help to remind family and friends that the changes are a part of the disease, and are not personal.While its a difficult topic to discuss with children, its important they are included so they too can understand that their loved one is going through changes and may not always act in the same manner the child is used to. When discussing the topic with children, try to: be patient and explain in age-appropriate terms how the disease affects a person; reassure them that their loved one still cares for them; encourage them to ask questions; and, remind them that their loved one still needs the support of their family despite any changes in their mood and personality.Witnessing the onset of dementia is incredibly difficult and family members should know that emotions like grief, guilt and anger are perfectly normal and should not cause a person even more guilt for feeling them. To counteract these emotions, open communication is encouraged. Id also recommend attending support groups.Support groups are a wonderful way to meet other caregivers and families going through the same thing while also learning valuable tips on how other families work to support and provide the best of care for their loved one.Helping your family understand dementia is good for everyone and will help your loved one get the love, support and care they need to cope with their own journey with memory impairment.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erik Hammerquist, Executive Director of Bridges by EPOCH Memory Care Assisted Living at Trumbull, who may be reached at 203-397-6800 or ehammerquist@bridgesbyepoch.com.

VISION Services for SeniorsMany of the people we work with have age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or other vision-related conditions that are often a part of aging. Frequently, in addition to vision loss, our clients also face other health issues. Our goal is to help customers meet the challenges of vision loss based on their own particular needs and circumstances.Losing some or most of your vision later in life can be frightening and overwhelming. Yet many of our clients tell us that they're pleasantly surprised to realize how a little bit of training, some creative solutions, and perhaps some additional technology can give them both confidence and independence.We provide services directly or through referral to community agencies. Services include:Low vision aids and other adaptive devicesTravel skill trainingTraining in daily living skillsTraining in assistive technologyAccess to the Radio Talking Book, a closed-circuit broadcast network for listening to readings of the local newspapers, magazines, and the latest bestselling booksAccess to books and other print material in audio and other alternative formats through our Communication Center.Living Well at HomeDon't let vision loss limit your independence. In addition to our services, Minnesota's Living Well at Home program helps seniors and their families get connected with the resources they need to make wise choices tailored to your unique circumstances.Technology to Assist YouMore and more seniors are discovering how technology can make a world of difference in staying active, safe, and independent. People with no vision or low vision use technology every day, and we offer training thats tailored to each individuals specific needs, abilities and goals.Contact UsFor more information, please call 651-539-2324 or fill out our online form. Visit http://ow.ly/XXzU50JzkYK

With families having two wage earners, and facing tough decisions as to how to care for their aging parents, its important to understand the choices and the costs. Globally, according to a recent MetLife survey, some 10 million children providing care for their aging parents will lose some $3 Trillion dollars in lost wages, social security benefits, and pension funds. That's a lot of money. Now lets look closer at the issue.For those individuals 75+, the remaining mortgage amount as a percentage of the value of the home is low, usually less than 10%. In other words, if their house is valued at $100,000, they typically will owe less than $10,000 on it and have a 90% equity in it. That translates as $90,000 saved in their house. (Source: Capital Research Associates analysis of 1995 Survey of Income and Program Participation data) How long might that $90,000 last in a care community like assisted living or a nursing home?According to a most recent survey by Genworth, the average licensed Homemaker Service Provider makes $18/hour, which translates to $4,860 per month for a nine hour day while the children are at work. Home Health Aides are slightly higher at $19/hour. Adult Day Care averages $60/day or $1800/month, then there's the drop off, pick up and caring for the parent at home. The average assisted living rate is $3200/month, with the added benefit of being 24/7 care with a full complement of services such as meals, activities, assistance with bathing, dressing and security. Nursing homes, typically end of life care, in a semi-private setting cost nearly $6000, and a private room averages about $6400 (Source: CareScout has conducted the Genworth Cost of Care Survey annually since 2004. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, CareScout has specialized in helping families find long term care providers nationwide since 1997.)So, lets look at the $90,000 that might be available to meet these costs. Under the Homemaker and Home Health scenarios, factoring in there will be income to supplement the home equity, the parents money will last two years. In the Adult Day Care scenario, the money will last about four years. In assisted living the money would last approximately three years. In the nursing home the money would last about one and a half years.In all instances, spend downs do happen, and the care security that comes from Medicaid becomes very important. As a society, it is important that we support Medicaid funding to address those situations when our parents outlive their money.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Robin Avery. Mr. Avery is a Colorado operator of with The Retreat Communities and may be reached at 303-847-2233 or by email at ravy2003@msn.com. For more information visit The Retreat Communities on the web at: www.theretreatcommunities.com.

Did you know your house hates winter almost as much as you do? When the snow starts to fly, you want to make sure you help your house with a few easy but important winterization tasks.When the leaves turn from green to gold, you have about a month until you have to have someone come and clean out gutters so thawing snow and ice can travel away from the roof, down the gutters and into downspouts and underground drains. If leaves are allowed to collect in the gutters, the thawed and then frozen snow will collect on the tops of gutters and form dangerous icicles over porches and walkways.September is time to change furnace filters and have the heating system checked for carbon monoxide leaks. If filters become too dirty, the flow of clean air will be minimized and will make your furnace work much harder than it needs to. The amount of dirt trapped in a filter is the amount that clean air needs to travel through to find its way into your house. Overworked furnaces will also create unnecessarily high energy bills and shorten furnace lives as well.Proper grading and drainage will prevent water from finding its way down foundation walls and becoming trapped between the foundation and the dirt surrounding it. A long cold snap could cause bulging in the foundation walls as expanding ice pushes against them. During the summer months, make sure the grading around the house is creating a water shed so any melting snow is carried away from the house. Proper drainage and grading are the easiest ways to make sure water is kept away from your house.By just remembering to have your heating and drainage systems in good working order, you are nearly assured that your house can have a happy and warm winter. Caulking around windows and doors, replacing weather stripping, adding insulation, replacing old casement windows with vinyl windows and promptly clearing walkways, paths and driveways from snow are also great measures you can take to avoid hefty energy and repair bills to your home.This article was written by Greg Geller, owner of Vision Silver Services, 303-520-9022,www.visionsilverservices.com, your first choice in all inclusive and worry free home buying.

When 92 year old, Marcelle, fell at home and required a trip to a local emergency room (ER), she didnt think about the additional stress she would experience of being in the hustle, bustle environment of a typical ER. Yet, for individuals with difficultly hearing, seeing or moving, an ERs harsh environment can increase anxiety and decrease the level of communication between patient and physician.As the aging population continues to increase in our country, hospitals are stepping up to address the specific needs of our senior population. One such advancement is the increase in Senior Emergency Rooms. A Senior ER is an emergency room specializing in the treatment of patients 65 and older. This patient population typically presents with a unique set of needs that many traditional ERs are not currently addressing.Many of these Senior ERs offer physical enhancements such as nonskid flooring; beds with thicker, pressure-reducing mattresses; softer room lighting; a quieter environment; hearing and visual aids; and walkers or other assistive devices. Additionally, the nurses dedicated to a Senior ER typically go through specialized education and physicians and nurses take workshops in sensory appreciation and ageism to learn how to better communicate with older adults and their caregivers.Most importantly, the implementation of a new philosophy of care for the geriatric patient is at the heart of these programs. By design, clinicians are instructed to perform a variety of screenings relevant to the senior patient and follow up with every patient after they have returned home. This extra contact is intended to help lower readmission rates and reduce the risk of harmful drug interactions, which provides higher quality and more cost-effective care.The combination of both a new practice philosophy and senior focused amenities provides a much needed service to our unique senior population.The Exempla Senior ER at Lutheran Medical Center is currently the only Senior ER in the state of Colorado.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Wendy Forbes for Exempla Lutheran Senior ER. For more information contact them at 303-425-4500 or visit their website at www.exemplaseniorER.org

Making it possible for one to age-in-place and live independently can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. CareAparent can help you live independently. One day at a time. One step at a time. 1. Make the Home Safe The most common injuries to seniors living at home are the result of falls. Precautions can be taken to prevent a fall such as removing rugs or having proper lightening. Taking time to downsize and organize can be helpful as well. 2. In-Home Services Whether a family opts to hire an agency to provide care depends on many factors, including economic. However, many agencies, including CareAparent, offer a complimentary consultation or assessment to identify the services needed and the cost for a custom plan of care. Call us today at 651.702. HOME (4663) to request a no obligation consultation! 3. Create a Resource List Having a list in advance reduces the risk of injury or exploitation and saves time later on. Helpful services that we recommend include household maintenance and weather-related services such as furnace or snow removal company. 4. Update Health Care Directives and Wills Having a Health Care Directive can be critical for you and your loved one regarding decisions of care. Other important information beyond the Health Care Directives should be placed in one location making it simple for others to find if needed. 5. Be Observant Be alert to subtle or sudden changes in mood, appetite, memory, or weight. CareAparents licensed professionals can assist by providing education based on client needs. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lisa Lofquist co-founder of CareAparent, 2042 Wooddale Dr, Ste 200, Woodbury, MN 55125, Phone: 651-702-4663

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

In June 2010 a profound and impactful meeting was held to discuss the problem of and prevention of elder abuse in Utah. Community leaders and government met to make a difference. As a result of the 2010 Utah Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition, Utahs Governor Gary R. Herbert made the following declaration:Whereas, nearly one-quarter of a million Utahns are over 65 the age of sixty-five;Whereas, Utah Adult Protective Services received 3117 reports of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in 2009, an increase of more than twenty percent from the previous year;Whereas, elder abuse occurs in families and communities of all social, economic, and racial backgrounds; andWhereas, civic organizations and government plays a critical role in providing education, support through training, assistance to those at risk, and treatment for victims;Whereas, Elder Abuse Prevention Month affords all Utahns the opportunity to remember victims of elder abuse and their families, promote the programs and organizations that serve them, and participate in community efforts to improve the safety and well-being of all people in Utah.Now, Therefore, I Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah, do declare June 2010 as ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION MONTHIn addition to the above declaration, the following sponsors were recognized for the provision of education and resources for seniors in their communities:Seniors Blue BookLegacy Retirement CommunitiesDignity Home Health & HospiceLaw Office of Calvin CurtisHeritage Park Care CenterComfort KeepersPetersen MedicalThe distinguished list of presenters included Lt. Governor Greg Bell, Director of Division of Aging, Nels Holmgren, Director of the Medicaid Fraud Unit at the Utah Attorney Generals Office, Robert Steed, Salt Lake County Sherriff, Jim Winder, and Director of Outreach for the Senior Behavioral Unit at Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, Nina Ferrell. Furthermore Legacy Retirement Communities was honored with the Caring Communities Award and Audrey Collman was celebrated with the Life Celebration Award.There was a common message from each of these outstanding speakers; It will take a collaborative effort from Government, Civic Organizations, the Private Sector, and Individuals to stomp out abuse and neglect!To report Elder Abuse: in Salt Lake call (801) 264-7669; Statewide call (800) 371-7897.Please watch www.SeniorsBlueBook.com for information on the 2011 Elder Abuse Prevention Summit. If you are interested in helping, please contact The Utah Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition at 801-860-3801.

To learn more about Inspire Health Clinics, CLICK HERE.Whether you run for miles or sit around the house, the health of your feet is vital for walking, running, or just about anything that requires your lower body for movement. Read on to find out how to best protect your podiatric foundation.We tend to not think of our feet unless there's something wrong, but the lowest part of our body is crucial for so many things we take for granted. Whether its supporting our weight, keeping our balance, or just the act of standing or walking (our feet endure hundreds of tons of force daily from normal tasks), our feet play a vital part of our everyday activities. Proper care for your feet is good for your whole body, so lets look at the best ways to treat foot problems, foot exercises, and the best equipment to help keep your feet healthy.Residents of South Jordan, Utah, looking for help with foot problems can rely on the comprehensive care of Dr. Matthew Graff and the experienced team at Inspire Health Clinics. We offer cutting-edge treatments for podiatric care, and innovative family care for patients of all ages.Common foot problems The pain you could be experiencing in your feet may be the result of these problems:Fungal issuesExcessive foot sweat and other damp environments like showers and pools can lead to problems like athletes foot or fungal nail infections.Structural issuesJoint and musculoskeletal problems can make your feet very uncomfortable, like heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Some conditions can cause the feet to become misshapen in some way, leading to pain and other complications like bunions, claw toe, hammer toe, or flat foot.Growths This can be anything that causes abnormal tissue to grow on your feet, such as corns and plantar warts. Blisters are a mild annoyance, but are examples of growths that can cause pain.Irritations Inflammation of the bone and tissue in your feet can lead to things like sesamoiditis, gout, and metatarsalgia (stone bruise).Best ways to take care of your feet Here are some basic practices you can use to provide your feet with better care:Keep your feet clean and dryDon't share pedicure utensilsAvoid sharing shoesDon't shave callusesGive yourself foot massagesSoothe irritation with a vinegar soakThe first tip is the easiest way to avoid many future foot issues. Cleaning your feet regularly and keeping them dry will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and dry skin from causing numerous foot problems. Soaking and massaging your feet will help relieve pain and promote blood circulation.Best exercises for your feetIn addition to massaging and soaking your feet, exercises are a great way to keep your feet limber and relaxed. These include exercises like point your toes, raise your heels, squeeze your toes, roll a ball, and stretch standing up and sitting down. Once done, you can relax your feet in a bath with Epsom salts.Best shoes for your feetGetting proper shoes is a big part of foot care, because you spend so much time in them whether you're active or not. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, and you need enough depth in it so your toes don't touch the top. When you stand up, you should have about a half an inch of space between your big toe and the front of your shoe. It also helps to walk around in shoes to make sure there isn't any rubbing or slipping. Cloth shoes are best for leisure activities, and sneakers are best for running and sports.The best practices for proper foot care are easy to implement and can make a world of difference in the comfort of your foot, as well as avoiding any harmful conditions. If you're having foot problems and need help, make an appointment with Dr. Graff and Inspire Health Clinics today.

Nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinsons disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure there are treatment options to manage the symptoms. Parkinsons disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Despite no cure for Parkinsons, symptoms can be helped by rehabilitative therapy based programs that improve the swallowing, speech and physical limitations.Did you know that swallowing problems are a major concern for Parkinsons patients? Problems swallowing are a major cause of aspiration pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization and even death in this population. There is help. The benefits and positive outcomes that result from using the Synchrony Dysphagia Solutions Program include safer swallowing, reduced hospitalizations, drink and diet upgrades to consistencies that better enable ones dining experience and socialization, and an improved quality of life and self-image. To learn more, please watch this live demonstration video: https://youtu.be/eFI1QMbg_I4Another evidence-based, nationally recognized treatment approach is called LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD. Patients who have undergone these therapies have shown excellent improvement in physical abilities and voice function and tremendous improvement in self-image, confidence, and social engagement. These benefits and positive outcomes result in using these programs for speech and physical therapy. The LSVT BIG program improves physical limitations such as balance, strength and walking skills, reduction in falls with resulting injury and hospitalization, greater confidence and self-image, and overall quality of life. To learn more, please watch this live demonstration video: https://youtu.be/9fUQ6jptaBYThe LSVT LOUD program improves voice quality and loudness, facial expressions, and communication with others. To learn more, please watch this live demonstration video: https://youtu.be/gNIdxYjGVV8Editors Note: Mary Wade offers all of the programs mentioned in this article. Our on-site team of therapists are trained and nationally certified in Synchrony, and LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD. This article was submitted by Kara Hunter, Marketing Manager, Mary Wade. For more information, please contact Ms. Hunter at 203-562-7222.

Having the DiscussionSometimes the hardest things to talk about are the ones we most need to discuss. One such occasion is learning that you or a loved one has a life-limiting illness. Discussing options sooner, rather than later, is critical, since starting hospice care in a timely manner is the key to its success.Hospice has a unique approach to end-of-life care that allows for active participation in developing a tailored, personalized plan -- so that together you and a hospice professional team can make sound decisions based on what is important to you and your family. Open communication is the key.Hospice offers people with a terminal illness an opportunity for gracious living at the end-of-life. Hospice treats the whole person, not the disease, while also providing care and support for their families. A team approach is used to address emotional, psychological, and spiritual concerns. The care you need is brought to you wherever you call home. Hospice provides medications and medical supplies/ equipment, at little or no cost to you. In fact, Medicare hospice benefits are available to pay for care, when two physicians prescribe this care for patients whose prognosis is for 6 months or less.The emphasis of this care is on helping the patient make the most of every moment by providing comfort and relief from pain and symptoms (often referred to as palliative care) and most importantly, listening and understanding. The earlier the hospice team is brought in, the quicker the pain and symptoms can be managed, and suffering minimized. It has also been documented that those who receive hospice care early statistically live longer and more comfortably than those who wait. This not only benefits the patient, but also the family, who need time to organize their affairs and desires, and to minimize the stress during this period.Hospice recognizes that quality of life is just as important as quantity. We encourage you to make the commitment to discuss your wishes with your loved ones, prior to your final needs.Editors note: This article was submitted by Alpine Home Health & Hospice. For further information, they can be reached at 1-800-Hospice.

Stroke Warning Signs:Three-Step Stroke Screening1. Look for Facial Asymmetry: Ask the Person to smile and look for unevenness in features- a facial "droop" or a lopsided smile- indicating weakness on one side of the body.2. Look for Arm Drift: Have the person raise both arms out in front of them and look for one arm to drift down indicating a weakness on that side of the body.3. Listen to Speech: Ask the person to repeat something like "The grass is green." Look for slurred, garbled or absent speech or confusion.Call 911 Immediately if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms. Remember: if one if these three is happening, there is a 60% chance that a stroke has occurred.Authors Note: This screening checklist was submitted by HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Utah. They can be reached for any further questions at 801-561-3400. You can also find more information at healthsouthutah.com.

From the cramped cabin of the aircraft, VITAS Healthcare patient Kim peered out through the open door and took in the landscape.In the next moment,shewas dropping from 10,000 feet, reminding her senses: You are alive.Kimcouldnt help but smile. She had made a habit of seeking these reminders throughout her 64 years on Earth. Now, as she neared the end of her life, the message seemed to come through with renewed clarity as her wish to fly through the atmosphere one last time came true, thanks toher VITAS hospice team.It takes a lot of coordination, but when you have a whole team coming together, you can make anything work, says Daily, VITAS volunteer services manager.ToKim, cirrhosis of the liver seemed at first like a challenge waiting to be overcome. After all, she had raised a son as a single mother, worked on a farm, and been involved in community politicsshe understood perseverance. But after receiving a terminal prognosis and beginning care with VITAS,Kimstarted to focus on what she could feasibly achieve in the time that remained.Id been seeing Kim for about eight months, and one day she mentioned that shed been skydiving in the past and wanted to do it one last time, says Tammy,Kim'snurse.Dailysuggested that virtual reality (VR) could offer a simulated version ofKims desired experience without the risks associated with jumping from a plane. The VITAS team manager and physician agreed.On the day of the skydive, Kim was joined by Tammy, Daily, and other members of the VITAS team in her home. One of the nursesstood ready with the fan asKimsat down and donned an Oculus Rift VR headset. What followed was a beautiful experience for everybody.At one point,Kimstood from her chair, ecstatic with the sheer sensation of it all. After landing safely on the ground, she immediately began showering the team with appreciation.ForKim, the experience was clearly a dream come true, but not quite a replacement for the real deal:Tammysays that her patient still jokes about skydivingand bringing her favorite nurse along for the ride.Written By Bob Johnson, RN, general manager for VITAS Healthcare in Collier County- click here for more information**

Seniors Blue Book Article Fall 2014 Edition Stephanie Bender-Kitz, Director, Friends in Action Family Caregivers Matter! Do you know that there are more than 40,000 Treasure Valley family members-- spouses, adult children, parents and grandparents who provide care and support to ill, disabled, or frail loved ones at home? These family caregivers are de facto care coordinators, medication managers, personal and medical care providers, fiscal and legal managers, planners and decision-makers for tens of thousands of chronically ill or disabled people in our community. Our health care and social services rely heavily on family caregivers to provide care but don't address caregivers needs for training, information and support. As a result, family caregivers experience stress, depression, anxiety, and often become isolated; they have to leave jobs or reduce their work hours; they spend much of their own money to care for others; and most sobering, they can die before the person they care for. Family caregivers are the backbone of our community's health care, and they deserve to be informed, prepared, and supported! Do you know someone who is a family caregiver? A great way to help is to encourage that person to say I am a family caregiver, and I deserve to be supported! Caregivers who self-identify are much more likely to seek information and support that can help them provide care AND they are more likely to take care of themselves too. Where can a family caregiver turn for information and support? A great resource is the Seniors Blue Book. Another great resource is a nonprofit agency called Friends in Action (FIA). FIAs services help family caregivers build a "toolbox" of resources, skills and strategies to navigate the challenges of caregiving, reduce stress, connect with resources, and build confidence in their abilities. FIAs education programs (Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Living Well in Idaho) teach caregivers how to manage stress and feel less overwhelmed. Our in-home support services (Legacy Corps Caregiver Support Program) gives regular breaks to veteran and military families. The JumpStart program works with caregivers one-on-one to connect them with quality information and resources to meet their unique needs and concerns. FIAs 4th Annual Family Caregiver Conference (January 31, 2015) is a one-day education event to connect caregivers with great information, community resources, and mutual support. Many of FIAs services are provided by amazing volunteers (more than 160 of them), who extend the expertise of professional staff and allow FIA to cost-effectively serve many more caregivers. Don't hesitate to reach out to FIA and ask how we can help any family caregiver you know. We believe family caregivers matter!

There really is no place like home. And that even goes for medical services your own living room is probably a lot more comfortable and accommodating than a hospital or doctors office. Thats where at-home health care comes into play.Individuals of many agesand with a variety of medical needs are recognizing the benefits home health care has to offer. If youre looking into this solution for yourself or your loved one, well cover what you need to know.What Are Home Care Services?Home care involvesa collection of health care services that dont require the patient to go to a health care provider. Instead, a nurse or other health care professional comes to the patients home. Medical procedures like vaccinations, wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental counseling, and more make up home health care.Governmental organizationslike Medicare, nongovernmental organizations, and private agencies are all entities that provide home health care. Its oftenmore convenient than receiving care from a traditional facility and just as effective.Who Are Home Care Services for?Some patientsuse at-home services because they have trouble leaving the house, others for hospice treatment, and still others simply because it is a more convenient solution than visiting a doctors office. More specifically, these services are a great fit for the following: Individuals who have just returned home from asurgical procedure or extended hospital stay Persons with physical or mental disabilities who may have trouble leaving their home Older patients who may have medical concerns but are still able to live in their own home Individuals receiving hospice careHome care services certainly arent limited to patients meeting these criteria. As long as an individualdoesnt need a procedure where theyre required to be in a traditional medical facility, he or she can hire a home care professional to perform the service.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Greg Kelley. Greg is a Home Care Consultant with Phoenix Home Care and may be reached at (970)270-1541 or by email at GKelley@PhoenixHomeHC.com with any questions regarding Home Health.

Older adults sustain injuries in and around their homes every year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that on average 1.4 million people aged 65 and older are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year for injuries associated with consumer products.Falls in and around the home are a top cause of injuries to older citizens. The rate of injury is the highest for people 75 years of age and older. Many of these and other injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and taking simple steps to correct them, you can prevent injuries to yourself or visitors to your home.Begin making your home safe by going through your home room-to-room. Make sure hallways and walkways are clear and free of obstacles. Remove throw rugs and runners.If you have stairs in your home, make sure there is at least one hand rail. Two rails are ideal. Check to make sure they are anchored and can support weight.Ensure you have adequate and reachable lighting in every area of your home. Consider changing your bulbs to new energy efficient lighting.Check to make sure that items you use regularly are within reach of your bed or chair. If you need to reach something, its best to avoid the need to climb or stand on objects.Make sure you have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide sensors. Keep an easy-to-use fire extinguisher in an accessible place.It may be a good time to install a grab bar in your bathroom next to the toilet or in the bathtub. A riser or frame over your toilet makes it higher and easier to get on and off. Would a shower bench or chair in your bathtub make it easier to bathe? Hand-held shower heads are easy to install. Non-skid mats or decals in the shower/tub prevent the chance of falls.And finally, make sure you have a phone within easy access at all times in case you ever need to contact emergency services.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Janel Wangsvick-Lane, OTR/L , Director of Therapy Services and Occupational Therapist for Community Nursing Services. She may be reached at 801-233-6100 or by email at janel.wangsvick-lane@cns-cares.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

Everyone should be able to receive the care they need to stay in the place they love home.And family members will enjoy peace of mind knowing their elderly loved ones are receiving the right services to help them age in place, safely and independently.Lee Healths Senior Care Choices can provide answers at a time of uncertainty, whether you live out of state or down the block from your loved one.In other words, were here for you.Senior Care Choices: The Experts in Aging WellOur Nationally Certified Aging Life Care Professionals coordinate and oversee services that enable your loved ones to continue living safely at home. Our team represents the standard of excellence in the profession. We provide non-biased professional services that meet the best interests of our clients.The best decision for your aging parentRest assured that choosing our experts will lead you and your family to actions and decisions that ensure quality care and an optimal life for those you love, reducing worry, stress and missed work for family members who may live elsewhere. For more than 20 years we have advocated for families who are caring for older relatives.Were available 24/7 to ensure your loved ones care remains consistent, compassionate, and caring, even in emergent situationsOur affiliation with award-winning Lee Health offers immediate access to comprehensive hospital-based resourcesWhen you choose our licensed professionals, we will:Conduct an in-home comprehensive needs analysis of your loved ones abilities and limitations. This assessment includes a review of medications, an environmental evaluation, a dementia screening, and a review of financial, legal and medical conditions.Develop a Care Plan with input from family members and medical providers.Coordinate the implementation of the Care Plan and monitor the services or living arrangements.Coordinate the delivery of medications, meals, medical equipment, Personal Emergency Response Systems and other items.Arrange for in-home services, such as caregivers, laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation, and the installation of grab bars or other assistive devices.Investigate benefits of home care, assisted living, nursing homes or other supportive services.Conduct regular, personal visits with your loved one to ensure their continued health and well-being.Senior Care Choices can help your loved one age safely, comfortably, and independently at home.Editors Note: To learn more about how our Certified Aging Life Care Professionals can provide you peace of mind and your own sense of independencewherever you livecontact us at 239-225-7718.

Alibraryis a curated collection of sources of information and similar resources, selected by experts and made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing, often in a quiet environment conducive to study. Many libraries provide special services for seniors and those with physical impairments. Main libraries in your community will provide satellite library information.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

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.

A diagnosis of Parkinsons is a life-changing moment. However, with advances in treatment and the right support there is much an individual with Parkinsons disease can do to live every day to the fullest.The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the countrys largest grassroots organization serving those touched by Parkinsons disease. What makes APDA unique is that we are in cities, towns, and communities across the U.S. Throughout our nationwide network of Chapters and Information & Referral Centers, Centers for Advanced Research, Specialized programs in Young Onset, Veterans and Rehabilitation Resources, and countless support groups, we are able to quickly reach people and connect them to resources that will provide the best outcomes as they navigate Parkinson's disease.Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurological movement disorder. Over one million people live with Parkinsons and there are 60,000 new cases each year in the U.S. alone. It can begin with a tremor, difficulty writing, stooped posture, stiff muscles, or slightly slurred speech; symptoms are different for every person.APDAs mission is to provide information, education, and support to all impacted by the disease and to fund scientific research into the causes, prevention, treatments and ultimately the cure. We take pride in the fact that we are in your community and many others across the country serving people with Parkinsons disease to provide support from the day of diagnosis through-out the Parkinson journey. We have also been a funding partner in most major Parkinsons disease discoveries and we will continue to fund research initiatives that can stop the devastation of living with this disabling disease.APDA is here to help with: Health and wellness initiatives delivering programs to help people maintain independence and optimism starting at diagnosis Education and support programs connecting people with Parkinsons in local communities Expedited and innovative research to develop promising clinical approaches and better outcomes and funding the next generation of scientists dedicated to finding new treatments and a cure.To learn more call the American Parkinson Disease Association at 800-223-2732 or visit our website at www.apdaparkinson.org.For information about Massachusetts programs, call 800-651-8466 or visit the APDA MA website at www.apdama.orgThis article was submitted by Stephanie Paul, Vice President, spaul@apdaparkinson.org

With each passing year, new data continues to prove that Alzheimers disease is a growing epidemic. Significant increases in costs and incidence, including care costs for individuals living with Alzheimers or other dementia's surpassing a quarter of a trillion dollars have been reported in the Alzheimers Association 2018 Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report.However, this years report goes beyond the statistics with a special report on the financial and personal benefits of early diagnosis, addressing prevalence, mortality and morbidity, caregiving and what the disease could mean to our health care system if left unchecked. As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so does the number of people living with Alzheimers and the impact to the nations economy. An estimated 5.7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimers with an expected increase to 7.1 million people by 2025. There are currently over 400,000 people in Pennsylvania who have been diagnosed with Alzheimers or a related dementia and it continues to increase each year. This number does not include all those who are affected by the disease such as family and caregivers, states Jeremy Bland, Director of Marketing and Communications, Alzheimers Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter. In fact, by the time you are finished reading this article 1- 2 people will have developed the disease based on the fact that every 65 seconds another diagnosis is made. Alzheimers disease is not only affecting those diagnosed, but caregivers as well. Due to the long duration of this disease, the strain on Alzheimers caregivers can last several years and produce serious declines in caregiver physical, emotional and financial well-being. In 2017, 16 million Americans provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care in the form of physical, emotional and financial support at a valued cost of $232.1 billion. The difficulties in providing this level resulted in an estimated $11.4 billion of additional health care costs for Alzheimers and other dementia caregivers in 2017. By 2050, the total cost of care is projected to exceed $1.1 trillion. Unfortunately, mortality from Alzheimers disease also continues to rise. While deaths from other major causes continue to decrease, new data shows that deaths from Alzheimers disease have more than doubled, increasing 123 percent between 2000 and 2015. In comparison, the number of deaths from heart disease the number one killer in America decreased 11 percent. Alzheimers is the most underrecognized threat to public health in the 21st century according to Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General and former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director. Investing in a nationwide Alzheimers public health response will help create population-level change, achieve a higher quality of life for those living with the disease and their caregivers, and reduce associated costs

To update, or not to update: that is the question.The question real estate agents repeatedly hear from homeowners is, Why would I do anything to my house if Im going to sell it anyway? Conventional wisdom tells us that we should avoid doing anything to our homes that the new owners may not like and will change the moment they move in. The reality is much different, however. Because home prices have risen so dramatically over the past five years, homebuyers have little to no money to improve the home they just purchased. With the cost of borrowing money currently so low, buyers dont mind spending more if the home is move-in ready.When evaluating where to spend the money, assign your projects into two categories: 1) deferred maintenance and 2) cosmetic improvements. Deferred maintenance should take priority: a furnace that is on its last leg, a leaky faucet, or a deck with peeling paint are some examples. Addressing these will not precipitate a high return on investment (ROI), but ignoring them will significantly decrease your sales price, and may even turn away buyers from considering your home. Once priority items are completed, consider budgeting for cosmetic items, which will bring the highest ROI. Home design trends are cyclical and what was in style last year may not be next year. Focus on updating the appearance of your flooring and paint. Your current carpet may last you another 10 years, but nothing transforms a space more effectively than new carpet. Carpets that are a mix of neutral beiges and creams are the most appealing to the buying public. Be careful not to spend more than $5 per square foot for carpet, pad, and installation. The cost to replace carpet typically brings a three-to-one ROI at the time of sale. When combined with new paint, new flooring gives a property a new home smell, neutralizing the evidence of years of living, cooking, and even smoking. Fresh, neutral paint also enhances the appearance of a home, providing a blank canvas that allows a homebuyer to easily visualize their own dcor and furniture in the home.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Blair Bryant of The Steller Group at Keller Williams Realty. He may be reached at 720-593-9355

Alzheimers disease is a national epidemic. The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is quickly growing. About 5.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's. The vast majority with Alzheimers disease are age 65 and older although those who are at high risk can frequently be detected and potentially treated earlier with new medications under development that aim to stop or delay disease progression.Alzheimers is believed to be caused by plaques that build in the brain between nerve cells from a protein called beta-amyloid. Additionally, tangles resulting from a second protein called tau damage and kill brain cells. The plaques and tangles interfere with normal brain function, resulting in Alzheimers disease symptoms and progression. Associated inflammation is also believed to play a roll. Many times, the plaques and tangles manifest and are detectable in the brain long before Alzheimers symptoms appear. To date, only symptomatic therapies for Alzheimer disease (AD) are available and thus do not act on the underlying cause of the disease.Fortunately, many promising new therapies are currently under development. These new generation therapies focus on early onset Alzheimers and are intended to treat the root cause by targeting beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles. Treatments are also aimed at decreasing the inflammation in the brain associated with Alzheimers. Scientists hope that by reducing beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles new therapies being developed will prevent or delay the progression of Alzheimers disease. Early screening is important. Data suggests that people who are proactively screened and diagnosed before Alzheimers progresses respond better to new therapies than people who are initially treated after symptoms have progressed. Anyone experiencing memory loss or cognitive impairment or has a history of Alzheimers in their family should be screened by a memory care medical specialist.A new treatment trend is the creation of community based Alzheimers disease treatment and research centers such as Healthcare Research Network in Flossmoor Illinois that are designed to integrate currently approved therapies with those under clinical development. Healthcare Research Networks novel approach utilizes direct clinical research collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies allowing them to offer Alzheimers patients who live in south suburban Chicago and NW Indiana access to developing therapies. Healthcare Research Networks Principal Investigator is Dr. Marvin Zelkowitz, a practicing Neurologist with over 25 years of clinical and research experience.

Assisted Living Locators is a free referral and placement service, and we have been matchmaking seniors with caring providers since 2003.Since theres no cost for our service, youll be free to access the best senior care options, information and resources available for you and your loved one. You can rest assured that the services, communities and homes that we recommend have been pre-screened and personally matched to your loved ones needs. Whats more, our compassionate professionals will be at your side every step of the way, advocating for your family to ensure that everyone will feel comfortable and at home with the decisions that are made.Just like you, we cant do it alone, which is why Assisted Living Locators is at the center of a network of extraordinary community partners who share one common goal: bringing excellence and dignity to senior care services and living solutions. So, wherever you are or whenever you need information, we invite you to come to us with questions about in-home help and personal care, adult day care, respite, independent living and retirement apartments, assisted living homes and communities, memory care and access to other related professional resources, including financial, legal, and real estate. If you cant tour facilities in-person because of location or physical limitations, you can always view your options any time from the comfort of your own home with our extensive website.Were here and ready to help you now. Our process is easy and individualized for every client. We will start with an in-depth personalizedassessment of your needs so we can get to know you and your family. Based on our analysis of your unique circumstances, we will provide our best recommendations to meet your needs. We will provide hands-on guidance and feedback to help you evaluate services, amenities and care options until you find the best choice. Once your family has made a decision, we will facilitate your transition and provide on-going support and follow up for you and your loved one.Leave the worry to us.Editor Notes: Contact Jaime Daniels at 941.479.3500 or email JDaniels@AssistedLivingLocators.com. Visit us online at www.AssistedLivingManasota.com

Social isolation is a serious problem with older adults that is expected to increase.There are many reasons we become isolated as we age, including loss of a loved one; health challenges like low vision, hearing impairment, limited mobility; and external barriers such as lack of transportation.Dr. Elise Reinhard discusses why your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is a good person to tell about feelings of isolation and loneliness.Why should I tell my PCP if I feel isolated?Dr. Reinhard: Isolation is an issue affecting your emotional, mental and even physical health. Studies have shown that socially isolated older adults are at greater risk for depression, unrecognized memory problems, malnutrition, poor health, and medical emergencies.Patients have told me they consider these feelings a normal part of aging that can't be changed. The good news is that things can be done to help.How can my PCP help?Dr. Reinhard: Talking to anyone about these feelings is the first step in affecting change, but your doctor may have some suggestions to improve emotional and physical issues contributing to your isolation.A PCP is trained to support all aspects of your life: physical, mental, and emotional. You dont need to have a physical symptom to bring up feelings of isolation or loneliness with your doctor.How can I talk to my doctor about isolation and loneliness?Dr. Reinhard: Many people have difficulty talking about their feelings. Letting your doctor know that this is an issue you are dealing with ahead of time is a great way to start the conversation. I suggest sending your doctor an email or letter before your appointment. If you have feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, or loneliness talk to your doctor to see how they can help.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Elise Reinhard, MD.Dr. Reinhard is a geriatrician with Boulder Medical Center. Learn more at bouldermedicalcenter.com/blue or call 303-440-3001 for an appointment.

The information is all around us news articles, family, and friends -- yet many of us keep kicking the LongTerm Care planning can down the road. Hope we will never get old, hope we will never need care, and if indeed, we do get old and need care, the hope is someone will solve this problem with free care.Historically, shifting the Long-Term Care risk has been accomplished with Traditional Long-Term Care policies. These are pure risk policies, paid annually for life or till claim. Cost for these types of policies has risen over the years due to declining interest rates.Many people have shied away from these types of policies because of rate increase histories and because if they never go on claim, they feel they are losing the money spent over the years on premiums. This trend has resulted in the creation of a wealth transfer product called Asset Based Long- Term Care. The uniqueness of this product helps eliminates the fear of if I dont use it, I lose it. This product is ideal for individuals who understand the need for Long-Term Care planning and are considering self-funding their potential care needs.The design of these products allows for three main benefits. First, many polices guarantee a refund of the single premium paid in at any time. Second, if you die without needing care, a step up of the initial premium is paid out as a tax-free death benefit. Third, if you need care, these policies pay out a multiple of the premium as a tax-free benefit to pay for care. The care is provided by a Monthly acceleration of the Death Benefit and some plans pay a multiple of the Death Benefit for needed care. This product may be appropriate for people who are over 60 and are thinking of self-insuring. They can self-insure with leverage of 4, 5, or 6 to one.If you have been guilty of kicking that Long- Term Care Can down the road, now is a great time to look at your options with an Asset Based Long Term Care policy. Growing older is mandatory but doing it well is optional. Having a plan for Long-Term Care is part of doing it well. What is your plan?Editors Note: This article was written by Tim Ripp, EVP, and Associates of Clifton Park and provided by Bridget M. Sullivan, a Financial Advisor offering Securities and investment products and services offered through Waddell & Reed, Inc. (WRI), member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products are offered through insurance companies with which Waddell & Reed has sales arrangements. The article is meant for educational purposes only. It should not be considered investment advice, nor does it constitute a recommendation to take a particular course of action. Please consult with a financial professional regarding your personal situation prior to making any financial related decisions. Waddell & Reed is not affiliated with Timothy Ripp or Associates of Clifton Park.

For More Information on the Author Paul Andrews, ERA Advantage Reality, CLICK HERE!This month Charlotte County will celebrate its centennial anniversary. What a difference a century makes!Southwest Florida has been inhabited for thousands of years, first by indigenous people and Seminole Indians, and later by European explorers, fisherman, pioneers, homesteaders and cattlemen. Still, it wasnt until the early 1900s that modern development began.The Boom YearsCharlotte County itself was created in 1921 when it was carved out of Desoto County. Real estate developers began to attract people from the North during the brief land boom of the 1920s. Railroads helped develop industry and tourism, and by mid-century vacationers flocked to our area to enjoy fishing, boating and nature. Ultimately, air conditioning changed life dramatically in Florida, and the thriving Charlotte County we know today began to take shape.Charlotte County TodayTodays homebuyers share the same dream as many of Charlotte Countys early settlers: natural beauty, economic opportunity, and a refuge from cold, overcrowded city life. Sadly, $6,000 wont buy a single-family home the way it did in 1921, but the dream of home ownership is still within reach if you have the right guide.Todays medium home price is $275,000, but its lack of inventory that is driving the local market. As potential sellers ride out the pandemic, inventory has plunged to a scant 1.3-month supply, down 67.5% year-over-year. Fewer options continue to drive higher prices and quick sales for those who decide to downsize or cash out. If you have a house or property that you been thinking about selling, now is the time. Give me a call!For buyers, preparation and decisiveness are key. Buyers need to be pre-approved, know what they want and be prepared to make a quick offer when they find it. The good news is that interest rates remain historically low in the 3% range. New construction in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte also promises to bring fresh options to a constricted market.Looking ForwardSouthwest Florida isnt the rugged outpost it was a century ago, but much of its wild beauty remains in pristine beaches, coastal marshes and inland waterways, attracting a throng of new inhabitants to our little slice of paradise.As a longtime Charlotte County resident, Ive witnessed much growth and change over the years and join my fellow citizens in honoring its centennial celebration.The dream of homeownership is as palpable as it was 100 years ago. If your housing needs have changed and youre ready for anewhappily ever after, it would be my honor to help make your dream a reality.

To learn more aboutCharter Healthcare, CLICK HERE.More than 11 million Americans provide an estimated 15.3 billion hours of unpaid care for loved ones with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia. Compared with caregivers of people without a cognitive disorder, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia demonstrate significant emotional, financial and physical challenges.Caring for a friend or family member with Alzheimers or dementia can be a long and stressful journey. As your loved ones cognitive, physical and functional abilities gradually decline, its normal to feel overwhelmed and experience depression or burnout from the demands of the caretaking role. When faced with this difficult situation, there are strategies that can aid caregivers and help improve your loved ones care.Learn about Alzheimers DiseaseThe symptoms of Alzheimers worsen as the disease progresses, which presents new challenges for caregivers. Understanding the different stages of the disease and their symptoms can help you plan ahead and ease the burden of caregiving.Alzheimers disease consists of three stages: mild, moderate and severe. People in the mild stage can still function independently, but may have issues concentrating or remembering recent events, names or words. During the moderate stage, patients may seem confused about where they are and what day it is, have trouble performing daily tasks or experience delusions, compulsions or repetitive behavior. In the final stage of the disease, individuals may lose the ability to respond to their environment, hold a conversation or control movement. As memory and cognitive skills deteriorate, significant personality and behavioral changes can occur and the patient may require more intensive care.Create a routineEstablishing a routine can reinforce a sense of familiarity and help orientate your loved one to their surroundings. Individuals with Alzheimers require time to adjust to new situations, so try to keep consistent times for daily activities like waking up, eating, dressing and preparing for bedtime. Often there are changes that are unavoidable, such as introducing a new care provider or shifting care settings, but caregivers should implement these changes steadily to avoid overwhelming their loved one.Plan activitiesWhether its cooking a meal, taking a walk or listening to music, planning activities with a person with Alzheimers can help keep them engaged and active. Try planning outings around the time of the day when your loved one is at their best, which varies from person to person, and monitor their energy levels to determine when its time to return home.Communicate with your loved oneSince Alzheimers can make it difficult for patients to interpret or remember specific words, its important to make communication as simple and direct as possible. When you speak with your loved one, maintain eye contact and smile naturally. Ask one question at a time and use relaxed body language. Speak with a calm, soothing voice, but avoid baby talk as it can make them feel trivialized or diminished. Facilitating ongoing communication can help individuals with Alzheimers participate in more conversations and activities. It can also relieve stress for the caregiver.Seek support when you need itProviding care for a loved one with Alzheimers can significantly impact caregivers physical and mental well-being, especially as the disease progresses. While caregivers often neglect their own needs to support a loved one, its important to remember that quality care starts with a healthy body and mind. As the need for more intensive care increases, caregivers may want to consider enlisting professional help to alleviate stress and ensure the best possible care for their loved one. Charter Healthcares private duty home care program offers in-home services ranging from a brief visit to 24 hour care, depending on your needs. For more information on private duty home care and other services at Charter, visit our website at charterhcg.com or call 909-644-4965.

When an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia, it can be a confusing time. Family members, friends and the individual being diagnosed may wonder, what will happen next? What can I expect? What does it all mean?One of the most important things to remember as someone begins their journey through dementia is that the person inside still remains. However, family, friends, and caregivers, need to understand the disease and learn how to best interact with their loved one.Communication is a key area to focus on when interacting with individuals with dementia. Changes in communication that may occur include: Difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings Having a hard time finding the right words Trouble understanding and interpreting what others are sayingCommunication can be challenging; and it is an important piece of our day to day life. When communicating with someone who has dementia, it is important to be supportive and help the person feel comfortable.In order to communicate effectively with your loved one, remember the following tips: Remain positive. You can help set the tone for a positive interaction. Being patient, supportive and upbeat is key. Offer comfort and reassurance. Smile! Shift the way you think about communicating. We are educated on using manners and always asking people How are you? But, for individuals with dementia this question may be difficult to answer. Instead, try saying Hi, its nice to see you. Call the person by name and introduce yourself. For example, try saying: Hi Mom, its your daughter Sara. This can eliminate confusion they may experience if they dont recognize you. Enter their world. Individuals with dementia often arent oriented to current place and time, and their short term memory is not what it once was. Instead, reminisce and revisit old memories. Avoid arguing, criticizing or correcting. If you disagree with something your loved one is saying, dont argue, it will only leave you both feeling frustrated. Go with the flow and dont try to correct what they are saying. Instead, validate them and lead the conversation in a different direction, if possible. Use short simple words and sentences. Simplify your words. This will allow for less information for your loved one to process. Encourage unspoken communication. We can communicate non-verbally as well, through our facial expressions and body language. A smile, a hug, or a handshake allows for positive expression without using any words.As your loved one journeys through dementia, understand that their brain is changing. Each person is unique and may react to things differently. The more you understand the more success you will have communicating with your loved one.Live in the moment, embrace the present and treasure the memories.Editors Note:This article was submitted byStacy B. Kesl, BA, CDPDementia SpecialistAthena Health Care SystemsStacy has over 10 years experience working in Dementia Care and loves educating staff and families on dementia.She can be reached at (860) 751-3900

The story about Alzheimers disease, a powerful degenerative malady that shrinks brain cells, robbing its victims of their memories as well as their physical and mental abilities, isnt about the curethereisnt one. Its about the care.Alzheimers shrivels brain cells, making its victims lose their short-term memory first, before their long-term memory goes. Alzheimers patients lose their cognition slowly, becoming unable to carry out simple tasks like dressing themselvesand using the bathroom. As the disease progresses, affecting more parts of the brain, patients are often left unableto talk, recognize friends and familyor recall how to feed themselves. Theyalso might become violent because their requests or fears are misunderstood.When families care for a loved one with Alzheimers in their own home, they may encounter many unforeseen struggles. Thats where memory care facilities step in.Choosing a Care FacilityToday, there are 220,000 Alzheimerspatients in Illinois, most of them older than 65 and most of them women, according to theAlzheimers Association. That number is projected to jump by more than 18percent during the next nine years.There are nearly 100 Alzheimers care facilities in the greater Chicago area, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. So how do you choose one?Families should visit the facilities in person and consider a number of factors, says Natalie McFarland, executive director ofTerra Vistain Oakbrook Terrace, which specializes in caring for Alzheimers residents.In memory care facilities, staff members are specially trained to help people with dementia or Alzheimers. McFarland suggests that families ask about the facilitys approach to working with their loved one. Does the facility embrace person-centered care and look at the resident as a whole person, taking into consideration his or her life history, and incorporate it daily? she says.Many facilities offer activities, suchas art and music, which are critical to keeping residents bodies and minds active. The Northbrook Inn Memory Care Community, for example, offers a modified stretching activity similar to tai chi, and residents are given iPods with music they enjoyed in the past, because music evokes memory, says executive director, Karolee Vandrush.Belmont Villagesenior executive director Jeanne Hansen recommends that families look at facilities sooner rather than later so they dont have to make a hasty decision.No two residents are the same, she says. Dementia, including Alzheimers, doesnt manifest itself in the same way or at the same speed for any two people. Families need to find the place thats right for them and their loved one.Paying for ItAlzheimers care can alter retirement plans and the financing of those golden years. As a result, an Alzheimers patient may need many financial resources to cover the bills.SeniorHomes.com, a website tracking those charges, says that the average billin Illinois for someone in a memory care facility runs from $60,000 to nearly $90,000 annually. Yet some memory care facilities in the Chicago area bill more than $100,000 a year, depending on the carean Alzheimers resident requires. These facilities are usually private pay. Short of having the money set aside, how else can you pay these costs?Long-term care insurance can be expensive, but when you think about what it can provide an Alzheimers patient at a skilled nursing facility for a considerable amount of time,the benefit is vast, says Lori Martin, who sells long-term care insurance plans at Riverside-basedEnvisionBenefit Specialists.Some long-term care plans have high annual premiums, but Martinsays that someone in their mid-50s can purchase a policy with good benefitsfor a $2,500 annual premium. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurances website, aaltci.org,lists agents specializing in selling long-term care plans.Providing Support for FamiliesIn addition to assisting residents, memory care facilities can also provide support for families.All forms of dementia, including Alzheimers, are very stigmatized, similar to depression, says Mary Ann Anichini, a nurse practitioner and executive with Evanston-basedPresbyterian Homes. Families have a hard time accepting it.It is sometimes a shocking diagnosis for families, echoes neurologist Daniel Cacioppo, MD, ofNorthwest Community Healthcare. We tell them theyre not alone and provide them with information about support groups.We provide comfort to the families by listening and talking, Hansen says. We cant make the disease better, but we can absolutely let our family members and residents know that theyre not walking the journey alone. Doug PageEditoris Note: Excerpt reprinted with permission from Chicago Health magazine. Visit www.chicagohealthonline.com to read more or to subscribe to its bi-monthly e-newsletter.

If your spouse has entered a nursing home, you know the governments harsh rules create a tremendous financial strain on the healthy spouse. The general rules of Medicaid for married families only allow the healthy spouse to keep half of the available assets, up to a maximum of about $130,000.Lets consider the situation of Jane and John Jones. John is a stroke patient who needs nursing home care. The Jones family has worked their entire lives to save about $400,000 for retirement. Johns unfortunate stroke is going to result in Jane losing $270,000 to the nursing home over 2 years. In addition, once the money is gone, the State will even require some of Johns monthly Social Security check to be paid to the nursing home.WHY? Why does our government system require Jane to go broke because her husband had a stroke? It shouldnt work that way!Jane starts doing research and meets with a Certified Elder Law Attorney*. After reviewing the situation, the attorney recommends a strategy called a Spousal Annuity plan. This strategy allows Jane to convert nearly all the money she would otherwise lose into an annuity for her own benefit. Rather than losing $270,000, Jane turns the asset into an income stream that she can use to pay her bills for years. Shes allowed to protect almost all her assets through a well-designed asset protection plan!Does this sound too good to be true? Its not. You just have to know the rules and how they apply to your specific situation.Medicaid rules are complex, and you should not assume this strategy will work for your family. A certified Elder Law Attorney* can help you determine if this (or another) strategy can help save your assets. A nursing home admission is a legal problem requiring a lawyers assistance. Dont navigate this alone. Our lawyers are available for no-cost phone and Zoom consultations. Call Today!Editors Note: This article was written by Certified Elder Law Attorney* Tim Sechler, Esq., Sechler Law Firm, LLC. See our ad on the Back Cover or contact us by phone at 724-841-1393 or on the web atwww.SechlerLawFirm.com. *Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation as accredited by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Rosemary Thomas proudly endorses physical fitness and the saying, If you dont move it, you will lose it.After two hip replacements and fluctuating weight, she knew she needed to step up her fitness routine to regain mobility. Joining SilverSneakers provided her with the consistency she desired and the confidence she needed to begin fine-tuning her body. In addition to attending SilverSneakers classes regularly, she loves cardio and dancing. Thomas encourages others to get active and says, Dont meet me at the gym; beat me getting to the gym.In 2016, Thomas was selected as one of 10 finalists for the SilverSneakers Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award due to her inspiring story of improving her health and happiness, and being a dedicated fitness champion.With SilverSneakers, older adults can get active and feel great, at their convenience and at no additional cost. More than 14.5 million people are eligible for the SilverSneakers benefit through more than 60 health plans that include the nations leading Medicare Advantage health plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans.As Thomas story shows, fitness is personal. Each individual should exercise where, when and how they want. That's why SilverSneakers has built a national network of more than 13,000 participating locations and fitness centers use the pool at one location in the morning, jog on a treadmill at another in the afternoon And take a class at another gym in the evening.In addition, the program includes SilverSneakers FLEX, with more than 70 unique types of classes in convenient neighborhood locations, such as churches, recreation centers and older-adult living communities.Celebrating more than 25 years, SilverSneakers is the nations leading community fitness program designed specifically for older Americans. No other program has such a rich history and experience in older adult fitness. What began in 1992 as a first-of-its-kind class for older adults, has now grown and evolved to accommodate all fitness levels, from Baby Boomers and beyond.For more information about SilverSneakers or to check elegibility, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-877-402-6753. In addition, our Spanish customer service team is available at 1-888-617-6392.

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!

Communication in Long Term Care Settings: Tips for LTC FacilitiesCommunication between Long Term Care Facilities with a family member, can go a long way and set a very strong foundation for the families to feel assured and safe with their loved ones care. With the set back of COVID-19, along with other barriers there has been a change in the typical customer service communications. There are many psycho-social studies that show there is already a lot of guilt, stress, anger, exhaustion, financial burden, and distrust by the time that they reach the point to admit their loved one in LTC setting. It is crucial to be extra sensitive about his matter when assisting a family member in this process.Long Term Care Communication Tips:Reduce Confusion: Upon admission is the best time to reduce confusion by taking time to explain Director Roles, also be sure to provide them with their cards so that they can make notes of who will be calling and the purpose of the communication.Visitation: It can be very frustrating for families when they do not understand or have a very clear picture of the visitation process.High Communication: Communication is key, when you are dealing with peoples loved ones, whether it is financials, health insurance, hospitalizations, new treatments, progress, or onset of new illnesses. Communications leads the way to a happy family and a happy resident.This article was submitted by Valerie Niebrand withHighlands Guest Care Center.

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

Its almost time to participate in that once-a-decade American tradition once again.On Census Day, April 1, 2020 the federal government will begin its constitutional obligation to count every single person living in the US. Most households can begin to participate around mid-March, when letters with instructions are scheduled to be sent out around the country.New for Census 2020 is a move toward online and telephone responses. A 1-800 number and an online form on the US Census website will be available for the first time. Paper forms can still be hand-filled and mailed but the push is toward the new online and phone methods. Households that do not respond by early April could receive a visit from a census worker or door knocker trained to conduct census interviews and collect responses in person.Historically, older adults participate in the census in higher numbers than other demographic groups. However, a recent Census Bureau survey found that 65% of older adults dont feel comfortable giving personal information online or over the phone. Advocates worry that the push to use these new methods will keep some older adults from participating and result in lower census numbers.Whats At Stake?Theres a lot at stake for the State of Illinois that relies on resident participation in the census. In fact, the 2020 census data will shape political power and resources in our state for the next decade. The results will not only determine the number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes but will also determine the distribution of roughly $880 billion a year in Federal dollars. This funding pays for critical services that benefit people of all ages like schools, roads, mass transit, and hospitals. It also supports programs that specifically help older Americans to be as healthy and independent as possible, like Medicare Part B, nutrition programs, and community supports.In addition, businesses will use census data to determine things like where to build new supermarkets or direct new products and innovations. Emergency responders will use the census to direct search and rescue or prioritize clean-up efforts after natural disasters. The state will decide where to allocate transportation, housing, and social service resources. Population figures also factor into Illinois upcoming 2021 legislative redistricting and could impact future election results. Editors Note: The Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging at 630-293-5990 or visit our website at www.AgeGuide.org.

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'sWomen 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 athttp://www.saltlakecity.va.gov/services_women_veterans.asp

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

Kavod Senior Life recently hosted a town hall meeting with Lt. Kate Young, a Community Resource Officer (CRO) from the Denver Police Department. Lt. Young did a great job helping our residents learn some best practices on keeping themselves safe from harm.While Kavod has protocols in place to keep the campus secure (including a daily check-in system, fob-controlled entry, night managers on staff, lighting and video camera surveillance), once residents step out in the greater community, they need to know how to keep themselves alert and protected.Lt. Young discussed the following points, which were also provided on a handout for residents.GENERAL TIPSNever invite someone into your home who you do not know, and never loan anyone your car.Never give out personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card, etc.Do not tell unknown persons if you live alone or if you are going out of town.Have a friend or loved one check in on you to ensure you are safe.Shred documents before discarding; be aware of scams and do not trust calls asking for money or personal information.TRAVEL ADVICEAlways be aware of your surroundings. If something doesnt feel right, it probably isnt.Avoid or limit distractions, such as cell phones or headphones, and pay attention to people approaching you.Park, walk and exercise in well-lit areas, avoiding dark areas and less populated shortcuts.Travel with friends or ask someone to escort you to your vehicle or destination as much as possible.Be discreet with valuables; try not to carry more than you need. Also, try to keep valuables on your person, so if your purse or bag is stolen, you still have your important items.Be prepared to have your keys in hand when walking to your car; move quickly in and out of your vehicle.REPORTINGIf something does seem suspicious, report it.Non-emergencies: 720.913.2000Emergencies: 911Online: Denvergov.org/PoliceIt is our goal at Kavod to provide as many resources as we can to our residents to provide them a safe place to live and ensure that they can live their best lives possible. We encourage anyone to take advantage of these resources as well. For more information about Kavod Senior Life and our campus amenities, call our front desk at 303.399.1146 or email Info@KavodSeniorLife.org.

Did you know that there are ten regional ADA Centers in the U.S. to help seniors understand their rights and responsibilities under the ADA? These Centers are funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education to provide:Answers to all your questions on this comprehensive civil rights lawCustomized trainings for people, businesses, and organizationsResources in a variety of formats including print, e-mail, web sites, DVDsReferrals when appropriate.Some of the resources available cover topics like:What is a disability under the ADA?What entities are covered by the ADA?What is the reasonable accommodation process for employees with a disability?What Standards for Accessible Design apply to existing buildings and new buildings?What tax credits and deductions are available for removal of barriers?What is proper disability etiquette?What is a service animal?To contact the ADA Center nearest to you, call 800-949-4232 or visit www.adata.org

One on one assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

The Granny Starr Foundation (non-profit) was created to honor photographer, Rachael Collins grandmother, Evelyn Starr Cutler (Granny Starr). Evelyn was born in 1923, spoke seven languages and was ahead of her time. She lived in Indiana for many years and then finally moved to Utah. In 2007, she resided at the Sarah Daft Assisted Living in Salt Lake City. Rachael thought it would be fun to do a free photo shoot for the residents there. The experience wound up being heart-warming and an idea was sparked. Rachael could see the value in bringing this opportunity to a nursing home. The residents could feel loved and special while being photographed, and the families would forever have a photo of their loved one.Evelyn Starr Cutler passed away in December of 2009. A year later, the foundation was born and over a hundred facilities in Utah have had their residents photographed. For some it was the last portrait ever taken. The foundation visits nursing homes, assisted living homes, senior centers and retirement communities to take professional photographs. The residents are then provided with a 5x7 photo. The part its all FREE.Granny Starr has been featured numerous times in the paper and was featured on KSL Studio 5 morning show in 2011. It is Rachaels hope to eventually expand the foundation outside of Utah and reach as many seniors as possible.Later in life as people age, it is less likely for one to go out and get photos taken, especially professionally. Granny Starr Foundation takes pride in being the first and only non-profit professional photography option for seniors. Capture the Wisdom.For more information go to www.grannystarr.org. or 801-645-5790

To learn more about Harmony Home Health and Hospice,CLICK HERE.Theres just nothing that compares with the feeling of waking up after a good nights sleep, feeling energized and ready to face the day. Yet for many seniors as many as one in three of them getting enough sleep is something that only happens in their dreams. And sadly, its acommon misconceptionthat insufficient sleep is something we just need to accept as we grow older an assumption that Preeti Malani, M.D., chief health officer and professor of medicine at the University of Michigan wants to correct.According to Dr. Malani, If older adults believe that these changes are a normal, inevitable part of aging, they may not think of it as something to discuss with their doctor. And not discussing it can potentially lead to health issues not being identified and managed.Instead of tossing and turning each night, almost half of older adults experiencing sleeping problems are turning to sleeping medications a habit that can be extremely dangerous as we age. Sleep medications for seniors can double the risk of falls and broken bones, due to the increased dizziness and disorientation they are known to often cause. Older adults are often also at risk of becoming dependent on sleeping medications. And, the risk for car accidents may increase as well, according to Consumer Reports Choosing Wisely campaign.To take it a step further, the concern even includes herbal remedies and supplements as well, which place older adults at risk for a number of additional negative health problems. Even something as seemingly harmless as melatonin can react negatively with other common meds, such as those for diabetes and high blood pressure, leading to dizziness and nausea.A senior having sleep problems should instead talk with his or her primary care physician to rule out any underlying conditions (including depression, anxiety, restless leg syndrome, and heart disease, just to name a few) and to get his or her recommendation on how to safely improve sleep. Several safe alternatives include:Cutting back on the amount of caffeine and alcohol consumed, particularly later in the day and eveningMaking sure all electronic devices are kept out of the bedroom, and ensuring the room is cool and darkEstablishing a sleeping routine and sticking to it, going to sleep and awakening at the same time every dayExploring the services of a professional sleep therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy

For more information on ManorCare, CLICK HERE.The lungs are a unique organ, and part of a system designed to protect them. Mucus membranes line the nose, mouth, throat and airways and trap germs, dirt and particles before they enter the lungs. Mucus also stops foreign matter from travelling through the respiratory system, and cilia (tiny hairs) catch dirt and germs and move them up to where they can be coughed up, or swallowed.The lungs are protected by many defenses, but that doesnt mean that they dont need their person to take care of them. So many people worry about weight, the heart, the kidneys, the digestive system, etc., but overlook the many ways they could care for their respiratory system. Its important to consider the ways that a person can care for their lungs, bronchi, trachea, diaphragm, etc. A few simple considerations can lead to a much healthier respiratory system. Lungs supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide and other gases from the body. Anything that you breathe in can directly affect your lungs.The easiest way to keep your lungs healthy is to consider what you are breathing in:Quit SmokingSmoking is the main cause of lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Cigarette smoke narrows the air passages in the lungs and makes breathing more difficult. Its never too late to quit smoking.Second Hand SmokeLung cancer and COPD can be caused by inhaling the smoke from other smokers. Just because you are not smoking the cigarette, does not mean its not directly affecting your lungs and respiratory system.Air PollutionAir pollution can cause problems for all people, especially for those with lung disease. Irritation, inflammation, and damage to lung tissue is all possible due to airborne irritants. People with certain jobs (construction, refineries and unventilated office buildings) are also at an increased risk for lung diseases. If a job involves large amounts of dust, asbestos or chemicals, proper clothing, masks and ventilation should be used.Wash Your Hands FrequentlyCommon respiratory infections like colds and the flu are spread by hands through touching infected surfaces and then touching the mouth, eyes, nose, etc. By using proper handwashing techniques, and washing the hands regularly, the risk of infection is greatly reduced.Keep the Air Inside your Home CleanMany people take for granted the quality of air in their homes. Dust, chemical cleaners and moisture can pollute the air inside your home. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to vent moisture, keep counters, bathtubs and other wet areas dry and wipe away dust to control the air quality in your home. Opening windows and letting fresh air in as frequently as possible is also important, especially when painting, cleaning or installing new carpet.Use Caution During Cold and Flu SeasonIf illnesses are going around in your area, avoid large crowds and use proper handwashing techniques and alcohol based hand sanitizers.Get VaccinatedFlu vaccinations help prevent influenza and other serious infections caused by the flu. Getting vaccinated protects the lungs by preventing the infections that can cause damage to lungs and lung tissue.Get a PhysicalVisiting your doctor regularly for check-ups is a proactive way to prevent lung disease and detect problems in the early stages. By being honest with your physician about your health, changes in your body and new symptoms, your doctor will best be able to complete testing and prescribe treatments.Educating yourself and your loved ones about respiratory health is key to maintaining healthy lungs. Breathing is required for life, but often taken for granted. Knowing the many ways that a person can take care of the lungs is key to prevention of disease and easy breathing for years to come as well as ensuring quality of life for future years.

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.

Im sure that youre asking how can any ONE thing help everyone? In this age where there are a multitude of different solutions for everyone, its hard to think that everyone taking the same action would be good. Well, lets suppose that you were so hurt or ill that you couldnt speak. What would your loved ones do? How would they know what treatment options and medical decisions to make for you? For that matter of fact, who would you want making those decisions? What personal values or beliefs do you have that you would want considered when making these types of decisions? Wouldnt you need them to know what you would want? Of course, you would!This process that Ive begun to outline is called Advanced Care Planning or ACP for short. ACP involves several issues and is for all adults over the age of 18. It means that you think about and plan for future healthcare decisions if you had sudden health event, such as above. While everyone should document their healthcare decisions, the decisions that each of us would make will be different! There are many distinct types of individuals that help you to identify and document your decisions such as Social Workers, Care Managers and Advanced Care Planning Facilitators.Why should you plan for yourself and your family members? If your loved one was hurt or ill, wouldnt you want to know what their wishes are? For you, if you care about the burden your family and/or loved ones would be under or if you care about your wishes being heard, then please look at the Advanced Care Planning process. Both Chris and I at Seniors Blue Book are Advanced Care Planning Facilitators thanks to the partnership between Lancaster General Health and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation so you can ask us to help! Alternatively ask a Social Worker or Care Manager at any hospital that is close to you. If youd rather, you can go to www.yourlifeyourwishes.com or www.lghealth.org/advancecareplanning/ to learn more.Contact Chris or Cynthia for help with Advance Care Planning at pa-info@seniorsbluebook.com.Cynthia Gartman, PublisherFirst Steps ACP Certified FacilitatorCertified Senior Advisor (CSA)

What is Low Vision:Low Vision as defined by The Vision Council, is a term used to refer to a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, pharmaceuticals, glasses or contact lenses. It is often characterized by partial sight, such a blurred vision, blind spots, or tunnel vision. Low vision can impact people of all ages, but is primarily associated with older adults.What causes Low Vision: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD/ARMD): AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among Americans over age 60. It accounts for nearly half of all low vision cases. It is caused when the part of the eye responsible for sharp, straight-on vision the macula breaks down and causes a loss of central vision. There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. Wet AMD is caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the macula. Central vision loss occurs rapidly with wet AMD. In dry AMD, light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, leading to a gradual loss of central vision. Diabetic Retinopathy: According to the National Eye Institute, more than 30 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some form of diabetic retinopathy. It is a major cause of blindness and is directly related to high blood sugar, which damages blood vessels. That damage affects the retina and can even lead to its detachment. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. With glaucoma, portions of vision are lost over time, usually with no warning signs or symptoms prior to vision deterioration. For many, a decrease in peripheral vision is the first sign of glaucoma. Cataracts: Over 20 million people in the US alone have cataracts according to Prevent Blindness America. It appears as a clouding of the lens of the eye. Retinitis Pigmentosa: This is a group of inherited diseases affecting the retina resulting in progressive vision loss. This type of vision impairment often begins in childhood with poor night vision and progresses over time.Where can I get help?In Fairfield & New Haven counties there are 9 Lions Low Vision Centers at your disposal, these centers are in partnership with an established health care facility. These centers are staffed with Occupational Therapists (OT) that are specifically trained in helping patients with low vision. Each initial visit begins with an evaluation of your condition and then the OT has a starting point of your specific needs. The evaluation is approximately 1 hour long for your first visit. Your treatment may require a few visits to provide you with the best care. The OT will determine different devices that will assist you with dealing with the amount of eye sight that you have remaining. ALL devices that are given to you during a visit are 100% FREE, however the OT is a staffed person at the medical facility and will bill your insurance for any charges. Depending on your specific insurance you may be required to pay a co-pay for the services that the OT provides.There are only 4 steps you need to take to receive services from 1 of our Lions Low Vision Centers.1. Visit your eye care professional.2. He/She should complete the referral form (available for printing from our website) and fax that form into the center that is closest to your home.3. You then call that center (phone numbers are on the front side of the referral form) and make an appointment with the OT that does Low Vision evaluations.4. Go to the scheduled appointment.Our centers are in the following towns: Bridgeport, Danbury, Derby, Greenwich, Naugatuck, New Haven, North Haven, Southbury, Waterbury. You can get more information at our website: www.lionslowvisioncenter.org

An easy to understand chart reviewing the 2020 Medicare Plans.

Although the American family has always shown great resilience through the ups and downs of our dynamic economy, the slow recovery were experiencing now is compelling many to not only reconsider their priorities, but reevaluate the financial strategies they may have put in place only a few years ago. Families and Finances A recent study conducted by Forbes Consulting Group in 2013 titled, State of the American Family: Families, Financial Attitudes & Planning, found that families1 financial priorities are focused around 4 specific areas: Income, Savings, and Retirement.The challenge for many of us is determining which of the four areas should be our primary focus. Ultimately, only you can decide where to put the majority of your financial efforts. Factors such as age, marital status, number of dependents and short- and long-term goals all will play a part in your decision making. Thats the easy part. The hard part is trying to balance all four at the same time which you will have to do - along with the rest of your day-to-day life.Income Your income(s) is the source of funding for most everything you enjoy in life. In fact, when viewed over the span of your entire working life, your income may be your most valuable asset. For those whose priority is to use their income to build and accumulate assets for the future, your first step should be to protect your income (inquire with your employer regarding your Group Long Term Disability options), and, once secure, look for ways to increase or supplement it. What side hustle could you do in your free time to generate additional income?Savings If savings is your top priority (for the purchase of a home, a childs education, or other reason), view the sacrifices you make now as the foundation of building and accumulating wealth. First, create a budget that will identify how much, and for how long, you will need to save to reach your goal. Start your savings plan by creating an emergency fund (equal to six months of income), then investigate various savings vehicles available. Consider making arrangements to automatically withdraw money from your paycheck or checking account. Set it and forget it is an ideal way to save.Retirement Regardless of your age or situation, retirement planning should be a priority for everyone. Once you have an idea about how much income youll need in retirement (70% of current income is a good rule of thumb), the simplest way to save for retirementis through your employers 401(k) or similar plan. If your employer does not offer a qualified retirement plan (or you are self-employed), create your own by using an IRA (traditional or Roth) or Self Employed Pension plan. Also consider whole life insurance. While primarily purchased for its death benefit, the build-up of the cash value in a whole life insurance policy is guaranteed, and can help give you a reliable source of supplemental retirement income.Editors Note: This article was provided by Bradley Waller, a financial representative with MassMutual Financial Group; courtesy of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies.1. Access to cash values through borrowing or partial surrenders will reduce the policys cash value and death benefit, increase the chance the policy will lapse, and may result in a tax liability if the policy terminates before the death of the insured.

Individuals who can assist you with understanding the range of home care and housing options. They are prepared to ask you questions that help you narrow down your options and help you with resources that you can seek out prior to making decisions.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

To learn more aboutEnvida, CLICK HERE.One of the first programs in the US that connects individuals suffering with mental illness crises andaddictions to mental health professionals and facilities through a unique transportation program(Colorado Springs, Colo. September 10, 2020) Transportation obstacles have long been identified asbarriers for individuals to receive mental health support which, according to the Center for DiseaseControl and Prevention study, has seen a marked increase since the beginning of the COVID-19pandemic.Envida, provides home care and transportation to those in need in El Paso and Teller counties,realized that individuals necessary mental health care needs werent being met, so they implementeda program that specifically addresses transportation to get individuals to and from their mental healthappointments. These appointments help address substance abuse, anxiety, isolation and depression all conditions known to be aggravated by COVID-19 and often leading to crisis.What makes Envidas program unique is:One of the first programs in the US that connects individuals suffering with mental illnesscrises and addictions to mental health professionals and facilities through a uniquetransportation program.Envida utilizes state of the art software that allows individuals to manage their mental healthappointments with confidence and confidentiality, while building their independence.Envida's drivers are specially trained in mental health response to foster safe and trustingrelationships with riders.Funded primarily through grants from the Federal Transit Administration, Colorado Community HealthAlliance and the National Center for Mobility Management, Envidas mental health transportationprogram has recently finished its test phase and is currently implementing its pilot programthroughout El Paso and Teller counties in Colorado. The goal is for Envidas program to be a replicablemodel for cities to implement throughout the U.S.Envida first rolled out the test program last year, and we had an amazing response, said Gail Nehls,Envidas Chief Executive Officer. Starting in November we had 87 rides scheduled by February wehad over 400 rides scheduled. Then the pandemic hit, and telehealth appointments becamenecessary. However, telehealth does not address individuals in crisis, so weve pivoted to providingrides for individuals experiencing mental health crises and have seen our ridership increase over 4fold, Nehls continued. At the end of the day, we want to be sure to give our clients greater accessto mental health. We want to save lives.

For more information on the author Good Life Healing Center, CLICK HERE.More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 90 percent of them have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Type 2 diabetes, while its exact cause is unknown, develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas doesnt produce enough insulin. Because of this, treatment often involves taking insulin sensitizers or medication that helps the body increase its sensitivity and therefore ability to process insulin, keeping the blood sugar from getting too low. Unfortunately, this medication often causes side effects, including weight gain and anemia.The good news is, for those millions of Americans living with type 2 diabetes, researchshows electroacupuncture combined with an insulin sensitizer may be a viable new treatment option.The study was published in 2015 in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine. In it, researchers looked at the effect of the combination of electroacupuncture and metformin one kind of insulin sensitizer on insulin-resistant rats. In one group of rats, the researchers only administered metformin. In the other, the rats were given metformin and electroacupuncture treatments, and then they compared several different factors.Overall, the rats that received both treatment types had higher insulin levels than those who just got the metformin. Interestingly, while metformin does improve insulin sensitivity and suppresses gluconeogenesis a process that makes glucose in the body, it does not actually cause insulin production. Therefore, the researchers attributed the higher levels of insulin in the metformin and electroacupuncture group to be due to the acupuncture treatments themselves.The researchers also compared two other indicators of insulin production and absorption between the two groups and for each of the indicators, the rats that also received electroacupuncture performed better.Of course, human clinical trials are needed, but the researchers were excited enough about their findings that they suggested this combination could be developed as a new treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes. This study is just one in a long list that has sought to bring the gifts of acupuncture to patients with diabetes.As always in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we want to improve your health from the root cause outward to the symptoms, addressing how a patient came to be diabetic as well as the health problems that arise with a diagnosis. TCM teaches it is important to look at all aspects of your well-being, including diet, exercise and mental health altogether, not as unrelated elements.If you have any questions about acupuncture for diabetes, or youd like to start a journey to better health before a life-changing diagnosis, please dont hesitate to get in touch with me.

Im excited to share with you our personal journey that lead to the formation of my family run business, Home Care Preferred.After 25 years in my H.R. executive role I was finally enjoying my life of retirement in sunny FL playing golf, tennis & boating. Then one day, I received a disturbing call from the assisted living facility that my in-laws resided in. The facility had made the decision to separate them due to my father-in-laws severe dementia. The process was to move him to a secured area. My husband and I could not imagine separating them after 60 years of marriage so we moved them closer to us. We hired caregivers 24/7 to assist them and they loved the personal care!My next calling was from my brother-in-law. My sister had an aneurysm and was fighting for her life. After brain surgery, she remained in critical condition and on life support for weeks followed by intense rehabilitation. Again, coming out of retirement, I cared for her for three months until she returned home, fully recovered.Shortly thereafter, my nephew called on me to come offer family support and end of life care to my beloved brother. The diagnosis was esophageal cancer. My brother was dying. With the support of myself and his family, my brother was able to pass in his home surrounded by loved ones.The years of caregiving continued. I began to feel that this was my calling. It was then that my daughters and I, who all have medical backgrounds, decided to open a home health care service to help others.Ashley Green, my honorary daughter, has her Masters in Health Care and is currently a Captain in Army Reserves Medical Unit. Heather Blackburn is an R.N. with Clinical Education and Development experience. Ashley Crandall was a respiratory therapist for 9 years in the Army and over 10 years of Corporate Finance experience. My husband, Lee Schmachtenberg is our CFO and Attorney. Lee has 35 years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Real Estate. He is also a former JAG officer and served as Commander of an American Legion Post.We have appointed our dear family friend, Diane Schroeder, as our RN. Diane comes with 40 years of experience, 10 of which are in the Home Health field.Our passionate teams knowledge, skills and abilities, plus our unbridled enthusiasm to be the best makes us the ideal choice when premier home care is preferred.When quality of life at home is preferred, call 239-302-9090. Servicing Collier & Lee Counties. N.R. Lic # 30211851

Companies that provide/sell medical supplies, oxygen and respiratory equipment, wheelchairs, and diabetic supplies for home use. Many companies can directly bill Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

How Misinformation Hurts Us As Americans we think we can beat anything. This includes of course, serious illness. No matter how aggressive our disease process is, often times, we decide to fight it. Even when end of life is near, we don't want to think about changing tactics and avoid having difficult conversations with loved ones. So we decide to go for one more surgery or one more round of chemo although a cure seems to be improbable. We decide that although we see death approaching, a trip to the hospital or physical therapist is still a better option. We think that if we just go, go, go, and fight, fight, fight, somehow, someway, well beat it. Sometimes we do but death eventually comes to us all. Maybe, just maybe, it might be time to take the gloves off, go back to the locker room, reflect on the good fight we've fought, and spend the rest of our time surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. We've all seen the movie where the boxer keeps getting up after he gets knocked down repeatedly, and each time he gets up, he gets pummeled! We shout at the screen, Stay down! Don't get up, you're gonna get clobbered! And often times, he gets up, gets dealt one last knockout blow, and doesn't walk out of the ring alive. He could have lived longer, but getting up the last time killed him. Hospitalizations and physical therapy can go this way near the end of ones life. They have their place no doubt, but many curative measures end up killing people due to the body's inability to endure them. Life-limiting illness wreaks havoc on the human body. A surgery that a healthy person would be able to endure could end up killing someone who is battling a serious disease. Physical therapy is a God-send for the 28 year old NFL player who just shattered his knee but could end up being deadly for a 91 year old who is barely able to move or breathe. Its time to change the conversation about death and dying in America. Its time to stop pushing for invasive surgeries toward end of life, and to start advocating for comfort, pain management, and holistic support when we've run out of options to cure. This isn't giving up or throwing in the towel. This is approaching death differently. This is hospice. Brian Lenney, Patient Care Advocate Kristi Hartway Director, Business Operations kristihartway@harrisonshope.com

One of the top fears that seniors 60 and older face is the fear of cognitive decline, being unable to care for oneself and being a burden on their families.According to the US National Vital Statistics the average 60 year old has a 4.8% chance of developing Alzheimers in their life. That means there is a 95.2% risk of not developing it!In addition there is other good news about dementia rates. A new study that came out at the end of 2016 finds the dementia rates in the US of those 65+, have dropped from 11.6% in 2000 to 8.8% in 2012, a decline of 24%. This is thought to be attributed to better education and better heart health. Even with this positive news we know that dementia remains a serious issue with the number expected to triple by 2050 due to the elder population increasing and living longer.What can a Floridian do to reduce their fear of cognitive decline and continue to reduce the numbers of those who develop dementia? Participate in important educational, physical, health and social programs of the Friendship Centers and many more senior organizations throughout Florida.Practicing motor skills by using your hands and fingers to complete tasks helps the brain to keep growing. Games and hobbies like knitting and crafting strengthen channels in the brain. Challenge brains by learning new things. This can cause new brain cells to clear away inflammation.Exercise up to 150 minutes/week boosts blood flow and circulation to the heart and brain. These activities also strengthen balance; a fall can cause brain trauma.A diet low in sugar and rich in grains, fruits and vegetables can control high blood pressure and diabetes helping to reduce strokes and vascular dementia.Engaging and connecting with others create hormones boosting the brain and helping improve language skills.Minimizing stress and maximizing quality deep sleep strengthens brain neurons which fight the plaques that are associated with Alzheimers.It is never too late. Even when diagnosed, keep living. The brain will always know love and joy.Editors Note: For assistance or information call the Senior Friendship Centers (239) 275-1881.

Memory Loss, Forgetfulness, and Aging: Whats Normal and Whats Not?Forgetfulness and memory loss may be a normal part of aging. As we age, all parts of the body change, including the brain. As a result, some people may notice that it takes longer to learn new things or their memory is not as good as before.Today, were looking at some memory-related topics to give you a better understanding of what to expect with memory and aging.How does memory change with age?As you age, physiological changes occur that may cause problems in your normal brain functions. These are functions that most of us simply take for granted without a second thought. When functional issues arise, it might take you longer to learn and recall information; or you may not be as fast as you once were.As such, you might mistake these slowing mental processes as being actual memory loss. Fortunately, many of these functions return if you give yourself time. Therefore, certain brain changes are inevitable during aging. However, memory problems are not one of them.This is why it is important to understand the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and symptoms that may indicate cognitive problems.How can I help my elderly with memory loss?The best way to approach someone who suffers from memory loss is to do so as you would a child. What does this mean? Essentially, it means using simple language while maintaining an encouraging tone. As such, you want to exhibit positive expressions, make eye contact, and use open gestures.And above all else, it means employing a lot of patience. Lets look at some keep tips you can exercise to help older adults with memory loss.Mind Your ToneEven if its difficult to see that your loved ones cognitive abilities are declining, you should try to be optimistic when talking to them. People with dementia may not understand everything you say or ask, but they will definitely notice your emotions and expressions.For example, if you look anxious, worried, or upset, they too will become anxious or upset. Therefore, speak positively with an uplifting tone. Be sure to smile and let yourself be optimistic about them. Try using gentle language and loving gestures.Use Short Sentences and WordsYou dont need to yell or speak in an overly simple way. But you should speak slowly, clearly, and evenly while using simple words. Try using one- and two-syllable words to express what youre trying to say.Lowering the natural pitch of your voice can also help to get the attention of your loved one. Just remember that if your loved one needs you to repeat what you said many times, dont let it frustrate you.Even after implementing these tips into your vernacular they still dont understand you, go to the next step. You can always try these techniques again at a later time.Choose a Quiet SettingYou should try to limit background noise as much as possible. If your children are running around and making noise, ask them to play in another room and play as quietly as they can. Turn off the TV or anything else that could serve as a distraction.Moreover, if your relative lives in a memory care home or nursing home, close the door during your visit to reduce noise from within the facility. Then, use simple techniques to get the attention of your loved one and try to maintain your communication.Also, be sure to call your senior by their name. If he or she doesnt remember your name, dont be angry; simply identify who you are and move on. Remember to make eye contact, too, as it is very important in communicating with someone suffering from memory loss.Light, gentle touches on their shoulders, arms, and hands also help to establish a line of communication.Use Names as Much as PossibleAnd speaking of using their name during your social interaction, the same goes for family and friends when discussing them. Whenever possible, use direct names (pronouns) rather than nouns like he or she, him or her.Memory senior care is a challenging venture. But using proper names is a big step in overcoming cognitive decline. Thats because the use of these names helps to trigger memories in loved ones whose brain function isnt what it used to be.Whats more, names are more familiar compared to simple nouns. You may find that speaking clearly with proper names triggers a stimulating response. Give it a try, and be sure to maintain this method in your conversations moving forward.4 Ways to Improve Memory for SeniorsRejuvenating brain function is a challenging proposition. But there are some helpful tips to keep your brain sharp and your thinking healthy. Consider each method a mental exercise that you can employ to improve your mental health.The good news is that you can implement these tips in an attempt to help seniors suffering from memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimers disease.Stay OrganizedTry to limit distractions and dont attempt to take on too much at once. If you focus on the information you are trying to keep, you are more likely to recall it at a later time when you need it.Keep Brain Functions ActiveJust as physical activity helps keep the body healthy, mental stimulation activities help keep the brain healthy and may prevent memory loss. Do crossword puzzles, play bridge, or take up playing a musical instrument, for example.Stay Physically ActiveJust as important is physical activity, which increases blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. This may help maintain your memory and keep your mental health sharp.SocializeSocial interaction helps fight depression and stress, both of which can lead to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with relatives and friends. This is especially important if your elder lives alone.If you have questions regarding what services Mary T offers for patients with memory loss,contact ustoday. Well do our best to provide more information and figure out the best plan for you or your loved one.

Senior Organizations & Services include senior organizations such as government, non-profit, and community organizations created to assist seniors in many areas of their lives. Many of these organizations have both a national office as well as local chapters so you make see2 listings of the same agency. Always start with your local chapters first for more informed help.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}##listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

For many of us, supporting our favorite charities is an important way of helping others and advancing causes that we believe in. Did you know that there are also many ways you can personally bene?t from such acts of generosity?Most important, of course, is the satisfaction you get when helping a charity that is dear to your heart. But your gifts, when planned smartly, can also help you even financially. Here are just three examples: Gifts of Appreciated Stock or Mutual Funds Gifts of appreciated securities, when held longer than one year, allow you to make a gift at a fraction of its cost. Lets say you bought XYZ stock a few years ago at $25 a share and its now worth $50 a share. If you transfer those shares directly to your favorite charity, your gift is valued at its current value rather than what you paid for it. And, as long as you transfer the gift directly to charity, you avoid paying tax on the capital gain. Charitable Gift Annuities A charitable gift annuity helps a charity to achieve its future goals while providing you (and/or someone you love) with an income stream for life. The rate of payment is based on your age and never changes. (The older you are, the higher the payout rate). Payments are partially tax-free for a period of years, and a charitable income tax deduction is also available if you itemize your deductions. You need to keep in mind that such a gift is irrevocable, but so is the charitys obligation to pay you for life. IRAs Gifts through your IRA provide yet another opportunity. Possibility 1: if you are age 70 or older, you can direct up to $100,000 a year to charity from your IRA. Although you wont receive a charitable tax deduction, neither will such a distribution count as taxable income. (Keep in mind that the distribution must go directly from ones account to the charity.) Possibility 2: make charity a full, partial or contingent beneficiary of your IRA upon your death. IRA funds left to loved ones can be heavily taxed, but giving these funds to charity can allow you to direct other assets to loved ones, with potentially favorable tax treatment. The Society of the Little Flower would be happy to provide additional information about these or other ways to help both your favorite charity and yourself. Elizabeth Wesel in our Special Gifts office can be reached at 888-996-1212 or elizabeth.wesel@littleflower.org.Editors Note: This article is intended to provide general information and is not meant to provide legal, tax or ?nancial advice; always consult a trusted professional about these or other giving opportunities.

Service Agencies AcronymsCOA. AAA. ASAP. Its all part of the confusing alphabet soup of service agencies for elders. And yes, it can be confusing trying to understand all the acronyms, what they stand for and precisely what each does. But have no fear, were here to help with a basic primer to understanding these different terms.Lets start with COAs, which stand for Councils on Aging, the local level of elder services. These councils are town or city based and generally serve just a single community. Councils on Aging are local volunteer organizations that offer information and direct services to seniors, their caregivers and other people with aging issues. COAs are part of the local government, and work with other senior agencies and city and town departments to provide social, recreational, health, safety and educational programs for seniors in their communities.Most COAs operate Senior Centers for area residents age 60 or older. COAs are also home to each towns SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) Program representatives, who provide free, confidential and unbiased health insurance information, assistance and counseling.ASAPs, or Aging Services Access Points, are private, non-profit, state-designated agencies under contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide seniors and caregivers with access to a variety of programs and services. ASAPs manage the Massachusetts Home Care Program, Meals on Wheels, Money Management Program and Caregiver Support Program, as well as provide information and referrals for senior services. Many services are free, others are based on one's ability to pay, and some are offered on a fee-for-service basis.ASAPs are supported by state and federal funds, as well as private donations. Federal funding is provided through regional Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which were established under the Older Americans Act to ensure that seniors have access to all essential services.AAAs solicit and contract with private vendors for services, administer the disbursement of funding, monitor programs for regulatory compliance and maintenance of quality, and generally coordinate operation of services and resources.Most ASAPs also serve as AAAs, but some locations in Massachusetts are served by separate agencies. There are 26 ASAPs across the Commonwealth, each serving a designated geographical area.This article was submitted by Douglas Flynn. Flynn is the Caregiving MetroWest Program Manager with BayPath Elder Services, Inc. and may be reached at 508-573-7204 or by email at dflynn@baypath.org.

Caregiver staff is covered by workman's comp#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

To learn more about Adult Case Management,CLICK HERE.Why did you start Adult Case Management? Great question, thanks for askingI started Adult Case Management after years of helping seniors find assisted living options withCarePatrol of Utah. With CarePatrol of Utah, we are able to help individuals find the safest long-term care options but we are limited to private paying clients. Over the years we helped hundreds of families but also had many requests from families without the ability to privately pay for assisted living or long-term care. We could help, but at some point our services were limited. By starting a New Choices Waiver Case Management company, we could offer the same first class service to those seeking long-term care placement on Medicaid.CarePatrol of Utah is a senior placement agency that helps families find the safest assisted living, independent living, memory care or in-home care. Our local Utah based team (Pictured above) has been to and works with virtually every place along the Wasatch Front. Our database and personal information is unmatched in the industry. With our experience and relationships we can offer clients the best and safest care options regardless of their payer source.Is there a conflict of interest with Adult Case Management and CarePatrol of Utah? Great follow-up question and something the State NCW office takes very seriously. Frankly, this is one major reasons I start this case management company. With CarePatrol of Utah working with private paying clients for assisted living and Adult Case Management working with those on Medicaid and the New Choices Waiver, we will never financial benefit from the same client in both companies. If the client can privately pay for assisted living, we will service that client through CarePatrol of Utah. If the client is on Medicaid, then Adult Case Management will service that client. These two sister companies are completely complimentary and void of any conflict.

The transition home after a health care stay can be exciting but also overwhelming and intimidating.When a person is at a health care facility, hospital, nursing home or rehab hospital, for rehabilitation or other skilled services, they have the security of knowing caregivers are there as are many other medical supports.The goal of most people is to go home!In order to do that it is helpful to have transition services in place. Going home on its own is a transition. There are obstacles that are unexpected and challenging. Beyond the physical challenges of readjusting to ones home environment, there is also the emotional side. Many people feel anxious at the thought of being home alone after a stay at a health care facility.There are services available for those first few days home. Some of the transition tasks that can be done by a caregiver are: picking up prescriptions, cleaning out the refrigerator, changing the bed, showering, toileting, doing laundry, preparing meals, providing medication reminders, transporting to follow up appointments and much more. Those are the physical tasks. The emotional security of having a caregiver available during the first few days at home can bring piece of mind and confidence. Having those supports decreases your risk for re-hospitalization.There is also technology available in the home. Telehealth is available by many providers. Telehealth allows for 7 days a week monitoring by a nurse. The telehealth monitors most commonly used offer: blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and weight readings. The vital signs are remotely transmitted daily to a nurse for review. Having the oversight of a nurse 7 days a week can be what makes the difference for a patient being able to stay in their home.Be informed about what services are available to help you go home and stay home successfully.Submitted by Brooke Erickson-Mignogna, VP of Strategic Development and Marketing at Care Solutions.

As we consider our responsibility to provide exceptional care for the aging and vulnerable population in Utah, I think it is important to remember that we are all part of the same team! We have all committed to assisting elders in their quest for quality of life, safety, access to health care, comfortable & affordable housing, and companionship!As we reflect upon the following habits of geese, lets re-commit to working collaboratively to ensure that we minimize gaps in services, provide access to benefits, and remember that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect no matter what their circumstances.Geese fly together in the same V formation that means they all agree on where they're headed! (shared goals and cooperation)When the lead goose gets tires, it rotates to the back of the formation and another goose flies at point. (teamwork and support) As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird just behind it. By flying in a V, the whole flock has 71% greater efficiency than flying alone. (share the workload)When a goose falls out of formation he feels the drag of resistance and quickly gets back in line. (Its hard to do it alone trust and delegate)The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. (Celebrate accomplishments and be positive)When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to protect it. They stay until it can fly again or dies. (Support teammates in good times & bad)Editors Note: Article by Diedra Kearney, Eden Educator, Director for Community Education at Dignity Home Health & Hospice. For more information or request for speaking opportunities, please call 801-860-3801.

A main concern for most people faced with terminal illness is whether theyll be able to die wherever they call home.Hospice care helps eliminate that worry, making it possible for people to spend their final moments of life in their preferred surroundings. By definition, hospice is intended to help terminally ill people remain comfortable during the last six months of their lives. The care can be administered at the patients home, hospice inpatient units as well as hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities or residential care facilities. When a loved one is receiving hospice care at home, these are the questions hospice providers are often asked:How will pain be managed?Hospice is an end-of-life care option tailored to the needs of each patient and family. It includes expert pain management, but also goes beyond medical care, by providing emotional and spiritual support. The care is provided by interdisciplinary teams of palliative care experts, including physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement specialists and volunteers.If the patient prefers to remain at home, what kind of assistance and in-home care will be available?Routine home care is available in accordance to the patients individualized plan of care. Continuous care, during a brief period of crisis, can be available for up to 24 hours a day. When patients or family members have questions or concerns after business hours, they can often get immediate answers and help by calling an after-hours service.What is the role of family members when their loved one is on hospice care? Family members play an important role by providing personal care to their loved one when hospice teams are not present. The hospice team does not take over, rather they teach and support families so they can provide the best in-home care possible. Hospice teams realize that no one knows the patient better than their family.What does hospice care cost? Does insurance cover it? Medicare pays for hospice services. Many states have established Medicaid coverage for hospice, and almost all private insurers and managed care plans provide coverage for hospice care as well.Editors Note: Article submitted by Cathy Carlson, VITAS Healthcare General Manager. For more information about hospice care or your end-of-life care options, call VITAS Healthcare at 866-759-6695 or visit www.VITAS.com

For more information on Secure Aging, Click Here.An estimated1 million peoplein the U.S. and 6 million people worldwide have Parkinsons disease, according to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.Just what is Parkinsons disease, exactly? Its a disorder that affects your nervous system and your movement. The actual cause of Parkinsons disease isnt well-known, but researchers believe that genes and environmental triggers can play a role. Parkinsons disease is more common over the age of 60, and its also more common in men.Here are a few of the symptoms associated with Parkinsons disease, according to theMayo Clinic. Symptoms often happen on one side of the body and stay worse on that side. Note that symptoms can differ for everyone, and initial symptoms may be so mild that you wont notice them:A tremor or shaking that frequently begins in your hand or fingers.Muscle stiffness.Posture that may become stooped.A slowing in the way you move. Over time, Parkinsons disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming, according to the Mayo Clinic.Changes in speech. This could include speaking more softly, quickly, or hesitating before talking.Changes in writing.Less ability to perform unconscious movements such as blinking or smiling.People living with Parkinsons disease often require special care, especially as their symptoms worsen. This is due to the symptoms mentioned above that make it harder to do daily tasks. Its also because Parkinsons disease may cause difficulties in thinking, including dementiaparticularly in the later stages. Other health issues caused by Parkinsons disease include depression and mood changes, swallowing disorders, bladder problems, and fatigue.Parkinsons disease does not have a cure, but there are medications to help the symptoms.Some patients require surgery. Healthier living choices such as regular aerobic exercise, better sleep, and a healthier diet all are recommended to help Parkinsons disease. Massage, physical therapy, tai chi, and yoga also may be helpful, according to theParkinsons Foundation.People dont die from Parkinsons disease. However, they may die from incidents related to the disease, such as a fall or a blood clot.Next month, we share some tips to help caregivers of people with Parkinsons disease.Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care ManagementAt Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our clients independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families inManatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 17, 2020For More Information:Cynthia Gartman, Publisher717-344-5580, ext. 720cynthia.gartman@seniorsbluebook.comSeniors BlueBook and Fizika Group Introduce Fizikaflex Wellness JournalInteractive publication promotes healthy aging for seniorsLANCASTER, PA Together, Seniors BlueBook and Fizika Group announce the publication of the Premier Edition of the Fizikaflex Wellness Journal, titled Feel the Freedom: A Guide to Putting Health into Your Own Hands. The publication is a result of a creative partnership between the two organizations and HDC MidAtlantic, which is distributing Feel the Freedom to residents in several of its local affordable housing communities.Both Seniors BlueBook, an educational resource for seniors, caregivers, adult children and senior professionals in Central Pennsylvania, and Fizika Group, a Lancaster-based health and wellness technology company that develops digital health solutions and provides quality professional development to help at risk communities thrive, share the goal of supporting Central Pennsylvania seniors successfully age in place and stay healthy.HDC MidAtlantic, a non-profit developer and manager of affordable housing in Central PA, partnered with Fizika in July to pilot the app with two dozen seniors residents living at HDCs Duke Manor Apartments and King Theatre Apartments in Lancaster City. The goals of Seniors BlueBook and Fizika Group align closely with HDCs holistic approach to affordable housing which includes a strong focus on supporting health and wellness for residents.The Wellness Journal is an extension of Fizikaflex, Fizikas smart wellness app that helps seniors living in affordable housing communities improve their health by monitoring daily activities like eating, sleeping and exercising. Users can document their progress in an online journal and share results with their peers.The idea for a print journal emerged from working with HDC staff and residents on the pilot program as a solution for residents who lack technology to fully utilize the app. In response to resident needs, Seniors BlueBook and Fizika also opted to make the journal fully bilingual, and each page features an outlined box with Spanish translation for all activities. The easy to read twelve-page workbook includes ideas to help seniors begin their wellness journeys, including recipes for healthy eating, creative approaches to mindfulness and engaging activities like word searches and word scrambles.In working with HDC MidAtlantic, it became evident that residents needed a resource they could access without the Internet to help them begin their wellness journeys. We are grateful for the partnership with Seniors Bluebook which enables this new bilingual publication to be printed and distributed at no cost to affordable housing communities. Were hopeful that this easy to use, fun and engaging guide to wellness will help thousands of people gain control of their health, which is especially important during this global pandemic. noted Martha Lester Harris, Founder and CEO of Fizika Group, LLC.The partnership with Fizikaflex encourages our residents to take a whole-person approach to fitness while promoting self-care. Not only does it encourage participants to capture their steps and nutrition, but it also encourages participants to capture their socialization, said Jennifer Santiago, an HDC Resident Services Coordinator who works with residents at King Theatre Apartments. The printed Journals are a really valuable piece, and will allow us to engage more residents in our senior housing communities. Wellness Journals will be distributed to 1300 residents living with affordable housing providers in Lancaster and York Counties, including senior residents at 27 HDC MidAtlantic affordable housing communities in Dauphin, Lancaster and York Counties. Distribution is planned for this month.For more information on the Fizikaflex Wellness Journal, please contact Martha Lester Harris at martha@fizikagroup.com. (Editors Note - the publication is available for download from Fizikas website: www.fizikagroup.com/wellness-journal.)About Fizika GroupFizika Group is a health and wellness technology company based in downtown Lancaster. Established as a Pennsylvania Benefit Company in 2018, Fizika develops digital health solutions and provides quality professional development to help at risk communities thrive. www.fizikagroup.comAbout Seniors BlueBookThe Seniors BlueBook of South Central PA provides seniors, caregivers, adult children and senior professionals a comprehensive source of educational information on available services, senior housing options, resources and information that enrich the lives of our older population.Our guide covers Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties as well as some information for Chester and Berks counties. We offer free guides, a free referral line, free seniors activity calendar, free professionals activity and CEUs calendars, and free job boards. Each guide comes with many educational articles of interest to seniors, their caregivers, and the professionals that serve them. For guide requests, email cynthia.gartman@seniorsbluebook.com.About HDCHDC MidAtlantic envisions a world where a safe, welcoming, affordable place to call home is open to everyone. We believe home shouldnt be an impossible dream, it should be an attainable reality: we believe housing is a human right. We are resident advocates, trusted developers, property managers, community partners, and collaborators. We are part of the fabric of our towns and cities and have been working with our neighbors since 1971 to create real change and meaningful connections.As champions of the greater good, we are committed to advancing equity, we open the door to opportunities, and we build homes that we can all be proud of.HDC owns and/or manages over 2,900 apartments, providing housing that is safe and affordable to those with lower incomes, focusing on seniors, families, and individuals living with disabilities. Serving over 3,900 residents in 54 communities located in urban, suburban and rural areas across Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, HDC builds hope and opportunity for all residents to reach their full potential by creating, preserving, and strengthening affordable housing communities.##

More than 150 million Americans already use social media and the number grows daily because it makes it so easy to keep up with friends, family and colleagues, share pictures and learn about great events.But, some people are sharing too much information and are not using privacy controls. According to Consumer Reports almost 13 million people have never set any kind of privacy controls on their Facebook site. When you share any information on Facebook or any social networking site, you are potentially sharing information with friends of friends making your exposure to thousands of people that you never even met.Set your wall settings for viewing only by friends or family and remember you don't have to share every wall post with every friend. Make yourself familiar with the privacy settings on your social networking site. Understand what you cant protect. Your name and profile picture are public. To protect your identity, don't use a photo or use one that doesn't show your face.A major way for your private information to be collected is through the free games and applications. Do you know that when you access a game or application, your name, gender and profile information as well as your list of friends and family is captured by the sponsoring application? And, if certain cautions are not applied, the sponsoring application can delve deeper into your data. While Bubble Witch Saga looks like a fun game to play, use extra caution before allowing that application into your private domain.For more information on social media privacy concerns, refer to www.OnGuardOnline.gov, the federal governments website to help you be safe, secure and responsible online. Remember, be safe, think before you type and post, and when all else fails, deactivate your social networking account.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Marilyn Gregory, the Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator for Senior Choices, the state-designated aging and disability resource center in Southwest Florida. For more information, please contact the Senior Choices Helpline toll-free at 1-800-413-5337.

Approximately 80% of people in nursing homes are there due to fall related injuries while trying to bathe. Creating a safe bathroom is a critical step to living and thriving independently at home. With age, strength, stamina and flexibility diminish. We eventually face a range of bathing issues that didn't exist before. However, bathrooms stay the same. We don't remodel them to incorporate technology that eliminates the dangers.Because acknowledging these problems can be embarrassing, we tend to ignore them until someone is injured and forced into assisted bathing.Reality #1 A Killer is Lurking in Your Bathroom! Most seniors struggle entering and exiting the bath or shower. For seniors, falls, scalds, and strains can be life threatening.Solution Walk-in bathtubs have high side walls and low thresholds that permit bathers to enter with little effort. There's no risk of slipping, falling, or trying to get up or down from floor level.Reality #2 Every injury can devastate financial stability. A broken hip or other serious injury averages $30,000 in uninsured medical expenses. Nursing home care averages nearly $5,000 or more, per month.Solution - Investing in preventative bathing safety pays for itself. The most expensive walk-in bathing solution costs far less than a serious injury. Reality #3 Area rugs, towel bars and decorative elements are dangerous!Solution - Minimize the danger by removing items that cannot support your weight. We MUST make bathrooms safer to prevent injuries and to live independently safely until bathroom safety issues are resolved. You MUST Call Before You FallEditors Note: This article was submitted by George E. Bentley, JD the nations leading expert on walk-in bathtubs and aging-in-place. Known as the Consumers Advocate and Attorney, he founded Bentley Baths, Amazing Walk-In Therapy Tubs, to help seniors and their adult children learn about bathing safety. They will gladly answer your questions for FREE and will help you work through your decision-making process. They can be reached at 800-688-0055 or by e-mail at George@BentleyBaths.com. www.BentleyBaths.com .

When patients and their families experience a life-limiting illness, the physical and emotional challenges are burden enough. But the financial stresses sometimes are more than a family can bear. So its vital to fully understand the financial benefits available to Medicare enrollees who choose to take advantage of their hospice benefit.The Medicare Hospice Benefit is ALL-INCLUSIVE. Medicare-certified hospices must accept the per diem reimbursement rate as 100 percent coverage for the services provided to the hospice patient and family.For patients, that means no more co-pays, deductibles or coverage limits. All prescription medications, lab and diagnostic work, and medical equipment and supplies related to the patients terminal illness are provided at no cost to the patient. It also means that hospice professionals provide care related to the patients terminal illness at no additional cost to the patient.Hospice is a Medicare benefit that provides care for both the patient and the patients loved ones. The Medicare Hospice Benefit requires all Medicare-certified hospices to provide an organized program of services to meet the bereavement needs of the family for at least one year after the beneficiary's death. This helps to ensure that all terminally ill patients and their families have ready access to compassionate and effective end-of-life care. Visit vitas.com/florida or call VITAS at 866-928-4827.Editors Note: Submitted by Tamara DeCaro, Director of Market Development, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Collier County

Its hard understanding and keeping up with everything its overwhelming. You have to take responsibility for your medical care because no one else will. YOU are your own best advocate.Heres what you need to know:Know Your Medications Know your own body and the way you react to certain drugs. Dont be afraid to question your doctor when he prescribes a new medication. Each time a new drug is prescribed, remind your doctor of all the medications you are taking and ask if there are any contraindications, side affects, or adverse reactions. Get your pharmacist involved and utilize their knowledge. Be sure you understand the proper dosing and what to avoid with certain medications such as other drugs, sunlight, alcohol, or certain food.Keep Records Whenever you have a test, get a copy. If you change doctors get a copy of your entire medical chart. If you are in the hospital, keep a log of who did what, dates, where, how and why it was done. Always ask for a copy of any lab or test results. Save all receipts and statements from doctors, insurance companies, and pharmacy.Educate Yourself Research your conditions and learn as much as possible. Gather information from your doctor, pharmacist, medical books, educational pamphlets, or the internet (Note: when doing research on the internet it always pays to be skeptical of information until it can be verified by a professional or trusted source). The more you know and the better you understand medical terminology, the easier it will be to understand things your doctor discusses with you. Dont be afraid to get a second opinion if you dont feel your doctor is giving you the best care possible.Understand Your Insurance Benefits Know and understand all aspects of your medical insurance - your coverage amounts and limits, deductibles, co-pay amounts for doctor visits, lab tests, specialists, medications, and hospital stays, and the difference between in-network and out-of-network coverage. If you don't understand your coverage, call the insurance company and ask questions. Document your conversations, the date, who you speak to, and the outcome. If you send anything to your insurance company in writing always make a copy for yourself.__________________________________Editors Note: This article was contributed by Sandy Sferrella-Taylor, Public Relations Manager at Visiting Angels of Lancaster, Hanover and York.

You May Not Use a Landline, But Grandma Loves Hers.Smartphones impact us all in todays society. However, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 77% of seniors over 65 continue to use landline phones. Why do they hold on to this seemingly outdated technology? Lets look at some of the benefits for seniors of keeping their landline phones. Its a technology they rememberMost seniors grew up using a landline phone when they were young. These types of phones are especially useful for seniors with cognitive issues. Its easier for them to remember what they used when they were younger versus trying to learn a new technology, especially one as complicated and confusing as a smartphone. They dont have to feel embarrassed about not understanding or becoming frustrated by the new cell phone or smartphone. The phones are clearer and louderAs age-related hearing loss begins, it becomes quite frustrating when normal day-to-day sounds are hard to comprehend. Its even worse when seniors have a hard time hearing over the phone. Landline phones have the capability of being louder in volume than cell phones, and have much clearer transmission. They are made with senior-friendly featuresOne of the best capabilities that a landline phone offers is being able to have just enough buttons that are needed to make phone calls. In addition, you can find phones that offer bigger buttons to aid seniors with vision problems, such as cataracts or retina issues. Some phones even use pictures to dial. These are especially helpful for seniors with memory issues, since they dont have to remember anyones phone number. Just touch the picture of the family or friend and dial that person automatically! Landline phones are cool againEverything vintage is trendy again, so the grandkids will think grandma is the coolest for having a retro landline phone!When choosing a phone service for your senior loved one, remember simpler is better, and a landline might just be the best option for them. The more comfortable they feel with their phone, the more likely they are to use it. And the more connected they will stay with friends and family, keeping them healthier and happier for a longer period of time.This article was submitted by Vanessa Luna, Marketing Director with teleCalm, Inc.

Written By: Joshua WallsSubmitted By: Inspired Living, For more information CLICK BELOW on the location nearest you!Hidden Lakes (Bradenton)Lakewood RanchSarasotaIn the same way physical activity can keep our bodies healthy, mental activity can keep our brains healthy. Since June is Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month, now is an excellent time to think about strategies that may maintain, or improve our cognitive abilities as we age. Many of theactivities suggested beloware quick and easy to follow.Stay Connected SociallyAccording to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), engaging in activities with others can significantly increase your mental well-being and active brain use. Consider planning a family outing, joining a club, volunteering, playing board gameswith friends, or attending religious services. No matter how you plan to meet people, being social is a key ingredient for long-term brain health.Try to Learn Something New Every DayThe researchers at Harvard Medical found that learning new skills and having a purpose-driven life can increase mental acuity. The trick here is to find something new to learn so that you challenge your brain. Try a new creative hobby such as painting, photography, or journaling. If you enjoy nature, try identifyingbirds or plants. Learning a new language or picking up an instrument also challenges the brain. Just 15 minutes a day devoted to learning a new skill can benefit your brain.Manage StressExperiencing stress is normal and expected throughout our lives, but the National Institute on Aging notes that increased stress can impact memory and may factor into the risk of dementia. Activities that help to alleviate stress include: keeping a journal, meditation,relaxation exercises, and spending time interacting with a pet.Give Your Brain a BreakMental fatigue is real, and like any other organ in the body, the brain needs time to rest. Harvard Medical recommends minimizing distractions and economizing mental use to allow your brain to concentrate on learning and remembering important details. To give your brain a break try to eliminate clutter;identify a designated place to put keys, wallet, and phone; use a calendar to remember important events; and use lists for phone numbers, passwords, groceries, etc.Eat A Healthy Diet - Including SnacksAccording to the American Geriatrics Society, healthy eating habits can reduce the risk of memory loss. Studies link the popular Mediterranean Diet with better cognitive abilities in later life. This diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, and other seafood; unsaturated fats such as olive oils; and low amounts of red meat, eggs, and sweets. Between meals, healthy snacks are important too. Instead of chips, consider vegetables, nuts, and fruits and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages, refined grains, and highly processed snack foods.At Inspired Living and Superior Residences, our residentshave fun exploring new experiences with our signature programs, like Inspired Destinations.Every month, we invite residents to take part in a series of social, recreational, and dining events designed to explore unique cultures and cuisines from around the world. Inspired by the six dimensions of wellness, our Inspired Destinations activities help residents live their best life every day. We offer a variety of living options for your needs, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Respite Care.

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.

To learn more aboutAdult & Community Enrichment (ACE), Click Here.THEOTHERSPORT OF KINGSIf youre bored with golf, or tennis elbow has you sidelined from the courts, shove those clubs and rackets into the back of the closet and try Lawn Bowling. Its different, fun, sociable, and good outdoor exercise.Plus, its good for you! Lawn Bowling is a low-impact form of exercise that improves coordination and balance, as well as self-esteem and confidence. The Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club (see Resources) offers free lessons for beginners, too!How to PlayLawn Bowling is played on either a flat or slightly convex green, divided into eight lanes called rinks. Play can be in singles or teams, with 2, 3, or 4 people on a team. The first person to play rolls a small white ball, about the size of a billiard ball (called the jack) onto the green at least 21 meters toward the end. The jack is centered on the rink, then successive players roll bowls balls about 11-13 cm in diameter trying to come as close as possible to the jack. Tape measures are essential for scoring!History of Lawn BowlingLawn Bowling is not exactly the sport of kings, but it comes close! It was banned byafew successive kings of England in the 14thand 15thcenturies because it competed with archery, which was essential to the national defense, but it eventually became a favored pastime of noblemen, who graciously allowed commoners to bowl on Christmas Day. Royal estates were all fitted out with bowling greens. Anne Boleyn enjoyed bowling, as did the first Elizabeth and, reportedly, even Queen Victoria!Bowling may have been banned at times in England, but it was never outlawed in Scotland which, of course, never considered itself part of Britain in the first place! In fact, Scotland is still considered to be the home of the modern game of Lawn Bowling. There may be more bowling greens in Scotland today than there are golf courses and there are even indoor greens, so that enthusiasts can play during the cold winter months.Lawn Bowling is an international pastime as well; it is played in more than 40 countries.Forms of Lawn Bowling date to ancient times. Archeologists of ancient Greece and Rome have recorded paintings on earthenware depicting people tossing stone balls and measuring the distance. The sport probably spread to Europewith the help ofRoman soldiers or sailors. Abiography of Thomas Becket refers to young men playing at bowls with stone balls. The oldest and longest surviving bowling green is at Southampton, which was established in 1299.Bowling in AmericaThere is evidence that Lawn Bowling was played by early colonists in America in the 1600s. George Washington was apparently an avid bowler and kept a green in good shape at Mount Vernon before the Revolutionary War. However, they were not the first: Archeologists have found stone balls (now resting in a Vancouver, BC museum) indicating that Native Americans played a gamesimilar toLawn Bowling centuries before.According to sedlawnbowls.org,the game was revived in the U.S. in 1879 with the opening of a Lawn Bowling club in New Jersey. Soon others followed.In Florida, the St. Petersburg LawnBowling Club is the oldest formally organized club in Florida and tenth in the nation. Its clubhouseis on the U.S. Register of Historic Places.The invention of the lawnmower in 1830hadpaved the way forthe smoothgreens, established rules of play, andmodern customs that helped define the way the game is played today. Some customs have relaxed a bit: For instance, traditional attire is all white, and some tournament players still adhere to that standard, but for regular play, you just wear whats comfortable, though remember to use sun protection! Also, the balls (called bowls) used to be made fromlignum vitae, a dense wood, which led to the term woods for bowls, but now they are routinely made from ahard compositetype of plastic.Interesting Side Note!Bias is a technical term that was applied to balls made with a greater weight on one side than the other. It was first used in 1560, and bias would make the ball curve toward one side when thrown. This practice is now illegal, but according to etymonline.com, this was the first use of the term bias to mean one-sided in the figurative or legal sense that we use it today, as leaning to one side mentally.ResourcesSarasota Lawn Bowling Club: How to Lawn Bowlhttp://www.sarasotalawnbowlingclub.com/?page_id=400Bowls USA, Southeast Division: History of Lawn Bowlshttp://sedlawnbowls.org/history-of-lawn-bowls/Etymonline: Biashttps://www.etymonline.com/search?q=biasWritten by Patricia Rockwood, Instructor and Staff Writer, Adult & Community Enrichment (ACE), Suncoast Technical College, Sarasota County District Schools, ace-sarasota.com, (941) 361-6590. For class info, please call us or visit our website.

Older adults fear the possibility of developing Alzheimers disease even more than death and with good reason: five million Americans have Alzheimers 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 Utahns with Alzheimers disease will increase 127 percent making it the state with the fastest growing incidence of Alzheimers.These startling statistics lead one to ask: Can Alzheimers disease be prevented or delayed? Here is the good newsyes. 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 Alzheimers years before symptoms are noticed giving people a jump start on a treatment plan.What is Alzheimers Disease?Alzheimers 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 Parkinsons disease.What Causes Alzheimers 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 Alzheimers.What are the symptoms?Alzheimers 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 Alzheimers 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.

To learn more about Adult Case Management, CLICK HERE.Qualifying for the New Choices Waiver program can be complicated. There are two primary ways that an individual qualifies for the NCW. Learning how one qualifies is better understood when you realize why the State has this waiver to begin with. The NCW was designed to help individuals live in a community or home-like setting as opposed to a nursing home. Meaning, the goal of the NWC waiver program is to transition individuals from a more restrictive and expensive nursing home to a more home-like setting like an assisted living or even their own home. With that is mind here are the 2 primary ways individuals can get on the NCW program.1. An individual can apply for the NCW after they lived in a nursing home for 30-90 days. The length of stay depends on when they qualify for Medicaid. This is referred to as Reserved Slots and can be done any time of the year. When an individual qualifies for the NCW this way, they will move from the nursing home on the 1st of the month. This is the most common way people get onto the NCW.2. An individual can apply for the NCW after they have privately paid for an assisted living for more than 12 months. This is referred to the Non-Reserved Slots and can only be done during the open enrollment periods. March 1st-14th, July 1st-14th, and Nov 1st-14th. The state only admits 35 residents on the NCW in each of these enrollment periods. They prioritize all the applicants based on how long they have been privately paying an assisted living. So while residents can apply after 12 months, in practice its closer to 24 months for those that will meet the cut-off.For more information on how to qualify and to apply, please call 385-273-1456.

To learn more about Secure Aging, CLICK HERE.One common problem with Alzheimers disease is diagnosing it. By the time many who have it are diagnosed, its too late to help.However, in the future, a certain type of eye exam may be able to detect Alzheimers disease even in its earliest stages, according to emerging research within ophthalmology.In one study published recently in the journalOphthalmology Retinathat included 200 people (some of whom had Alzheimers), the technology optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) found that those with Alzheimers disease showed a loss of small blood vessels in their retina.Although this study is not the first to find a link between OCTA imaging and signs of Alzheimers, its the largest study to date, according to researchers.Additionally, other research has found that retinal exams may be able to detect beta amyloidsa kind of plaque found in those with Alzheimersdecades before it is found elsewhere in the body.One major advantage of retinal testing is that it is less invasive and less costly than current tests for Alzheimers, which can include a spinal tap or a PET scan of the brain.Both of these kinds of detection are in early stages of research, but you likely will hear more about them in the future. Although there is no cure for Alzheimers disease yet, earlier detection give researchers more potential to study and understand Alzheimers. It also allows those with the disease to start on medications earlier to help manage symptoms.Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care ManagementAt Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission ofSecure Agingis to protect and preserve our clients independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families inManatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

It is no secret that we are living longer. Unfortunately, we are not necessarily living healthier.An ever-growing percentage of the population is managing one or more medical conditions, which are managed by one or more medicines.While medicines can help maintain health and prevent further illness, taking combinations of drugs means that you could be at risk for drug interactions. Polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of many different medicines by the same person, and presents a growing risk among seniors in the US. This can result in a gradual accumulation of side effects. Problems may be increased by taking: Dosages that are too high Medicines that are incorrectly prescribed or filled Medicines that interact with or duplicate the actions of other medicines Herbal supplements that interact with prescription medicinesPolypharmacy can result in adverse drug events, complicating therapy, increasing cost, and presenting a challenge for healthcare agencies. Unfortunately, the symptoms caused by polypharmacy can be confused with the normal aging process.The good news is there are things you can do to help reduce your risk of polypharmacy. Make a list of every medicine you are taking, including supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter drugs. Carry your medicine list with you everywhere. Bring it and your pill bottles along when you see the doctor. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your list for possible interactions. If you have more than one doctor, make sure each one knows what the other is prescribing. Ask your primary doctor if you need to take all the medicines on the list, or if you can reduce the dosages. Always read labels. They may help you avoid a possible drug interaction. Always get your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy. Learn the names of your medicines and why you take them. Avoid combination products like cold remedies. Ask for help buying only the specific medicine that treats the symptoms you are experiencing. Never take a new drug without discussing side effects and interactions with your doctor, pharmacist, or both.Editors Note:This article was written by Peterson E with PowerBack Rehabilitation. For more information please call 888-982-2000.

Currently, an estimated 50 million people worldwide are living with dementia, including more than 5 million Americans. The disease also affects the 16 million Americans who provide unpaid care for people living with Alzheimers or another dementia. The terms Dementia and Alzheimers are often used as though they mean the same thing. They are related, but there are important differences between the two.Presenter: Deb Schleh, Liaison & Coordinator - Seniors Blue Book of South Central PA, Volunteer - Alzheimer's Association

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.

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

Feel Young Again! We are all looking to live the best life we can live, right?! Did you know that physical therapy can help get you back onto the right path if youve veered off of it?Therapeutic exercises and manual therapy techniques can restore muscle, increase joint function and improve mobility. But, thats not all, folks! Check out these three reasons why physical therapy IS for you.#1 Take Care of Your Body Its The Only Place that will be with You Forever!Physical therapy can help improve many areas of your health including:Diabetes: Exercise can help effectively control blood sugar and help with proper foot and leg careHeart Disease: Improve blood flow and increase daily function of your heartLung Disease: Condition and strengthen pulmonary flowAge Related Issues: Manage arthritis, improve function after joint replacement, and increase range of motionWomens and Mens Health: Increase pelvic floor strength, address bowel incontinence, constipation, urinary incontinence and male pelvic pain#2 Dont Let Aging Get You Down Its too Hard to Get Back Up!Physical therapists can help in risk reduction and prevention of falls through balance training, strength training, endurance training and patient education.Through physical therapy, you can: Increase your balance Restore vestibular function Train with an assistive device such as a cane or walker Work to eliminate dizziness#3 Preparation = No Operation!Physical therapy can be an effective alternative to surgery for lower back pain and other conditions. It can also help you recover from injury which in turn reduces your need for future surgeries. Prehabiliation therapy before surgery can also help improve your surgical outcomes, provide a quicker recovery time, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and improved quality of life. Also, by reducing your need for surgery through physical therapy, you can help control your own healthcare costs. Dont let a major surgery sideline you let physical therapy keep you in the game!

Families often struggle to honor their parents wishes; to help mom and dad stay at home as long as possible. But oftentimes, moving into a more structured environment creates a step up in quality of life for seniors. While people may feel reluctant to leave their homes for a nursing or assisted living facility (ALF) in Denver, seniors in these settings are often happier, healthier, more functional, socially active, and live longer than those who continue to stay in their homes.These facilities are professional at caring for seniors and provide a valuable spectrum of services, including:Structure in daily routine and care.Experience in caring for the elderly, especially those who may be frail or unwell.Employees who feel a special calling to work with older people; they are dedicated to their work and the residents.Natural opportunities for social interaction, activities, and recreation.Healthy, nutritious food.An extra set of eyes watching to be sure medications are administered appropriately and are having the intended effect.Rehabilitation and therapy services readily available to those who need them.There has recently been a movement around culture change and resident-centered care aimed at making nursing homes and ALFs a more desirable place to live. This philosophy puts the needs and desires of the resident first and foremost and gives them more control over their lives, so they can live more like they do at home with more freedom and appropriate independence, making more of their own lifestyle choices. For example, residents may choose to:Say up late or sleep in late without being disturbedTake the nutritional supplements they desireChoose their own clothingClose the door for privacyIf you are confronting the important decision about whether to move to a nursing home or assisted living in Denver, don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions. Inquire about culture and attitudes. And remember that most facilities offer a good, supportive alternative to living alone at home.Mike Wasserman, MD, is a co-founder of Senior Care of Colorado, PC, a primary care medical group serving the needs of older adults throughout the Denver Metro region. For information or to schedule an appointment, call 303-306-4321.

Join SBB University for a presentation by Encompass Health to learn of simple steps you can put in place to reduce all of the modifiable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, and ways to improve your cardiovascular health if you have experienced a stroke, heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty for heart surgery (or are caring for someone who is).Presenter: Lisa Hopkins, Area Business Development Director - Encompass Healthwww.encompasshealth.com

When you or a loved one needs to find senior housing or senior housing with care, the possibilities can be overwhelming, and most folks and their families don't even know where to begin. While you can conduct all of your own research and make all of your own phone calls, it can be an exhausting and time-consuming chore, especially if this is being done by someone from out of the area. That is where a professional senior living advisors like The Right Senior Living Solution can become an invaluable asset to seniors and their families when searching for the right senior living option that fits your needs, budget and desired location.  A seasoned senior living advisors will sit down with their clients or do a video chat to determine what is the best way to assist them. Not all the seniors and their family members have someone in the local area to assist mom or dad in their search for a community. They will have to rearange their daily lives to travel and search for a community in an area they are most likely unfamiliar with, which can be costly and time consuming. This is where a NO COST TO YOU senior living referral agency becomes so beneficial to everyone involved in making this monumental change in lifestyle a smooth and easy transition.How Do Senior Placement Agencies work?   An advisor will meet with you and or your family member(s) to discuss your needs (Type of senior living facilities and medical needs) and desires based on affordability and style of living. Community/Facility recommendations will be made to the family based on the information provided. The ultimate goal is to find a new home that provides a safe and warm environment that meets all of your needs and desires.The most important information an advisor will gather is:Medical Conditions and RequirementsFinancial AffordabilityLocationReligion and Cultural RequirementWork on Additional Funding When Available (Long Term Care Policies, Life Insurance, Bridge Loans & VA Aid and Attendance Benefit etc.)When the advisor has finished with your consultation, he/she will have an informed sense of what type of living situation is suitable for you or your loved one based on all 5 pieces of information listed above. Once everyone has agreed on what type of community/facility is ideal for their current need, the advisor will schedule an in-person or video tours with the type of community or facility that meet your needs. Usually, several communities are chosen starting with the top 3 or 4 communities that are best suited in order to compare and decide which one is ideal for you. The advisor will schedule all your appointments and tours of all the selected communities for their clients, and then will negotiate with the communities on behalf of their clients, securing the best available discounts and incentives. A good referral agency will have long standing relationships within the senior living community and have a little more influence when it comes to getting the best incentives available that fit their financial situation.After you have felt that you have made enough visit to either make a comfortable and confident decision on a new home, or your desire to continue looking. You will reconvene with your advisor and discuss what your choice of community is or will you need to continue the search for the right living situation.  Once a decision has been made, the advisor will work with you and the community/facility to determine a financial date and physical move in date. Some referral agencies like The Right Senior Living Solution will go the extra mile and schedule a moving and downsizing company, help you apply for benefits, provide transportation to tours and visits for seniors who do not or are incapable of driving.You will need gather the required documents ID, Medical Cards etc. and will meet at the chosen community and sign the required documents and paperwork. This can in most cases be done with DocuSign for clients working from a distance. In some cases, this process can take a little time but be patient and understand that the Advisor is working hard to locate the best and most economical living situation available. having to go through this once is hard enough so we want to be as diligent possible in the search and to make sure you have made the most comfortable and educated decision as possible.After youve made your decision on your new home, the senior living advisor can provide you with partner referrals to assist you with downsizing, moving and filing for VA Aid and Attendance Benefits if applicable.  A referral agency like "The Right Senior Living Solution" recognizes that this decision is not an easy one to make and should not be taken lightly and rushed.  After youve moved into your new home, an advisor will almost certainly contact you during the transition to ensure that there are no issues and assist accordingly. The referral agency will want to ensure that you have made the correct and appropriate selection and that you are at ease with your choice.There are numerous advantages of having an experienced advisor working for you!!!They include but not limited to:Providing Local Support:Meeting and interviewing families to gain a thorough understanding of their social preferences, demographics, healthcare needs and financial situation. In order to narrow down and deliver the finest living experience and treatment options as possible with the funds available.Provide Resources:Community amenities, pricing information, occupancy rates, payment resources, relocating and downsizing, veteran's benefits, and elder law attorneysAdvocating for Family and Loved OnesAn Advisor will save you time, money and in some cases a big headache by setting up tours to the appropriate communities and facilities and accompanying the families on their tours.  An advisor will advocate for them on the tours and help them understand the answers to their inquiries and get them the best incentives available.Follow-Up Care:Once the ideal living situation has been identified and you have made your move, we will check-in on a regular basis to confirm that everything is going according to their expectations and that we will always be available if their journey requires it.The Right Senior Living Solution is a Florida based and operated Referral and Placement Agency. Our services are FREE to our clients except for our Travel Concierge Service, which is used when a travel companionship is required. For out of state clients and for seniors looking to travel on the Travel Concierge Service, the fee is based on a case-by-case evaluation. The big national on-line referral companies have no clue of what the communities that they are sending you are like or what quality of care is offered. There are so many factors that go into choosing the right senior living community like culture, diversity and religious requirements.  National online advisors have never visited any of the communities they are sending you to and the feel of the community is an important factor to consider when making a recommendation. Sending you on a wild goose chase with a fist full of communities and facilities to visit and let you figure it all out on your own. You are never alone with "The Right Senior Living Solution" if you have any questions or just need to talk, please feel free to callGeorge at (941) 705-0293 orAdele at (570) 848-2507www.therightseniorlivingsolution.com A Resource you can finally count on!

Do you know that there are more than 40,000 Treasure Valley family members-- spouses, adult children, parents and grandparents who provide care and support to ill, disabled, or frail loved ones at home? These family caregivers are de facto care coordinators, medication managers, personal and medical care providers, fiscal and legal managers, planners and decision-makers for tens of thousands of chronically ill or disabled people in our community. Our health care and social services rely heavily on family caregivers to provide care but don't address caregivers needs for training, information and support. As a result, family caregivers experience stress, depression, anxiety, and often become isolated; they have to leave jobs or reduce their work hours; they spend much of their own money to care for others; and most sobering, they can die before the person they care for. Family caregivers are the backbone of our community's health care, and they deserve to be informed, prepared, and supported!Do you know someone who is a family caregiver? A great way to help is to encourage that person to say I am a family caregiver, and I deserve to be supported! Caregivers who self-identify are much more likely to seek information and support that can help them provide care AND they are more likely to take care of themselves too. Where can a family caregiver turn for information and support? A great resource is the Seniors Blue Book. Another great resource is a nonprofit agency called Friends in Action (FIA).FIAs services help family caregivers build a "toolbox" of resources, skills and strategies to navigate the challenges of caregiving, reduce stress, connect with resources, and build confidence in their abilities. FIAs education programs (Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Living Well in Idaho) teach caregivers how to manage stress and feel less overwhelmed. Our in-home support services (Legacy Corps Caregiver Support Program) gives regular breaks to veteran and military families. The JumpStart program works with caregivers one-on-one to connect them with quality information and resources to meet their unique needs and concerns. FIAs 4th Annual Family Caregiver Conference (January 31, 2015) is a one-day education event to connect caregivers with great information, community resources, and mutual support. Many of FIAs services are provided by amazing volunteers (more than 160 of them), who extend the expertise of professional staff and allow FIA to cost-effectively serve many more caregivers. Don't hesitate to reach out to FIA and ask how we can help any family caregiver you know. We believe family caregivers matter!Stephanie Bender-Kitz, Director, Friends in Action

For more information on the author, Cypress Springs, CLICK HERE!Every October, the world comes together to raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer. According toBreastCancer.org, its the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women and the second-most common inCanada. The death rate for breast cancer goes down about 1% a year due to early detection and better treatment but we still dont have a cure.Breast cancer starts in the cells, usually forming a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. Its important to remember that breast tissue cells cover a larger area than just the breast, extending up to the collarbone and from the armpit to the breastbone. Unfortunately, the most significant risk factors are being a woman and being over 70 years old, which means seniors need to be aware of symptoms and how to detect them.Early DetectionWhen breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the survival rate is almost 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly self-exams and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.Up Your Vitamin D IntakeStudies have shown that vitamin D deficiencies are linked to breast cancer, among other diseases.ExerciseA sedentary lifestyle also increases risk. Senior women who get regular exercise may be able to lower their breast cancer risk by as much as 20%.We understand how important it is to support those affected by breast cancer. As a reminder, if you or a loved one discovers any breast lump or change, it needs to be checked by a doctor to determine if it is benign or malignant.

For more information on the author Paul Andrews - ERA Advantage Reality Inc., CLICK HERE.FSBO (pronounced fizz-bo), or For Sale By Owner, is a way of selling your home without the use of a professional real estate agent or broker. The idea behind FSBO is that by selling your home yourself, you save the approximate 6% that would be the agents commission.6% may not sound like a lot, but it can add up, especially on more expensive homes. But before you run off and decide to sell your home FSBO, you must remember that to get a savings like that, there must be a cost. So whats the catch? Selling FSBO is hard. A lot harder.Only about 10% of sellers that decide to do FSBO are successful at it. And not all of them end up saving themselves money. FSBO sellers often end up accepting a lower price for their home than they would with an agent.There are of course other issues as well. Can you afford to make selling your home your full-time job? Because for a lot of FSBO sellers, thats exactly what it is. Do you have the time and capital to spend on the marketing, advertising, inspections, paperwork, phone calls, showings, and problems that come up when any home is sold?Selling with a professional agent also has other advantages. An agent can get your home listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and other popular websites where not only homebuyers but also other agents can easily find it. Professional real estate agents also have an extensive network that allows them to more easily find a buyer.So before you decide to sell your home yourself, thoughtfully consider just how much time and effort you can spare for selling your home, as well as how important it is that your home sell sooner rather than later.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit is a federally mandated benefit. Because of that, all Hospices are required to follow the same core guidelines when providing Hospice care. Those performing the care and their philosophy of caring for their patients are what separate one Hospice from another. Make sure you connect with their team of clinicians. You always have a choice when deciding which Hospice to care for you and your loved one. Choosing the right hospice is very important. One that can be confusing; here are some tips to help make the process easier. When choosing the right hospice; I recommend a few things to consider when making your decision. One of the most important factors is the level of involvement from the Hospices Medical Director. Every Hospice is required to have a Medical Director, but the regulations aren't very detailed in how involved they have to be. Here are some examples of questions you can ask. Who is your Medical Director? How often will I be able to see them? Do I have to go to their office or will they make house calls? Hospices use their Medical Director differently; I recommended choosing a Hospice that has the Medical Director very closely involved with the patients and one that will visit them in their home. Secondly, I would ask the Hospice to describe their Bereavement Program. This is a program that Medicare requires each hospice to provide to families and caregivers for up to a year following the death of your loved one. Often times, I tell families, the medical management of the patient themselves is the easy part its everything else that goes along with a dying loved one that complicates matters. I recommend choosing a Hospice that has a variety of offerings in their bereavement program and one that is specialized in Grief Recovery. Peace of mind goes a long way when you are grieving. Knowing that the Bereavement Program will create an individualized plan for you is valuable. Knowing you are not alone is very important. There are many factors when deciding which Hospice to choose to care for you and your loved one. You may also ask your friends, family, neighbors and church members what experiences they have had and what they've learned was important. Hopefully these tips will help make your decision easier when the time comes. Kristi Hartway, Director of Operations Harrisons Hope Hospice

For many of us, finding our way through stress and anxiety can feel debilitating, disempowering and sometimes, impossible. Did you know there are coping skills to help you move through stress and anxiety meaningfully and increase your overall personal mental health and wellbeing? Start today!Mindfulness Coping SkillCreate a daily routine to include a brief meditation set to relaxing music in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. To practice being non-judgmental, try listening to a piece of music and only report the facts of what you hear (instruments, style, tempo) without emotional interpretation and successfully engage in the moment without judgement. Apply this mindset of non-judgmental observation of your thoughts, feelings and reactions while meditating during your daily practice.Distress Tolerance Coping SkillDuring times of high stress and anxiety, the quickest way to return to a mindful state of focus and calm is to try the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method:5:AcknowledgeFIVEthings you see around you. It could be a pen, a spot on the ceiling, anything in your surroundings.4:AcknowledgeFOURthings you can touch. It could be your hair, a pillow, or the ground under your feet.3:AcknowledgeTHREEthings you hear. This could external sounds. Focus on things you can hear outside of your body.2:AcknowledgeTWOthings you can smell. Maybe youre in your office and smell pencil, or in your bedroom and smell a pillow. If you need to take a brief walk to find a scent you could smell soap in your bathroom, or nature outside.1:AcknowledgeONEthing you can taste. What does the inside of your mouth taste likegum, coffee, or the sandwich from lunch?Emotional Regulation Coping SkillEmotional regulationskills includetheability to identify,understandand accept emotional experiences; control impulsive behaviors when distressed; and flexibly manage emotions. Next time you are feeling a difficult emotion, use the acronym RAIN:R: Recognize the emotionA: Allow the emotion to happenI: Identify where the emotion is in your bodyN: Nurture the emotion with kindness and self-compassionEditors Note: This article was submitted by Ashley Lewis, MM, MT-BC. Ashley is a Music Therapist with Central Florida Community Arts and may be reached by email at ashley.lewis@cfcarts.com. Or call (407) 937-1800

According to Newsweek magazine, The average American spends over 55 minutes looking for things we cannot find. What would you do with an extra hour every day? There are numerous ways to improve your life through organizing your home.Increased Productivity By eliminating the time you spend on worrying and trying to find things, you spend more time on the things that are really important.Saved Money - No more losing money on buying duplicate items, impulse buying, unnecessary trips to the store and late fees from forgotten or lost bills. In fact, many people actually find uncashed checks, gift cards or money they forgot they had!Improved Health A clutter-free space frees up emotional and physical burdens that have been carried for way too long. Anxiety goes away when things are easy to find and you may even find yourself sleeping more restfully.Safer, More Spacious Environment Relocating items that block walkways and put unnecessary strain on your body eliminates safety hazards and opens up your living areas. It is surprising how much more space you actually have when your belongings are organized with well labeled, proper containers.Happier Relationships - This is a big one!Organization offers a stress-free way to stay on top of all your commitments to the people in your life. Family members especially feel a great relief knowing your space is de-cluttered, well organized and safe. You will feel proud to invite people over!Peace and Flow With the feeling of overwhelm gone, imagine actually enjoying being in your home environment. Having the right home for everything will help you feel much more relaxed and in control of your life.The small investment of time and money upfront it takes to get organized will last you for years to come. Doesnt your life deserve to be as healthy, safe, productive and stress-free as possible? Dont waste another day in chaos. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao TzuEditors 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.

Approximately 11 million people are affected with Age-related macular degeneration in the US alone.Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an acquired disease of the retina that can cause significant visual impairment. The prevalence is similar to that of all invasive cancers combined, and more than double Alzheimers Disease. The risk for AMD increases more than three-fold in patients older than 75 years of age compared to individuals between 65-74 years of ageThe diagnosis of ARMD is typically made after considering a patient's age, eye examination findings, and family history. Symptoms that patients may note include slow or sudden onset of decreased visual acuity, distorted vision, or missing vision (a blind spot) when trying to look at something in the center of your field of view. Many patients in the early stages of the disease however possess no symptoms.Although there are no screening guidelines, if there is a strong family history of macular degeneration or someone has difficulty with their vision, it is recommended that adults over the age of 65 have an eye exam about every year.Antioxidant vitamins and minerals (AREDS2 multivitamins) are an effective treatment for dry AMD that has been diagnosed by your eye doctor. Smoking is a large risk factor for macular degeneration, especially wet macular degeneration. Treatment of exudative (or wet) AMD includes injections of medications into the eye, or less commonly a laser treatment to the retina.Macular Degeneration is an area of intense research by scientists and physicians, and there are many ongoing clinical research trials and new treatments in development. If you or someone you know is concerned about possible AMD, I encourage you to make an appointment with your local eye doctor.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Matthew Manry, M.D. Dr. Manry is aSurgical and Medical Retinal Specialist with Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado and may be reached at303-772-3300.

Is It Time For A Move?Knowing when and if its time for a loved one to move to a personal care home or assisted living is not easy. Ideally most people want to age in place for as long as possible.However, if ones independence and well-being start to decline and the practicality, safety, and the benefits of aging in place also falter, a change may be needed. Some older adults recognize and may even welcome this need for change. But more often families struggle with the timing of a move, which is compounded with feelings of guilt and uncertainty, and sometimes sheer resistance from their loved one about moving.So how do you know when its time for a change? Below are some key indicators that can help you determine if a move may be necessary:Caregiving is significantly interfering with work, relationships and other responsibilities.Healthcare professionals recommend a change.The loved one asks for a change.Despite your best efforts, things worsen (increased falls, illness and/or hospitalizations).The loved one is in danger of harming themselves or others, especially those with dementia.The caregivers physical and mental health and wellness are worsening.The caregiver is depleted, becoming angry, neglectful, resentful, frustrated.The caregivers coping methods become destructive (i.e. substance abuse).Furthermore, youre not alone in determining whether your loved one needs care. A medical evaluation and written order from their physician is required. Plus the residence will assess your loved to determine the right level of care.Other ConsiderationsAging in place can have its limitations. In some cases, it can lead to caregiver burnout and can be overwhelming and unsafe if not well planned. Isolation, boredom and inactivity can also be problematic, especially if the person has stopped driving, has limited mobility and/or their health is on the decline.Making this choice is not just about the need for care. Personal Care not only provides hands-on care and peace of mind, but it can also foster an improved and more active lifestyle. Socialization and peer activity strengthen the mind, body and soul with a wide range of activities, clubs, events and amenities.Appreciating the value of proactively moving to personal care or assisted living can be comforting and well-paced. It lends itself to a more positive transition, rather than a power struggle compounded by critical need and hurried placement.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Nancy Iglesias, Admissions Director at Northland Heights Senior Living. She can be reached at 412-223-3100 or at NIglesias@HamisterGroup.com.

Speech is difficult to understand in noisy places, but if you have hearing loss, this problem is complex. Hearing aids can help with this. Ever wonder how?Good-quality, properly-fit hearing aids have the ability to distinguish noise from speech. They process sounds in complicated ways that help you understand speech. Yes, you DO hear more background noise than before wearing hearing aids, but the background noise does not get amplified as much as the speech does.In addition, many hearing aids can change the direction of their focus when things start to get noisy. If you turn toward the person you want to hear, noise to the sides and back of you are lowered, while the persons voice is increased to allow you to hear over the noise.Understanding well in noise may not happen the first time you go to a restaurant wearing your new hearing aids. You will hear more of ALL sorts of sounds; this includes noise. It takes a little while for your brain to relearn how to filter out enough of these noises that you can understand someone speaking to you. Dont give up! You can help by wearing your hearing aids all day and not only when you think you need them. Your brain will start filtering out those subtle environmental sounds that arent worthy of your attention. When it does, you will happily discover that you can hear someone talking right over the background noise.The solution to the problem of hearing what you want to hear and filtering out the rest is next to impossible unless you are fitted with hearing aids customized to do the job for YOU and no one else. If your hearing aid fitter doesnt get it right the first time, its no ones fault (unless youve inadvertently chosen someone who isnt especially good at this programming!). Ongoing adjustments are to be expected.Stick with it! One day, youll find yourself in a restaurant thinking, I cant believe I just heard what s/he said to me, even in this noise!Editorial Note: Written by Laurie Bornstein, MS, CCC/A with Executive Hearing. She may be reached at 972-447-8330, ExecutiveHearing@gmail.com or www.ExecutiveHearing.com.See ad page 45

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that each year in the US, nearly one-third of people aged 65 and older experience a fall. One out of 10 falls in this age group result in an injury requiring hospitalization.Be proactive in your quest for maintaining independence. Here are some tips to reduce your chances of falling.Dont multitask while walking. This interferes with your ability to notice that you are about to fall. Be aware of your surroundings, including surface changes and obstacles.Exercise. Tai chi, water workouts and walking all build strength while improving flexibility. Take a balance class, strength training, Tai Chi, yoga, Zumba, or play pickleball. Cross train and add a new activity or exercise class into your day. Keep moving, working for coordination and balance. Use it or lose it!Get your eyes tested. Identify and treat vision problems so you can clearly see where you are going. Be good to your eyes, and get regular check-ups.Consider your medications. Some prescriptions may cause excessive drowsiness or dizziness; talk to your doctor about possible alternative medications. The combination of several drugs or over the counter medications can sometimes cause unexpected problems.Make your home safer. Remove all floor clutter, secure throw rugs, and place non-slip mats in showers and tubs. Paint the top edge of steps a contrasting color, or use solid-color carpeting to better see edges of individual stairs.Choose shoes wisely. High heels can throw you off balance. Floppy slippers can trip you up, and brand-new shoes might have slippery soles. Choose the right shoe for your activity.Know where your pet is at all times. Small dogs can get underfoot, and big ones can knock you off balance.Seek out social events or senior activities at local wellness centers. Several places may have life-long learning for a small cost or may even be free. The social aspect is not only fun but also encourages those around you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Cindy Luebke. Cindy is the Director of Wellness for the J Leonard Levy Family Wellness Center located on the Shalom Park Campus. For more information, she can be reached at 303-400-2293 or Cindy.Luebke@shalomcares.net

Turning 65 can be a monumental time in our lives. Some are excited to retire and relax. Others just cant believe that they are now at retirement age. But either way, dont worry. Its just a part of life. I think the baby boomers are the most shocked. It seems like just yesterday we were driving our kids to school, and then hopping on the Harley to play hooky for a day.There are many facets to Medicare and you will have several choices to make. This article will help you understand a small part but also give you some very good tools. I can not stress enough how much information the Medicare.gov website has to offer. I urge every one of you to investigate this site and it should answer just about any question you have concerning Medicare.First of all, once you are eligible you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A. There are some exceptions but this article is meant to be a simple overview. Typically no premiums are paid for Part A yet once again there are some exceptions.. Part A pays for hospitalization, skilled nursing care to a certain point, hospice and limited home health care. However there is a deductible.Once enrolled in Part A you should then enroll in Part B. Once again, there are some exceptions. Your premium for part B. is $115.40 for 2011. This usually comes out of your SS check. If you are covered under a group plan you may delay enrolling in part B with no penalty. Part B helps cover medically-necessary services like doctors services, outpatient care, home health services, and other medical services. Part B also covers some preventive services. There is also a deductible for Part B.Now the next decision you will want to consider is whether to purchase a pure Medicare Supplement or utilize a Medicare Advantage plan. There are pros and cons to both programs so it is best to speak to an insurance professional. They can assist in deciding which program fits your particular needs.The Medicare Supplements are alphabetically categorized as well as standardized. Each lettered plan offers a few different benefits. However the only difference from the plan you choose are the premiums charged by the insurance companies for the exact same coverage. Also, some companies may not offer certain plans.It sometimes seems a bit overwhelming and it is easy to understand why. There is Medicare Part A, Medicare, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (drug benefits). Then if you do choose to purchase a Medicare Supplement you will need to decide which supplement plan you would like such as Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Wow can we make this any more confusing?.As mentioned in the beginning, the goal of this article is to give you a general overview. However, there is one piece of information that some folks are not aware exists. There is a High Deductible Plan F. Not all of the insurance companies offer this in Collier or Lee County. The deductible is usually $2000 a year but some companies are offering an incentive for this year and the deductible is $1500. The nice aspect of this plan is the premiums are around $66 per month vs. $185 per month for a regular plan F.The really fun part comes in when you choose the High Deductible Plan F. Not only do you save money but you are also able to contribute to a reserve fund annuity. You can choose how much you would like to contribute. The money is earning 3% and you can take it out for anything you would like. But is very useful to help off set any co-pays and deductibles encountered with the high deductible plan F.Medicare.gov is a very informative website. Welcome to Retirement!Editors Note: This article was written by Linda Jaikes, Jaikes Financial Group, 239-263-9195.

Big discussions now save bigger headaches later.Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Advance Directives these are all intimidating concepts. Its no wonder many people avoid, or put off for too long, the execution of these important legal documents. These are necessary items for folks of any age, but even more so it is important to keep them current in the age of a global pandemic. Yes, COVID-19 has brought along new considerations for people facing severe complications. Lets break it down.End-of-life guidance protocols are set forth in an Advance Directives document, aiding care providers and family members in implementing your final wishes. You write your directives consistent with your beliefs and values, your ethics, and your desires for care in your final phase of life. Topics such as when to administer or stop life support, heart resuscitation, respirator use, or coma-care management are examples of what is included. Selecting a health proxy is part of it. This is someone who can act on your behalf when you are not able to make decisions on care. This is someone who knows you and your preferences and, ideally, with whom you have discussed your advance directives wishes.You can see how the onset of COVID-19 would impact such decisions in ways you may not have previously considered. Going to the hospital is a typical reaction to severe illness. However, during the time of COVID, this results in certain isolation and the inability to be with family during what may be your last days. Where do you stand on that balance of seeking potentially lifesaving care, and dying peacefully amongst loved ones?We know that COVID-19 effects people of age more severely, and people with underlying health disorders are at higher risk of extreme cases or death. These are all components to factor into your decision making.If you have a current Advance Directives in place, it is recommended that you create a COVID-19 specific addendum to address the progression of care that may occur with this virus. This is a new virus, so there is not much clinical outcome data to guide your decisions. We know that it may present more severely than acute respiratory distress syndrome, making the time on a ventilator longer, and recovery more difficult. But with COVID-19, recovery is possible, possibly more so than with other causes of ventilator use. You may want to schedule a tele-consult with your physician to discuss any underlying health concerns and how it might impact your end-of-life decisions should you contract the coronavirus.Check your insurance for coverage of such discussions. Medicare does provide for two advance care planning telehealth session of up to 30 minutes each. Reimbursement codes are 99497 and 99498. For patients with cognitive impairment the reimbursement code is 99483 (1). Also, be sure to check your state laws to see what they require as each state has different guidelines and terminology.In addition to your Advance Directives, you need to put into place your Power of Attorney. This goes above and beyond your health proxy. Your Power of Attorney has the ability to make transactions, on your behalf, of a health and/or financial nature. There are several types of Power of Attorney. In case of medical incapacitation, you will want a Durable Medical Power of Attorney, which remains in effect even if you become incapacitated. You can download a free form at Law Depot:https://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/power-of-attorney-form/?loc=US#.Xw3aUUVKhPZ. And having a Last Will and Testament in place is always a good idea. Without one, you leave your assets to the courts to distribute as they see fit. Law Depot also offers free forms for this or to be sure you have factored in all considerations for your family, consult with a legal professional.Aside from all the legal documentation, a good place to start is with your family plan (2). The CDC offers some tips to help families establish a plan for the situation where one of your family members contracts COVID-19. Take steps such as identifying an isolation room in the house for anyone who gets sick, putting preventative measures in place to protect everyone, especially members at a higher risk, such as disinfecting common areas and frequently touched items like refrigerator doors, microwaves and faucets regularly.In the time of COVID, making tough decisions now, with a clear mind, not in the hour of need, is the best path to take. There are many resources available and we are here to help should you need long term care or rehab options for someone in your family. Submitted By: Care Patrol- click for more information*For Original Blog Link Click Here*

Older adults are one of the fastest growing segments of the American population and in many cases they do not have insurance to cover the dental care needed. In the US, only two percent of retirees have dental coverage through a prior employer, and medicare does not cover routine dental care without a costly supplemental plan.Seniors who have dental health issues hope that by purchasing an insurance plan they will be able to get care they have been delaying. Unfortunately, in many cases, traditional dental insurance does not cover preexisting conditions, nor pay to replace teeth that were lost prior to purchasing insurance. A newer type of plan called a Dental Savings Plan has arisen to help all patients, but especially seniors, who need top quality dental care at an affordable price.Dental savings plans are a progressive alternative to dental insurance plans. They offer patients discounts off of dental services and in some cases free routine care for a low monthly or yearly fee. In most cases the discounts for most dental care can range from 10-30%. There are a few different types of plans, some that are administered by an outside organization and others that are developed by individual dentists. With this type of plan there is no paperwork, claims to file or waiting period as you pay the dentist the discounted rate directly and there are no preexisting conditions or limits on care so you can get exactly what you need at a much more affordable price.Many people are finding that a dental savings plan is more affordable and provides the ability to stay with their current dentist. Next time youre at the dentist, ask if they offer a plan like this for you!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr Fred Guerra. Dr Guerra is a dentist with Guerra Dental and may be reached at 719-259-7043

To learn more aboutCharter Healthcare, CLICK HERE.A hospital stay can be stressful for loved ones and caregivers, and the stress can increase when its time for the patient to be discharged. Often, the patient will need accommodations to support ongoing healing and recuperation, either at an inpatient rehabilitation facility, outpatient center or at home. This need can sometimes be an afterthought, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed. By thinking through the options for care in advance, loved ones and caregivers can reduce stress and be sure the patient has a safe environment conducive to healing after discharge.Start Planning EarlyIf your loved one is in the hospital due to illness or injury, its likely the care team will want to schedule a time to discuss discharge expectations and aftercare. If you are serving as a caregiver for your loved one, its important to gather all the important details that will help you make an informed decision for their long-term well-being. Be prepared to discuss the expected date of discharge, what skills will be required for provided ongoing care that meets your loved ones needs and what the options are for facility, outpatient or at-home care. Depending on the level of care your loved one needs and their insurance coverage, you might opt for one option over another.Consider Your Care Availability RealisticallyIt is common for caregivers to feel a sense of responsibility and guilt around being able to meet their loved ones needs. These feelings are normal yet can weigh down the caregiver and cause stress for everyone involved. If you are a caregiver for a loved one who needs increased support, ask yourself a few important questions to evaluate the level of support you may need. How much time do you have available to dedicate to helping out? Does your loved one need around the clock care? Will intermittent care meet their needs? Are you retired or able to take time off work to meet your loved ones needs? In the event of an illness or other emergency, do you have a back-up caregiver who can step in? Are you able to meet all of the physical needs of your loved one (i.e., physically moving them, lifting them, etc.)? Are you able to complete ancillary tasks such as taking your loved one to doctor appointments, ordering and picking up medication and taking care of things around the house?Having an honest conversation with your loved ones care team can help determine the best option for supporting their long-term health.Understand Your OptionsVarying levels of care can be provided at home, in a residential care facility or both. Some of these care options include: Skilled home health offers a wide range of health care services delivered by specially trained health care professionals wherever the patient calls home. Private duty home care makes it possible to maintain the independence of living at home while receiving assistance with daily living activities such as personal grooming, meal preparation, housekeeping and companionship. Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness or injury and can be administered at home or in a care facility, regardless of prognosis.

Sooner or later, seniors face the possibility of seeking medical treatment for orthopedic ailments. The good news is orthopedic degeneration is usually a slow process. For most people, there is not a window of time that quickly closes to be eligible for surgery so other options to surgery are often available to help.There are many things that can be done, short of surgery, to alleviate pain and increase function such as: moist heat, cold therapy, pain medication, injections and physical therapy. An orthopedic surgeon is the perfect resource to evaluate the orthopedic condition, establish the patients goal for treatment, and develop a treatment plan that will work with the patients current condition.However, it is time to consider orthopedic surgery when the condition begins to interfere with daily activities. The majority of orthopedic procedures performed on senior patients are usually hip, knee and rotator cuff surgery. Surgical options leading up to and including total joint replacement can be wonderful for all the right reasons. Surgery can help seniors hang on to their independence and to be able to stay in their own home for as long as possible instead of having to move into assisted living environments.Should you need surgery, it is important to research surgeon options and select the surgeon with which you are most comfortable. Thoroughly discuss the surgical procedures, from pre-surgery through rehabilitation. Ask any question you need to feel comfortable with the entire joint replacement process.Proper and thorough planning can significantly increase the outcome of joint replacement surgery. Do what you can to prepare yourself physically for the surgery. Diet and exercise is as important before as it is after the surgery. Patients do better when they are motivated to properly exercise and diet prior to surgery. Be sure to participate in joint replacement classes prior to surgery to insure better outcomes from your surgery.Other factors that can affect the outcome of orthopedic surgery are smoking and diabetes. People who smoke do not experience the same recovery time as non-smokers because nicotine directly interferes with soft tissue and bone healing. Additionally, it is important for people with diabetes to have their blood sugars stabilized prior to surgery to avoid potential complications.Editors Note: Dr. Bruce Taylor is an orthopedic surgeon with the St. Mary-Corwin Physician Partners Orthopedics Group and contributed to this article. The goal of the SMC Physician Partners orthopedic group is to serve as a resource to work with patients and identify options for good orthopedic health. Call (719) 562-6254 for more information.

To learn more about Plan Right Law,CLICK HERE.A family member has just passed away and now you are asked to make what feels like a million decisions, and quickly! Everything from writing an obituary, making the funeral plans, deciding on cremation or burial arrangements, and coordinating with relatives, clergy, friends, family, and more. There is barely time to grieve, let alone think about your duties as the new Trustee. Some may find the very task of gathering everything together overwhelming and wonder Where do I even start?The vast majority of Trustee tasks do not require an attorney, but professional advice will help as you get to work on things like investing trust funds, filing taxes, preparing reports, and moving property to the trust. Additionally, you may need help to establish sub-trusts for minor or special needs beneficiaries. All of these tasks will be much easier with the help of a trust attorney and a CPA.Trust administration can be completed in a matter of months depending on the trusts requirements and how quickly debts can be settled and distributions made. In other circumstances trusts must remain open and viable for a number of years and be maintained over that period of time by the Trustee. If you find yourself in the position of having to keep a trust open beyond a year, there are steps your legal team can take to streamline your tasks. These details and more can be ironed out in a few quick visits with your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor.Possibly, the Executor of the Will and the Trustee are one in the same. If not, it becomes important for you as the Trustee to work closely with the Executor to administer the estate. The Executor may need to probate the estate in order to settle claims and move assets to the trust that may have been left out either intentionally or accidentally.In most cases Trustee duties will not be emergent so take some time to develop an administration plan. Below youll find a list of initial tasks that will need to be addressed.TRUSTEE CHECKLIST Top 20 Initial TasksFind the original signed copy of your loved ones WillGet multiple copies of their Death CertificateFile the Will with the appropriate court if a probate is requiredNotify the Social Security Administration of the deathRegister the trust if required by your stateAcquire a tax number for the trust or estateIdentify and notify the beneficiaries and heirs (they are entitled to see the trust)Notify any state agency if the decedent was receiving benefitsMake an inventory of the trusts assets; accounts, real property, personal property, business holdings, etc.Get an appraisal of the assets as neededReview the estates financial information with a CPA (preferably the decedents)Secure and protect the estates property so things dont disappearDetermine if there are any outstanding debts or creditors of the estateCreate a payment schedule for debtsOften creditors will negotiate debts, so become a deal maker!Work with the Executor to move assets in to your name as TrusteeCalendar important payment deadlines like property tax paymentsPut together a filing system to organize all the documents youll be collectingSet a regular schedule for updating the beneficiaries and check for statutory minimum requirementsContact a Trust Administration Attorney to reduce your liability in your decision making

To learn more about Harbor Chase, CLICK HERE.It can feel daunting to take on the role of dementia caregiver, especially if you are new to caregiving in general. However, with the right research, knowledge, and mindset, you can ensure that you create a positive and engaging environment for your family member and can provide the best dementia care possible.Whatever stage of the caregiving process youre in,HarborChase Senior Livinghas created this guide to help share insight on what you should and shouldnt do as you navigate the delicate yet fulfilling experience of dementia care.Do:Research and Understand DementiaCaring for someone with dementia has its challenges, especially for those who are not very familiar with the condition, its symptoms, or its progression. If a close family member has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers disease, the first thing to do is educate yourself on it. Make sure that youre aware of how the symptoms may progress over time, and research tools and strategies for best care approaches.There are countless online resources for dementia care, including helpful guides, long-term care options, and caregiver support. Some helpful resources includeThe Alzheimers Association,Family Caregiver Alliance, and theDepartment of Veterans Affairs.Dont:Get Frustrated or Take Things PersonallyAlzheimers and related dementias can causemood swings, anger, and confusionwhich could potentially lead to the individual to say mean or hurtful comments. While this can be upsetting, its important not to take personal offense. In these situations, it can be easy to get frustrated and openly angry, but this is not productive.Those living with dementia dont have control over their emotions or behavior, and as a dementia caregiver, its important to remind yourself of this when things get stressful. If you find yourself getting frustrated,try physically calming downby taking deep breaths, and then try to access the situation from a new perspective. These few simple changes can change your mindset, give you patience, and protect your relationship as a caregiver.Do:Develop a Predictable RoutineHaving a consistent day-to-day routine can ensure that things run smoothly for both you and your family member. For those living with dementia,familiar routines and schedules can be valuablein reducing anxieties and confusion and maintaining certain cognitive and physical functions.By keeping a consistent schedule of when its time to wake up, eat, go outside, and more, you can provide a sense of structure and expectation. If your family member doesnt seem to understand the routine, try using a combination of visual and auditory cues with gentle reminders.Dont:Use Patronizing Language or Confusing QuestionsWhen communicating with your family member with dementia, make sure to use clear, concise, and respectful language. Try to use easy-to-understand phrases that wont confuse or frustrate your family member.Its also important to speak with your family member with respect and dignity. Even if they may not understand all that you are saying, dont talk down to them using patronizing language or a baby voice. Include them in as many conversations and decisions as possible, as this fosters their independence and dignity.Do:Encourage a Fun and Stimulating EnvironmentDespite what you may think, dementia care doesnt have to be tedious and stiff; it can also be fun! Its vital to ensure that your family member is getting enough stimulation and socialization through sensory activities and experiences. Some examples of stimulating (and fun) activities include:Baking cookies or another simple recipe togetherPainting or decorating an arts and crafts projectCreating a memory box with photos and keepsakesGoing on a walk through a botanical gardenTrying a new jigsaw puzzle togetherDont:Feel Like You Are AloneAs a dementia caregiver, sometimes you mayfeel in over your heador isolated from other friends and family. Its important to remember that no matter what, you are not alone. Dont feel afraid to reach out to family or friends if you need a break, advice, or simply someone to listen. By reaching out for support, you can become a stronger caregiver.In addition to family and friends, there are many programs and services dedicated to dementia care. HarborChase Senior Living, withcommunities across the country, offers dementia care programs specifically designed to aid individuals in every stage of the condition, fromMild Dementia Careto more focusedMemory Care.Our memory care program establishes customized plans of care to ensure that each residents needs and wants are met in an engaging and compassionate environment. We are committed to providing exceptional care to our residents while providing peace of mind to their families and caregivers.If you are interested in learning more about our memory care programs at HarborChase Senior Living, we encourage you tocontact a member of our teamtoday.

Many older people think about how they want to dispose of their home and other property when they die. To assure this is handled as they wish, they make a will. They also can decide and document who will make financial decisions if age or illness no longer allows them to do so. Sometimes people are not aware they can also establish a plan for the health care they want near the end of life. This process is called advance care planning (ACP). An outcome of ACP is the completion of two legal forms, generally found in one document called an Advance Directive.Often people delay in completing an advance directive because they dont know where to obtain forms and worry how difficult it will be to complete them. A good resource is the Prepare for Your Care website at https://prepareforyourcare.org/welcome where an easy to understand video can guide you. You can also go to a link at the site to obtain the forms. The two parts of the form are described here: 1. A Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) is where a person designates someone to be a medical decision maker to make health care decisions for a time that may come when a patient is unable to speak or make treatment decisions. This person may be referred to as your health care agent or surrogate. When choosing your agent, it is important to select someone who knows you and your wishes and values, who will be able to make difficult decisions, and understands how you would make decisions if you were able. He or she should not be afraid to ask difficult questions and advocate to doctors. You should have a conversation with the person you have chosen to confirm his/her willingness to act as your agent to increase the likelihood your wishes will be followed. If an agent is not named, the law provides for a representative to be designated. This person may not be someone you would choose. Further, an appointed representative may not have a clear understanding of your values and treatment choices. 2. In a Living Will (LW), you plan ahead for the medical treatment you receive as you approach the end of life. This can be difficult decision-making and often people want to discuss option with family members, a doctor, attorney or spiritual adviser, but it is not required. Your LW becomes effective only if you become incapacitated and have an end-stage medical condition or are permanently unconscious and there is no realistic hope for significant recovery. In the LW, you define your wish to not receive aggressive medical care, so you can die a natural death. Another choice would be aggressive treatment that could include cardiac resuscitation (CPR), a breathing machine or dialysis. Whatever you decide, the information will serve as instruction to your agent and your health care professionals. Once you have engaged in the process to identify your preferences and have completed the legal forms, you will need to have your health care directive signed by two witnesses. In Pennsylvania, notarization is not required. When you complete an advance directive, you should give a copy to your agent and to your doctor. It is also good to review your documents occasionally. Having a family meeting to share your decisions with your loved ones can be helpful. Family members are often comforted that they have an understanding of what Mom or Dad or another loved one would want when they can no longer get answers. You can find more information at the following websites: https://prepareforyourcare.org/welcome... www.acba.org/public/livingwill... www.haponline.org/Initiatives/Endof-Life-Care-Planning Editors Note: This article was submitted by Marian Kemp, RN, of the Coalition for Quality at the End of Life (CQEL). She may be reached at papolst@verizon.net

To learn more aboutCaring Senior Service of Wasatch, CLICK HERE.Thanksgiving is an exciting and busy time of the year. Families and friends meet together to enjoy a bountiful meal, which requires a lot of time and preparation. The perfect Thanksgiving feast starts with the right ingredients. But the run to the grocery store for Thanksgiving goods is one of the most time-consuming grocery shopping trips of the year. For many seniors, it can be stressful or even seem impossible. It requires you to be on your feet longer, push a heavier shopping cart, manage more grocery bags than usual, and maneuver carts through aisles with lots of foot traffic. And the Thanksgiving turkey isnt light, either! Thankfully, there are severaltips older adults can utilize to make this grocery trip easier and less stressful.Place an Order OnlineMany grocery stores now allow you to place an order on their website. Then, store employees do the grocery shopping for you. If any ingredients are missing off the shelves, they can make substitutions for you, too. Some stores offer home delivery, while others offer curbside pickup. This option might cost a few more dollars on your bill, but it can make the trip much easier on seniors who have a hard time grocery shopping on normal weekdays.If your grocery store doesnt offer online orders, then you can look into different grocery delivery apps, likeInstacartorShipt.In some areas, Amazon also provides grocery delivery.Or, you can hire a trusted caregiver to do the grocery shopping on behalf of your loved one.DelegateMake shopping a family affair by involving different family members in grocery shopping.If your loved one prefers a hands-on approach to shopping, have someone go with them to offer a helping hand. They can push the cart, pick up heavy items, reach for items on tall shelves, and help navigate the busy store.You may even decide that its best for your elderly loved one to stay home this year.You can also delegate different dishes to various family members and ask them to get the ingredients for their dish instead of leaving it all on your seniors shoulders.This can help make the grocery run easier for the whole family.Go to the Store in the MorningGrocery stores are often less crowded in the morning, so plan your tripaccordingly. Seniorswill be able to get in and out fastersince they wont have to navigate through as many people. Plus, workers wont be as busy, so they will be more available to help with tasks like bagging groceries, taking them out of the cart for checkout, and loading them into the car.Make a ListMaking a list is a great way to ensure that you have everything you need for your Thanksgiving meal. While there might still be a few items that you forget, the list can help youstay on track. It can also help you know which aisles you can avoid and which ones you need to go down.If you know your grocery store layout well, you can organize your list by areas of the store.Staying organized with your list will help seniors shop more efficiently.Order from a RestaurantSeniors dont have to do all the cooking themselves. Its okay to order items from your favorite restaurants if they have Thanksgiving dishes available. Instead of making a homemade pie, for example, try picking one up. This can help cut down on the chaos in the kitchen and on thetimeyou spend at the grocery store. Some families take it a step further and eat out on Thanksgiving to avoid the hassle altogether.Go to a Larger StoreIf you live in an area that has multiple locations of your favorite grocery store, consider going to one that has a more spacious layout. Larger stores typically have wider aisles that can be easier to navigate during busy times of the year. However, this could also be challenging for seniors who are already familiar with thelayout of their grocery store. So let your loved one take the lead on choosing the grocery store.Clean Out the CarTo get all of those groceries home, you need lots of space in your vehicle. Check the car for space before going to the grocery store to ensure that you dont have to spend time making room for your groceries in the parking lot. We recommend clearing out the trunk because its easier to accessthan the side doors, which can swing open and hit cars nearby. But you might need additional room especially if you drive a compact sedan so clear out the back seat too.Encourage Your Loved One to Accept HelpThere are also companies and serviceswill also assist with the shopping process.For example, you may want to hire a transportation company. You can even ask to see ifthe driver will help carry in bags when your loved one gets home. Or you can hire a caregiver who can do shopping with your loved one, help with meal preparation, and provide the ride.Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to gather together as family and celebrate all the things that you have to be thankful for this year. That doesn't mean that it has to be stressful for your elderly loved one. For more tips on keeping the Thanksgiving season easier to manage for everyone,find the Caring locationnear you and reach outtoday!

Facing a life-limiting diagnosis is rarely simple. When patients are ready to focus on comfort and quality of life, they may not want an expensive stay in the hospital or skilled nursing facility.Hospice offers an alternativeparticularly during COVID-19s heightened risks and restrictions.Whether the patient has decided the side-effects of their current treatment plan outweigh its benefits, or their care provider has recommended end-of-life care, transitioning to hospice care should be easy and safe for patients, families, caregivers, and physicians.Hospice transitions begin with a team of specialists who confirm the patients hospice eligibility with a short assessment. Questions are asked and answered, and the hospice provider supports the patients and familys informed decisions about their preferences for end-of-life care. The patients needs and goals come first, and reasonable efforts are made to care for the patient wherever theyre most comfortable. In most cases, this means home.The hospice teamphysician, nurse hospice aide, social worker, chaplain, and volunteerthen develops a personalized plan, including any equipment and supplies the patient may require. Patients leaving a hospital or skilled nursing facility can still benefit from any specialized medical equipment they may have used in their care facilityright from the comfort of their home. Medicines that improve quality of life are delivered as well.At home, hospice patients receive day-to-day care from a family caregiver with plenty of assistance and training from the hospice team, either in-person or via telehealth. Each week, team members visit on a schedule designed to meet the patients needs. Hospice patients also face fewer restrictions at home than in a facility, so families can work out a visitation plan thats best for them.If symptoms flare up and additional support is needed, a patient may receive continuous care with 24/7 support from a crisis nurse until symptoms are back under control. Even as levels of service change, Medicare or private insurance continues to cover the cost of care 100%.Most patients with advanced illness want to be home near the end of life. Hospice can provide the expertise, resources, and personnel to make that happen.Editors Note: Article written by Evalisa McClure, general manager for VITAS Healthcare in Pittsburgh. For more information about end-of-life care services, call the nations leading provider at 866.759.6695 (available 24/7) or visit VITAS.com.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Organizer When You Move:Moving is Stressful!  Moving is in the Top 5 of Life Stresses.You'll Save Money:  Don't pay to move things you were ready to part with anyway.You'll Save Time: The process goes much faster and more efficiently with experts to help you.Preserve Your Sanity' You're short on time and energy during a move. We get you unpacked and settled in quickly.Did you know the average American moves 11 times in his/her lifetime?Don't tackle this life transition alone - this is a perfect time to call in an expert to assist you during this stressful time.

It is important that everyone think ahead and to consider where and how you might like to age.Join SBB University and our panel of experts as we arm you with knowledge on how to evaluate your living situation and make a plan while you are still healthy.Topics of discussion at this informative event included identifying where the best place is for you to live as you age - it could be moving into a beautiful senior living community or developing a course of action to help you age in place safely in your home for as long as possible. We explore how to get all of your legal documents in order with clear intentions and how to ensure it's accessible when needed.Panel 1: Options to assist with aging in place in your own home, downsizing, getting your legal paperwork in orderPanel 2: What do retirement/senior living communities have to offer?To Learn More, Click Links Below:ComForCare of NW PittsburghLIFE PittsburghSharek Law OfficeKarla Casertano - Realtor, Coldwell BankerPresbyterian SeniorCare NetworkNorthland Heights Senior LivingThe Helping Hand Personal Placement Agency

Imagine being hard of hearing and trying to make do with someone elses hearing aid having only one, not two for both ears. If you reside in a care facility and use all of your funds to pay for your care, what would you do? Imagine needing to move to an assisted living, having limited savings and being just $200 a month shy of being able to pay privately, what would you do?These are real-life examples of residents, in senior care settings who have been helped by St. Joseph Villa Foundation for Charity Care. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide financial assistance to those in senior care settings who require care, services or support but have exhausted all other potential funding sources and do not have the financial resources to pay. Founded in April 2011 following the sale of Christus St. Joseph Villa to a for-profit group, our reach currently extends to qualified seniors who reside in the Salt Lake Valley. As our resources and funding permits, we will grow to cover the entire state of Utah, and ultimately the Intermountain West. While the Foundations name and mission honors the tradition of its Catholic roots, the Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization (not a religious charity) which accepts financial donations and provides charity care for qualified seniors, ages 55+, of all faiths, nationalities and ethnicities.The goal of the Foundation is to support our seniors, by providing dignity and improving their quality of life through the fulfillment of unmet needs. Seniors may apply for ongoing assistance or one-time assistance for items such as hearing aids, eye glasses and dentures. Applicants must meet the income resources and asset qualifications criteria and complete the appropriate application (one-time assistance or ongoing support) and submit it to the Foundation. Completed applications must include documentation of reasonable estimates of costs for items/services. Additional criteria for qualifications may be obtained through the Foundations website or by calling the Foundation office. Please note the Foundation does not provide assistance for services already rendered.Editors Note: Presented by Beth Ehrhardt, President, St. Joseph Villa Foundation for Charity Care, and may be reached at (801) 468-6806 or email: behrhardt@ensigngroup.net. For more information or an application, please visit the website: www.stjosephvillafoundation.org.

A few weeks ago I was having lunch with friends and talking about my job at a retirement and assisted living facility. One of the women said, It must be so sad when children bring their parents and theyre just not ready to be there. I thought a minute and said, That never happens. If they're not ready, they get in their car, drive back to their home, call the movers to have the furniture put back, and then they get in their car and go play golf. People never come too early. On the flip side, they wait too long all the time. So when is the right time to come? she asked. That made me think for a while, and these are, in David Letterman's vernacular, the top ten reasons you know its time to move to an assisted living or retirement community.1. You are isolated. For whatever reason you are not getting out of your house, are not spending time with other people, and are spending almost all of your time by yourself.2. Your house or apartment has become dangerous, either because of the way the house is built, or because of your ability to maneuver around the house. In other words, the house has become a trap, waiting to make you fall.3. Caring for you has become such a burden to family or friends, that it has started to seriously disrupt all of their lives.4. You are not able to make or obtain nourishing meals for yourself.5. You are not able to keep up your house and don't feel comfortable having people come in regularly, and you are unable to find someone who can help.6. You are not able to do bathing, dressing, or basic grooming, and you are unable to find someone who can help with this.7. You are not able to take your medications, even after all possible systems have been tried.8. Your over-all quality of life is deteriorating and could be made better with more help.9. You can feel yourself going downhill and want to move to a community where there is help before something happens and while you still have choices.10. You have friends who love it, you have visited them, and it seems like a great lifestyle for you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Ginny E. Echevarria, Marketing Director at Highland Cove Retirement. During the 10 years she has been there, she estimates she's worked with close to 9,000 families. Ginny may be reached at 801.272.8226, by email at gechevarria@centurypa.com or visit the website www.highlandcove.com

Company offers a pendent or home-alert system that notifies staff that user in in distress.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

Great news! Seniors who volunteer in their communities are healthier, happier, and feel more involved.A recent independent study from the Corporation for National and Community Servicefound that among seniors who serve their communities:84 percent feel their health is stable or improving78 percent experience fewer symptoms of depression88 percent feel less isolatedEven better news is that there is a program right here in Naples that is focused on helping local seniors find volunteer opportunities that are a perfect fit for their interests, talents, and expertise and provide the social engagementseniors need to thrive.The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Collier Countyis part of a national program that provides volunteer opportunities for people ages 55 and older who want to remain actively involved in supporting and improving their communities.In and around Naples, RSVP members apply their knowledge and life experience to helping in the areas of disaster response and recovery, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, education, healthcare, and support of veteransand military families.How to Find the Volunteer Opportunity That Is Right for YouWe all enter our retirement years with decades of experience under our belts. With more free time on our hands, its important to find ways to apply that experience to help others. RSVP of Collier County offers many volunteer opportunities that will put your skills to good use. The list of organizationsthat RSVP volunteers work with includes:American Cancer SocietyHelp fight back, get involved and make a difference in the fight against cancer. Volunteers help with events including the Relay for Life and annual galas. Additionally, volunteers support mailings and assemble survivor and team captain bags and sponsorship packets.Boys & Girls Club of Collier CountyPromoting the educational, vocational, and health leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe environment. RSVP volunteers serve as mentors and tutors, imparting knowledge and skills that will enable the children they serve to succeed in life.Collier County Veteran ServicesProviding veterans and their dependents with support and access to a wide variety of Veterans Affairs (VA) services. RSVP volunteers serve as drivers, transporting veterans to and from nearby VA hospitals and clinics.Family Literacy Academy of ImmokaleeProviding farmworker families with equal access to education, resources, and opportunities. RSVP volunteers serve as instructors for preschool children, provide English and basic literacy instruction for parents, provide parent and child together (PACT) time, and provide parenting and health and wellness instruction.Habitat for HumanityEliminating substandard housing by constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. Volunteers can enjoy the hands-on experience of the actual building effort, or they can donate their time to Habitats well-known thrift store.Naples Historical SocietyPreserving the history of Naples through tours and preservation initiatives. RSVP volunteers guide tours, teach classes, and provide administrative support to the organization.North Collier Fire & RescueProtecting life and property from fire and other emergencies through incident response and public education. RSVP volunteers become part of a community emergency response team (CERT), organizing rescue and relief efforts during times of trouble, or simply serving local homebound seniors by providing regular grocery delivery services.Rookery BayProviding a basis for informed stewardship of estuaries in Southwest Florida through research and education. RSVP volunteers serve in the visitor center greeting and assisting guests, work on one of many restoration projects, or serve as tour guides.STARability FoundationEnhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. RSVP volunteers work one on one with individuals during a six-week- long life skills class, and assist with monthly events.The Benefits of Volunteering with RSVP in Collier CountyThe RSVP coordinators in Collier County offer a great deal of support to local volunteers, including:Help setting up a personal interview with the volunteer station of your choiceOngoing follow-up and support by your coordinatorAn opportunity to learn new skillsReferral informationFlexibility to change your volunteer assignment whenever you wantFree supplemental insurance while you volunteer, including personal injury, personal liability, and excess automobile liabilityInvitations to special volunteer recognition eventsSubmitted and Written By: Barrington Terrace - click here for more information

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.

SBB University thanks Benjamin Surmi, MSG | Director of Education and Culture with Koelsch Communities for sharing his expertise on Staying Connected to an Aging Relative: Guidingfamilies through difficult times of distance.Tools for Staying ConnectedHow will I stay connected to my aging relative? I cannot visit them in-person for a variety of reasons. Perhaps I cannot because their assisted living no longer permits visitors. Perhaps I cannot because I live far away or live with a disability myself.Regardless, the plan for staying connected is essential for everyones well-being.This article is a quick summary with links of the content shared during a 2020online event.You may watch the event by clicking here.You can download theslideswithphotosof each optionbyclicking here.On July 19th, the Columbian in Vancouver, WA published a front page story about this important topic.Click hereto read.Typical ToolsFamilies commonly use tools like:Non-New-Tech Typical ToolsMail by Postal ServiceIn-Person Visits and TripsLandline CallsTypical Tech ToolsSmartphone CallsVideo Chat (FaceTime, Skype, Zoom)TextingEmailSending Photos/Videos from a SmartphoneWhile this article focuses exclusively on newer age-friendly tech options, consider the following:Typical tools may work just as good or better than newer toolsSome typical tech tools may not work well for seniors who are at a later stage in their aging journey, live with forgetfulness, or never adopted newer technologies.Age-friendly tech tools may add new ways to connect to your strategyBig Three Tech OptionsThe Big Three Google, Amazon, and Facebook each have an option that may work for some families and some seniors.They are very affordable with no monthly fee. And, most family members already have accounts with all three services. No new app to learn.On the other hand, these tools are very affordable as personal data, purchases, and advertising revenue pay for the services. Youll also want to consider whether you have someone in the family with enough know-how to do the initial set-up and protect the elder from unwanted virtual visitors.portal.facebook.com Dedicated tablet or TV set-top-boxamazon.com -> Echo Show Dedicated tablet on stand.Google Hub Dedicated tablet on stand.Age-Friendly Tech ToolsThe variety of tools now available gives families the freedom to choose a solution that matches the unique needs of an aging relative. For simplicity, well break them down based on the technical know-how of the senior. Well also mark with tools appear to be dementia friendly.All tools include family communication as a primary feature.Every tool below is designed with ease-of-use and safety in mind. Almost every tool below requires setting up approved contacts for their elder, keeping them safe from unwanted callers or video visitors.The list below is roughly sorted from most-complex-to-use to simplest.I can navigate a tablet or smartphone with my fingers.Simple tablets or smartphones designed to make it easy browse the internet, call family members, and other typical tasks. Designers seek to make these tasks fool proof by eliminating as many screens/clicks as possible and enlarging icons.www.grandpad.com A tablet with cellular data built-in.www.baldphone.comA simple smart phone interface.www.oscarsenior.com/for-familiesA simplified app interface.www.grandcare.com A tablet with monitoring features.www.famlinet.com A simplified app interface that supports translation between generations, transcribes speech, and converts speech to text.www.2gether.fun An app that brings family members together with a relative to listen to music together. The app learns which songs bring the most joy to the elder.I can navigate a tablet by voice.Each of these options seeks to make the Echo easier for seniors to use.www.soundmindinc.comwww.briocare.usI can navigate a TV with a remote.A familiar, everyday appliance like the TV can now be used for family connection and for connection with a vetted, wider network of fitness, learning, and socialization.www.kraydel.comwww.heyherbie.comwww.sirona.tvwww.independa.comwww.unipercare.comI can push 12 buttons on a screen.These tools are pushing the boundaries of universal design to make sure that anyone, regardless of physical or mental disability can connect with people they care about.www.noisolation.comNot available in the US yet.Looks and feels like an old fashioned TV but is really a set designed for elders with forgetfulness.sociavi.comwww.konnekt.com.auwww.viewclix.comI can answer a phone.While research does not appear to report the same benefits to phone calls as video chat, some will prefer phone calls to every other communication method. But, what if actually calling the aging relative is not reality?www.familyjam.ioThe service learns each family members best days and times for talking by phone. The service calls the aging relative and a family member when they are both free to talk.telecalmprotects.com The service curbs repeat dialing, prevent calling during family quiet hours, and blocks frequent 911 calls or calls to shopping channels.I recommendusing a phone like thisfor someone with memory loss. And, if using a smart phone, consider using anold-fashioned phone accessory.I can read or look at printed photos.For some seniors, reading paper is still the most effective way to communicate. But, writing and mail may not be easy for family members.www.famileo.com Family and friends can add photos and text to an app; a magazine arrives monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly with the photos and messages.I can receive messages that play automatically.SociAvi. ViewClix and Konnekt mentioned above can be set up to answer automatically.Bonus Optionsheartlegacy.com Families can send greetings, messages, and life history stories back and forth. Its specifically designed for senior living communities.www.cutii.io/en/ Not yet launched. Cutti will be a robot that can move to the senior with video chat on its face.WRITTEN BYBenjamin SurmiListening to stories of elders in my neighborhood inspired me to take the journey I am on now designing fresh ways for elders living with dementia to thrive.Learn more about Koelsch Communities:Arbor Hills Memory Care CommunitySaddle Brook Memory Care CommunityMeadowbrook Memory Care CommunityRiverside Inn at Fossil CreekWatch the Video Presentation by clicking on the photo below.

Did you know that a persons smile affects many areas of their lives? It affects a persons overall feeling of wellbeing, as well as their social & business interactions.The structural health of the teeth is very important. Any breakdown of the teeth is progressive in nature. As an example, a small cavity can be treated very conservatively, however left unchecked, it can lead to an abscessed tooth requiring a root canal treatment & crown. In the meantime, the infection in the tooth has deleterious effect on the whole body.Periodontal disease is extremely harmful to persons overall health. There are 11 pathologic, disease causing bacteria associated with periodontal (gum) disease. As the disease progresses, gum & bone tissue (the foundation for the teeth) is destroyed. Pockets develop that make it impossible to clean the teeth properly. The infection & associated inflammation contribute to many systemic diseases, including heart disease & diabetes. In addition, many of the chronic inflammatory diseases that we know of are affected. Fortunately, today we can identify the disease causing bacteria with an oral DNA test & utilize the most effective antibiotics in conjunction with laser periodontal therapy. Laser periodontal therapy is much more effective & comfortable than previous treatments that were available.The relationship of the jaw joints to the teeth is very important. A poorly aligned bite system leads to wear & fracturing of the teeth, as well as breakdown of the gum & bone supporting tissues. In addition, the chronic inflammation of the joints leads to degenerative osteoarthritis in the joints. Chronic inflammation in the joints affects all of the organs in the body & often leads to headaches, as well as poor sleep.The alignment of the teeth is not only an esthetic concern. It not only affects the health of the teeth & gums, it is also a source of chronic inflammation affecting the entire body. FastBraces is an excellent way to align the teeth. It is healthier, faster, & more comfortable.In conclusion, oral disease affects more than just the teeth & gums. It is a source of chronic inflammation that contributes to most other diseases in the body. Be sure your dentist provides a thorough exam and interview and then discuss all health concerns with them. Better overall health could be a smile away!Editors Note: This article was written by Dr Donald Couchman, with Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry. He can be reached at 719-593-0263.

1 Assess your Finances Are your investments & income sources aligned to cover your expenses? Do you need a financial advisor?2 Insurance/Asset protection Have you considered your legal exposures to your property and assets? Do you know how to reduce your exposure to fraud, predators and creditors?3 Estate Planning Do you have the 5 Essential Estate Planning Documents?4 Living Arrangements/Care Providers Have you considered your options for living arrangements and care providers?5 Life Insurance Has your policy been reviewed recently? Are the beneficiaries updated?6 Pet planning - If you own pets, do you have a backup plan if you are unavailable to care for it/them? Have you considered creating a Pet Trust?7 End of life planning - Have you considered your wishes for your final resting place and have you planned for the expenses? Editors Note: This article was submitted by Andrew Hill Investment Advisors, Inc., 4081 Tamiami Trail North, Suite C-105, Naples, FL 34103, 239-777-3188. Disclosures Firm is a Registered Investment advisor in the State of Florida. Their disclosure statement is at www.responsibleadvisors.com. Tax and estate planning advice is general and the firm does not practice law.

What if you could stay in your home, enjoying independence and comforts of home longer? Do you have a family Realtor who will advise you to not sell unless necessary? Do you have a Realtor who has resources for medical needs, for VA assistance benefits, to give you financial options and resources to speak to when you have questions regarding whether to sell or not?Seniors Real Estate Specialists (SRES) do more than just sell homes. We are a resource for families under stress during times of medical need for, or loss of, a loved one. We are here to be a calming agent during very emotional times.SRSEs know that selling the home is not always the first or even best option. Because of this, we have access to in-home care resources to let you or your loved ones stay in their home longer. We understand VA benefits for care, how to keep eligibility when you do need to sell, and the grief that comes with an actual move out. If you have a reverse mortgage, an SRES is your best choice when you decide to sell, because of the special rules surrounding these mortgages! We have your trusts reviewed by Title company attorneys to make sure you have correct wording to sell and close. Did you know that some trusts are not written right and the seller cannot close? What if you were counting on that sale for medical bills, but no-one had taken the time to review the trust? Did you know that not all Power of Attorneys allow real estate sales even when they say they do? An SRES can review those as well. SRESs usually have teams to help you clean, pack, do light painting, some moving and run yard sales when you are ready to move. What could be better than having a team to help? As your family SRES, we help you stay in your home longer, providing you with tools to make comfortable decisions. Always call on an SRES when you have real estate questions! This article was submitted by Gina Gonzales SRES, she can be reached at 801-544-6829.

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

Caring for a family member with Alzheimer's and dementia can be time consuming and often requires additional resources and support. It is not always easy to know when a loved one is ready to make that transition. The early onset of Alzheimer's and dementia can take years to fully unfold, or in some cases instances of the disease can start happening overnight, making it hard to prepare for what is to come. As a family member, you are not only dealing with its effect on you and your family, but you are also faced with how to best care for your loved one. The most important decision when preparing is one that makes them comfortable, while also providing the best care possible.Those just starting to suffer from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may need some help day-to-day but commonly can continue residing in Assisted Living. Many residents currently living in a traditional memory care setting could flourish in a less restrictive and more stimulating environment. Transitional Memory Care is just the program for those who may have memory issues, but are not ready for the more structured memory care. Transitional Memory Care not only supports the resident facing mild memory loss, but with added socialization and a stimulating program, they are also able to maintain their quality of life as they age.It is understood that active socializing stimulates the mind, encourages companionship and provides a sense of overall well-being. The life engagement programming of Transitional Memory Care helps add a sense of enjoyment and quality of living for residents who may be reluctant to participate in social settings. Socialization plays a large role in maintaining quality of life as individuals age. Those who have strong social networks live longer and are healthier. Social engagement has been found to stimulate multiple body systems including the cognitive, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular systems. The best of this programming combines and strengthens relationships through engagement in activities with others who enjoy the same interests and personalization to meet the overall needs of the group. For that reason, the most successful transitional memory care programs have a limited group size, operate at least 5-7 days a week and have structured activities and opportunities for socialization.To learn more about transitional memory care and how it may benefit your loved one, please visit Spectrum Retirements The Residence ClubEditors Note: This article was submitted by Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC of Denver, Colorado.

There is nothing worse than having teeth that do not stay in when you are eating or talking or not enough teeth to eat what you want to eat.Does your confidence lack because of your teeth slipping down or falling out?Do you wish you could smile more and enjoy time with others more?Do you wish you could eat foods that you love?Many people hold back from laughing or smiling because they are uncomfortable with their smile. Modern dental technologies - including dental implants - can put the smile back on your face and in your life!When both the tooth and root are damaged, the best permanent replacement is a dental implant in conjunction with a beautiful porcelain ceramic crown. This solution both looks and functions just like a natural tooth. This results in immediately full functioning teeth, shorter treatment time and minimized pain.This procedure normally includes a few to the dentist. The implant is placed. At this time, a temporary tooth may be provided so you never have to go without teeth. The implant will need a few months to integrate into the bone before the next step is taken. The final step is the placement of the attachment (known as the abutment) and the permanent porcelain ceramic tooth. It looks and functions like a beautiful new natural tooth. You will need to take care of the tooth like your natural teeth and see your dentist regularly for preventive maintenance.If you are missing more than one tooth, an implant bridge may be a great option. Having dental implants replacing your lost back teeth will give younew, unparalleled strength and stability that allows you to eat what you want. It will also preserve your jawbone and facial appearance.Are you tired of your dentures keeping you from eating or smiling? Dental implants may be the perfect answer for more stability and function with your existing or new dentures. The implants help keep the denture in place and provide better function and comfort. Smile again from the inside out!Individuals desiring implants should schedule a personalized dental planning appointment to find out the different options available to them. Complete dental centers like Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry are able to perform the implant procedures from start to finish which is a benefit of time and convenience, as well as most cost-effective for the patient.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Christine Martens, practice administrator, at Couchman Center for Complete Dentistry and may be reached at 719-593-0263 or by email at info@couchmandental.com.

Senior Contributions began taking on the challenge to educate Utah seniors and gather donations to help fund senior programs in the state in 2016.Through the past few years, many professionals with a focus on serving seniors have become more aware of the shortfalls in two critical areas, said Senior Contributions Assistant Media and Public Relations Director Susan Tolman. These areas were education of seniors and a lack of funding in senior related programs.Senior Contributions was organized to provide a way to bring together Utah seniors and their families with dedicated experts who could answer any aging related questions in a non-threatening educational environment, while raising funds to help underfunded senior programs.Every day each of us as caregivers see the need for help to those we care for, said Senior Contributions Vice-President Melissa Fitzgerald. We wanted to find a way to help raise money for those we care about.The intent is to put the experts in a place they can all be accessed by the public, and make Tuesdays a dedicated day of the week for families to go out to eat together and support senior programs in the community.It didnt take long for us to come up with the idea of partnering with local restaurants to bring our panel of experts into the community on a regular basis and to ask those participating restaurants to make a charitable contribution back to our organization based on their sales that night, said Tolman.Senior Contributions experts can address any question a family may have.They share information in an educational manner focused on service, and families no longer have to wonder where they can go to get information they need, said Fitzgerald. Just check the calendar to see where the panel will be any Tuesday of the month, take the family out to enjoy a meal together, and get answers to your questions without worry.Senior Contributions estimates they will contribute more than $1.5 million to Utah programs in need by the end of 2018.Our long-term goals are to have 1000 participating restaurants and contributions of nearly $10 million a year to support senior programs in Utah, said Fitzgerald.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Daniel S. Short of Senior Contributions. He may be reached at 801-891-7901 or by email: SeniorContributions@gmail.com

For more information on the author, AVOW, CLICK HERE!Linda Travis is no stranger to hospice: she has experienced its whole person approach to care as a family member of a patient. But it wasnt until Linda served as a daily caregiver for an Avow Hospice patient that she truly experienced the difference hospice care can make in patients and their families and friends alike.In 2021, Linda became a caregiver for Amber*, a dear friend since high school who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. When Amber needed daily care as her illness entered its final stage, Linda stepped up, joining Ambers family in tending to Ambers needs.The relief we felt when Amber joined Avows hospice program was immediate, like a weight lifting off our shoulders, Linda recalls. Suddenly we had a whole team of calm, experienced professionals to help us with caregiving and to talk with us about how we were coping. The nurse and social worker came to the house, medicines and equipment were delivered, people from Avow called us to see what we needed all of it was wonderful.Avows massage therapist and music therapist eased Ambers journey as well. After her massage, Amber looked so deeply peaceful and took a long, restful nap, Linda remembers. We also saw a great change in herduring her music therapy session. The therapist played Somewhere Over the Rainbow which was special to us as Ambers family and ours had shared a Hawaiian vacation, Linda says. Am-ber stopped grimacing, and we could see her eyes moving even though they were closed. Her breathing slowed and relaxed.As Ambers death approached, the Avow team seemed to magically start coming more often, says Linda. They were warm and caring in how they addressed her, positioned her, helped her as a human being whodeserved dignity and compassion. In Ambers final hours, the Avow nurse sat at her bedside, playing calming music from her phone to relax Amber. She reassured Ambers family members, who were not always comfortable being in the room as Amber declined. To all of us, the Avow nurse felt like a member of our extended family. It was so reassuring to have her there as Amber passed.Compassionate, dignified, personal care thats what Linda found at Avow. The services Avow provides are invaluable. I saw them from all aspects. Its a wonderful program.

Helen Keller, both a deaf and blind lady, upon being asked whether she considers vision or hearing more important, replied:The problems of deafness are deeper and more complex, if not more important, than those of blindness. Deafness is a much worse misfortune. For it means the loss of the most vital stimulus--the sound of the voice that brings language, sets thoughts astir and keeps us in the intellectual company of man.What Helen knew, and what popular thought has often overlooked, is that the human sense of hearing represents the primary cognitive window into life itself. Blindness cuts us off from things; deafness cuts us off from people to be cut off from hearing [people] is to be isolated indeed.Indeed, to one who hears normally, it may seem a strange concept that one can stand amidst a room full of fellow beings engaged in excited conversation, bonding and enjoying each other's company and yet feel awkward and terribly alone.In cases of rapid decline, sufferers sense a profound loss not unlike losing a close loved one. Such losses can evoke the same emotions of mourning denial, despair, frustration, and anger that transpire when they actually lose a loved one, but often without recognizing why they feel that way. Reports of sudden hearing loss repeatedly present an almost crippling form of emotional and psycho-social debilitation.Gradual losses, which comprise perhaps 95% of cases, come over, say, 20-30 years, and bring feelings of depression, anxiety, hypertension, and cardiovascular & endocrine stress.Coming back to the wisdom and insight of Helen Keller, in her advancing years she concluded in a letter to a friend that "after a lifetime in silence and darkness, to be deaf is a greater affliction than to be blind...Hearing is the soul of knowledge and information of a high order. To be cut off from hearing is to be isolated indeed."Editor's note: This article was submitted by Dr. Max Chartrand of DigiCare Hearing Research & Rehabilitation. He can be reached at: www.digicarenet.com, 719-676-3277.

I recently went to a presentation in Boise titled Lets Have Dinner and Talk About Death hosted by Regence Blue Shield and presented by Professor Hebb. He believes that the dinner table shapes our culture and can carry the weight of the heaviest conversations He also believes that breaking bread with others can spark social change.Professor Hebb had recently learned that 75% of Americans want to die at home but only 25% do. This bothered him. He came to the conclusion that how we want to spend our final days is one of the most important conversations that Americans are not having.After leaving Hebbs presentation, I no longer believed the myth that Americans are too afraid to have these conversations. We are just having the wrong conversation. So, I hosted my first dinner.Friends, strangers, and collogues gathered together for dinner. Although, we all knew the topic; none of us knew exactly what to expect. Our conversations had many twists and turns but it did not take long before people became vulnerable and shared their thoughts about deaths they had witnessed, fears of dying and grief over those they have lost. Everyone walked away with lessons learned and thoughts to contemplate. My husband shared this thought with me:"After the dinner, I thought about the conversation. I realized that HOW I die will have a big impact on those that I love. They will live with those memories. So, how I die is less about me and more about those who will still be alive after I am gone. So, I hope to die at home with my family surrounding me so my death will be a cherished memory for those that I love."My hope is to be a part of a patient led revolution in our state. A revolution where ordinary people are talking to each other and where medical professionals are honoring their wishes. Together we can make a difference.This article was written byHoney Goodman, COO Treasure Valley Hospice.For more information, please see our ad below.Or contact honey@treasurevalleyhospice.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!

Nearly 60 million consumers are enrolled in some type of Medicare health insurance. That number is expected to grow rapidly, with more than 11,000 Baby Boomers aging into Medicare eligibility each day.For many of these individuals, this is the first time they wont have an employer giving them access to a health plan. And for those who already have Medicare, they may benefit from understanding their options if they want to switch their coverage.Medicare is complex so it may be confusing to understand.Original Medicare has two parts: Part A is hospital insurance that covers hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and more; and Part B is insurance that covers care including doctor visits and outpatient services.Part A and B do have coverage gaps. Without extra protection, people on Original Medicare could pay thousands of dollars in deductibles, copayments, out-of-pocket expenses, and other costs associated with prescription medicines, long term care, some dental care, hearing aids, and other health services. Thats partly why more than 30 million consumers have chosen to expand coverage through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and/or Medicare Part D plan. Medicare Advantage also called Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans include all the benefits of Original Medicare and many plans also have Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). Additionally, some may have extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and membership to a fitness program. Medicare Supplement plans also known as Medigap can be paired with Original Medicare plans and will help pay for costs not covered by Parts A or B. Some supplement plans provide additional benefits, such as fitness program membership. These plans allow enrollees to keep their primary care provider. Medicare Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage and complement Original Medicare. They can be purchased alongside a Medicare Supplement plan.These three types of Medicare plans are offered by private healthcare companies, such as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and many plans have a monthly premium, which are in addition to the Part B premium.When searching for a Medicare plan, consumers should examine factors including affordability of plans to fit their budget; access to network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies that meet their needs; drug formulary that aligns with medication needs; availability of wellness and preventive care programs; and a health plan with experience they can rely on.People can go to Medicare.gov or visit a healthcare companys website like www.anthem.com/medicare to learn more about Medicare options.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Michele Dube of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut.Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Connecticut Medicaid program. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage organization and a Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal. This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, contact your licensed insurance agent, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield or visit us on the web. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by an insurance agent or insurance company.

PACE programs help the most vulnerable seniors in the community improve their quality of life.PACE stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE programs coordinate and provide all needed preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services so that their participants can continue to live in the community. At the core of the PACE model is the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT): the IDT is comprised of physicians, nurse practitioners, home-health nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, transportation coordinators, aides and others. They meet regularly to exchange information and solve problems as the conditions and needs of PACE participants change.PACE CentersPACE participants attend the PACE center an average of three days per week. The center includes a health clinic with an on-site physician and nurse practitioner, physical and occupational therapy facilities and at least one common room for social and recreational activities. Because PACE participants have regular contact with primary care professionals who know them well, slight changes in their health status or mood can be addressed immediately.How do you qualify for PACE? A person must be age 55 or older, live in a PACE service area, be certified by the state to need nursing home-level care and assessed to be able to live safely in the community with PACE services at the time of enrollment. PACE programs tend to attract participants who are older and have very high care needs.Who pays for PACE?PACE is a dual eligible program through Medicare and Medicaid; private pay may also be arranged. PACE receives a monthly lump sum payment, which is used to pay for a variety of comprehensive services and care the participants need.Editors note: This article was submitted by Leslie Mader. Leslie is the Manager of Outreach and Enrollment for TRU PACE based in Lafayette, CO. She may be reached at 303.665.0115 or lesliemader@trucare.org (see ad on next page).

In life, we plan for many thingsvacations, retirement, our childrens education. Yet many people dont realize the importance of planning for the inevitable time when they will all need funeral arrangements.While it can be difficult to talk about, making funeral or cremation arrangements in advance can be a gift to those you love and bring you true peace of mind in knowing that youve taken care of an important family responsibility.Planning a lifes celebration By making your arrangements in advance, you can plan a service or memorial that truly reflects your special life. From location to music to food and special mementosthe choices and details are up to you. A thoughtful, well-planned final event can provide friends and family a meaningful and memorable opportunity to gather and celebrate all the things that make you, you.Whether youre at traditionalist or a person who marches to the beat of a different drum, your life is unique, and your lifes celebration can be planned exactly as you wish. It can include special touches, large or small, to reflect your personality, passions and memorable times. From location to music to food and special mementosthe choices and details are up to you.Choosing the right provider Many who decide to prearrange turn to a member of the Dignity Memorial network of providers to guide them. As North Americas largest provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services,the Dignity Memorial brand is known for quality, value, caring service and exceptional customer satisfaction when delivering compassionate and professional final arrangements.Your local Dignity Memorial providersResthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens in Ft. Collins and Allnutt Funeral Service in Loveland, Ft. Collins and Greeleyhave served our community for more than 130 years, assisting client families of all backgrounds and cultures with care, integrity, respect and service excellence. Our professionals are honored to help families make decisions and honor the memory of a loved one during difficult times, working to personalize every service and detail to honor each unique life.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Rick Allnutt. Rick is a former owner and consultant with Resthaven Funeral Home & Memory Gardens and may be reached at 970-667-0202.

Is it Alzheimers or is it Dementia?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 feelof a home?Are their odors?A Steinberg study shows that smaller homes, or clusters are the most desirable environment. Avoiding too much stimulationor 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.Editors Note: This article written by JoAnne Mohrland, Executive Director, Regency Columbia Village, 208-344-2954.

CLASS (A) a home care agency that provides any skilled healthcare service. Agencies with a Class A license may also provide personal care services. CLASS (B) a home care agency that provides only personal care services. An agency with a Class B license shall not provide any skilled healthcare service. STATE REGISTRATION (R) The State of Colorado does not license homecare placement agencies. Placement agencies are registered with the state. Registration ensures that placement agencies are adhering to certain minimum standards such as background checks for caregivers and insurance requirements for agencies and caregivers.#listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

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 contributed by Apryl Garrett, Publisher, Seniors Blue Book of Greater Pittsburgh.

Annalee Kruger, the President of Care Right, Inc., formerly worked as a social worker in nursing homes and assisted living communities for 20 years.Every day, families would come to take last-minute tours because their loved one had a medical crisis. Families were overwhelmed, unsure of what to look for and unsure about what to ask. Annalee built Care Right, Inc. from scratch in April of 2011 with the mission to help families be pro-active with planning, to facilitate difficult conversations, and to help ease this process called aging for both the elderly loved one and the family.Thats why the Care Right, Inc. motto is: Plan Ahead: Save time, money, and stress. We help families be pro-active with healthcare planning by facilitating difficult conversations, implementing community resources, over-seeing loved ones care, assisting with finding retirement communities, providing advanced healthcare planning and family/aging loved one advocacy services.Editors Note: Call 239.770.6322 for your free consult. www.CareRightInc.com for more information.

Heart n Home Hospice & Palliative Care was awarded The ?Best of Treasure Valley? 2019 in home care by Inbound Systems! ? ?The Best of Treasure Valley introduces a new way of identifying and recognizing the best businesses in the community. Using a combination of online reviews and community votes, winners were determined across nine categories and 184 subcategories. More than 18,000 unique ballots were cast during the voting round by Treasure Valley residents.Local businesses and attractions were nominated last fall and the top 10 nominees in each subcategory moved on to the voting round in October. In addition to votes, online reviews from Google, Yelp, and Facebook were included in scoring. Overall ratings and the number of 5-star reviews from the previous 12 months helped determine the winners.We were very humbled by not only the nomination and being a finalist, but to win best in class is truly an honor. Our staff Embrace Innovation so that we will be relevant in the future, on the cutting edge of cares, yet timeless in how we love and care for our patients and their families. Said Todd Stice, Heart n Home Co-President.Heart n Home, amongst the other category winners were announced at the Best of Treasure Valley Awards Banquet, held on December 4th, 2018 at the Zions Bank Ballroom.About Heart n HomeHeart n Home affirms life by providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support to our patients and to those who love and care for them. Heart n Home is a family owned and operated company and serves 11 counties across Oregon and Idaho.To learn more about our end-of-life services visit www.gohospice.com.

To learn more aboutHome Care Assistance of Utah,CLICK HERE.Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, can affect people of any age. From children to seniors,SAD leaves people feeling blue.It occurs most often in the winter months following the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Knowing how to spot the signs that you might need to intervene and get help for a senior loved one is important.Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Older AdultsIf the senior you love always seems a little down during the winter months, it might be more than just the post-holiday blues. The long grey days of winter and lack of exposure to sunlight may actually be the culprit.A few of the common signs that might indicate an aging parent or older loved one is battling more than a case of cabin fever include:Sleepiness and fatigueFeelings of sadness that dont go awayLethargy or a loss of energyProblems sleeping including both insomnia and sleeping too muchUnintended weight gain or weight lossFeeling worthlessWithdrawing from favorite groups, hobbies and organizationsDifficulty concentrating and maintaining attention spanChange in personal hygieneShort-tempered and irritableTearful or weepyIf the senior you love is exhibiting one or more of the symptoms listed above, it is likely time to talk with their primary care physician. He or she is the best one to be able to decide if it is the post-holiday blues or something more serious that requires professional medical treatment.Helping a Senior Overcome Seasonal Affective DisorderThere are steps you can take each winter to prevent yourself or a senior loved one from developing SAD. They include:Avoid alcohol or limit intake to just one or two glasses a weekEliminate sugary foods, sodas and sweets from your daily dietCommit to 30 minutes of daily exercise, like walking or swimmingAdopt a mindful form of exercise, such as chair yoga or PilatesEat a healthy diet consisting of lean proteins, fruits and vegetablesSpend time with family, friends and loved ones on a regular basisFinally, mental health professionals often recommend a device referred to as a light box. It helps people suffering from the winter blues by decreasing the amount of melatonin in the body. Less melatonin helps you feel less fatigued. Talk with your primary care physician to see if this might be an option for you or the older adult you are a caregiver for.

To learn more aboutAshby Home Health and Hospice,CLICK HERE.Identify. Monitor. Proactively Manage.At Ashby Home Health & Hospice, our goal is to help you live the best life possible and avoid unnecessary rehospitalizations. We use cutting-edge technology to identify, monitor, and proactively manage our patients in real-time to avoid conditions and situations that could lead to a trip to the hospital.To learn more about our state-of-the-art solutions that provide today's best healthcare and protect you or your loved one, please call us for a free in-home assessment.Risk Management Is Our Middle NameUsing data points from over 3 million episodes, we utilize custom software to identify, monitor, and proactively manage every one of our patients. This gives us the ability to catch issues and correct them before they cause an unnecessary visit to the hospital. Patients are safer, hospitals are happier, and we wouldnt have it any other way.How Our Active Risk Management System WorksAshbys A+ Risk Management is like a compass. It points us toward the patients who are at high risk and need extra case management, extra visits, or extra care to stay out of the hospital. This program is our guide to those patients who need the most attention. Our active risk management is built around three essential components.IdentifyEvery day, our software automatically analyzes hundreds of data points from each of our patients records to accurately assess his or her current risk of hospitalization.MonitorThe results are displayed for our Lead Nurse on an easy-to-use dashboard that allows us to click into details and communicate with our clinical team to take preventative action.Proactively ManageEvery patient is managed proactively and individually. The results thus far have been truly amazing. With this solution, our agency is meeting the growing demands of home healthcare while also improving the lives of our patients.To learn more, please call us today!

Speech Therapy- refers to services to assess and treat speech and swallowing disorders. Speech therapy can treat speech, language, cognitive skills or swallowing. A Therapist provides individually designed treatment programs to maximize communication and swallowing. Depending on the nature and severity of the disorder, common treatments may range from changes in food consistence, physical strengthening exercises, repetitive practice, to the use of audio-visual aids. Occupational Therapy- Refers to services to assess and treat patients to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Patients may have mental, physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities. Therapists also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Occupational therapists help clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. The goal is to help patients become as independent, productive, and satisfied as possible.Physical Therapy- refers to services for the treatment and the rehabilitation process where a physical therapist will often stretch, strengthen, facilitate muscles, challenge balance, test coordination abilities, teach home exercise programs and enhance basic mobility skills. Exercise techniques are only part of the special skills used by therapists to treat patients to help lessen disability, pain and improve overall function and quality of life. Therapists may also use special equipment when treating patients which help aid in the healing and recovery of an injury.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}##listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

Working in health care is becoming a bit more complex as the world is becoming more complicated. Clients are sicker. Expectations are higher. Employment is low. Mindfulness and Compassion Cultivation Trainings appeared to be natural next steps in helping health care staff to continue their mission of providing great care to those they serve.Initial reasons to participate:Can always learn more about this subject.In our political climate, so many opportunities for conflict.Learn how to feel compassion without getting caught up in others issues.How to understand people different than yourself.Sees how friction in staff affects residents and learn how to support staff.Learn more tools in my work and life to help improve my wellbeing.Better understand compassion vs empathy.How to ensure and honor staffs purpose.Training for residents, families, and staff is vitally important to make sure everyone is on the same page.From the Stanford Medicine Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, they define compassion as the following 4 step process:Awareness of suffering in others.Feeling of being emotionally moved by suffering.Motivationto see the relief of that suffering.Action and willingness to help relieve that suffering when possible.A take away from a participant:I signed up for it because I have never really had a conversation about compassion so I was curious how it would tie into my work. My biggest take was the piece about purpose and it got me thinking about what is my purpose at work and how my purpose has changed over time. This training allowed me to think about purpose in a different way and I think it can be really helpful when trying to make connections with co-workers by learning what their purpose is and how it ties into their work.The meditations we learned do make a difference. Try them:Loving Kindness wishes for others:May you be happy.May you be free from suffering.May you know peace.And here are the compassion 'wishes':May you be free from suffering.May you be free from fear and anger.May you know peace.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Yvonne Myers with Columbine Health Systems and maybe reached at 970-482-0198 or yvonne.myers@columbinehealth.com

A HECM reverse mortgage loan is a way to turn a portion of the equity in your home into cash.The proceeds from a reverse mortgage can be used to pay for unexpected expenses, such as nursing home costs or long-term care. It could also provide you with additional cash flow for all the expenses you have. As long as all loan terms are met, the loan does not require repayment until the last surviving borrower permanently moves out of the home, or passes away.Maybe you have your house paid off or are close to paying it off. Maybe you are still working at 62 or have enough money in your retirement account. Utilizing a reverse mortgage with the equity that you have worked hard to create may be a great option to increasing cash flow in retirement. As many people say, the only thing certain about the future is that it is uncertain. The peace of mind that comes from knowing money is available no matter what is in your future is hard to place a value on.*Most, but not all, reverse mortgages today are federally insured through the Federal Housing Administrations Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) Program. This advertisement talks about HECM loans only.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Bill Niehus and Stacie Streets. They are Reverse Mortgage Planners with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation and may be reached at 719-650-2620 or 661-802-9111 or by email at bniehus@fairwaymc.com or stacie.streets@fairwaymc.com.Copyright2018 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (Fairway) NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-877-699-0353. All rights reserved. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply.

The time to plan for tomorrow is NOW. Plan for golfing, sailing, traveling and spending time with family. But, can you protect your precious quality of life? Glisson-LeBlanc Insurance can help.For 30 years, Renae LeBlanc, CLTC and Michele Glisson,CLTC have been friends and busi-ness partners. Raising their families in Sarasota County, they know their community and all it offers. Their clients say they put people at ease when discussing life insurance, long term care planning and choosing care facilities for loved ones.Renae LeBlanc went above and beyond, assessing our existing insurance and recom-mending adjustments that most benefit us, says Julie Graszl. My husband Steve and I were comfortable with her and everything she suggested. Renae helped us get into what we needed and met our budget. We highly recommend Renae and Michele. They are reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable.Renae LeBlanc says, The long term care protection the Graszls selected was an asset based long term care policy. Live, quit, die- someone will always benefit from this type of protection.Michele Glisson adds, The need for extended care is a life-changing event that can have an emotional, physical and financial impact on your family and loved ones. This type of protection provides a way to reallocate dollars for needed care.Glisson-LeBlanc Insurance helps bring you and your family peace of mind so you can enjoy today and safeguard your tomorrows.Editors Note: Glisson-LeBlanc Insurance, Phone: 941-755-8899. Fax: 941-753-2190. Phone: 941-232-9690. Website: www.glissonleblanc.com. Article submitted by Carlene Cobb, Seniors Blue Book Correspondent.Client testimonials are the personal views of a select group of Glisson-LeBlanc Insurance clients. These clients do not have a financial interest in Glisson-LeBlanc Insurance and were not paid to express these views and have no other interest in or relationship with Glisson-LeBlanc Insurance other than a client relationship. These opinions are not necessarily indicative of future performance or results and may not reflect the experience of all clients.

Transportation to medical appointments can be difficult to find, especially if the appointment requires a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure. With transportation becoming an increasingly prevalent issue for older adults, RSVP of Boulder County has created a program, in conjunction with Special Transit, to provide volunteer drivers and escorts to medical appointments.What is Medical Mobility?Medical Mobility is a new transportation program within RSVP of Boulder County that provides rides to doctors appointments for ambulatory seniors and adults with disabilities. RSVPs program allows clients to stay secure, comfortable, independent and living in their homes for as long as possible.How does it work?Volunteer drivers use their own cars to transport the clients to their appointments and can wait for the duration of procedure before taking them home. The service is offered throughout Boulder County and clients that RSVP cannot serve are referred to Special Transit or other local transportation services that provide a broader range of services that we cannot provide, such as assistance with wheelchairs. Rides can be scheduled on weekdays from 8:30am-5pm with the RSVP Transportation Coordinator, and at least 24 hours notice is requested, but rides cannot be guaranteed as they depend on the availability of the volunteer drivers. The service is cost-effective and is based on an affordable sliding scale in compliance with our partner agency, Special Transit, which is $2 each way within the city or $4 each way between cities. Please call for more details and schedule your ride today!Allison Dellwo, RSVP Transportation Coordinator, 303-443-1933 ext. 407, allisondellwo@rsvpboulder.orgAuthor:Allison Dellwo

In recent months, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated sweeping changes to the process for appealing decision, as well as to the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits program.The Aid and Attendance Benefit is a monthly pension offered to wartime veterans or their surviving spouses who require long-term care and can show financial need. The benefit is used most commonly by seniors who are paying for in-home care or who live in an assisted living or memory care facility and are having trouble affording the cost. In the past, a major criticism of the program has been that the asset limits were not clearly defined, resulting in individual applicants being treated differently depending on who was deciding their claim. Beginning in October 2018, the new rules implemented a defined assets limit of $123,600 with increases expected each January (currently$127,061). This change allowed many veterans, who would have otherwise been denied benefits, to qualify. Additionally, the VA implemented a three year look-back period as well as assessing penalties for gifting assets, creating irrevocable trusts and purchasing annuities. The look-back period and penal-ties are similar to Medicaids rules. These provisions also apply only to occurrences after October 18, 2018. Additionally, the VA completely revamped their appeal process which has long been considered confusing and slowsometimes taking years to navigate. Implemented on February 19, 2019, President Trump signed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. This newly revamped process will apply to both Aid and Attendance claims and to Compensation claims (for service-related disabilities). Under these rules, veterans are given three options for how they can appeal their case. Under the first option, the veteran can ask for a higher-level review by a senior claims adjudicator who will review the case for errors. The second option allows the veteran to file a supplemental claim wherein new evidence can be introduced to support his or her claim. Under the third option, the veteran can appeal directly to the Board of Veterans Appeals where the opportunity is available to submit new evidence and/or have a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. Finally, the veteran may choose to have their current case remain in the Legacy System.Editors Note: This article was submitted by attorney Gina Salamone who is a Director at the law firm of Huck Bouma PC with offices in Wheaton and Elgin. She can be reached at 630-221-1755 or by email at gsalamone@huckbouma.com

We see the word prepare used throughout the stories in Sacred Scripture. Whether John the Baptist voices it or even Jesus Himself, it is offered and given as a gift of love to another person.It is presented by one loved one to another loved one, as a visible sign of true concern and care for anothers well being and has the ability to offer the recipient inner peace, comfort and consolation.It is through this ministry of preparedness that a Catholic Cemetery is not only about manicured grounds or architecturally awesome buildings nor is it about ornate entrances or fences. Many local private or public cemeteries may have the same. It is about the cycle of being through Baptism one of Gods people.The Catechism of the Catholic Church asks the question: Why did God make us? It answers it both simply and so well: He made us to know, love and serve Him in this life and to be happy with Him forever in eternity.A Catholic Cemetery embraces the mortal remains of Gods People whom we love. There are the rich among the poor, those who were old and those who were young, the famous and the unknown, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, friends GODS PEOPLE. Thus burial in a Catholic Cemetery gives them ALL, and will give YOU a recognized IDENTITY.The identity of a CATHOLIC cemetery gives you a voice of difference without verbal words for all eternity that tells everyone who visits and passes byYES MY BELOVED BROTHERS AND SISTERS I was and I am THE LORDS!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Deacon Glenn Tylutki,BS,MA,CCE - Outreach Coordinator Catholic Cemeteries, Archdiocese of Chicago. Deacon Tylutki can be reached at 708-236-5441 or gtylutki@cathcemchgo.org

Imagine after working hard and accumulating a lifetimes worth of possessions its now time for you to downsize.How do you choose what to keep and what to let go? How do you get rid of the stuff you wont be using or know what you wont be using it? How do you make sure you are keeping the right things? How do you know you are making the right choice for your new home? I have noticed that you can feel overwhelmed both emotionally and physically at this time in your life.I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to work with hundreds of seniors over the last few years of my career. While I have found it very rewarding to help the aging population manage this transition in their life, it can be very challenging.Its important to remember that while I have worked with hundreds of seniors who were faced with making these very same decisions, I have noticed that they all felt the same way but here is what they have discovered. By choosing the right new place to call home, you have a happier social life, eat better, and have the proper level of care to fit your needs, making for an overall happier, healthier and more independent life.They also found that by hiring the right real estate professional, that has developed a team of experts and advisers to help you with every step it makes this transition that much easier!When you are making this critical decision, be sure to look for an agent who has a successful history helping seniors, one that has the resources to help you with the unique challenges that may arise.How do you find a buyer for my property? Do you have a team of professionals to help me? How many seniors have you helped recently? Be sure their team includes people who can help move you, sell your unwanted items and recommend other helpful professionals that are available to help you solve your specific and unique challenges.Jan Wallace is a real estate professional who has experience in seniors issues, and who can put you in contact with other similarly-trained professional advisors, will be an invaluable resource at this time. You can count on Jan Wallace a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) to help guide you through the process and the special considerations, making the transaction less stressful and more successful.Editors Note: Email Jan at Seniors@JanWallace.com and she will send you a FREE brochure Moving On -A Guide to Housing-Related Resources Tailored to Seniors and their Families - Jan Wallace your local Senior Real Estate Specialist who is a National Award Winner for Senior Service.

Skin cancer has reached epidemic proportions with the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer up 300% since 1994. Annually there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Given the gravity of this epidemic, seniors may find themselves asking, how do I recognize skin cancer and what can I do about it?What is skin cancer?The three most common forms of skin cancer are: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), and Malignant Melanoma (MM).Although BCC and SCC are rarely fatal, they can be quite disfiguring if they are not detected and treated early. Malignant melanoma kills approximately8,790 people in the US annually and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to ensure the best outcomes.What can I do to prevent, detect and treat skin cancer?Being aware of your own skin is an important measure to aid in early detection and treatment of skin cancer. A monthly self-skin examination has been shown to reduce the risk of melanoma. Suspicious lesions should be evaluated by a dermatologist or other medical provider. Learn how to perform a self-skin examination here:http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/understanding-skin-cancer/how-do-i-check-my-skin/how-to-perform-a-self-examWhat to look for.-An existing mole that has changes: Asymmetry Border that becomes irregular Color that becomes varied Diameter larger than the head of a pencil eraser Evolution or changeOr.-A sore that does not heal-Any lesion that changes-A new lesion on the skinWhat should I do if I am concerned?A regular (often yearly) recurring full body skin examination performed by a dermatologist or other health care provider, regular use of sun block, sun protective clothing, and sun protective behavior (including sun avoidance and seeking shade) are essential additional important protective measures.If you have any questions at all, it is advisable to seek personal advice from a health care provider. At Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology we value your questions and would be happy to help you in any way.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Angela Brimhall, D.O., FAOCD,.Dr. Brimhall is a Dermatologist with Swinyer-Woseth Dermatologywww.dwoseth.com and may be reached at 801-266-8841

LIFE is an option that allows older Pennsylvanians to live independently while receiving services and supports that meet the health and personal needs of the individual. Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) is a managed care program that provides a comprehensive, all-inclusive package of medical and supportive services. The program is known nationally as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). All PACE providers in Pennsylvania have "LIFE" in their name.#listing_mgr{7 basic_search}#

To learn more about Highland Glen - MBK,CLICK HERE.Weve all heard the stories. The flu shot can give you the flu. Getting the shot after September is pointless. I got a shot last year, I dont need on this year. Its just the flu, its not life-threatening.Fact is, influenzais a contagious respiratory illness that can result in hospitalization or even death. And yet that doesnt seem to stop the spreading of misinformation about flu vaccines. At MBK Senior Living communities were committed to keeping residents, team members and their families happy and healthy. Thats why in addition to offering flu shots in all 32of our communities this fall, we are sharing the facts about flu vaccinations.WHY IS GETTING VACCINATEDIMPORTANT?If we could cure half of the cases of cancer with an annual vaccine would anyone reject it? Then why doubt the flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu? While no one is fully immune from flu viruses some people (elderly, young children and people with compromised immune systems) are at higher risk for serious flu complications. In recent years it is estimated that between 71-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occurred in people 65 years and older. By getting the vaccine and practicing good health habits (cover coughs, wash hands often, avoid people who are sick and avoid contact with people if youre sick) you can protect yourself andhelp fight the spread of the flu virus in your home, work place and community.WHENS THE BEST TIME TO GET VACCINATED?The adage, the earlier the better does apply when it comes to getting the flu shot. However, vaccination is beneficial as long as the flu virus is circulating. While the flu season typically peaks between December and March, it varies year to year. To get ahead of the flu season, most vaccination providers suggest getting vaccinatedby the end of October. However, getting the flu shot later does not prevent protection for you and your loved ones. Bottom line get vaccinated!DO I NEED TO BE VACCINATED EVERY YEAR?Yes. In addition to the fact that flu viruses can shift and change, a persons immune protection from a flu vaccination declines over time. Its recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that everyone 6 months and older receive an annual vaccination to protect against the flu. Long-term medical conditions (diabetes, asthma, and chronic heart disease) can put you at high risk for serious flu complications even if managed well. Thats why, if you have a medical condition or work or live with someone with a condition its vital that you are vaccinated every year.CAN I GET SICK FROM THE VACCINATION?No! It is scientifically impossible to get the flu from the flu shot. While the CDC does site that some people can have mild reactions to the flu shot, its not the actual flu. Some noted side effects from receiving a flu shot are soreness where the shot was applied, low-grade fever, and headache. However, actual flu symptoms are more pronounced and include: fever over 100.4F, aching muscles, chills and sweats, headache, dry, persistent cough, fatigue and weakness, nasal congestion, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea.WHAT IF I STILL CONTRACT THE FLU?The flu shot is not infallible and it usually takes two weeks from vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body to protect you against the flu virus. If you have flu symptoms even if you received the flu shot its important to call your doctor or nurse practitioner. Your healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral medicines to treat the flu, and lessen the chance that it evolve into something more serious that could result in hospitalization. In addition to seeing your healthcare provider and receiving proper medications, if you have the flu its important to get bed rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have subsided. To learn more about the flu vaccine and other safeguards for your family this flu season, see your healthcare provider today.

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.

Outpatient rehabilitation begins with a thorough evaluation of the patients condition and needs. During the evaluation, the patients current level of ability is assessed and the desired treatment outcomes are established. Following the evaluation, a rehabilitation therapist determines which treatment methods will achieve the patients rehabilitation goals.Treatment methods may include: hands-on therapy to address joint mobility and deep tissue needs; patient-specific exercise and strength training programs; or pain and swelling management. When necessary, therapists teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices such as splints, crutches, prostheses and wheelchairs. Therapists also instruct patients in at-home activities that help speed rehabilitation recovery.Most rehabilitation therapists, which include Physical, Occupational and Speech therapist, treat a wide range of physical and neurological disabilities and many specialize in areas such as, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, oncology, neurological, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.Rehabilitation therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, including, but not limited to, physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, and social workers.Outpatient rehabilitation can help treat the following conditions:AmputationArthritisBack and neck pain/injuryBalance disorderCardiac conditionsConcussionCognitive deficitsDevelopmental disabilityFractureIncontinenceLimb deficiencyLymphedemaNerve injury/repairNeuromuscular diseaseOrthopedic conditionsPainPulmonary conditionsSpinal cord injurySpeaking difficultiesSports injuryStrokeSwallowing difficultiesThe goal of physical rehabilitation is to restore each patients personal independence and to help patients achieve the highest level of function specific to their condition.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Brad Chewakin, PT, CMPT and Kim Duncan, MA, CCC-SLP. They are managers for Adult OP Rehab with Memorial Hospital, part of University of Colorado Health. Brad Chewakin can be reached at 719-365-1835 and Kim Duncan can be reached at 719-365-6543.

Many people suffer un-necessary pain from foot problems such as Hammertoes (where the toe is pulled down, creating what resembles a hammer and is generally caused by hereditary factors), and Bunions. These conditions can be treated effectively by our board certified podiatrists. They are trained in minimal incision surgeries (MIS) as well as conventional, state-of-the-art surgeries.In most of these cases, pain is caused by the shoe rubbing the sensitive areas on the tops and tips of these toes. Part of this is because those suffering from these conditions are forced to walk on the very tips of the toes, causing painful corns and even thickening and pain in the toenails.Flexible hammertoes are treated easily and painlessly in the office under a local anesthetic when the tight flexor tendon is stretched until the toe is straight. Most often the patient has only a day or two of down time.Rigid hammertoes are when the bump sticking up prevents the toe from straightening even shaved down. These generally need more involved surgery on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia alone, or in combination with sedation. These procedures are designed to give better shoe fitting, more comfortable standing and walking, and the ability to wear the shoes without pain.Regular check-ups at The Podiatry Center allows for treatment or prevention of many conditions before they become serious.Editors Note: This article was written by Dr. Howard Immanuel, The Podiatry Center.

Opening in April, 2017, All Seasons Naples is designed to offer seniors in the Naples community a new choice in senior living, unlike any other senior living residence they have experienced!The apartments will be exclusively deemed as rentals so there will never be an expensive buy-in fee and the community features 100 independent and 62 assisted living residences and 25 memory care rooms, so residents can successfully age in place. All Seasons is uniquely designed to offer todays seniors a world of quality and luxury commensurate with their best travel and residential experiences. The building and interior decor were designed by an accomplished team of professionals recognized for creating distinguished resorts, hotels and American Embassies, both here and abroad.The community boasts spectacular venues specially designed to optimize the health, well-being and experience of each the independent living, assisted living and memory care populations: the gardens, lounges, libraries, bistro caf, game rooms, art studio and a balcony-crowned main lounge where special parties and entertainments will be enjoyed, are sure to be among the favorites!Dining will be a true experience through which all of the senses will be delighted as chefs prepare meals with the freshest and finest of ingredients and serve in any one of many formal or private dining rooms or even at the bistro or poolside terrace.We know that what is most important in selecting a new home is the feeling of community and the service of the on-site team. While the building will be new, our team members are veterans of the senior living industry bringing with them, a wealth of professionalism, knowledge and compassion.Our team supports our unique Vibrant Life Activity Program which is designed to optimize the health and well-being of each of our residents by passionately promoting joyful experiences, meaningful endeavors, and abundant opportunities to connect with family, friends, and the local community.Depending on the resident interests, All Seasons Naples will offer a wide array of services and activities specially geared for each resident population: diverse social, educational and cultural programs, fitness center with regularly scheduled classes, chauffeured transportation for individual needs or group outings, 24-hour emergency response monitoring, personal living assistance including bathing, dressing and grooming, medication assistance and administration, on-site licensed medical support in a variety of specialties, and so much more!We are pre-leasing and invite you to come by to come by our temporary leasing office to select your new home.Totally Captivating

Shortly after the start of 2019, I noticed a new trend emerging on Facebook. Titled the HowHard Did Aging Hit You challenge, users were encouraged to post side-by-side photos of them now and from 10 years ago as physical evidence of how they are holding up as they age.While I believe people on Facebook intended this to be a harmless, even a fun way to reminisce, it perpetuates a negative narrative about aging. When users share their side-by-side pictures, they, along with their social media friends, comment about the difference of appearance. An array of responses followed. Some meant as positive, like wow, you didnt age a bit, youre looking good, not too shabby, or still stylish. Many meant as good-natured ribbing about receding hair lines, wrinkles, added weight, crepy skin, gray hair, or tired eyes. Either way, the problem with this trend is that it starts from a negative point, simply based on how the question itself is asked, How Hard Did Aging Hit You? Why is it assumed that aging hits someone hard?Ageism, systematic stereotyping and discrimination based on age, is ever-present, largely automatic, and deeply rooted. Its the one ism that goes unchallenged and is not recognized as an issue by the general public.Whether browsing through magazines, noticing pop up ads on social media, watching make-over shows, or walking through cosmetic and skin care store aisles, we are inundated with anti-aging messages. In a time when more people are living longer lives and there are larger proportions of people age 65 and older, aging is something to celebrate! It is also a natural process that is unavoidable. The gift of these extra years far outweighs changes in how one looks.Aging isnt all rosy. Changes in appearance and abilities as we age can be hard to accept, especially living in a society that favors youth over age. With each birthday I celebrate, there are days I want to scream that aging stinks! And after I do, I remind myself that aging beats the alternative (death) and that my worth isnt measured on what I look like (or can do) compared to a younger version of me.Where do we go from here? Is there a description of what any age looks like, should look like? If our appearance doesnt keep up with what society tells us is acceptable aging, do we stop having pictures taken of us or only post ones that weve altered to look different than our true image?Research shows that negative attitudes about aging can damage our sense of self, diminish our opportunities and prospects, and even segregate us from others in the community. This is one of the reasons York County Community Foundations Embracing Aging works to improve attitudes on aging. One of the ways we are doing this is by working to change the narrative around attitudes on aging. This is important because people with positive self-perceptions of aging live, on average, 7.5 years longer than those with neutral or negative ones, which brings me back to the Facebook challenge.I believe people on Facebook missed the mark. Instead of approaching this from a lens of aging is bad, what if the question was posed differently, such as how are you getting better with age? or how are you embracing your age? Think about the wisdom, lessons learned, and fun stories that could have been shared in the thread versus the jokes about decline in one's appearance.If you were one of the many Facebook users who joined in on this trend, I encourage you to do it again, however this time, frame it differently and add context. Share a story or something that has happened to you over the course of time that can be a benefit to others. Remember, your worth and value is the culmination of wisdom, perspectives, talents, and relationships youve experienced over time, not how you look. York County Community Foundations Embracing Aging is a long-term initiative that focuses on improving how people experience aging in York County by disrupting negative views on aging and working towards creating an age-friendly community. York County Community Foundation creates a vibrant York County be engaging donors, proving community leadership, and investing in high-impact initiatives while building endowments for future generations. To learn more about us, visit www.yccf.org. ________________________________Editors Note: This article was submitted by Cathy Bollinger. Cathy Bollinger is the managing director of Embracing Aging with York County Community Foundation and may be reached at cbollinger@yccf.org. To learn more about Embracing Aging, visit www.embracingaging.org.

We believe dealing with hearing loss is a team effort, so we want to help you during this stressful and challenging time. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with hearing loss, the good news is that Beltone is here to support you on your journey to better hearing.Hearing what is being said and what is going on is more important now than ever before. If you are one of the roughly 48 million Americans suffering from some degree of hearing loss, Beltone understands you may be struggling more during the COVID-19 pandemic.But remember, you are not alone. We believe dealing with hearing loss is a team effort, so we want to help you during this stressful and challenging time. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with hearing loss, the good news is that Beltone is here to support you on your journey to better hearing.Hearing aids can make a big difference, especially when you find the right instruments and have the right help to adjust them as needed. While hearing aids cannot cure hearing loss, they can prevent hearing loss from getting worse and improve the quality of your hearing.Even better, science shows hearing aids significantly improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired people. According to the Better Hearing Institute, eight out of 10 hearing aid wearers say theyre satisfied with the changes that have occurred in their lives specifically due to their hearing aids. Hearing aid wearers have reported:Increased sense of control and independenceImproved mood, reducing negative emotional consequences of hearing loss such as depression and anxietyStronger relationships with loved ones, reducing social isolationIncreased earning power, allowing you to be more productive in the workplaceBetter hearing is better living, which is why allowing hearing loss to go untreated can have a negative impact on your quality of life. The impact goes well beyond missing a few words in conversations and having to ask people to repeat what they say. An inability to hear words clearly can negatively affect your family, social and work lives, as well as harm your overall health.Beltone wants to help you take the first step toward better hearing.They have 9 locations throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Area, give them a call at 877-759-4707 to schedule a complimentary hearing screen at a location near you.

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.

As a primary caregiver, advocate or family member there is much to know about the needs of seniors. How is anyone supposed to understand all the complexities of Aging in Place options or how to navigate our complex health care system? Family members should not be expected to know all the medical, social, psychological, financial and legal aspects of geriatric care management, especially those who have also become the primary caregiver for those concerned.Sometimes, youre thrown in to caring for your elder due to an urgent situation; other times, it is a more gradual process: either way it can be challenging on its best day. Quickly or gradually, conditions can become more difficult and overwhelming. The constant managing of doctors appointments, transportation, health care advocacy, medical management, recurring falls, even groceries and laundry can become a full time job. Your own life and your familys are put on hold while the demands of caring for a loved one persist on a daily basis and frequently with urgent situations. Primary caregivers need to assess their time constraints, family dynamics and energy levels, to be able to determine their ability to cope with all thats needed.So, what everyone needs to know, is that there are professional elder care services and non-profit organizations in Boulder county who can help. Call the senior resource specialist in your city to determine what programs, grants or experienced professionals are available. Youre not alone if you could benefit from an experienced geriatric care manager. Someone who can help manage the day to day routine of care and healthcare advocacy. A good case manager can also bring advice and recommendations you didnt even know were possible!It is important to have a backup plan. What if mom has a fall and dad needs care? What if everyone is out of town for a week and dad has to go to the hospital? You may want to consider finding an agency and start to develop a trusted relationship so there is help available when needed: an agency that can fill in when well-intentioned family just cant be there for an emergency or even just daily care. It is wise to take advantage of those with professional experience, knowledge and passion that can help your loved one thrive.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Todd Stork, Senior Advisor for Dignity Care LLC. He may be reached at 303-818-9006 or by email at todd@dignitycare.com

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 three questions youll 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 Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) trusted in your corner. An SRES is 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

Refers to services that can be provided at home under the supervision of the patients M.D. Entrant patient conditions include, but are not limited to, the following: dysphasia, inflammatory bowel, esophageal use, intestinal atresia, colitis, chrones disease and malignancies.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}##listing_mgr{8 basic_search}#

As a Nation, improved longevity is a reality. Enhanced medical care, better diet and exercise, and less invasive medical technology are adding years to our lives. Living longer is a blessing but can propose significant financial worries.Here are the main reasons to consider protecting yourself by investing in Long-Term Care insurance.The odds are in your favor that you will need it.The cost of care is steadily rising.Family member cannot be counted on. Family sizes are shrinking.Self-insuring is not a reasonable option.The Government will be trimming benefits, not enhancing them. Assistance is currently being scrutinized for a reduction. The Medicaid program is even more fragile.The Long-Term Care plans offered today have many options and innovative benefit parameters to help put together an affordable policy to offset these financial woes. There are even plans that offer your premiums back. Regardless of how you tackle this problem, you must act before a health problem arises. It is MUCH less expensive to seek this protection BEFORE poor health makes it difficult or impossible to purchase.You will never save money by waiting until you are older, even though you will pay premiums longer statistically before you need the benefit. And the healthier you are the less you will have to pay for premiums. Be smart, plan ahead.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Rosemarie Hurley, President of Senior Insurance Solutions, 239-274-6678, www.longtermcareinsurance-online.com

For aging and homebound individuals, home is the best place to remain as functional and independent as possible, with the highest degree of security, comfort, and dignity.When individuals hear the words home care and home health, some mistakenly think the two are synonymous, however, home care and home health are distinct types of care. Home care is non-medical assistance emphasizing companionship while home health is a physician-ordered plan of care provided at home. Let's explore the differences further.Home CareHome care is non-medical supportive care. Caregivers provide assistance with the activities of daily living, such as preparing meals, running errands, light housekeeping, medication reminders, assisting with bathing and dressing, and providing transport to doctor appointments. The goal is to improve our clients quality of life while ensuring safety in the home.Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a new regulation allowing home care aides to be trained to do more tasks in the home setting. The additional tasks taken on are a decision made by each agency. Some of the added care that can be provided include pic tube care, ostomy care, and medication administration. Depending on how much care you need at home, it may be beneficial to find an agency that has embraced the training required to perform some of these additional tasks. Home care is typically paid by the individual receiving care or with long-term care insurance.Home HealthA physician orders home health services, typically after a hospital stay, an onset of a new diagnosis or an exacerbation of an existing illness. Each patient is different and receives a specialized plan of care that fits their individual needs. Home health care is a multi-disciplinary approach monitored and implemented by a team of medical professionals including nurses, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, social workers and CNAs. Medicare or the individuals private insurance normally covers home health services.If you or a loved one are diagnosed with a more serious illness you may want to find an agency that offers both palliative home health care and hospice care. Palliative care plans include specialized treatment along with comfort care and pain management. If the need to transition to hospice should arise, the patient may be able to have the same caregivers theyve already come to know and trust.This article was contributed by Wendy Shumaker, Asst. Director of Marketing for Homeland Hospice, HomeHealth and HomeCare.

Adult Day Center services may be the perfect fit for you and your loved one if you are identifying that additional care is needed as independence inevitably declines. They offer necessary supervision during the day with the participant returning home, where they feel most comfortable, at the end of the day. Adult Day Centers provide meaningful activities, an opportunity for socialization amongst peers, medication management, meals, necessary support and supervision. These services empower older adults to be independent as possible while in a positive and supportive environment.Adult Day Center services are too often overlooked when families and care providers are looking for care for their loved ones and consumers that need supervision throughout their day. Adult Day Centers are often the perfect fit for those that still want to live at home but are not as independent as they once were. They provide respite for care providers that may have work, school or any other obligations throughout the week day. For example, Greenfield Senior Living Adult Day Center offers this respite Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm.Not only does an Adult Day Center offer medication management while participants are under their care but they also provide an opportunity for socialization amongst peers, meals, meaningful activities, and so much more. The meaningful activities offered to the individuals that we have the privilege of supporting include but are not limited to pet therapy, bingo, arts and crafts, exercises, cooking club, walking club, interactive games, memory activities, reminiscing, and many other engaging activities. These services provide an opportunity to create meaningful roles in the participants lives while empowering them to still be as independent as possible. We would be happy to give you a tour of our Center at Greenfield Senior Living.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Lynsi Rosenzweig. Lynsi is the Director of Adult Day Center, with Greenfield Senior Living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Confused about Medicare? Crystal Manning removes the fear, uncertainty and costly mistakes from the Medicare enrollment process - making it crystal clear.

Q: What are my risks of acquiring colon cancer?A: There are approximately 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in United States annually. About 50,000 American deaths occur due to colon cancer every year. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer for an average American is about 5% with 90% of those cases occurring after age 50.Q: How should I be screened for colorectal cancer?A: Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in large intestine or rectum. The major goal of screening is to prevent deaths from this type of cancer. Most colon cancers develop from precancerous polyps which are visible during colonoscopy. Removal of these polyps can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 90%.People with no family history of colon cancer should undergo colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50. People who have one 1st degree relative with colorectal cancer should start screening 10 years younger than the earliest diagnosis in the family.People with genetic risk should start screening with colonoscopy as early as age 20 to 25.Q: Besides regular screening what else can I do to lower my risk of developing colorectal cancer?A: Multiple studies have shown an almost 25% lower risk of developing colon cancer in people who exercise on regular basis. A diet that is low in red meat and high in fruits, fiber and vegetables maybe protective against colorectal cancer. There is also data to suggest that calcium either in dietary or supplemental form lowers the risk of developing colon cancer. Studies mainly out of Europe suggest that daily aspirin also reduces the risk of colon cancer. You should always discuss with your physician before starting aspirin since it can increase your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.Q: How is colon cancer treated?A: It is primarily treated with surgery. Due to advances in surgical techniques, surgeons can perform a lot of these surgeries in a laparoscopic manner lowering the hospitalization and recovery time.Q: If all the cancer is removed by the surgeon then why do I need chemotherapy?A: If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes then the risk is very high for cancer coming back in another part of the body which will make it incurable. Chemotherapy after the surgery is called adjuvant treatment. The goal of adjuvant treatment is to kill microscopic cancer cells and to keep them from seeding another organ.Q: What happens after the chemotherapy is over?A: The patient then undergoes surveillance with periodic blood work, colonoscopy and CT scans.Submitted by: Nuruddin Jooma, M.D. MPHPremiere Oncology, 955 10th Avenue North, Naples, FL 34102, 239-325-1440

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

About The Well HouseThe unique philosophy that created The Well House atmosphere was an urgent need to place our 95year old grandmother somewhere that would make her happy, comfortable, reassure her she was special and provide for her immediate needs. This unique concept of a resident community was not easy to find and after searching to locate such we were unable to. We knew we would have to one day dedicate ourselves to providing such a setting for other grandmothers and family members who are faced with the prospect of leaving the warm comforts of their home hoping to live in a nurturing, caring setting.We Knew There Had to Be Something BetterWe knew there had to be something better for loved ones to live out their lives with respect and independence, surrounded by a loving environment. Our vision was to turn a house into a home where residents would enjoy living and have the care necessary to them in their later years. It is our joy to watch our residents relax within our caring community setting. We hope this atmosphere can be a model for years to come so that many more people can enjoy these essential comforts of home life.

Private Duty Home Care Buyers Guide. We understand that budget is a primary consideration when you are making arrangements for home care and it is our expectation that you will shop around to find the best provider at a manageable cost. As you do, please consider the following points in order to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected and receive the best care possible. 1)Do your homework. Before you make your first phone call, thoroughly consider what your care needs are. Make sure that you paint an accurate picture of the patients needs so that the right caregiver match can be made. *Do you a need a companion, or someone who can provide hands-on care? *Do you need assistance with cooking and light housework? *Do you need skilled medical assistance for things like blood pressure, blood sugar testing? Medication administration, wound care, tube maintenance? *Do you need a caregiver who can drive you to social events or appointments? *Is a memory loss diagnoses a factor or is the patient becoming confused? *Do you need a caregiver trained in a specialization such as hospice care or mobility needs? *Do you need a caregiver that speaks a particular language or is versed in sign language? 2)Interview the agency. -In order to protect yourself and your loved ones from potential liability, be sure to consider the following when selecting a home care agency: *What levels of care are available? Are you licensed for medical care or only companion care? *Are your caregivers supervised by an RN? *Are all caregivers employees that are licensed, bonded, and insured? What happens if a Worker is injured in my home? *If there is a personality conflict or other problems, can a change be made? *What are your rates? Is there a minimum number of hours that I have to commit to each day/week/month? *What happens if my caregiver calls out sick or has an emergency? Will you send another caregiver of equal skill and experience? *Can I interview the caregiver before I commit to using your agency? Do you check references and can I get details of the caregivers experience and background? Can I get someone that has worked on similar cases? *What happens in case of an emergency? Can your caregiver provide hands-on help or do they need to wait for emergency services? 3)Helpful Hints. *Before a new caregiver starts, write out a basic daily and weekly schedule. Include a list of likes and dislikes for food and activities. *Remember that you are the customer, do not hesitate to express your needs and give feedback, especially if you are dissatisfied or concerned. Caroline Moore, owner BrightStar of Boise.

For more information on the author, Hear Again America, CLICK HERE!Virtually every year, manufacturers add new features to their devices, taking them beyond mere assistive hearing devices and transforming them into desirable objects. Todays modern hearing aids are adopting wireless connectivity technology predominant in smartphones. Connectivity offers a host of benefits to users and extra utility too.Wireless Connectivity In Hearing AidsWireless connectivity in hearing aids is any technology that facilitates the transfer of information between the hearing aid and a third-party device without the need for wires. There are several different forms of wireless connectivity available, discussed below.Wi-FiMostmodern hearing aidscome with Wi-Fi connectivity, similar to smartphones, tablets and personal computers. This allows users to connect them to Wi-Fi networks in the home and when they travel. Wi-Fi is simple, convenient and lets users stream audio directly from the internet.BluetoothSome hearing aids also offerproprietary Bluetooth connectivity a short-range data transfer technology offering a high bandwidth. Bluetooth allows device-to-device connectivity, without the need for any intermediate equipment. In practice, this means that users can route TV signals, cell phone calls and landline calls to their devices directly.In the past, hearing aids required users to don a Bluetooth accessory a small device usually worn around the neck that transmitted Bluetooth signal to the hearing aids However, in recent years, advances in technology means that the necessary components are built into the devices themselves. Incoming signals travel silently through the air and hit the receiver, get converted into electrical signals which then power the onboard speaker, producing audible sounds.FM And DM SystemsFrequency modulation and digital modulation transmit sounds from external microphones directly to a receiver on a hearing aid. Because sound information travels in the form of radio waves, it makes it appear to the wearer that the speaker is standing right next to them, not across the room. This helps to improve clarity and remove annoying fuzziness and delays that can sometimes occur.TelecoilsTelecoils and so-called hearing loops are another form of wireless connectivity technology found on hearing aids.Telecoils are helpful because they help users segment incoming sounds. When the hearing aid is int-coil mode, it will only produce sounds transmitted to it the electromagnetic field.For example, many hearing aid users use their telecoils when answering the phone. Upon picking up the phone, they switch the hearing aid to t-coil mode, stopping amplification of regular ambient noise and prioritizing sounds coming from the call. As before, the telecoil detects these sounds and then converts them to electrical signals sent to the speaker unit to generate sounds.T-coils are also used in hearing loops. Hearing loops are helpful systems in public places, such as churches or theaters, that allow the hearing aid user to listen to sounds coming directly from the stage, without any other background noise from the crowd.Benefits Of Wireless Connectivity In Hearing AidsThere are many benefits of wireless connectivity. These include:Better localization:Hearing aids use wireless connectivity for communicating with third-party devices andeach other. In fact, the ability to rapidly communicate with each other offers some considerable benefits. For example, it allows hearing aids to provide users with better sound localization. Hearing aids essentially mimic how ears naturally operate, providing directional sound information.Better sound quality:Ambient noise can make it difficult for hearing aid users to detect sounds in some situations. But here, wireless connectivity can help. It bypasses the microphone entirely and sends sound information through the air to a receiver on the device. This receiver then converts incoming electromagnetic information into electrical signals sent to the speaker. The result is much clearer sound particularly helpful when answering the phone, listening to the TV or being a spectator at a public event.Improved convenience:Lastly, wireless connectivity helps to make hearing aid users lives more convenient. With connectivity technology, it is easier to stay connected to the rest of the world. Hearing aids that connect to the internet open up many opportunities and dramatically enhance quality of life.

To learn more about Intermountain Homecare and Hospice,CLICK HERE.The question of how to help a friend or loved one is being asked more frequently given the abundant grief and loss were experiencing. We so want to help others, give comfort, or reduce pain, somehow, someway. And yet, the best answer is to start by not saying or doing anything. The best answer is to start byauthentically listening.What is authentic listening?Authentic listening is a mighty tool of caring and service.Undervalued, listening is the ultimate love language. Its quiet, slow, modest, and requires our time and single-minded attention. Maybe thats why its underused. Loud, showy, busyness is much more valued today with quick fixes and a plentitude of platitudes.Authentic listening is often the only thing needed to help someone.When someone listens to our experience and our emotions in a safe space, we feel truly loved and validated. Often, saying our problems out loud illuminates the illusive solutions and because these solutions are custom-made, they are embraced more enthusiastically than to advice given by others.Authentic listening provides safe space.The listener lends themselves to us for a while, giving us their full attention, without distraction. Their purpose is to validate, not judge; understand, not fix. Hesitating at first, we relax into speaking truth as the person just listens without interruptions, unnecessary questions, or commentary.Authentic listening is a conscientious decision made in the moment.It doesnt happen by accident because it requires us to deliberately turn down the noise of our thoughts, questions, and advice while turning up our sensitivity to what this person is saying and feeling. Distractionsare turned off and quiet patience is turned on.Authentic listening is a magical experience.Consider the last time you experienced authentic listening, as the listener or the recipient. Youll remember it because they are rare, special moments. There is a heart-to-heart connection that can be transformative for both people. Given how good it feels and how well it works, we have to wonder why we dont make it happen more often.How do I listen authentically?Authentic listening uses these phrases:Tell me moreThis must be really hardI want to make sure I understandIs this what youre sayingWhat has this been like for youAuthentic listening avoids these phrases:I understand how you feelWhen that happened to me, IWhat you need to do is justHave you triedJust look on the bright sideAuthentic listening takes practice and it's worth it.Authentic listening doesnt come easily and requires intentional practice. The result is having the most precious gift you can give to others when there are no words to be said. And from your listening may come a very customized answer of what service can be done.Today, make a decision to authentically listen to one person close to you. Researchers find most of us listen for about 18 seconds before interrupting and taking over the conversation. Try to stretch that to 30 seconds or even a full minute. Observe what happens when you take your turn to truly listen before talking.

Why choose hospice? The word hospice often brings negative emotions like fear and failure and worries about the cost.Many families are not ready to let their family member go or they are angry that they do not have more time. I experienced these emotions as my mother-in-law, Barbara, was struggling to breathe with her chronic condition of heart failure. Her son was very adamant that if she got up and walked around with the assistance of a physical therapist or stopped taking her medications she would get better and live a long time. I could see the signs of her decline and realized she needed additional help with basic activities like bathing, dressing and transfers. After several family conferences, the family agreed to place her on hospice.The hospice services provided a nurse on a regular basis to help manage her pain and other health conditions that come with living with a chronic illness. A physician trained in palliative care directed the management of her care. Hospice aides helped in keeping her clean and well groomed. Additional emotional support came from an involved Medical Social Worker. Barbara enjoyed having the opportunity to unpack her life with a Chaplin and resolving past issues with her spirituality. An added bonus was the music therapist, who played songs of her youth and often would ease her breathing by the type of music which he played. Barbara became very close to those who served her at this critical time of her life.The biggest miracle of hospice was mending of family relationships which had become strained. Forgiveness was given for mistakes of the past and the family was able to heal. When Barbara passed there was a sweet peace that filled the room.Hospice is a way of caring that brings comfort to persons living with a terminal illness, and gives support to them as well as to their families. As a family member, I am grateful for the hospice services which are available. What is so helpful to families in this situation, Medicare pays 100% of all of these necessary services.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Kris Carter. Kris Carter is the Executive Director of Aspire Home Health and Hospice and may be reached at 801-292-0296 or by email at kcarter@aspireutah.com.

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.

To learn more aboutTransitions Hospice, Click HereMost people dont know hospice care has zero out-of-pocket cost for patients under the Medicare benefit who meet eligibility requirements.All care services are provided for the patient with no out-of-pocket cost since there is no deductible/copay for hospice care under traditional Medicare.We can reach more patients in need of hospice by communicating with and educating patients and families. We must ensure that they know about this benefit. Many times, this responsibility falls on referral sources who must be educated on how hospice is reimbursed.In the future it will be important to monitor changes within Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are becoming popular and sometimes offer additional benefits compared to traditional coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. We expect Medicare will allow Advantage plans to cover and pay the hospice benefit, rather than traditional Medicare coverage, just as it has for other healthcare services.However, unlike traditional Medicare, these Advantage plans may require patients to incur out-of-pocket costs in the form of deductible/copay when electing hospice care, similar to commercial insurance plans. Essentially, while the Advantage plan may offer more extensive coverage, it could also mean an out-of-pocket cost for hospice.If families are concerned about their ability to pay, they can always contact Transitions. We are here to ensure that patients have full access to continued education and awareness of all available options. We care for all patients who need our help and always prioritize our patients comfort over their ability to pay.A Trella Health study supports how partnering with the right hospices and referring appropriate patients sooner can reduce end-of-life costs while also improving the patient and family experience.Patients who were referred to hospice early saved an average of $14,000 in the last three months of life compared to patients who were admitted for a mid-term stay.Costs for late-term hospice patients were on average $5,182 less than patients with no hospice care.With only 7% of hospice-eligible patients referred for early hospice care, there is a significant opportunity for many providers to positively impact patients end-of-life care.Editors Note: Article Submitted by: Katie Monahan Business Development Manager Transitions Hospice. For more information on Palliative Care or Hospice, please call 877-726-6494 or visit www.transitionshospice.com.

A facility that will take on a resident with complex care needs such as trachs.Complex careis a person-centered approach to address the needs of people whose combinations of medical, behavioralhealth, and social challenges result in extreme patterns ofhealthcareutilization and cost.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

To learn more about Utah Senior Care Advisors,CLICK HERE.Make no mistake that the assisted living industry is big business. Huge corporations spend millions of dollars researching how to get a prospective residents power of attorney to choose one of their communities. Similar to the M&M store on the Las Vegas strip pumping the scent of chocolate throughout their store and onto the street, big business assisted living companies tend to design their dcor and menus with the decision makers taste in mind.Unfortunately, the resident is rarely the decision maker. If your loved one is from The Greatest Generation, they may not appreciate a menu that is too diverse. You may love stir fry, but if your grandma grew up on meat and potatoes in Nebraska, she may be turned off. The same advice goes for the floorplan of a building. The younger resident that spent their golden years in the height of the cruise ship era may love a larger building with lots of amenities and activities, while older residents may prefer a cozy, home-like atmosphere. Remember, a sous chef and French bistro may sound appealing to you, but what accommodations will make your parent comfortable?

Whether were filling multiple prescriptions because of our families or just ourselves, we can understand that having to go to the pharmacy to pick up medications each week, or even more often, quickly becomes a demand on our time when we have so many others already.A bill recently passed by the House, now headed to the Senate for consideration, would give Pennsylvanians more of a precious resource time.House Bill 1800 would make filling prescriptions more convenient, as it would eliminate multiple visits to the pharmacy by allowing all prescriptions to be filled on the same day each month.People with a few monthly medications to fill may find the process of going to the pharmacy and waiting in line to be disruptive, but it is usually far more difficult for senior citizens and people who are in cancer remission. They may need 10 monthly maintenance medications and, oftentimes, they are unable to drive. Coordinating rides or relying on public transportation at the appropriate time is a challenge that studies show result in vital medications remaining unfilled.Synchronizing medications offers greater convenience and likelihood that Pennsylvanians will have the medications they need when they need them, which is important to maintaining health.While consumers can request this synchronization, this bill puts the practice into state law and prohibits an insurance company from denying coverage for a partial fill of a script to facilitate medication synchronization. Thirty-five other states have enacted or introduced similar legislation.This article was submitted by Pennsylvania State Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom), who may be reached at bcutler@pahousegop.com. You may also view his website at www.RepCutler.com.

Kare Works presents Seniors Blue Book Senior Care Spotlight with Home Care Assistance of Denton County.Welcome to Tamika Jackson,Administrator/Client Care Manager with Home Care Assistance of Denton County. She shares information about Home Care Assistance and the services they are offering during the Covid pandemic.Link to learn more about Home Care Assistancehttps://www.seniorsbluebook.com/directory/home-care-assistance-of-denton-county-highland-village-tx

For more information on the author, Paul Andrews, ERA Advantage Realty, CLICK HERE!In todays world of busy probate courts and exorbitant death taxes, the living trust has become a common manner of holding title to real property. The following may help you understand a few of the requirements of the title insurance industry if title to property is conveyed to the trustee of a living trust.What is a trust?An agreement between a trustor and trustee for the trustee to hold title to and administer designated assets of the trustor for the use and benefit of one or more beneficiaries.Can a trust itself acquire and convey interests in real property?No. The trust is an arrangement between a trustee and the trustor. Only the trustee, on behalf of the trust, may own and convey any interest in real property. The trustee may only exercise the powers granted in the trust.What will the title company require if a trustee holds the title to the property which is part of the trust?A certification of trust containing the following information:Date of execution of the trust instrument,Identity of the trustor and trustee,Powers of the trustee,Identity of person with power to revoke trust, if any,Signature authority of the trustees,Manner in which title to the trust assets should be taken,Legal description of any interest in the property held by the trust, andA statement that the trust has not been revoked, modified, or amended in any manner which would cause the certification to be incorrect and that the certification is being signed by all currently acting trustees of the trustMy trust contains certain amounts of money to be given to various charities which is none of your business. Can I omit these pages?Because many different provisions may be on the same page, the answer must be no -- but if the title company requires a copy of the trust, it may accept a copy with those amounts blacked out.If there is more than one trustee, can just one sign?Maybe. The trust must specifically provide for less than all to sign.Can the trustee give someone a power-of-attorney?Only if the trust specifically provides for the appointment of an attorney-in-fact.What will the title company require if all the trustees have died or are unwilling to act?If the trustor is not able to do so, or the trust provisions prohibit the trustor from appointing a new trustee, the court may do so.How does a notary acknowledge the signature of the trustee?Title is vested in the trustee. Hence, if the trustee is an individual or a corporation, then the new general form of acknowledgment will be prepared to reflect the intrinsic nature of the trustee.How would the deed to the trustee ordinarily be worded to transfer title to the trustee?John Doe and Mary Doe, as trustees of the Doe family trust, under declaration of trust dated January 1,1992.Are there any limitations on what a trustee may do?Yes, the trustee is limited principally and most importantly by the provisions of the trust and, thus, may only act within the terms of the trust. The probate code contains general powers which, unless limited by the trust agreement, are sufficient for title insurers to rely on for sale, conveyance, and refinance purposes.

When youre an older adult, any housing change can seem like youre losing your independence. However, as the name suggests, independent living is more about making your life easier than giving up your independence. Sometimes, acknowledging your limitationsthat youre unable to manage the upkeep of your existing home, for exampleand accepting some assistance now may help you maintain your regular independent routine for longer.1. How easy is it for me to maintain my current home?Maintaining a home may be a longstanding source of pride for you, but it can also become a burden as you age. Perhaps your home has a large yard which requires constant maintenance, or maybe its becoming more difficult to clean those extra rooms that are rarely used. If your home is difficult to access, such as on a steep hill or up several flights of stairs, it may be harder for you to leave your home as often youd like, leading to more isolation. Or increased crime may mean that your neighborhood is now too dangerous to walk around safely.Some of these challenges may be partially remedied by hiring outside help, remodeling parts of your home, or by other family members lending assistance. However, if youd like a place that does not require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, independent living may give you more freedom and flexibility in the long run.2. Is it difficult for me to connect to friends and family?The more isolated you are, the greater your risk for depression and other mental health problems. You may have a difficult time getting out of the house, perhaps due to trouble driving or increased mobility issues. Or your friends and neighbors may be busy with other work or family commitments, or the neighborhood may not be easy to get around. While the phone and Internet can help, nothing can take the place of face-to-face human connection.Independent living facilities can give you a built-in social network of peers, while many also provide structured activities such as sports, arts, or field trips.3. How easy is it for me to get around?You may live in an area where you have to drive to attend social activities, visit friends, and shop. If you find yourself less comfortable with driving, you may find yourself relying more and more on public transportation or family and friends to get around. It may be harder to visit others, go to activities you enjoy, or keep doctors appointments.As well as onsite amenities, many independent living or retirement communities also offer convenient transportation options to outside activities.4. How is my health (and the health of my spouse)?Its important to consider your current and future health. For example, if you have a health condition that makes it difficult to stay active and will most likely worsen with time, its good to consider your options carefully. Its also important to consider the health of your spouse if you are married. Can you manage the activities of daily living, such washing, showering, and eating? Can you manage your finances? Can you manage medications and doctor appointments?If you see needing only minor assistance with activities of daily living, independent living may be right for you.(Source: http://www.helpguide.org/elder/independent_living_seniors_retirement.htm)Editors Note: This article was submitted by Sharon Naslund of Villa Pueblo Senior Living Community . She may be reached at 719-253-3725 or by email at snaslund@villapueblo.com

Senior Living and care is an extreme sport. Timely medication, good nutrition, discrete assistance, and new friends can breathe new life into. . . life. Finding and affording the right solution, however, is not easy. It can involve higher costs than home ownership, require as much trust as marriage, and have more murky complexity than a car lease. Fortunately, some helpful resources exist to help with costs.HOW MUCH DOES LONG-TERM CARE COST?In Dallas Fort-Worth, assisted living averages $3,700 per month and nursing home care roughly $4,600, according to Genworth's comprehensive annual study updated early 2016. Each is almost 40% higher than 10 years ago, outpacing national growth rates. Over the last three years, however, the story is different. Over that time, DFW nursing home costs are flat and assisted living costs are down.Most of 2015 saw an assisted living community open in DFW every 15 days accelerating to one every 6 days in 2016. Rapid inflation had pushed local prices well above the national average, but growing competition has nearly bridged this gap. For those able to afford care, there are a lot of options.WHO PAYS FOR LONG-TERM CARE?Medicare doesnt cover long-term care beyond a 100-day skilled nursing benefit. Medicaid is the primary payer for nursing homes, but is very limited for assisted living. For most families, assisted living costs are paid by a combination of the below: Long-term care insurance: Financial product protecting against long-term care costs. Benefits are generally triggered by qualifying care needs. Veterans Pension: Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits: Flexible monthly benefit for qualifying veterans that can exceed $2,000. Qualification is based on military service, income, assets, and care needs. Personal residence: Sale or rental of home, reverse mortgages, and equity loans Savings and income: Social security, pensions, retirement accounts, and other savings, including gifts from family members. Long-term care benefit plan:Converts life insurance into a special account to fund long-term care. Senior care bridge loans:Provides for care costs on a short-term basis until anticipated funds are available.Senior Placement Agents specialize in navigating these types of resources and care options. They meet in person with families to determine the best options for their unique needs.Editors Note: This article was submitted by John Alagood, CSA. John is the Area Owner of Senior Care Authority and may be reached at (469) 333-8833 or by email at john.alagood@seniorcareauthority.com

Everyone wants to sell you dental insurance; but a dental plan is better.Dental care is the largest out-of-pocket medical expense for many retirees. To save a diseased molar can mean a root canal-$900 and a crown - $1100; total $2,000. Only 30% of Seniors have any type of dental coverage. Should you buy dental insurance? Probably not; instead consider a good discount dental discount plan. A single senior (age 65 or older) cost for a discount dental plan can be as low as $8.95 per month ($107.40 per year). Members of a discount dental plan are given special reduced fees from a network of excellent dentists who will perform all dental procedures at 20 to 60% savings.Dental insurance has a low annual limit on benefits; typically $1200. AARPs basic plan with a $1000 maximum costs $478 per year and they have a plan with a $1350 maximum for $664 per year. And this is typical of most stand alone dental insurance coverage. You usually have twice a year cleanings and exams that do not count against the maximum. But are they really free when you are paying those types of premiums?And you do get a tax deduction for your dental care costs.Today there are more options for seniors to help save money on dental costs. Consider what you spent on dental care last year, and find a discount dental plan so you can compare those costs. The savings will surprise you!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Don Whaley with American Dental Group and may be reached at 719-633-3000 or don@pcisys.net

To learn more aboutSalt Lake Behavioral Health,CLICK HERE.Experiencing psychosis can indicate a more severe mental health problem. Psychosis can include experiencing hallucinations (seeing, feeling, hearing or tasting things that other people dont) or persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that other people do not believe or understand. These thoughts or beliefs can result in feelings of paranoia, that external forces are controlling a persons mind or actions, or that others want to cause harm. It can also be the belief that you have special powers.Psychosis can result in difficulty functioning normally and may require professional medical intervention. If you or someone you know may be struggling with psychosis, seek help. Recovery is possible with medical treatment.

For fifteen million Americans, something as simple as breathing isnt all that simple. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, people with asthma may experience wheezing, coughing, increased mucous production, and difficulty breathing, all as a result of inflammation and/or obstruction of the airways. But while many of us think of asthma as being a disease that begins in childhood, the onset of symptoms can begin well into adulthood and middle age.Asthma is often triggered by allergens such as dust and pet dander, but symptoms can also be brought on by exercise, cold weather, or illnesses such as pertussis or bronchitis. Some long-term diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, can cause asthma-like symptoms as well. Tobacco smokers, who are at high risk for developing COPD, often develop asthma, so it is imperative that smokers who experience shortness of breath or tightness in the chest consult with their doctor promptly to receive a proper diagnosis and stabilize their symptoms.Diagnosing asthma begins with a thorough medical exam and a detailed history of the onset of symptoms. Certain breathing tests can be done by your doctor to come to a more accurate diagnosis. Since asthma is a potentially life-threatening condition, it is important to be aware of its presence and become educated on how to treat any symptoms immediately when they occur.The first step in treating mild to moderate asthma is by trying to remove the trigger, which is the real culprit, says Dr. Essam Alansari, a board-certified pulmonologist at Watertown Health Center in Watertown, MA. If an asthmatic person knows they are allergic to a certain substance, we will aim to ensure that their environment stays as free of the allergen as possible.Inhalation treatments are most common, with lightweight, easy-to-carry inhalers or puffers that dispense a measured dose of steroidal or bronchodilator medication prescribed for the majority of asthma patients. An inhaler dose, or puff instantly expands the airways so the patient can breathe deeply and comfortably. Children, first-time users, or older patients may benefit from the addition of a spacer, a specially designed chamber that fits onto the inhaler with a molded mouthpiece, making inhaler use easier and simpler. In more severe cases of asthma, oral medication may be necessary to manage the symptoms.Asthma can strike at any age, asserts Dr. Alansari. If breathing becomes uncomfortable or labored, he stresses that early diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure good health and quality of life.This article was submitted by Elena Kazakevich, Director of Business Development at Synergy Health Centers.

This program is a partnership between Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation (IVERS) and Connections Area Agency on Aging. You must have an open case with IVRS to be referred to our Employment Specialist.Our Older Worker Employment Specialist works with adults age 55 and older who have a verified disability and are working with Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Their disability is a barrier to finding or obtaining employment. The Older Worker Employment Specialist's role is to work with Job Candidates to identify barriers and work towards their job goal. In the process of working with Job Candidate, the Job Candidate receives help to build on job-seeking skills, completing applications, practice with role play for interviews, creating resumes, and contacting employers.Our Older Worker Employment Specialist also networks with local employers and businesses within the 20 counties served by Connections, sharing information about the program as well as identifying jobs, and matching Job Candidates with jobs/employers for the best fit - always advocating for businesses to hire work-ready candidates.The goal of the program is to secure and main successful job placement of each Job Candidate, working with both the employee and employer. The Older Worker Employment Specialist works during this time to help the Job Candidate learn about the job and provide mentoring as necessary. Contact is made at least twice per month by phone, email, face to face visits, etc. depending on individual need. Once placement is made and the Job Candidate is confident in the position (90 day time frame) they are closed successfully with IVRS but OWEP will provide follow along for 1 year!Older workers bring experience, skills and lifelong knowledge into the workplace, making them valued, work-ready employees.Eligibility CriteriaOlder Worker Employment Program QualifiersMust be age 55 and olderMust have a disability that is a barrier to employmentIs off the Vocational Rehabilitation waiting listDoes not required Supported Employment ServicesIs not currently working with a Senior Corps Senior Employment Program (SCSEP) such as Experience Works, AARP, Senior Services of AmericaJob Candidate ProcessThe Job Candidate comes off of the waiting listThe Job Candidate's information is reviewed for the Older Worker Employment Program qualifiersThe Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor completes and sends the referral packet information to the Older Worker Employment SpecialistThe Employment Specialist will contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to schedule a meeting with the Job Candidate and the Counselor.The Older Worker Employment Specialist RoleThe Older Worker Employment Specialist assists Job Candidates in the following ways:Completing various vocational assessments and identifying a job role.Enhancing job seeking skills, completing applications, preparing for interviewing, writing resumes, and contacting employers.Working with employers to create positions that may be otherwise difficult to fill.Matching positions with the expectations of the employer and with the skills and abilities of the Job Candidate in mind.Advocating with businesses to hire work-ready job candidates.Helping employers identify job-ready candidates in an effective manner and offer options for hard to fill positions.Tracking and ensuring training of job candidates who are newly hired, so that they become familiar with and understand the workplace culture, expectations, and how to handle situations on the job.Discussing how the job candidate is adjusting to the new job and providing guidance as needed.Providing follow-up contact for up to one year after an individual is stable in employment.Establishing successful and effective networks of connections with business customers and the Aging Network.Communication and collaborating with Iowa Vacation Rehabilitation Service (IVRS) staff to provide assistance to job candidates.Informing the IVRS Counselor of the job candidates 'progress at least twice per month and sending case notes on a monthly basis.Article Submitted by Connections Area Agency on Aging

What is a Medicaid Waiver?In 1981, Congress passed legislation allowing states greater flexibility in providing services to people living in community settings.This legislation, Section 1915 of the Social Security Act, authorized the waiver of certain Medicaid statutory requirementsThe Waiving of these mandatory statutory requirements allowed for the development of joint federal and state funded programs called Medicaid 1915 Home and Community Based Services WaiversThe New Choice Waiver programPurposeThis waiver helps eligible individuals to move out of nursing facility settings. Services are designed to help people transition out of a nursing facility and re-establish themselves back in the community.EligibilityMust be 21 years plus 1 month old;The primary condition must not be attributable to a mental illness;The individual does not meet Intensive Skilled level of care criteria; andThe individual does not meet level of care criteria for admission to an intermediate care facility for people with mental retardation (ICFMR)In addition, eligible individuals must be:Receiving Medicaid reimbursed nursing facility care on an extended stay basis of 90 days or more;Currently receiving Medicare reimbursed care in a licensed Utah medical institution (that is not an Institution for Mental Disease), on an extended stay of at least 30 days, and will discharge to a Medicaid certified nursing facility for an extend stay of at least 60 days; orReceiving Medicaid reimbursed services through another of Utahs 1915 waivers and have been identified as in need of immediate or impending nursing facility care.Waiver ServicesAdult Day CareAdult Residential ServicesAssistive TechnologyAttendant CareCaregiver TrainingCase ManagementChore ServicesConsumer Preparation ServicesEmergency Response SystemsEnvironmental Accessibility AdaptationsFinancial Management ServicesHabilitation ServicesHome Delivered MealsHomemaker ServicesInstitutional Transitional ServicesMedication Assistance ServicesNon-Medical TransportationPersonal Budget AssistanceRespite CareSpecialized Behavioral Health ServicesSpecialized Medical EquipmentSupportive MaintenanceEditors Note:This article was submitted by Blake Minardi. For more information contact: Vicki Ruesch (801) 538-6148 or Blake Minardi (801) 538-6497; UDOH Bureau of Authorization and Community Based Services 288 North 1460 West (PO Box 143112) Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-3112.

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.

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

Residents receive full assistance with ADL's and are able to permit aging in place. Residents may require the assist of one person for transfers and evacuations. Residents receive 24/7 monitoring and may have an independent home health agency help with services.#listing_mgr{1 basic_search}#

Have you ever had a disagreement within your family? Everyone has. As things change, such as family members aging, there are many decisions to be made: healthcare, finances, guardianship, power of attorney, estates, wills...and so much more! These decisions may be challenging to make given that they typically involve many family members who each have their own opinion on what is best and on top of it all, there are decades of emotions that color our perspective. The use of mediation for these conversations is growing.Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party sits down with all the people involved (including the senior) to discuss the issues at hand and guide them through an informal process that results in a mutually acceptable agreement. In addition to saving time and money, mediation is empowering as it allows the senior and their family to choose solutions that work for their family.While mediation is considered an alternative dispute resolution method, it easily works with the legal system. Attorneys may, and often do, participate in the mediation process. In 2014 the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania released the Report and Recommendations of the Elder Law Task Force of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. A part of the 130 recommendations includes mediation as a part of the proceedings of Pennsylvania's Orphans' Courts.You and your family may already have started the discussion and may have gotten into a conflict! Are you now at an impasse? You may want to plan ahead and try to avoid any hard feelings by making decisions early. No matter where you are in the process, mediation can help!Editors Note: This article was submitted by Mila Pilz. Ms. Pilz is the Executive Director, Program Operations of Advoz Mediation and Restorative Practices.

Q:Is it true that women are the fastest growing demographic for substance abuse today?A:Yes. Historically, men have had the higher reported incidence of substance abuse and dependence, but women are closing that gap. Young women, in particular, have an almost equal percentage of abuse and dependence concerns as young men.Q:Are women more at risk for developing addiction?A:While addiction is an equal opportunity disease, it affects women differently. Women become addicted differently, start using for different reasons, progress faster, recover differently, and relapse for different reasons.Many years ago, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous told us that women progress faster. Now science is telling us why. Its purely physiological. The female body processes alcohol, and to a varying extent other chemicals, differently than does the male body. Therefore the brain and other organs are exposed to higher concentrations for longer periods. Thats why one drink for a woman is said to have twice the physical impact as one drink for a man.Q:What prevents women from getting help?A:Shame and fear are major barriers. The stigma attached to addiction can be stronger for women than men. Particularly moms. Its difficult to seek help and to make that first phone call or tell that first person. Its even more difficult to get truly honest with oneself.Sometimes women are diagnosed with a medical condition or mental health concern without being asked about drinking or drug use. Or, if asked, they may deny the problem. Above all, women need a program that offers real hope. Ive seen women begin treatment full of shame and despair, with their heads down. As they progress in recovery, they become shining women of courage and hope for others. The recovery process is truly transformational.Editors Note: Brenda J. Iliff is the executive director ofHazelden in Naples, Florida, a part of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.They can be reached at 866-261-3734.

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a retirement community that offers accommodations for independent living, assisted living or personal care as well as rehabilitation services. CCRCs provide residents with a seamless continuum of care where a person can spend the rest of his or her life, moving between levels of care as needed.CCRCs offer quite a few advantages that could be just what youre looking for in a retirement community! No matter where you are in your search process, you should be sure to consider a CCRC for the various unique benefits they provide to their residents.Independent LivingInindependent living apartments, residents gain all the benefits of living independently, with none of the stress or worry that might come with living alone as you age. Additionally, you gain an active community of friends who share your hobbies and interests. And, at most Independent Living residences pets are welcomed pets so you can bring your furry or feathered loved one to live with you!Personal CareWithpersonal care or assisted living, residents receive top quality, full-service care to maintain the highest quality of life. Residents most often move from an apartment to a single room where nurses and caregivers can monitor their care around the clock. In some instances, residents may only spend a short time in personal care after an accident or illness until they regain health. Once they are cleared, they may move back into their independent living apartment. The ability for residents of a CRCC to transition back and forth, and back again, as often as needed all within the same facility is a huge benefit.Seamless TransitionsAmong the main components of a CRCC that we discussed above, another benefit is the ability to seamlessly transitions between any of these types of care as often as needed. The best part is that residents still remain a part of a single community and maintain the same lifestyle and quality of care that theyve grown accustomed to. For senior adults, multiple transitions to new living facilities in a short amount of time can be stressful and confusing. CRCCs offer the benefit of minimizing your loved one from feeling uprooted by make transitions as seamless as possible.Cost SavingsIn addition to the ease of transitions is the cost savings. As you might imagine, living the rest of your life as a resident of a single retirement community reduces costs often incurred when transitions take place between facilities.Lifelong RelationshipsOne of the biggest benefits of living in a CRCC is that residents are able to foster deep and meaningful relationship that last them the rest of their life. This allows residents consistency and stability in their friendships, which become increasingly important as we age.The Middletown Home is a unique CCRC with many benefits including a state-of-the-artfitness and rehabilitation gym. True to the continuing care piece of CRCCs, the fitness and rehabilitation gym is one more valuable resource residents gain from living in a CRCC.__________________________________Editors Note: This article was contributed by Lou Vogel, CEO at The Middletown Home.

The best way to protect ourselvesand our loved ones is through socialdistancing, mask wearing and practicing good hand hygiene. Select themask that works best for you and thecircumstances and stay safe!Types of masks for COVID-19protection:Homemade Cotton Face Masks This kind of mask offers a very lowlevel of protection, but it helps remind you not to touch your face. Asa reusable option, it is important tokeep it clean and regularly wash yourface mask in a 140194 F hot machine wash with laundry detergent.One more thing to remember: shapematters! Your mask protects you better when it fits your face perfectly.N95 Respirator Mask N95 respirators are designed to create a tightseal around the nose and mouth.When worn correctly, they can blockover 95% of small airborne particles.Some even have as much as a 99%bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE).Respirators are the best at protecting both the wearer and the peoplearound them. N95s are made oflayers of polypropylene fibers, whichis what makes them so effective.The N95 is regulated by the CDCand NIOSH unless it is marketedfor medical use, at which point theFDA will approve them as well. Inresponse to the Coronavirus pandemic, the FDA changed their guidelineswith an emergency use authorization(EUA) to allow NIOSH approvedrespirators to be used in healthcarecircumstances.KN95 Mask KN95 particulatemasks are also rated to filter 95%of particles and are regulated by theChinese government. The FDA alsoissued an emergency use authorization (EUA) authorizing the useof KN95s as a valid alternative toNIOSH approved masks. Anotherdifference between KN95s and N95sis that the KN95s often use ear loopsrather than an over the top of thehead and behind the neck two strapconfiguration like the N95.3-Ply Disposable Masks 3-ply disposable masks are fluid resistant andprovide the wearer protection againstlarge droplets, splashes, or sprays ofbodily or other hazardous fluids. Theyalso protect others from the wearers respiratory emissions. They aremore loose fitting than either N95 orKN95s, so provide a less reliable level of protection from inhaling smallerairborne particles. When marketedfor use in healthcare scenarios, as asurgical or medical 3-ply mask, theyare regulated by the FDA and therefore provide better protection than ahomemade mask.Editors Note: This article was submitted byChris Myers, Partner at Community Attire, anorganization dedicated to providing protective supplies to help keep people safe andbusinesses running. Chris can be reached atchris@communityattire.com or 213-761-4229.More safety articles are available at communityattire.com.

Most women wait over six years before they tell their doctor if they struggle with bladder or bowel incontinence. Men wait even longer. Embarrassment leads to this delay in reaching out for help. Other times, people leave this issue unaddressed because they believe incontinence accompanies aging. Pharmaceutical advertisements help shed light on this issue with promises to reduce the strong urge to urinate and stop dribbling for men and women in order to make life more manageable. In addition to pharmaceutical interventions, physical and occupational therapists with specialized training and certifications provide treatments that also resolve, reduce and improve bladder and bowel incontinence. All too often, people receive therapy for incontinence and simply go home with a handout on Kegel exercises only to find the problem doesn't improve and frustration increases. To most-effectively treat incontinence the problem needs attention from a specialist. Trained therapists can utilize biofeedback to discover what is truly causing clients incontinence. Biofeedback allows the therapist and their clients to see how the muscles that provide bladder and bowel control are performing by measuring their electrical activity and projecting it on a computer screen. This visual feedback assists in determining what is actually causing the incontinence, even in complex medical cases and chronic conditions or diseases and then the most appropriate treatment regime is developed. In addition to assessing the deep internal muscles of the pelvis, therapists provide helpful education for bladder and bowel health, home exercise programs, how to avoid irritants and most importantly, enjoy life, family and the community without the stress and difficulty of incontinence.Editors Note: This article was written by Krista Covell, owner of Covell Care and Rehabilitation a Medicare and Medicaid certified business. She may be reached at 970-980-9377

To learn more aboutSunrise Senior Living at Holladay, CLICK HERE.As the calendar turns to spring, many people are looking forward to sunnier skies. Between cold, snowy days, political turmoil, and concerns about the coronavirus, it was a long winter indeed.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pandemic in particular has had a major impact on all of our lives. It has increased stress and anxiety resulting in reduced overall well-being.If you are looking for a few ways to boost your mood, we have some ideas for you to explore. Each is based onresearch that shows creativity can spark joy and lift the spirit.Finding Joy During Challenging TimesResearchers call itpositive affector PA. Its the feeling that comes when you look and feel happier. Studies show people experience higher levels of PA on days following greater creative engagement.Fortunately, you dont have to be Monet or Beethoven to reap the benefits associated with engaging in the arts. Its the very act of creating that seems to trigger happiness.If you arent someone who regularly explores your creative side or if you are looking for new ways to spark joy, we have a few suggestions for you to try:Take up stargazing:This doesnt require you to invest in pricey telescopes. Its a creative outlet you can learn about for free. It starts by learning the night sky.Sky & Telescopes Interactive Sky Toolallows you to enter your zip code, along with the day and time. It will chart the skies above you in all directions.This starter guide to astronomy (Northern Hemisphere Version)is another great resource to help you learn more.Be a friend to butterflies:Even if your outdoor space is limited, you can create a space for attracting butterflies. In a sunny corner of your yard or patio, dedicate some space for plants and water for butterflies. They are attracted to smaller flowers, especially milkweed. To protect the caterpillars that eventually become butterflies from predators, make sure to keep birdbaths and birdfeeders away. Finally, create puddling spots for butterflies to drink. Sink a bowl or bucket in the yard, and fill it with sand. Wet the sand down every day. Invest in a butterfly book, such asStokes Butterfly BookorThe Little Guide to Butterflies, to help you identify the different types that visit your yard.Create your own bouquets:Having fresh flowers in your home is another mood booster. It doesnt have to be anything more expensive than a bouquet picked up at the grocery store. If you invest in a few vases and containers, the opportunities for creating your own unique looks are endless. There are a variety of videos on YouTube that show youhow to arrange grocery store flowersin your home. If you prefer a more structured learning opportunity, sites likeAlices Tableoffer virtual floral arranging events. They even ship the flowers directly to your door!Build a charcuterie board:A popular trend in recent years is the charcuterie board. Its a great option when you are entertaining friends and family because it can be as simple or as complicated as you choose. You can stick with fruits and vegetables or meats and cheeses on your platter. Other options include dessert boards, breakfast foods, or childrens favorite treats.How to Build a Simple Charcuteriehas some good ideas to help you get started.Become a rock star:Music is another activity that has therapeutic benefits. It can calm, excite, and reconnect. The act of learning how to play an instrument also promotes better cognitive health. If you are new to music, consider taking a class to learn how to play guitar or the piano. For those who arent comfortable going to public spaces yet, there are virtual classes to join.

For the past 70 years, Florida Blue has been focused on our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health.We believe in providing all Floridians access to affordable, quality health care. We pride ourselves on being an industry leader and delivering innovative products and services to our customers. With wellness checkups, no cost health coaching for members at the Florida Blue Center, and interactive tools, were here to help you prevent health problems and improve your quality of life.Get more out of your health plan with a host of free programs like yoga, tai chi, nutrition, stress management, lunch and learn presentations, diabetes prevention and more to help you make better-informed health care decisions. We were one of the first insurers to open centers that offer the community an opportunity to have face-to-face educational consultations to find the right health insurance plan, get information on how to use the plan and meet with clinicians to start on a wellness journey.That concept has grown into 21 Florida Blue Centers across the state with one located in Estero at Coconut Point Mall. Florida Blue also has been on the forefront on forging new relationships with hospitals and doctors, working collectively to transform the care model to focus more on keeping patients healthy and focusing on overall care. These are examples of the many ways in which Florida Blue is committed to putting the people of Florida, and their health, first.The Estero Florida Blue Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk in anytime time to meet with the team, view free events open to the public or schedule an appointment online at floridabluecenters.com. Medicare annual election period starts October 15 and runs through December 7, 2016.

Click here to begin your FREE search!You may be eligible for housing programs that can help you find and pay foraffordable housing or help you keep your home. There are alsohome repairprograms that can help you fix critical and safety issues found in your home or help pay for your household utilities (e.g.heating, cooling, and phone).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!

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.

The best gift you can give the people you love is an honest and unflinching discussion about death and end-of-life choices. Its not something you want to talk about or they want to hear. Thats what makes it a priceless gift.As general manager for VITAS Healthcare in Chicago South, I have seen first-hand the anguish, pain and cost that can result when patients can no longer tell their loved ones what kind of care, which heroic measures, they would accept or reject.The best way to get others to discuss end-of-life care is to do so yourself. Start by considering the following: If you had a terminal condition and there was no reasonable probability of recovery, what kind of treatments or life-saving measures would you consent to or refuse? If you werent able to speak for yourself, would your loved ones know what you want?Talk to your familybriefly, in depth, frequently, lightly, seriouslyabout your wishes. And dont wait for the subject to come up; take control.Milestone eventsweddings, anniversaries, birthdays, retirement, graduation, a downsizing moveand holidays are great times to hold what-if conversations. Announce your subject in advance, keep it light, encourage everyone to air their thoughts. Make it clear that these are personal decisions that must be honored, when the time comes, by all.Include younger and older generations in the conversation. Take it slowly if there is resistance, but return to the topic; it might be easier next time. Include a religious adviser or longtime friend if that would make the others more comfortable.There is lots of online information about putting your wishes in writing. Try agingwithdignity.org and caringinfo.org.By Cathy Carlson, General Manager, VITAS Healthcare, Chicagoland SouthAs a pioneer and leader in the national hospice movement since 1978, VITAS is the leading provider of end-of-life care and is committed to ensuring that people can access these, and other important resources. VITAS serves more than 700 Chicagoland patients and their families daily from nine Chicagoland offices, from Peoria to downtown Chicago. For information about VITAS Healthcare, please visit VITAS.com or call 708-781-4400

Assembling a care team or support team for an aging adult is a critical step in planning for wellness and longevity. The best time to assemble a team is when all is wellthis allows everyone to think and plan creatively and effectively. Since emergencies typically occur when we least expect them, proactively assembling reliable back-up is our assurance that our loved ones will be cared for when they most need help.Who should be on the care team? A care team consisting of experienced and knowledgeable professionals, family members and close friends can add much needed support during times when support from more than one person is needed. The team can consist of a circle of individuals who are supportive and understand that even if they provide one small contribution, the assistance is appreciated and makes a difference.Your care team should consist of individuals you and your family feel comfortable with. They can consist of many professionals including the staff at an adult day center, such as River House. The centers staff usually consists of health professionals, therapeutic recreation specialists and social workers who are experienced and can assist with support, recommendations and referrals. The staff then becomes an additional lifeline for you. Other valuable team members can include physicians, pharmacists, case managers, clergy or church members, volunteers, friends, or a home health aide.How do you get started? Plan a family meeting to talk about who is in your network. Who would you want to make decisions and advocate for you, your family members and loved ones? Evaluate your current situation and what you might anticipate moving forward. Most importantly, communicate with each member of the team to ensure continuity and shared goals. Each member of the team has a skill or ability to contribute. Discuss openly which member of the care team will be best equipped to handle specific needs as they arise. And finally, take a deep breath in knowing that you will be prepared and supported as needs and situations occur.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Marie Johnson, MA, Social Services Coordinator, River House Adult Day Center. She can be reached at 203-629-0079.

Public Health Departments Serve Communities throughout Idaho Idahos seven Public Health Districts were established in 1970 under Idaho Code to ensure essential public health services were made available to the citizens of the State. The Public Health Districts are controlled and governed by a local Board of Health appointed by county commissioners from that district. In the Treasure Valley, Central District Health Department provides services to Ada, Boise, Elmore and Valley counties. Southwest District Health provides public health services to Canyon, Adams, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington counties. While Public Health Districts serve the health needs of low-income families and individuals, they also provide a broader range of services that impact everyone. Food establishment and public swimming pool inspections are conducted by health department staff to ensure safety for all. Child care facilities are inspected for health and safety. Public Health Preparedness staff work closely with local emergency response organizations such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency medical services and health care facilities to plan and prepare for public health emergencies. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinics provide supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information and support, and referrals to other health care services for women, infants and children up to the age of five. Limited clinical services such as reproductive health/family planning, sexually transmitted disease treatment, and oral health education and preventive services for uninsured and Medicaid-eligible children are offered. Free or low-cost community-based Fit and Fall Proof classes for older adults are organized and overseen by local public health departments. Fit and Fall Proof classes are led by volunteer peer-leaders and designed to focus on functional exercises that reduce the risk of falling. The Public Health Districts are playing an integral role in chronic disease prevention. Diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke have risen dramatically over the past several decades due to tobacco use, physical inactivity and poor eating. The Public Health Districts work within their communities to convene and coordinate efforts to increase access to physical activity and healthy eating opportunities and decrease tobacco use within the various community settings such as worksites, child care facilities and schools. Reducing chronic disease is a complicated issue and requires the coordinated efforts of many community partners. Public Health is working to link nontraditional agencies to address the chronic disease epidemic. This is just a sampling of the vast number of services provided by local Public Health Districts to promote healthy people in healthy communities. Jaime Harding, MHS, CHES Program Manager, Health Promotion and Health Policy Central District Health Department Boise, Idaho