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Caregiving
Do You Want Your Loved One Sent to the ER Alone?
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
Caregivers: Taking Care of Self is Job Number One
As Caregivers we are often put into a position where we have to choose between what is good for ourselves, and what is good for our loved one or care partner. Placing someone else needs in front of our own might be difficult for some people to understand, but not for the caregiver! To be a healthy caregiver we have to learn how to live our life in the solutions of our caregiving experience, not
Our Veterans Deserve the Best!
“You served your Country; you earned the best health care possible!” The VA Connecticut Healthcare System focuses on all aspects of a Veteran’s 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 don’t 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
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Elder Law
Why is a Durable Power of Attorney Necessary?
Sometimes I am asked what planning documents are most important, and people are often surprised when I first mention the need for powers of attorney. A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that appoints a person to act as your “agent” in your absence or when you are unable to act for yourself. Depending upon how the document is drafted your agent can be authorized to make financial and health care decisions for
Estate Plan: More Than Just a Will
An estate plan is more than just a will. Think of it this way: a will is like just having a bicycle as your only means of transportation in a big city. You shouldn’t depend only on your Schwinn or Huffy to pedal you around town. You have other options. A will is a good start, but there’s much more to estate planning that drafting and signing a will. A will won’t necessarily preserve your
Facing Conflict is a Healthy Choice?
Soon after four people in the mediated session sat down, they were wringing their hands with stress. Voices strained. The last months had literally brought headaches and sleepless nights for some. And now each was being asked by mediators to tell their story – to listen while others told things from their vantage point. It was not easy. But they had come too far to give up now. Conflict brings stress. The physical and mental
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Health at Home
Veteran’s Benefit Administration Pension with Aid & Attendance or Housebound Benefits
What is the Veterans Benefits Administration Pension? A Veterans Administration (VA) Pension is a benefit for low-income veterans with wartime service and Non-service connected disabilities. A VA Pension is a needs-based benefit for which veterans might be eligible. This is not an entitlement. The annual income requirements to qualify for a VA pension are below poverty rates. How is eligibility determined? To be eligible, veterans must have a character of discharge which is other than
Non-Medical Home Care: An Industry Update
When the Seniors Blue Book was first published 35 years ago, there was no category for non-medical home care. Back then, if a person needed ongoing assistance with daily living activities, a nursing home was often their only option. Through the years, seniors became more vocal in their desire to stay home, and companies emerged to fill this need. Elderlink Home Care, Inc., which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was the first non-medical
All Veterans, Their Wives & Widows, Deserve the Best Caregivers Possible!
Below is a guideline on choosing the best Caregivers at any agency. Simply ask the below questions to any agency, then record and compare your answers! Does your agency have a drug testing policy? Most agencies: don’t have a drug testing policy because it’s currently not mandatory from the state health department (Colorado), plus it increases costs. These types of agencies could be considered dangerous by allowing themselves to be open for possible issues, law
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Healthy Aging
What’s The Best Way to Stay Healthy? Have a Team of Support
The aging of the Baby Boomers coupled with an increase in life expectancy and decrease in birth rates means that older adults make up a larger percentage of the U.S. population than ever before. Additionally, the country continues to become a more diverse population across all measures. Every day 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 and with all of these changes come unique challenges to keeping America healthy. Adults aged 65 and older report a growing
Aging in the Right Place is All About Choice
Providing extra support with things like housekeeping, prepared meals, and transportation, they also boast calendars offering both on- and off-site entertainment, fitness classes, and education programs. Moving to these communities means planning ahead so support is available if or when they may need it. Studies show that people choosing to relocate to independent retirement communities, while still relatively healthy, actually have fewer health challenges and enjoy a higher quality of life than those of similar
Should Your Aging Parent Still Be Driving?
Driving is one of the freedoms that teenagers can’t wait to get, and one that seniors are reluctant to give up. It is a source of independence and control over their lives because they can go anywhere they want, whenever they want. But many family members become more worried as their parents age, wondering whether it is still safe for them to be driving. There is no magical cut-off age for driving; it’s a matter
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Money
Is the NEW Reverse Mortgage Right For You
Are you like me and worry about what your retirement looks like? Have you ever thought about what your life would be like if you no longer had to make mortgage payments(except property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance) or if you had a cash reserve available that would allow you to lengthen/increase your retirement cash flow or cover unexpected expenses? The NEW reverse mortgage is a loan available for seniors 62+ who wish to supplement their
Facing Conflict is a Healthy Choice?
Soon after four people in the mediated session sat down, they were wringing their hands with stress. Voices strained. The last months had literally brought headaches and sleepless nights for some. And now each was being asked by mediators to tell their story – to listen while others told things from their vantage point. It was not easy. But they had come too far to give up now. Conflict brings stress. The physical and mental
Can You Benefit From A Geriatric Care Manager?
Aging presents a new set of challenges for many as they experience physical and cognitive changes. There are a myriad of options available to meet ones changing needs; however, trying to navigate and make the best decisions can be an overwhelming task. This, coupled with the fact that time and resources may be limited, can make a challenging situation even worse. Although some older adults have family nearby, many do not. It’s not uncommon for
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Professional Services and Resources
You Have the Time and Talent to Volunteer
Whether crafting, visiting or lending a hand, VITAS volunteers receive more than they give. By Cathy Carlson, VITAS Healthcare General Manager Do you keep something in your house, apartment or condo that reminds you of someone special? A favorite item from your childhood, a keepsake that belonged to a parent or a memento of someone who has died? Many people treasure special items because they bring comfort, stir positive memories and sustain a sense of
You Have the Time and Talent to Volunteer
Do you keep something in your house, apartment or condo that reminds you of someone special? A favorite item from your childhood, a keepsake that belonged to a parent or a memento of someone who has died? Many people treasure special items because they bring comfort, stir positive memories and sustain a sense of connectedness to loved ones. That’s the idea behind Memory Bears—small, hand-crafted stuffed bears that are created by skilled VITAS Healthcare volunteers.
Dealing with Depression
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
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Senior Housing
4/18/2018 – The Colorado Assisted Living Industry enters a new era of operation with a new set of rules and regulations!
The Colorado Assisted Living Industry entered a new era of operation with a new set of rules and regulations. On 4/18/2018 the CDPHE Board of Health approved a new rewrite of the rules and regulations governing the operation of assisted living residences in Colorado. The Board unanimously approved the new rules and regulations. This was a culmination of 24 months of work between CDPHE, the Assisted Living Stakeholders working group, and private owners and operators of
Do You Want Your Loved One Sent to the ER Alone?
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
What Is Shared Housing?
Looking for affordable housing or have an extra room in your home? PLOWS Council on Aging, a non-profit senior agency, offers a unique housing option to seniors in towns within or near the suburban Cook County Townships of Palos, Lemont, Orland and Worth. Our Shared Housing program is a viable alternative to living alone and reduces living expenses for both providers and seekers. It can mean extra funds to participants who are willing to share
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View Articles by Edition
Is the NEW Reverse Mortgage Right For You
Are you like me and worry about what your retirement looks like? Have you ever thought about what your life would be like if you no longer had to make mortgage payments(except property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance) or if you had a cash reserve available that would allow you to lengthen/increase your retirement cash flow or cover unexpected expenses? The NEW reverse mortgage is a loan available for seniors 62+ who wish to supplement their
4/18/2018 – The Colorado Assisted Living Industry enters a new era of operation with a new set of rules and regulations!
The Colorado Assisted Living Industry entered a new era of operation with a new set of rules and regulations. On 4/18/2018 the CDPHE Board of Health approved a new rewrite of the rules and regulations governing the operation of assisted living residences in Colorado. The Board unanimously approved the new rules and regulations. This was a culmination of 24 months of work between CDPHE, the Assisted Living Stakeholders working group, and private owners and operators of
Do You Want Your Loved One Sent to the ER Alone?
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
Is the NEW Reverse Mortgage Right For You
Are you like me and worry about what your retirement looks like? Have you ever thought about what your life would be like if you no longer had to make mortgage payments(except property taxes, homeowners insurance and maintenance) or if you had a cash reserve available that would allow you to lengthen/increase your retirement cash flow or cover unexpected expenses? The NEW reverse mortgage is a loan available for seniors 62+ who wish to supplement their
The Colorado Assisted Living Industry entered a new era of operation with a new set of rules and regulations. On 4/18/2018 the CDPHE Board of Health approved a new rewrite of the rules and regulations governing the operation of assisted living residences in Colorado. The Board unanimously approved the new rules and regulations. This was a culmination of 24 months of work between CDPHE, the Assisted Living Stakeholders working group, and private owners and operators of
Do You Want Your Loved One Sent to the ER Alone?
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