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

Stay Sun-Safe with These Sun Safety Tips Summer is in full swing and with it comes the long-awaited sunshine. While the sun can provide many benefits, it can also be detrimental to our health if we do not take care to protect ourselves.  Whether you're spending time outdoors on a sunny day, going for a walk or just sitting on the porch, protecting yourself from harmful rays should always be a top priority. In this blog post, we will share tips and tricks on how to keep safe in the sun. Facts and Stats About Skin Cancer  Staying ahead of skin cancer means staying informed about its causes, risks, and outcomes. The Skin Cancer Foundation (Opens in a new window) shares the following staggering facts and stats about skin cancer in the United States:  1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Every hour, more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. Your risk for melanoma doubles after experiencing five or more sunburns. Early detection of melanoma leads to a 99% 5-year survival rate. Risks of Skin Cancer and Who is Most at Risk Although anyone can develop skin cancer, some people are more at risk than others. According to the American Cancer Society (Opens in a new window), those with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are more likely to get skin cancer, as are those with a personal or family history of skin cancer. Additionally, exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can greatly increase your risk. And while skin cancer can happen at any age, it's more common in people over the age of 50, says the Skin Cancer Foundation (Opens in a new window).  Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun We all want to make sure that were taking the best possible care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves from the dangers of spending too much time in the sun. Overexposure can lead to serious health risks such as dehydration, sunburns, heat exhaustion even skin cancer so its imperative for us to be aware of sun protection methods during outdoor activities. Here are some sun safety tips to bear in mind when spending time outside: Apply sunscreen regularly: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. To ensure that sunscreen is evenly applied, use about an oz (a shot glass) worth of sunscreen or enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Wear appropriate clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider sun protective clothing with UV blocking fabric. Seek shade: Stay under the shade as much as possible and always use an umbrella, tent, or other porous objects to provide shade. Again, avoid being in the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest. Wear a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water being in the sun can be dehydrating. Dont be fooled by cloudy weather: UV radiation can still damage your skin, even on a cloudy day. It is important always to apply sunscreen when going outside for an extended period. Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Opens in a new window), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S., and it affects millions of people every year. It is caused by damage to the skin cells caused by the sun's harmful UV rays. CDC research show that certain people carry risk factors that make them more susceptible to skin cancer (Opens in a new window). Whether you have risk factors for cancer or not, there are plenty of ways to protect your skin from the sun and prevent skin cancer: Monitor your medications: Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you are taking any prescription drugs, talk to your doctor, or pharmacist, about the potential side effects and how to protect your skin. Live a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all have a positive effect on your skin. By living a healthy lifestyle, you can give your skin the best chance of staying healthy and avoiding skin cancer. Avoid Tanning Beds: If you're looking to get a tan, skip the tanning bed and opt for a self-tanner instead. Tanning beds expose your skin to harmful UV rays, increasing your risk of skin cancer. Get Regular Skin Checks: Schedule regular appointments with a dermatologist to have your skin checked for any signs of skin cancer. Catching it early can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment. Protect. Protect. Protect: As mentioned above, some of the most proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from skin cancer is to seek the shade; avoid the suns UV rays when they are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm; wear sun protective clothing; and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  Call today for more information 303-300-6666.

What to Know About Sepsis and RecoverySepsis is a condition that affects the whole body and requires quick action. Families with senior loved ones need to understand sepsis so they can react appropriately when faced with the signs of sepsis. This life-threatening condition affects at least 1.7 million adults in America every year, and without timely treatment, it can lead to organ failure and sometimes death. To best protect yourself and your family, it's essential to know the common risk factors for sepsis and what treatment options are available. Learn more about this serious condition from the team at BrightStar Care.What Is Sepsis?Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs when an infection triggers an extreme immune reaction. Instead of attacking the infection, sometimes the immune system starts to damage normal tissue and send inflammation through the body. If it's not treated quickly and properly, sepsis can cause tissue damage, organ failure and in some cases death. Some people are at higher risk of sepsis than others, particularly if they have any of these risk factors:A weakened immune systemChronic medical conditions, including diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney diseaseA recent severe illnessCurrent or recent hospitalization for a severe illness or surgeryTrauma injury such as severe burnsAged 65 and olderA previous sepsis diagnosisRecognize the Signs and SymptomsThis condition can be dangerousso what are the symptoms of sepsis? Identifying sepsis in older adults can be challenging. It's not uncommon to confuse sepsis with cardiac, renal or immune problems. With this in mind, it's even more important to know the tell-tale signs of sepsis and get help immediately. According to the CDC, individuals with sepsis may have a combination of these symptoms:Fever and chillsShortness of breath and difficulty breathingClammy or sweaty skinConfusionRacing heart or weak pulseExtreme painLow blood pressureCaring for Seniors with SepsisWhen it comes to caring for seniors with sepsis, hospitalization is often necessary to provide the appropriate level of medical care and treatment. It's all about timely carean older patient's best chance for survival is a rapid response. If you notice symptoms of sepsis, head to the emergency room immediately. Upon arrival, doctors will begin treatment right away, administering fluids and antibiotics.For many caregivers, a sepsis scare makes them feel powerless. While caregivers will need to let doctors take care of the medical aspect, they can play a crucial role in recovery. They should remain aware of symptoms and encourage the following prevention measures:Stay hydratedWash hands frequentlyMaintain a healthy dietEnsure immunizations are up to datePractice good oral hygieneTreat cuts and wounds promptlySeek medical care at the first sign of infectionCommon Sepsis TreatmentsPrompt treatment is essential when dealing with sepsis symptoms in older adults. Fortunately, healthcare professionals are trained on the proper steps to take when an individual begins showing signs. While everyone will require a unique treatment approach, these interventions have been effective at combating sepsis:Antibiotics: Treatment with antibiotics is a proven way to treat sepsis. These medications target infection-causing bacteria and stop their spread throughout the body. Once blood tests reveal what is causing the infection, a specific antibiotic can be administered to help.IV Fluids: In addition to antibiotics, most people need intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure and prevent dehydration. IV fluids ensure the organs continue to function and can help reduce damage from sepsis.Oxygen Therapy: Sepsis patients may need supportive care in the form of oxygen therapy.Vasopressors: Vasopressors are used when a patient's blood pressure drops. They narrow the blood vessels and promote a rise in blood pressure.Surgery: In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the infected tissues causing sepsis.Intensive Care: Most people diagnosed with sepsis will need care from a hospital's intensive care unit. Here, they can receive the life-saving treatments they need.Recovering From SepsisRecovering from sepsis is often difficult. Nevertheless, sepsis survivors may be able to recover completely and return to their normal lives. While there are typically some long-term effects, plenty of people have recovered from sepsis thanks to a combination of in-home care, hospital stays and physical rehabilitation. Recovery looks different for everyone, but many benefit from the following:Physical Rehabilitation: After surviving sepsis, physical rehabilitation begins in the hospital. This involves gradually regaining mobility and strength through exercises and movement. The goal is to rebuild muscle tone, improve coordination and restore physical function.Ongoing Monitoring: Sepsis can have long-term effects and lead to organ dysfunction. With this in mind, it's important to consistently monitor your loved one for symptoms. Regular check-ups with a primary physician are critical.Emotional Support: Recovery is often an emotional battle as well as a physical one. Sepsis patients have been known to deal with depression, anxiety and confusion, even once they've returned home. Family caregivers may provide emotional support themselves or coordinate companion care with a local provider.Tips for Home RecoveryTime is of the essence when responding to sepsis, but recovery time is a different story altogether. Recovery is anything but quick, and many sepsis survivors have a long road ahead of them. Thankfully, there is plenty you can do to help your loved one recover from home. Try these approaches to streamline the recovery process:Help your loved one set achievable goalsthis could be walking up a few stairs or taking a couple of stepsEncourage them to rest as much as necessaryGive them a space to express their thoughts, whether that's verbally or in a journalProvide a balanced dietAssist your loved one with light exercise regimens approved by their doctorSeek a mental health counselor to meet with your loved oneHearing that your loved one has sepsis is nothing short of terrifying. However, recovery is not as impossible as many think. With your caregiving and help from the team at BrightStar Care, your loved one may regain the ability to do most of their favorite activities. We focus on compassionate care for every client and their family, providing guidance and support every step of the way. Call today to learn more 303-300-6666.