Weighing costs: home versus a senior living community

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

As you consider your choices for senior living and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences.

When you compare the cost of living at home versus a senior living community, making the switch may be more affordable than you think. As you consider your choices and compare costs, remember you have options with a selection of communities that fit different budgets and personal preferences.

Compare Your Home Costs to Senior Living

When you want to compare your current budget with costs for a senior living community, consider what goes into the bottom line.

Price Considerations

Location, Location, Location — Just like your current home, pricing for senior living depends on supply and demand, and the local cost of living.

Size up the square footage — Residence size will also influence costs no matter where you are. Rent for a 500 square-foot studio apartment will usually be less expensive than rent for a 1,100 square-foot two-bedroom residence.

More services mean higher costs — Whether you have in-home help or assistance with daily life activities at a senior living community, more care will increase costs.

Reduce Your Monthly Expenses

Here’s how you can save money when you make a move to senior living:

– Say goodbye to home repairs, utility bills or lawn maintenance fees. Most living expenses are included in the monthly fee for senior living accommodations.

– Current homeowners will also do away with property tax, property insurance and expensive home repairs.

– You’ll save on food costs. Two or three meals per day are often included in your monthly fee.

– For seniors who may have cut their entertainment budget in their current home, a move is often a welcome change. Senior living communities bring back the fun with classes, outings and social gatherings.

– Safety and security are important. At a senior living community, you’ll have help available, if you ever need it. There’s no price tag on peace of mind.

Article Provided by:
Brookdale Senior Living
877-396-4700
www.Brookdale.com

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Senior travel tips: traveling with hearing aids

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Travel is a significant part of our lives and retirement means the opportunity to go on more adventures is inevitable.

Travel is a significant part of our lives and retirement means the opportunity to go on more adventures is inevitable. Senior travel can be stressful, and with more than 20 million people in the U.S. making these trips with hearing loss, travel can be especially challenging. Vacation should feel like a vacation, which is why we have put together this helpful list of senior travel tips for traveling with hearing aids.

Some common problems include: difficulty making reservations, failure to hear or understand scheduled events like tours, live performances, planned activities, and difficulties hearing or understanding airline boarding and in-flight announcements. What can you do?

1. Whether you are traveling by train, airplane, cruise ship, or bus, it is key to make all travel arrangements in advance. Most means of transportation allow you to sign up for text and email alerts so if you miss an announcement there is a back-up way to alert you. Bonus to signing up for mobile phone alerts is that you won’t need to get up to check the display board for updates.

2. For safety when traveling alone, it is important to inform an attendant that you are hearing impaired. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from fellow vacationers, most are more than happy to offer assistance.

3. Will I need to take my hearing aids out for a security screening? Most importantly, keeping hearing aids on will allow you to communicate with security officers during screening, when necessary. In most cases, hearing aids worn on the ears won’t set off the alarms. If you are concerned, the security scanner will not harm your hearing aids or other related devices.

4. Be prepared with printed copies of travel, lodging, and activity reservations that include dates, pricing, and your confirmation number.

5. Many venues have the necessary devices to assist with hearing. Check whether the attraction you are visiting has accommodations. Some places are even tele-enabled and can transmit sound straight to your hearing aids. This can be extremely helpful on a noisy tour or music event.

Planning and informing your transportation hosts and letting clerks know that you are hearing impaired can help keep you stress free and keep your trip running smoothly. Lastly, don’t get discouraged, there are many things that hearing-impaired travelers can do to travel with ease, and vacation in peace.

Article Provided by:
The Grove and Gardens
503-433-8403
www.TheGroveandGardens.com

SAGE Metro Portland: LGBT-friendly senior housing

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region.

The Current Problem: LGBT-friendly senior housing. A 2014 study by the Equal Rights Center found that 48% of LGBT-identified seniors “experienced unfavorable differential treatment in terms of availability of housing, pricing, financial incentives, amenities or application requirements.” Unfortunately, LGBT-friendly senior housing is hard to find. Many LGBT older adults are forced to hide their sexual orientation and/or gender identity to avoid mistreatment, harassment, and discrimination in senior living environments.

The Solution:

SAGE Metro Portland developed the Housing Equality Survey Tool, used to vet and identify LGBT-friendly housing providers in our area. In 2015, SAGE Metro Portland published the nation’s first local consumer guide to finding safe and welcoming housing for LGBT people as they age. The survey is now being replicated in other parts of the country.

In an effort to broaden our reach to consumers and to include more housing providers, we are launching a new partnership with our friends at Retirement Connection who have agreed to add a highlight “LGBT Designated” housing communities. This will provide more choices for LGBT older adult consumers when shopping for housing. To become “LGBT Designated” communities have shown a commitment to going above to become more educated and inclusive. This process includes minor adjustments to some and policies, as well as, ongoing staff trainings. The communities that chose to become “LGBT Designated” prior to printing the current edition, are listed on the page to the right. More will be added as we grow the program and increase awareness.

SAGE Metro Portland, a program of Friendly House, seeks to enrich the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people aged 60+ throughout the Metro region. For over 15 years, SAGE Metro Portland has been the preeminent social service organization focused on developing strengths and overcoming challenges for this vulnerable population.

Sage Metro Portland Offers:

– Case Management/Options Counseling

– Caregiver Support

– Information and Referral Services

– Trainings

– Community Outreach

– Activities and Special Events

– Friendly Visitor Volunteer Program

– Advocacy

Do you life or work in an LGBT-friendly senior living Community? If so, we want to hear from you!

To become an LGBT Designated Senior Living Community, or for more information, email:
mmicozzi@friendlyhouseinc.org

Article Provided by:
SAGE Metro Portland
(Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders)
mmicozzi@friendlyhouseinc.org

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Be prepared: When your loved one can no longer stay at home safely

Posted on January 4, 2018February 2, 2021

Be prepared ahead of time. Even if care is not immediate, go look. Visit your loved one as often as you can to evaluate their abilities and needs. You want to plan way ahead.

When your loved one can no longer stay at home safely, it is best to do your homework, be prepared and plan ahead of an emergency. It is not “IF” a situation may come up or not, but “when”. Be prepared ahead of time. Even if care is not immediate, go look. Visit your loved one as often as you can to evaluate their abilities and needs. You want to plan way ahead.

Is your loved one paying on their own? This is referred to as “private pay”. Is there Long Term Care Insurance, VA Benefits, investments or a home to sell? Are they going on Medicaid and when? What area of town do they want to be in? Are there friends or relatives that want to visit? These are very important considerations.

Many times, when life happens, a senior may end up in the hospital followed by rehabilitation when you get a call that your loved one needs a “higher level of care” than what they are getting at home. If you have done your homework, you will be ready.

If not, don’t worry there are plenty great placement services available for FREE. There are several different types of Placement Services; National, Local, Referral and Full-Service. For those that want to do things on their own a National or Referral may be great. They provide a list and off you go. However, you may need or want additional assistance and that is where a Local Full-Service may be better since they know the local communities. Some may have actual long-term care experience so they can answer medical or care questions easier. They will meet with you and the senior, then take you to see what is available.

When working with a Placement Service it is best to work with that ONE agency. Some placement agencies offer additional services at no additional charge. These Full-Service Senior Placement agencies can be very beneficial when the family is visiting from out of town and they discover that there is a need to move and they are only in town for a short while. A Full-Service Senior Placement agency can offer a lot of things behind the scenes for you to minimize the impact on your family and the senior. Best of all, agencies provide their services to the senior and their families for FREE.

Shop around, educate yourself as to what is best for you and your loved one. Ask for details. You got this.

Article Provided by:
Alternative Options for Elderly Care, LLC
360-213-9167
www.Alt-opts.com

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Elderly care: What is PACE?

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health care needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home. PACE stands for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

PACE is a Medicare and Medicaid program that provides elderly care and helps people meet their health care needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home. PACE stands for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

With PACE, the focus is on you — you have a team of health care professionals working with you and your family to make sure you get the coordinated care you need. Your team is experienced in caring for older adults. Usually they care for a small number of people, so they really get to know you.

How does PACE work?

PACE organizations provide care and services in the home, the community (which includes assisted living, memory care and adult care homes), and the PACE center. They have contracts with many specialists and other providers in the community. Most PACE participants get most of their care from staff employed by the PACE organization in the PACE center, which meet state and federal safety requirements.

Who can get PACE?

You can have either Medicare or Medicaid, or both, to join PACE. To qualify for PACE, you must be 55 or older; live in the service area of a PACE organization; need a nursing home-level of care (as certified by your state); be able to live safely in the community with help from PACE.
What does PACE cover?

PACE provides all the care and services covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and if authorized by your health care team, may cover services that Medicare and Medicaid doesn’t cover. Services covered include primary and specialty medical care; dentistry, vision and audiology; emergency services and hospital care; care at home; nursing home care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; medications and medical equipment; social services; care management; and transportation to the PACE center for activities or medical appointments, if medically necessary.

How to apply for PACE

In Oregon, to find out if you’re eligible call Providence ElderPlace, or call your Medicaid office.

What you pay for PACE depends on your financial situation

If you have Medicaid, you won’t pay a monthly premium for the long-term care portion of the PACE benefit. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid but you have Medicare, you’ll be charged a monthly premium to cover the long-term care portion of the PACE benefit and a premium for Medicare Part D drugs

There’s no deductible or copayment for any drug, service, or care approved by your health care team.

If you don’t have Medicare or Medicaid, you can pay for PACE privately.

Source: www.Medicare.gov

Article Provided by:
Providence Elderplace
503-215-6556
www.providence.org/elderplace
www.PACE4You.org

Retire different: Shared housing

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Are you a boomer who can’t afford to retire? Are you a senior knocking around in a big ‘ole house all by yourself? Why not get together, try shared housing and thrive?

Home sharing is making a comeback in the United States. The primary reason of course is the cost of housing nowadays. Folks can’t afford to live by themselves anymore. As millions of boomers march toward retirement without enough income, Americans are facing a crisis. According to AARP, 1 in every 4 baby boomers has nothing saved for retirement.

There is no way to build enough affordable housing to meet the demand. Government programs such as Section 8 and HUD are maxed out and waiting lists are closed. Rents keep rising and now people of all ages are struggling. It’s time to think outside the box!

Why not use existing housing stock and create programs that address prospective housemates concerns by providing education and resources to ensure a successful home share experience?

Suggested areas of education might be:

-Am I a good candidate for shared housing and what are my boundaries?

– How do I vet a prospective housemate?

– What happens when we have a disagreement?

– Tenant/Landlord and Fair Housing law

– What do I do with all my stuff?

– How might I structurally modify my home to make it more “share” friendly?

What are some other benefits we can identify?

– You don’t have to work ‘til you drop

– You don’t have to live with your kids

– You can afford to live in a much nicer place than what you could afford on your own

– You have a ready-made social circle

– You get to choose who you want to live with

– You can group yourselves any way you like; similar interests, varied skill sets, by gender, by culture, pet-friendly, etc.

– You can travel and have someone water your plants or feed your cat while you’re away

– Someone is there to leave the porch light on and ask about your day

Shared housing is becoming an affordable option for aging in place. Once you’ve identified your “tribe” and have a smooth functioning household, you’ll just naturally watch out for one another and know if one of your housemates has an emergency.

As time goes by and your group starts needing help with housekeeping, cooking, grocery shopping or laundry for example, everyone can pitch in for a fraction of what it would cost to hire a person by yourself.

There are several shared housing programs available in the Portland area. Each one is a little different but they are all designed to match homeowners and housemates for shared housing.

Article Provided by: Michele Fiasca
Let’s Share Housing
www.LetsShareHousing.com
503-680-8649

Senior vaccinations are important!

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu and pneumonia vaccines caught up today. Talk to your doctor, and take control of your health.

Senior vaccinations are essential. As we age, our bodies’ immune systems become weaker, making us more at risk for health complications due to influenza (flu) and pneumonia. In the United States, an estimated 70 to 85 percent of influenza-related deaths occur among people 65 years and older, and each year more than 18,000 older adults succumb to pneumococcal pneumonia.

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a viral respiratory infection that spreads easily from person to person by coughing, sneezing and touching. It may cause a high fever, along with body aches and weakness.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by a virus, bacteria or, less commonly, fungi. In the U.S., the most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus).

How can you protect yourself from the flu or pneumonia?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine every year. Senior vaccinations can prevent illness and complications that result in hospitalizations.

For adults 65 years and older, the CDC recommends two pneumococcal vaccines: Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23. The timing of these two vaccinations may depend on your health conditions, so talk with your doctor to learn what is best for you.

Some Common Flu Myths

Myth: I don’t need a flu shot every year.

Fact: Flu viruses change each year, and vaccines cover the top three to four viruses most likely to cause illness in the coming season. Antibodies from the influenza vaccine do not last more than one flu season.

Myth: The influenza vaccine gave me the flu.

Fact: The vaccine is designed to cover the top three to four viruses, but a person may get a different virus that was not included in the vaccine. However, flu symptoms may still be milder if you had a flu shot, due to cross-protection.

Myth: It is better to wait and get the influenza vaccination later in the flu season.

Fact: Vaccine protection from influenza lasts the entire flu season. It’s best to get the flu shot as soon as it is available. The CDC recommends vaccination prior to November, but vaccination any time in the flu season (August–May) is beneficial. Flu cases tend to peak between November and March.

Don’t become a statistic!

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu and pneumonia vaccines caught up today. Talk to your doctor, and take control of your health.

Article Provided by:
HealthInsight Oregon
503-279-0100
www.healthinsight.org

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Senior education opportunities

Posted on January 4, 2018February 4, 2021

Senior education is one way that PSU reflects its motto “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” PSU is a national leader in making its many varied academic resources available to older citizens. In 1973, PSU began offering eligible older adults a chance to attend its classes at no charge alongside registered students.

Senior education is one way that PSU Reflects its motto “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” PSU is a national leader in making its many varied academic resources available to older citizens. In 1973, PSU began offering eligible older adults a chance to attend its classes at no charge alongside registered students. Alongside senior education, more recently, PSU collaborates with another enrichment program providing opportunities for older adults to attend monthly programs including musical recitals and lectures by professors and local professionals.

Portland State University (PSU) is the only major comprehensive research university for the Portland five-county metropolitan area of more than 2.4 million people. PSU and its faculty of 1,800 in its nine schools and colleges provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs for a student body of 28,400 part-time and full-time students.

Senior Adult Learning Center

SALC was established 44 years ago as a pioneering program to encourage life-long learning among local residents. Its popularity among Portland area seniors inspired the Oregon legislature to pass House Bill 2011 in 2010 requiring the state’s institutions of higher education to waive tuition for courses audited by Oregon residents aged 65 or older. Today, more than 2,000 seniors are registered “Senior Auditors” at PSU, and in the 2016-2017 academic year, they enrolled in courses amounting to more than 13,000 credit hours.

Given the intense financial pressures on PSU due to limited state funding, the cost of operating SALC is covered entirely by donations from Senior Auditors and in-kind contributions from PSU’s Institute on Aging and the College of Urban and Public Affairs, where SALC is housed. To learn more about SALC, visit our site: https://sites.google.com/a/pdx.edu/salc/home.

Retired Associates of Portland State University (RAPSU)

In the early 1990s, several SALC Senior Auditors and the SALC coordinator developed another dimension to the auditing experience. In 1992, they established the “Retired Associates of Portland State University,” whose mission is “to bring together adults aged 50 and older in a university setting where they may share opportunities for intellectual, social, and personal growth.” One does not need to be retired, a former student, a current SALC auditor, or an Oregon resident to be involved in RAPSU; one only needs to be aged 50 or more and have an interest in learning something new or meeting new people. The most engaging part of RAPSU is the monthly/bi-monthly programming offered to members, visit (https://sites.google.com/site/rapsuatpsu/Home/upcoming-meetings). Past presentations include Thomas Lauderdale (Pink Martini), Rob Davis (Oregonian), and former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts.

If you are 50+, take a look at RAPSU’s programs and leadership opportunities and if you are 65+ and live in Oregon, perhaps it is time to go back to university and continue the learning that you have been engaged in throughout your life.

Article Provided by:
Portland State Univesity
www.pdx.edu
503-725-4739

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6 Tips to preventing pneumonia in older adults

Posted on January 4, 2018February 2, 2021

Preventing pneumonia in older adults is very important in times like these! Here are 6 tips to prevent your loved one falling ill.

1. Know the Symptoms of Pneumonia in Older Adults

According to the Infectious Disease Clinics of North America, there are often-times challenges as to the diagnosis of pneumonia in seniors because they may not suffer the classic symptoms like fever, chills and cough. It’s important to watch for non-respiratory symptoms like weakness, confusion, delirium or dizziness, or other, more vague symptoms — especially in those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, which can impair the accurate reporting of pneumonia symptoms.

2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Ordinary respiratory infections, colds and influenza can sometimes lead to pneumonia; the Mayo Clinic advises that you wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of these illnesses. “Good” hand washing techniques should include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water.

3. Practice Good Oral Care

Bacteria from the mouth can be aspirated into the lungs, especially in people who may not be able to swallow effectively. Good oral care such as brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste as well as flossing at least once a day will decrease the bacteria that could cause aspiration pneumonia.

4. Get Immunized

Both the Mayo Clinic and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute advise seniors and others at risk for pneumonia to get vaccinated against bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s a one-time vaccine that can prevent or reduce the severity of pneumonia. Your doctor may also suggest a booster vaccine after 5 years. It’s also a good idea to vaccinate seniors against influenza, which can lead to pneumonia.

5. Don’t Smoke

Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia — it greatly increases a person’s likelihood of getting the disease because it harms the ability of the lungs to defend against infection. According to Science Daily, smoking increases your chances of contracting pneumonia by 3 times! Quitting smoking can majorly help at-risk seniors defend against pneumonia.

6. Stay in Good General Health and be Active

Good overall health habits are critical to preventing pneumonia in seniors as well as the rest of the population because those habits keep the immune system strong and able to fight off infection. A healthy diet, as well as getting plenty of rest and physical exercise will decrease the risk of contracting pneumonia.

Article Provided by:
Advanced Lifeline
800-928-9036
www.ALSvents.com

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Alzheimer’s Association —We’re here for you day or night

Posted on January 4, 2018February 2, 2021

The Alzheimer’s Association serves the estimated 63,000 Oregonians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their loved ones and caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Association —We’re here for you day or night. The Alzheimer’s Association serves the estimated 63,000 Oregonians living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as their loved ones and caregivers. We offer free early-stage engagement programs, support groups, community education classes and other dementia resources. If you, or a loved one, need resources or support, call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Center (alz.org/care)

You are not alone. Whether you need information about early-stage, middle-stage, or late-stage caregiving, the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. Obtain day-to-day help, support and even learn how to plan for the future. Don’t forget to check out the Community Resource Finder (communityresourcefinder.org) and Care Team Calendar.

Alzheimer’s Navigator (alzheimersnavigator.org)

When facing Alzheimer’s disease, there is much to consider. Alzheimer’s Navigator helps guide caregivers to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking to information, support and local resources.

Community Education And Support groups (alz.org/oregon)

We provide statewide educational opportunities for anyone interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, including family and professional caregivers, people with memory loss, and the general public. Our support groups create a safe, confidential environment and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. We have phone support groups and in-person groups geared towards caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

E-learning (elearning.alz.org)

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a number of Alzheimer’s and dementia courses available online, 24 hours a day.

“I have Alzheimer’s” (alz.org/ihavealz)

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is never easy — it’s life-changing. This website was created with input from individuals living with the disease. It’s easy to navigate and helps answer many questions including:

– How do others respond to their diagnosis?

– What should I expect as the disease progresses?

– How should I plan for my future?

– How do I live day to day?

– What resources are available through the Alzheimer’s Association?

Alzheimer’s Association Trialmatch (alz.org/trialmatch)

Trialmatch is a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service that connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers, healthy volunteers, and physicians with current studies. When you join a clinical trial, you have an opportunity to participate in vital research that could improve the lives of millions.

Article Provided by:
Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter
800-272-3900
www.alz.org/oregon

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