Author: Meghan Parsons

Living a purposeful and meaningful life

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For the first time, younger seniors are considering a move earlier in order to afford a retirement with meaning and purpose. A Life Plan Community offers a meaningful life designed to meet this new trend.

Living a purposeful and meaningful life is starting to appeal to aging consumers, as they encounter a new vernacular as they explore the next chapter of living options. While living actively, baby boomers often desire lifestyles different from those of their parents. For the first time, younger seniors are considering a move earlier in order to afford a retirement with meaning and purpose. A Life Plan Community offers a meaningful life designed to meet this new trend.

A Life Plan Community, formerly known as a CCRC, is registered as an age-restricted community, which provides active living through multiple living and care needs, while integrated into the community through social accountability. A Life Plan Community offers all levels of living, from independent cottage and apartment living, to living with assistance and long-term care. In 2015, the NameStorm task force determined that the senior housing industry needed to shift the vernacular from CCRC to Life Plan Community in order to place a stronger emphasis on healthy and active living. 

Contract options vary. A Life Care contract typically means an upfront buy-in, in addition to monthly rent, where seniors are guaranteed all levels of living options including health care in a skilled nursing neighborhood.  Type B or modified month-to-month type rental agreements are offered at a Life Plan Community.  In addition, a Type C contract means fee-for-service.

Many benefits come with a Life Plan Community, but with society living longer; often the care needs of one spouse determine the living options for the couple. A Life Plan Community addresses these needs and provides options for both.

Living options at a Life Plan Community include:

  • Independent Living: Available in a variety of floor plans and prices ranges, includes apartment or cottage style living with access to wellness programs and enrichment throughout the community.
  • Assisted Living: Private one bedroom or studio apartments are located in a licensed area of the community and provide around the clock care for aging adults who need additional assistance with their activities of daily living.  Meal preparation, medication reminders, bath-aid, and socialization are some of the amenities.
  • Skilled Nursing Care/Long Term Care: An acute care facility-licensing requirements are much more stringent offering nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, and long-term living care. Rehabilitation, hospice, and pain management to name a few.

Adults 62 years and older find vibrancy, meaning, and engagement when their lives are enriched by cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, and healthy eating. To find a Life Plan Community near you visit: www.leadingage.org

Article Provided by:
Crista Senior Living
206-546-7565
www.cristwood.org

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What is a Senior Care Advisor?

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A Senior Care Advisor is your expert in the challenges of aging. It is someone who can sit down and learn everything about your situation to best guide you.

Every industry has experts that can be used to educate and guide you along the best path. A quality expert is going to help avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, as well as maximize your time and money. The process of aging and finding Long Term Care is no exception. Those in this role have traditionally been called Placement Agents, but that does not give justice to the services they provide in today’s world. To truly be a Senior Care Advisor one must be an expert in the vast scope of aging challenges that people could face. One nationally accredited certification in this field is called Certified Senior Advisor, C.S.A. Those who choose to take that next step in education can obtain this title and show they have studied the wide range of issues that could arise as someone ages. An advisor should also research licensing, inspections reports, and any state violations of every facility to ensure they are only recommending the highest quality options for any given situation.

A Senior Care Advisor is your expert in the challenges of aging. It is someone who can sit down and learn everything about your situation to best guide you. Some examples of information an advisor should ask are:

Medical/Health Information,  Geographic Needs, Financial Requirements, Veteran Status, Long-Term Care Insurance, Mobility Concerns, Cognitive Abilities, Personal Care Needs, Meal Preferences, Socialization/Hobbies, and/or Estate Planning.

An advisor really must have a clear understanding of everything that is going on before they can start looking at next steps. This process can be equated to assembling a puzzle. You give an advisor an idea of what the end result should look like, hand them all of the pieces needed for assembly, and let them go about piecing everything together. A quality advisor will know all of the options and help navigate this confusing industry to find the perfect solutions for your needs. Keep in mind an advisor is not making decisions on your behalf; this is why it’s crucial you find an advisor you connect with and trust.

Given all the wonderful things an advisor does, it is amazing that they provide this all as a free service to families. The advisor is compensated by the long-term care facilities; because of this compensation model an advisor should not be a sales person pushing one particular solution. Their goal should be to provide the highest quality options and present them so you can make the best decisions possible. Given that they have already visited hundreds of these long-term care options, you do not have to start from the beginning. They can quickly recommend the best options and you only have to visit a handful of places. This gives you the ability to focus time and energy on your loved ones. So if you find yourself in need of guidance in these areas, find a quality Senior Care Advisor for help.

Article Provided by:
Dedicated Care Solutions
425-737-3865
www.DedicatedCareSolutions.com

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Get the best medicare coverage at the best price for YOU

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In order to achieve the selection of an optimal plan for you, it is often helpful to seek the services of a licensed broker who specializes in Medicare.

The fact that there are an abundance of insurance plans available is only beneficial if you’re able to determine your unique needs and compare those needs against benefits contained within multiple and varied insurance plans.  In order to achieve the selection of an optimal plan for you, it is often helpful to seek the services of a licensed broker who specializes in Medicare.

While a representative from a specific insurance company may be licensed to sell you a particular plan, keep in mind that if they only represent one company they only understand and believe in that one product. Local health insurance general agencies have licensed brokers who are trained experts and certified to represent a multitude of plans in your area.  Seeking the advice of a trained broker who specializes in Medicare plans allows you to relate your needs and circumstances to someone who knows what types of plans are available in your area and can professionally recommend appropriate coverage to suit your specific situation.

Remember, that one of the most important things to discover before making your selection is which insurance plans your doctor accepts.
A plan may not serve your specific needs if your doctor does not accept it, and doctors are not required to accept every plan.

In addition, by securing a plan through a broker you are in turn getting an advocate, meaning that if insurance issues or circumstances should arise that require assistance, your broker is able to help with the resolution of your issue. Enrolling directly with a plan leaves you, and you alone, to communicate with the plan’s customer service department and all of the answering system queues that often go along with that.

No matter how you make your Medicare coverage selection, it is often useful to review your plan options annually as plan benefits can change from year to year and what worked for you one year may not in the next.  If you’re already on Medicare, you may want to mark your calendar now to remember to review your plan options sometime in early October. Typically, the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period, where you can make a plan change without penalty, is October 15th – December 7th.

Article Provided by: Lance Ghiorso,
Connexion Insurance Solutions
866-448-0160
www.MedicareConnexion.com 

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The benefits of in-home care

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in-home caregivers can assist with all types of daily living activities, including meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, personal care (showering, toileting, dressing, etc.) and transportation, like to doctor appointments or grocery shopping.

Sometimes in-home care is the way to go, especially when things start to look like this..

“Dear In-home care Company,

My 82-year-old mother was recently hospitalized after a fall in her home. She fractured her right hip and spent a week in the hospital. She is now ready to be released and her doctor has recommended she receive assistance in the home. 

My siblings and I can help care for mom somewhat, but we all work or live far away, therefore daytime is when we need help the most. She would like to stay in her home so we’re thinking of hiring help to care for her.

Since she is recovering from a hip fracture, she is not mobile and needs help with day-to-day tasks. I worry about her being able to get around and feed herself while we are gone.

We are new to homecare, so we have lots of questions. How do I know we can trust the person caring for her?

And the cost is of major concern to us. Does my insurance cover this? Medicare?

Any help leading me in the right direction would be appreciated!

Sincerely, Molly”

“Dear Molly,

We are so sorry to hear about your mother. Finding care for an aging parent can be a daunting and overwhelming task. But you have many good questions regarding care for her and have come to the right place for help!

First, if your mother currently lives in her own home, keeping her there will allow her to remain comfortable, safe, and she won’t have to deal with the difficult task of moving. And, the cost of having a caregiver come into her home is often much cheaper than moving into an assisted living facility, even if for short term.

Secondly, in-home caregivers can assist with all types of daily living activities, including meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, personal care (showering, toileting, dressing, etc.) and transportation, like to doctor appointments or grocery shopping.

In-home care agencies understand the importance of making mom and your family feel secure when bringing a caregiver into her home. Homecare companies follow all the state-required background checks, fingerprinting and drug testing for each caregiver.

Lastly, finances are always a contributing factor when looking for homecare. Medicare and Medicaid does not cover non-medical, in-home care services. Most agencies are private pay or accept long-term care insurance.

We hope this helps you find the right fit for mom.

Sincerely, Homecare Company”

Article Provided by:
Visiting Angels
www.VisitingAngels.com

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Myth Busters: The Realities of CCRC

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A study by Age Wave uncovered five myths that may be misconstruing the perception of CCRCs among the age 50-plus population. Knowing the facts can help you look at CCRCs in a new light.

Seniors have more choices for retirement than ever, particularly in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), which provide at least three levels of care such as independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer’s and dementia care  in one location, while featuring luxury accommodations, daily activities and numerous amenities.

Yet many seniors still believe retiring at home is best. Why? A study by Age Wave uncovered five myths that may be misconstruing the perception of CCRCs among the age 50-plus population. Knowing the facts can help you look at CCRCs in a new light.

Myth: Your current home will be the best place to live.

Reality: It’s hard to anticipate your future health needs. The continuum of care in a CCRC assures that as health changes arise you can stay in the same community near friends and familiar surroundings. Plus, without home maintenance and chores, you’ll have more freedom and time.

Myth: To stay active socially, it’s best to remain at home.

Reality: You may have much more opportunity to do just that in a CCRC. With entertainment spaces and a full activity calendar, there’s ample opportunity to pursue interests, maintain enduring friendships and even make new ones. Most CCRCs are also near restaurants, shopping and local attractions.

Myth: It will be less expensive to stay in your current home.

Reality: Your mortgage may be paid, but monthly expenses could cost more than anticipated as health needs change. Rental CCRCs charge a monthly fee based on level of care and often include meals, transportation, housekeeping and social activities. A Life Care CCRC charges a monthly fee and an upfront entry fee giving you the possible added benefit of guaranteed care, even if your financial resources are eventually exhausted due to no fault of your own.

Myth: It’s easy to get the care you might need at home.

Reality: Long-term care at home can actually be difficult and costly. Factors to consider include caregivers, medical supplies, nutrition and risk of isolation. CCRCs allow easy transitions from one care level to the next, offering peace of mind and more predictable healthcare costs.

Myth: There are only old people who are sick and dying in CCRCs.

Reality: Anyone older than age 62 may be eligible to live in a CCRC if they meet financial and medical qualifications. CCRCs also encourage independence for as long as possible, without restrictions on driving, traveling and shopping as long as you’re able.

Article Provided by:
Hillside McMinnville
844-441-8929
https://www.brookdale.com/en/communities/hillside.html

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5 things to look for in a senior living community

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Researching the best Senior Living Community for you or a loved can be time consuming. Here are 5 things to keep an eye out for.

Researching the best Senior Living Community for you or a loved can be time consuming.

Here are 5 things to assist in your search:

1. Friendliness of staff and residents

Do not base your Senior Living Community decision off solely of your interaction with the sales person.

If other staff introduces themselves to you it is a good indicator that they will be friendly when you live there.

Staff and residents interacting with one another is a good indicator that there will be less turn-over, which equates to residents receiving more consistent care and better service. Also, resident’s interacting with each other signals that you will be warmly welcomed.

2. Activities

  • Look at the activity calendar before the tour.
  • See if the activity(s) are being lead and how well attended they are.
  • Are the types of activities you are interested in are on the calendar.
  • Ask if you can recommend an activity or outing be added to the calendar.

3. Meals

Food choices, quality, nutrition and socialization will improve your overall health and well-being. Find out if meal times are scheduled, a window of time or all day to determine if it fits with your daily routine.Be sure to try a few meals in the communities you are considering to see how quickly the food is served, how residents interact during meal time as well as the overall presentation of the food, quality and variety on the menu.

4. Resident Satisfaction

If I were to recommend one thing to do before deciding on a community, it would be to speak with as many residents as possible. In speaking with the residents, you will find out more information than you would from speaking with staff. Keep in mind, there are some residents that, no matter how hard a community tries to please, will always be dissatisfied, which is why I recommend speaking with more than 5.

5. Staffing Ratios

Pay attention to how many caregivers you see during your tour.

Ask how many caregivers, med-aides, and nurses are on duty during each shift.

Keep in mind, many communities base the number of care staff off of the acuity levels of the residents.

The number of staff on duty is determined by the number of hours of caregiving needed to meet all the care needs of the residents.

Lastly, is the care staff serving meals or are there separate dining wait staff serving food in the dining room.

If I had a choice, I would prefer the person serving my food during mealtime wasn’t also assisting residents with showers and toileting.

Article Provided by:
Senior One Source
503-420-9011
www.SeniorOneSource.net

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Become your best advocate

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When it comes to your health, what is your peace of mind worth? It’s time to become your best advocate.

When it comes to your health, what is your peace of mind worth? It’s time to become your best advocate.

You can wait for an authorization from your primary insurance OR take matters into your own hands. It may be worth your peace of mind to pay out of pocket for a specialist, additional tests or a second opinion if it’s a possible torn ACL, Mammogram or MRI that’s not covered, or cancer screening  not approved, etc.

There is no doubt that we are living longer these days.  In fact, the recent data from the CDC suggests that beyond the age of 65 the average person will live another 19.3 years. With this is mind, it is critical to shift our thinking as we age in order to be healthier and navigate our extended longevity.

According to an article put out by Everyday Health online (August 2016), part of a perspective shift needs to encompass management of 15 chronic conditions that can impact our longevity in later years.

For the sake of professional scope within the field of medical imaging, we will focus briefly on the importance of two from the above referenced online article: osteoporosis and cancer.

Osteoporosis occurs when there is an imbalance between new bone formation and old bone resorption. The body may fail to form enough new bone, or too much old bone may be reabsorbed, or both. The two essential minerals for normal bone formation are calcium and phosphate. The diagnosis of this condition is through measuring the bone mineral density, which is typically performed by doing a DEXA or bone densitometry test. Taking steps now to protect against broken bones from a possible fall begins with the right knowledge.

Ranking third as a concern for our senior population is cancer. It is a fair statement to say that most of us have been touched in some way by this disease process. Our seniors are particularly vulnerable as they age and try to maintain an active lifestyle. The National Cancer Institute ranks the top five cancers by estimated new cases (January 2017) as follows:

  • Breast Cancer
  • Lung Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Colon and Rectal Cancer (combined)
  • Melanoma

Why does all this matter when it comes to having a fresh perspective on your health? The simple answer is this, part of a fresh perspective on your health is for you to become your best advocate.   Many disease processes can be treated and healing can begin if conditions are caught sooner. Our bodies often times will give indications that something is not working properly. Listen to it!

You say who, you say when. Be your own advocate; schedule your MRI, your mammogram, your ultrasound, or Your CT scan now. Even if you pay out of pocket, get the order for the test you need. You have a choice and your health is worth it!

Article Provided by:
Diagnostic Imaging  of Salem
503-877-1223
www.SalemImaging.com/dxa.php

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Balance and falls

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Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults in America.

It is estimated that one out of three adults over the age of 65 lose balance and falls each year and less than half of those talk to their healthcare provider about it! Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults in America. Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually and more than 27,000 deaths.  In 2013, the total cost of fall injuries in the United States was $34 billion and is expected to reach $67.7 billion by the year 2020.

Unfortunately, many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness and, in turn, increases their actual risk of falling.

A tendency to fall and symptoms of dizziness should not be dismissed as unavoidable consequences of aging.   There are four main systems that affect our balance and, while all of these systems can be affected by the aging process, there are things individuals can do to minimize the decline of these.   

Vision is one thing that affects our balance and falls . There are age-related changes that can occur with aging including cataracts, glaucoma, floaters, drooping eyelids and macular degeneration.  Getting regular eye exams by a professional is the best way to make sure you are minimizing these impacts on your overall eye health.

As we age, blood flow to the inner ear decreases and the number of nerve cells in the vestibular system decrease.

In addition, there are disease processes that can affect the vestibular system, including stroke, BPPV, Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis.

Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense movement within the joints and the position of the joint in space.  This occurs by messages being sent from receptors in joints to the brain.  Some things that can affect these receptors as we age are diabetes, which can cause peripheral neuropathy, decreased flexibility and arthritis.

Lastly, muscle strength and flexibility can largely affect balance and falls. The weaker the muscles in the legs and core are, the more at risk for falls you may be. The Center for Disease Control recommends older adults get 30 minutes, at least 5 days per week, consisting of aerobic activity, resistance training, stretching and balance exercises.

Also, dizziness or feelings of unsteadiness are possible prescription medication side effects or drug interactions. Many prescription medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness and even weakness. Be sure to check with your physician if you have noticed a change in balance or dizziness, especially if there has recently been a change in medications.

If you have questions about the best exercise prescription for your specific needs, asking your physician for a referral to a physical therapist would be a great way to go.

Article Provided by:
PT Northwest
www.ptnorthwest.com

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Memory lapses: When to worry about dementia

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If you’re concerned about Alzheimer’s or dementia, you might mistake these “senior moments” for signs of mental decline. But there’s good news. Most memory lapses are nothing to worry about.

We’ve all had a memory lapses at one time or another. You can’t find your glasses anywhere — only to realize they’ve been on your head all along. Or you’re in the middle of a story and just can’t find the right word. (But it’s right there on the tip of your tongue!)

If you’re concerned about Alzheimer’s or dementia, you might mistake these “senior moments” for signs of mental decline. But there’s good news. Most memory lapses are nothing to worry about.

Beginning around age 45, you may notice everyday lapses happen more often. This is a natural part of aging. None of these are cause for alarm:

  • Absent-mindedness (such as forgetting your keys)
  • Not being able to retrieve a memory (the “tip-of-the-tongue” feeling)
  • Getting details wrong when recalling an event
  • Memories changing over time as you learn more information or talk to others
  • Memories changing because of your emotions in the current moment

When to seek help

Of course, some memory issues should prompt a visit to the doctor. One of the most common signs of trouble is suddenly forgetting how to do something you’ve done many times before. For example:

  • Getting lost in a familiar place
  • Neglecting hygiene, nutrition or safety
  • Becoming confused about the date or  year
  • Loss of short-term memory is also concerning. Signs include difficulty following directions or asking the same question over and over without retaining the answer.

Like the rest of the body, the brain shows signs of wear and tear as the years go by. Dementia risk increases steadily after age 65, so it is especially important for seniors to be watchful for these signs.

Heading off Alzheimer’s

So, if the risk of dementia rises with age, what’s a savvy senior to do? Studies have shown that the brain, like the rest of the body, improves with regular workouts. Exercising your mind doesn’t have to be a chore. Consider taking up one of these brain-building hobbies:

  • Gaming. A recent study suggested that older adults who played a fast-paced video game were 33 percent less likely to show signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease ten years later.
  • Volunteering. Give back to the community while keeping yourself sharp — libraries, animal shelters and soup kitchens are always looking for helping hands.
  • Gardening. In addition to being excellent physical exercise, gardening grows problem-solving skills and patience.
  • Music. Studies have shown that learning to play an instrument can enhance your memory, spatial reasoning and language skills.

Article Provided by:
Salem Health
503-814-5554
www.SalemHealth.org

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Grief: 10 Things NOT to say to someone grieving

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Grief is when someone close to us dies or begins hospice, it pulls on our heart, distracts our mind, and affects us physically. As a result, we feel fragile, or helpless. Well-intentioned friends try to console us, but struggle with what to say

Grief is when someone close to us dies or begins hospice, it pulls on our heart, distracts our mind, and affects us physically. As a result, we feel fragile, or helpless. Well-intentioned friends try to console us, but struggle with what to say. With recent experience being on the other side, I’d like to offer a few suggestions for what NOT to say to someone new to grief, and provide a few alternative comments.

1. “Cheer up. Your loved one wouldn’t want you to be sad.” When you care deeply for someone, you grieve deeply. You may need to be sad in order to get to the other side of grief.

2. “Focus on all the positive things in your life.” Even if someone appreciates the good things, that doesn’t change the feeling of monumental loss.

3.“She’s in a better place.” Even though the afterlife may seem spectacular, it doesn’t change the fact that my loved one is no longer with me, and I am sad because I have experienced that loss.

4.“Focus on all the good times.” Thinking about past memories can be painful, when you are realizing that you no longer have the opportunity to create new memories.

5. “How about those Seahawks?” Keeping conversations light is not a bad thing (depending on timing), but those grieving need someone who is willing to let them be real; someone who isn’t afraid to talk about the heavier topics.

6. “I know how you feel.” Sometimes a grieving person does not even know how they feel, so don’t pretend you do.

7. “She lived a full life.” Even if the person leaves an amazing legacy, it doesn’t account for time taken away.

8. “Call me if you need anything.” Instead, suggest a specific thing you will do- I will stop by next Wednesday with dinner, I will pick the kids up from school next week.

9. “She would not want you to be sad.” You honestly do not know what  someone else would want or how they would act.

10.“How are you doing?” This seems well intentioned, but it really just grazes the surface and 25 other people have already asked the question.

The common thread of the above comments is that it may feel that we are trying to minimize the situation.

Instead, try any of these:

  • I’m so sorry for your loss.
  • One of my favorite memories was when she…
  • I can’t imagine what you’re going through.
  • I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in whatever way you need me.
  • I wish I had the right words to say. Just know I care.

Personally, I had to learn to spend less time talking and more time listening.

Article Provided by:
www.RetirementConnection.com

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