Author: Meghan Parsons

Types of Senior Housing, Care Facilities & Licensing

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Educating yourself on the types of options for yourself or a loved one starts with knowing what each setting provides. Also, using a local Senior Living Advisor will be most helpful in navigating which options are the best fit.

Independent Senior Living Communities: 1-3 Meals/day, housekeeping, transportation, activities

Assisted Living Communities (ALF): 3 Meals/day, housekeeping, transportation and activities. 24/7 Care staff available to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as Bathing, Dressing, Toileting, Transferring, Grooming, Medication Administration, Escorts to and from meals and/or activities.

Residential Care Facilities (RCF): Provide similar services as ALF in smaller setting. Typically accommodate 2 person transfers, hoyer lifts, catheters and tube feeding.

Memory Care Communities: Licensed as RCF and provide the same basic services listed under ALFs. Staff is trained and experienced in working with those diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments. Activities are focused on improving cognition & memory.

Adult Foster Care Homes (AFH): Provides assistance with ADL’s in a home like setting with up to 5 Residents maximum. Typically 1 staff member providing care, cooking meals and cleaning. Minimal to zero activities facilitated in an AFH although there are some that do provide routine activities.

Night-time care is not available in most AFHs unless they have an additional staff member on duty at night.

Respite Care: Short Term stay of 30 days or less in an ALF, RCF, MCC in a furnished apartment or room.

Home Care: Caregiver assistance with ADL’s, grocery shopping, transportation, companionship in a private home or on-site in most Independent Living Communities. Paid out of pocket or through a Long Term Care Insurance Policy.

Home Health: Provides services at home or in an ALF, RCF or AFH. Assistance with bathing a few days a week, Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy, Wound Care, IV Therapy, Injections, Catheter Changes, Tube Feedings, and more. Services ordered by a physician, covered by Medical Insurance and typically provided following a hospital or skilled rehab stay.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF): An ICF is a facility that provides, on a regular basis, health-related care and services to individuals who do not require the degree of care and treatment that a hospital or SNF is designed to provide, but require more assistance than an AFH, ALF or RCF can provide.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): A nursing facility providing 24-hour non-acute nursing, medical, and rehabilitative care.

Article Provided by:
Senior One Source
541-414-4264
www.SeniorOneSource.net

Compliments of:
CareAvailaibility 
https://careavailability.com/types-of-senior-housing-care-facilities-licensing/

Programs of All-Inclusive Care for The Elderly

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The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is an innovative model that provides a range of integrated preventative, acute care, and long-term care services to manage the often complex medical, functional, and social needs of the frail elderly. PACE was created as a way to provide clients, family, caregivers and professional health care providers the flexibility to meet a person’s health care needs while continuing to live safely in the community.

The purpose of a PACE program is to provide pre-paid, capitated, comprehensive health care services that are designed to: Enhance the quality of life and autonomy for frail, older adults;

  •  Maximize dignity of and respect for older adults;
  • Enable frail, older adults to live in their homes and in the community as long as medically and socially feasible; and
  • Preserve and support the older adult’s family unit.

The Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive medical and social services to certain frail, community-dwelling elderly individuals, most of whom are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits. An interdisciplinary team of health professionals provides PACE participants with coordinated care. For most participants, the comprehensive service package enables them to remain in the community rather than receive care in a nursing home. Financing for the program is capped, which allows providers to deliver all services participants need rather than only those reimbursable under Medicare and Medicaid fee-for-service plans. PACE is a program under Medicare, and states can elect to provide PACE services to Medicaid beneficiaries as an optional Medicaid benefit. The PACE program becomes the sole source of Medicaid and Medicare benefits for PACE participants. PACE Eligibility Individuals can join PACE if they meet certain conditions:

  • Age 55 or older
  • Live in the service area of a PACE organization
  • Eligible for nursing home care
  • Be able to live safely in the community

The PACE program becomes the sole source of services for Medicare and Medicaid eligible enrollees. Individuals can leave the program at any time. Source: https://www.medicaid.gov/ medicaid/long-term-services-supports/ program-all-inclusive-care-elderly/index.html

Article Provided By:
AllCare PACE
541-474-8000
www.AllCareHealth.com/PACE

Who are the Kidney Heroes?

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In the U.S., chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 3 adults is at risk for developing it, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Treating CKD focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage — and that’s not a linear journey. People with CKD often have comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, as well as other conditions, including obesity, anemia, bone disease, high potassium, high calcium and fluid build-up. Managing these conditions requires an interdisciplinary team that is committed to whole-person care. We call this team the Kidney Heroes™.

The Kidney Heroes™ focus on the right intervention at the right time. If a patient isn’t progressing in a positive direction, the team tries to change that. Each person is trained to provide highly specialized care and understands the intricacies of kidney disease. Roles and staffing ratios are customizable based on individual market needs. The Kidney Heroes™ are:

Nurse Practitioners: The lead NP manages the clinical team, provides coaching, education and support, and works with partner providers.

Registered Nurse Care Manager: The RN helps patients navigate the complexities of the health system and coordinate patient care.

Care Coordinator: Scheduling appointments, supporting the RN care manager and nurse practitioners and communicating patient (and family) medical and non-medical concerns to the appropriate team members.

Medical Assistant: The MA supports the nurse practitioner in patient management, takes vital signs and obtains medical history and lab work.

Registered Dietitian: People with kidney disease require highly specialized diets and needs often change over time. RDs at Strive focus on medical nutrition therapy, which combines prevention, diagnosis and ongoing management.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker: A social worker helps manage psychosocial needs, provides behavioral and mental health counseling and crisis management, and refers patients to external providers and resources, as needed.

Clinical Pharmacist: The pharmacist is responsible for medication reconciliation and prescriptions. Day to day, this person reviews patient medication lists and helps patients understand the what, when and why behind their specific prescription.

Office Manager: The office manager ensures the clinic runs smoothly. This team member handles billing and insurance, supervises the medical assistant and manages clinic supplies.

The entire Kidney Heroes™ team acts as an extension of the nephrologist, who drives the overall management of a patient’s care. The team also includes a medical director, who is accountable for outcomes of the overall care model.

Article Provided by:
 Strive Health Dialysis
541-622-3600
www.StriveHealth-MedfordDialysis.com

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

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What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement. It is not until approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged that the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear.

What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s?

The loss of dopamine production in the brain causes the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The key signs of Parkinson’s disease are tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, rigidity (stiffness), and difficulty with balance. Other signs of Parkinson’s disease may include small, cramped handwriting, stiff facial expression, shuffling walk, muffled speech, and depression.

Who gets Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease affects all genders, although more men than women are diagnosed. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or geographic boundaries. In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the 1 million Americans who currently have Parkinson’s disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

The process of making a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be difficult. There is no single test that can confirm Parkinson’s disease. A physician arrives at the diagnosis only after a thorough examination. Blood tests and brain scans known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. People suspected of having Parkinson’s disease should consider seeking the care of a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s disease.

What is the treatment for Parkinson’s disease?

There are a number of effective medicines to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Most symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson’s disease. Several new medicines are being studied that may slow the progression. Currently, there is no cure that will prevent or reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As the disease progresses, treatment plans may need frequent review and adjustment to maintain functioning and quality of life.

Where can I find support?

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a local non-profit serving the Pacific Northwest. With support groups across the region, a toll-free helpline, and online and in-person education, you and your family can rely on PRO for personal support and encouragement.

Article Provided by:
Parkinson’s Resources
800-426-6806
www.ParkinsonsResources.org

Compliments of: 
CareAvailability
https://careavailability.com/understanding-parkinsons-disease/

Alzheimer’s Association— Leads the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

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We are relentless. We are optimistic. We are inclusive. We are a group of people— staff and volunteers—determined to end Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Serving 38 counties in Oregon and Washington, the Alzheimer’s Association® Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter fights for the more than 69,000 Oregonians and 120,000 Washingtonians living with Alzheimer’s disease. Our services include free and confidential support groups, community education classes, and extensive online resources. If you, or a loved one, are navigating Alzheimer’s, dementia, mild-cognitive impairment or memory-loss, call our 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.

Alzheimer‘s and Demential Caregiving Center (ALZ.ORG/ CARE)

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia often involves a team of people. Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision making, or simply care about a person with the disease — we have resources to help.

Caregiver Support Group and Community Education Classes (ALZ.ORG/CRF)

Get easy access to resources, community programs, and services. Our Chapter provides support, education, training, and other resources. Visit our Community Resource Finder for real-time support group and educational program listings.

Online Caregiver Forum (ALZCONNECTED.ORG)

ALZConnected® is a free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, including: people with the disease, caregivers, family members, friends, and individuals who have lost someone to Alzheimer’s. Connect with others who know, first-hand, how this experience affects your life.

Alzheimer‘s Navigator (ALZHIEMERSNAVIGATOR.ORG)

Alzheimer’s Navigator helps guide caregivers to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking to information, support, and location resources.

Alzheimer‘s Association TrialMatch (ALZ.ORG/ TRIALMATCH)

TrialMatch® connects individuals living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s research. TrialMatch allows users to search for studies without creating an account, choose whether to receive email notifications of new opportunities, and directly contact research teams.

Alzheimer‘s Disease Facts and Figures Report (ALZ.ORG/ FACTS)

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing—and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.

Walk to End Alzheimer‘s (ALZ.ORG/WALK)

Across the nation, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to ending this disease. Because like flowers, our participants don’t stop when something’s in their way. They keep raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

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

What is Remote Patient Monitoring?

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As we age we strive to keep our independence. Remote Patient Monitoring is a great way to help monitor chronic health conditions and prevent medical emergencies – helping you stay safe and healthy in the comfort of your home.

Remote Patient Monitoring is simple and easy to use. Depending on your own personal needs you can use at-home devices to track your oxygen levels, blood pressure, glucose, temperature, and weight. The consistent monitoring of these biometrics helps to create a baseline and monitor any changes that might indicate a medical emergency.

Your vitals get sent to a medical team in real time. If your readings are outside of the normal range for you, a nurse will call you to triage your condition and coordinate any next steps like scheduling a visit with your doctor or reviewing your medication.

Remote Patient Monitoring is a great way to help manage chronic health conditions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Regular tracking of biometrics, symptoms, and medication adherence help to better manage chronic health conditions and prevent medical emergencies. What’s most important about all of this is that consistent monitoring increases your ability to stay home and empowers you to better self-manage your health conditions.

Remote Patient Monitoring is a proven, low-cost way to improve healthy living at home. That’s why many Medicare patients are eligible to receive this service at no cost, with no copay.

Remote Patient Monitoring can help you live a happier and healthier life at home.

Article provided by:
New Horizons In-Home Care
877-642-2737
www.NHCares.com

Compliments of:
CareAvailability
www.CareAvailability.com 

Hard Word

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“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Having talent helps, but hard work is far more important. Not just as a sports metaphor -but work ethic matters in our relationships, our jobs, our parenting, and even our hobbies.

Speak Out

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“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” – Pastor Martin Niemöller

Some things are beyond my personal control, but at a minimum, I can protest, write letters, send donations, and offer prayers. I can ensure that the issues that affect the welfare of others are present in my mind and conversations, now and not just when I feel the pain.

Let the Light In

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“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen

I am not comfortable showing vulnerability, no one really is. When I am more transparent with my struggles, I am grateful for the support received. More importantly-it helps others feel less alone in their struggles, and they see a more authentic version of me. So don’t cover all the cracks, let the light come in.

Anna Hobson, Ambulatory Care Navigator, MultiCare Medical Center

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I work as an ambulatory case manager at Tacoma General. Medical Center Our department spreads over 5 hospitals and employees over 30 case managers. We serve a demographic of elders to help navigate their health care needs and goals. Many of our patients need resources for housing or care for loved ones. We utilize the Retirement Connection Guide often as majority of our patients want to “see” their options and don’t use a computer or they have trouble navigating. I personally have used the Retirement Connection resource for a few years, and refer other members of our team to also utilize for resources. The collection of information and resources in the book have been instrumental in helping our patients connect with much needed resources. Having such an organized book of resources have made it easier for the elder population to navigate needs and interests, in a one stop experience. The value of the Retirement Connection has been a key to our departments success in helping patient meet their health care goals. Having the book in print to provide for our patients has been a game changer. Of course we also implement other resources, but having the Retirement Connection saves a of time and energy to provide helpful, current resources.