Making a difference at any age – move!

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It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging.

It is never easy in life to make a transition and move from one home to another and making the decision to move to an active living or assisted living community can be even more challenging. One of the primary concerns seniors have about moving into an active or assisted living community is that they’ll become disconnected from the community, activities, and causes they care about most. However, active and assisted living communities provide the perfect setting for building coalitions, forming outreach taskforces, and planning benefits for the communities and the causes that matter to you.

It is extremely important for all of us to remain connected to the people, communities, traditions, and causes that we each find most important to us. This could be anything from volunteering at your local church or food bank to organizing fundraisers for local causes, the options really are limitless. One of our favorite residents reads books to kindergarten children at a local school every week – fantastic intergenerational work! If you are someone who is heavily engaged in your local community and causes and if you’re also considering retirement or assisted living, we recommend looking into active living communities that encourage engagement and foster socially responsible outreach and activities. The right active lifestyle community for you should offer you plenty of opportunities to stay involved with your community and the causes that matter most to you. When individuals strive for something bigger than themselves it builds self-worth and creates senior leaders and advocates who make invaluable contributions to their surrounding communities.

All of us can deeply improve our quality of life by volunteering. Studies have shown that volunteerism can contribute to living longer and that it improves overall brain function. All ages benefit from this approach, not to mention active volunteering can be a great exercise too! So, it turns out that volunteering is not only the socially responsible thing to do, but it’s actually mentally and physically good for you, not to mention it’s great for your community as well.

So what’s stopping you now? Get out there and make a difference today!

Article Provided by:
Quail Park Memory Care Residences of Klamath Falls
541-622-3489
www.QuailParkMCKF.com/rc

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5 Key factors in finding the right senior living option

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There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

There comes a time for many seniors when they need or want more care  than they can receive at home. It can be overwhelming for many to know  “Where do I start?”  There are lots of senior living options, here are 5 key factors to help narrow them down.

Here Are 5 Factors To Consider:

  1. Needs: Independent Living may be the right option if your loved one needs assistance with meals, housekeeping, transportation and activities. If your loved one needs help with medications, bathing, dressing, transferring or toileting an Assisted Living Community provides 24/7 care. If your loved one’s dementia has progressed to the point of wandering or exit seeking a secured memory care community is safest.
  2. Preferences: This includes the style or aesthetics of a community–how does it look and feel? Would your loved one enjoy a newer or established community? Does your loved one desire a studio, one bedroom or, two-bedroom apartment? Also, would your loved one enjoy a more intimate community of 35-100 residents or would they prefer a larger setting of 100+ residents? Or perhaps a smaller Foster Care Home setting of 5 total residents might be a good fit if your loved one is not all that social and does not have any night- time care needs.
  3. Wants: Does your loved one like to attend or be a part of social events? If so, what hobbies, events, or shopping would they like to be a part of?
    Determining how someone would enjoy day to day engagement goes a long way towards a successful move. There are many communities that offer a variety of entertainment options. If your loved one is more reclusive, there will also be many communities willing to accommodate a quieter lifestyle.
  1. Finances: Based on what’s included in the rent, what is affordable with one’s income and assets? If I outlive my assets will I be able to remain in the community I move into? Do I qualify for VA or Medicaid and what do I need to do to apply?
  2. Location: Based on the 4 factors above, how far from my ideal location would I or my loved ones be willing to consider potential communities? Many times this becomes the most critical element in choosing an option.

Once these factors are determined, it would be helpful to have a Senior Living Advisor inform you of which options fit your criteria. A Senior Living Advisor will also be able to assist you with touring, paperwork and other resources surrounding a transition in addition to narrowing down the best options to consider.

Article Provided by:
Louis Johnson & Kelley Rogers,
Senior Living Advisors
541-414-4264
www.SeniorOneSource.net

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Retina Specialists and Diabetic Retinopathy

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These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye.

An ophthalmologist is a physician and surgeon trained to manage diseases of the eye. Many of us are familiar with ophthalmologists as they perform cataract surgeries. There are also ophthalmologists who choose to subspecialize in the field of Retina. These Retina Specialists manage medical and surgical diseases of the retina, a light-sensitive tissue lining the inner back wall of the eye. They specialize in conditions such as Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and retinal arterial occlusions. They also specialize in surgical repair of the retina such as in retinal detachments and macular holes.

In the U.S., Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults. About 40-45% of adults with diabetes over the age of 40 will have some level of Diabetic Retinopathy. With the current epidemic of Diabetes, it’s important to understand the potential impact on the retina and ultimately, a person’s sight.

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures light entering the eye and transforms it into electrical signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve and are interpreted by the brain. Within the retina lies a rich supply of blood vessels that are susceptible to damage from high glucose levels. Over time, this damage may result in leaky blood vessels that cause retinal swelling and result in blurry vision. Sometimes the blood vessels close off completely, starving the retina of oxygen. The damaged retina will then release growth factors to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these new vessels are fragile, leaky and often rupture, bleeding inside the eye. They may also result in scar tissue formation that contracts, pulling the retina off the back of the eye (retinal detachment). These changes constitute varying levels of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Today Retina Specialists use multiple methods to manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For many patients, eye injections of medications that stop the production of growth factors work well. Sometimes a laser is used to target leaky blood vessels
or destroy a dysfunctional retina. Patients with more advanced Diabetic Retinopathy may require surgery to remove blood or scar tissue inside the eye.

The key to avoiding these problems is maintaining regular visits with a physician to ensure adequate blood sugar and blood pressure control. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management play crucial roles as well. Smoking should be avoided at all costs. Regular screening or follow-up visits with an ophthalmologist or Retina Specialist are important in preventing vision loss. With a direct view of the retina’s health, your eye care specialist and you can work together to preserve your vision.

Article Provided by:
Oregon Retina Center
541-770-2020
www.OregonRetina.com

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Common misunderstandings about a reverse mortgage

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The reasons to get a reverse mortgage are as diverse as the people getting them. Yet there are countless people that could benefit tremendously

People get reverse mortgages for all kinds of different reasons. Part of their overall financial plan is they no longer want to make a monthly mortgage payment, or they want to create additional cash flow or pay off debts. The reasons to get a reverse mortgage are as diverse as the people getting them. Yet there are countless people that could benefit tremendously from a reverse mortgage but won’t even consider it because of these common misunderstandings.

Misunderstanding: You Must Give Your Home’s To The Bank.

You remain fully vested on the title, not the bank. You are in full control and can sell or refinance your home.

Misunderstanding: The Bank Gets The Home When You Die.

The home will go to the estate. The estate will determine what to do with the home. Any remaining equity from the sale of the home goes to the estate.

Misunderstanding: You Can Outlive A Reverse Mortgage.

There is no term on a reverse mortgage or any balloon payments. The loan is active as long as you are living and the home is your primary residence.

Misunderstanding: I Could Owe More Than My Home Is Worth.

You can never owe more than what your home is worth. The FHA reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan, which means, if the loan amount exceeded the home’s value, you, your heirs or your estate are not liable. The most you can ever owe is what the home is worth.

Misunderstanding: You Should Only Get A Reverse Mortgage If You Are Desperate.

In the past, reverse mortgages attracted the stigma that only desperate homeowners would get a reverse loan. Today’s senior homeowners are seeing the value that a reverse mortgage brings to their lives not only from a financial perspective but also in an increased quality of life.

Misunderstanding: You Need To Own Your Home Free And Clear In Order To Qualify.

You do not need to own your home free and clear in order to get a reverse mortgage. Many people get a reverse mortgage to pay off their current mortgage and free up monthly cash flow.

Misunderstanding:  I May Lose Social Security Or Medicare Benefits.

A reverse mortgage does not affect Social Security or Medicare because the proceeds are a loan, not income. Some need based programs such as Medicaid may be affected.

Misunderstanding: I Can’t Use The Money The Way I Want To.

It is your money and you can use in any way you see fit. You could purchase long- term care or life insurance, supplement your income, pay for in-home care, pay your grandchildren’s education, remodel, or upgrade your home or anything else that makes sense to you.

Article Provided by: Matt Allen, MLO-254296 Pacific Residential Mortgage LLC
NMLS-1477/WA CL-1477
Equal Housing Lender
541-500-0186, www.OregonReversePro.com

 

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What is a LTACH (Long Term Acute Care Hospital)?

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Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACH) are designed to care for critically ill and medically complex patients who require several weeks in a hospital.

Long Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACH) are designed to care for critically ill and medically complex patients who require several weeks in a hospital setting. Typical patients have multiple co-morbidities, multi-organ system failure, and significant loss of independence following a traditional hospital stay. Specialty programs include: Complex Respiratory and Ventilator Weaning, Medically Complex Conditions and Extensive Complex Wound Care managed by our Board Certified Specialty Physicians.

Our Complex Respiratory and Ventilator Weaning Programs are managed by our Pulmonologists and partners from The Oregon Clinic. Designed to address the needs of patients during and after mechanical and non-invasive ventilation, our program works to ensure that each patient achieves their fullest recovery potential.  Our highly skilled treatment teams are led by the Pulmonologist working in conjunction with our Hospitalists and ACLS-certified Nurses and Respiratory Therapists.   With a commitment to identifying and maintaining best clinical practices, our program is specialized in the treatment of Respiratory Failure, CHF and COPD exacerbations, Pneumonia, Emphysema and Respiratory conditions with high oxygen needs.

Our Complex Wound Care Program is designed and staffed to treat medically complex patients with a broad range of complex wounds. Using a multidisciplinary approach our Hospitalist and Specialty Surgeons work with our Wound Care Certified Nurses and Dieticians to conduct a complete diagnostic assessment of each patient before developing an individualized plan of care. We specialize in the treatment of: Post-Surgical Wounds, Stage III and IV Pressure Ulcers, Vascular Ulcers, Fistulas, Wound Dehiscence, Complex Ostomies and Wound Debridement.

We specialize in aggressive goal-directed care that requires an Interdisciplinary Team approach to care and recovery. This team includes Hospitalists who assess patients daily, Specialty Physicians, Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, Nutritionists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, and Case Management. This collaborative team coordinates care so each patient has the best individual outcome.

Some of our specialty services include: 24/7 coverage by Hospitalists, Pulmonologists onsite 5 days/week and on-call 24/7, Consulting Physicians include Surgeons, Infectious Disease and Nephrologists. We offer Cardiac Care and Telemetry Monitoring, Specialized Post-Surgical Care, onsite Chronic and Acute Hemodialysis, onsite Pharmacy, Laboratory and Radiology Services.

Article Provided by:
Vibra Specialty Hospital
503-257-5500
www.vshportland.com

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Hearing impairment is not a benign condition

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We all know how important it is for them to be able to hear as well as possible so they can function at their fullest potential, at school, work, and
in relationships.

We all instinctively know hearing impairment is not a benign condition. When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with even a mild hearing loss there are multiple programs that can help them get hearing aids – we value their hearing. We all know how important it is for them to be able to hear as well as possible so they can function at their fullest potential, at school, work, and
in relationships.

Yet for some reason, when adults have a hearing loss many people seem to think that it’s nothing to worry about. Most people seem to think that it’s okay to just live with the impairment. However, untreated hearing impairment can have serious consequences.

Hearing impairment contributes to:

  • Social isolation
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Increased hospitalization
  • A decline in physical functioning
  • An increase in falls –
    a mild loss = 3 times more likely to have a history of falling
  • Cognitive decline
  • Early death

Hearing impairment does not primarily affect the elderly. The majority of people, 50% of women and 64% of men, start to perceive hearing impairment between the ages of 20 to 59 (20% of females and 17% of males are identified as having impairment before the age of 20). And 12% of adults between the ages of 21 – 84 have hearing difficulties even though they have normal pure tone test results. Because we associate hearing loss with old age most people put off dealing with hearing impairment thinking they aren’t “old” enough to have hearing aids. Imagine what would happen if people still thought this way about glasses. Most people think hearing aids just aren’t worth the costs. Hearing loss is usually ignored for years and by the time it is dealt with there are often irreversible complications such as treatment options are limited yet more costly, and outcomes are less satisfactory.

Hearing impairment is a disease state and not a benign condition. Early diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairment is an important part of limiting its effects upon our mental, emotional, and physical health as well as upon our work and relationships. We need to stop ignoring hearing impairment.

Article Provided by:
Nathan Willard, Hearing Aid Specialist, SoundScape Hearing Aids
541-414-8488
www.SoundScapeHearing.com

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Funeral & cemetery arrangements: Why you should pre-plan

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gives you enhanced peace of mind knowing there will be adequate funds to cover funeral expenses and that your wishes, beliefs, and preferences will be met.

Thorough and careful pre-plan for your funeral, memorial service, cemetery and end-of life choices gives you enhanced peace of mind knowing there will be adequate funds to cover funeral expenses and that your wishes, beliefs, and preferences will be met. There are many benefits of the pre-plan and we have covered a few below.

Locking In Costs vs Inflated Costs:

Pre-planning and pre-funding generally ensures that your funeral and cemetery arrangements are completely paid for at today’s prices. The funeral and cemetery industry faces inflation, which drives costs up each year. National statistics show that cemetery and funeral costs are expected to double every 7-10 years. By pre-planning, you lock in today’s cost rather than forcing your family to pay inflated costs upon your passing.

Making Rational Decisions Together vs Emotional Decisions Alone:

Making these decisions ahead of time allows for more careful consideration of all the options in choosing the funeral and cemetery arrangements that are right for you and your family. Statistics show that more often than not, a widow is left to make these decisions in the worst time of his or her life, upon the loss of their best friend and life partner. These are not times that anyone should be making any kind of financial decision.

Telling Your Own Story vs Someone Telling  It For You:

Thoughtful pre-planning of your arrangements allows you to make choice based on your preferences. Making your wishes known in advance will reduce the number of decisions that your loved ones will have to make and may help make this time of loss less stressful.

Pay As Affordable vs  Cash Up Front:

Many people assume that savings or life insurance policies will cover the costs of one’s funeral and burial, but when a death occurs, these costs must be paid up front before services are rendered. Pre-planning allows you to pay as affordable with terms to meet your budget verses your family having to pay the entire amount at the time of your passing.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing that all of your affairs are in order will give your loved ones peace of mind. This peace of mind

Article Provided by:
Perl Funeral Home &
Siskiyou Memorial Park
541-772-5488
www.PerlFuneralHome.com

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