Wednesday, June 25th, 2008

A new “Green” trend is hitting the Senior Living Community market. I found a recent news report about a new Senior Living Community that is taking the market in a new direction. Will others follow? Below is a brief overview of the report.

The Glasstown Residence at

structure’s environmentally friendly technology and affordable rent — between $420 and $530.Read the full report at www.thedailyjournal.com

Thursday, May 22nd, 2008

Medicaid is known as the government health-care program for the poor, but it pays for more than two-thirds of long-term nursing-home stays. That means many middle-income Americans with savings will need the program. Ultimately, medicaid will cover nursing-home care for nearly everyone who needs it but can’t afford to pay on their own.

All Medicaid beneficiaries fit into one of several qualifying categories  of the program - 65 years of age or older, blind or disabled, for example. You must also submit financials that take into account both your income , assets as well as those of your spouse if you are married. The final category is  the people eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration.

Monday, February 25th, 2008

Many senior living community representatives find that the most asked question by seniors and their families in search of a senior living community or nursing home is, “How is the food?”. So what do you think the representative would say? Terrible? I highly doubt that, I’m sure they would ensure that it is wonderful and that you will love it. Do you think that is true?

Here are some tips on trying to find out the truth out about their food. I recommend asking the current residents how they like the food. You can even ask to have a meal to see how you like it. Trying the food is the best way for you to tell if it meets your standards. Remember, they are cooking for a big group of people and not every meal is going to be perfect. I am sure that there will be a few complaints, but overall you should be looking for a flexible menu and fresh ingredients.

Thursday, January 24th, 2008

Long-term care is defined as a variety of services that include medical and non-medical care to people who have a chronic illness or disability. Long-term care helps meet health care or personal needs. Most of the time long-term care is to assist people with support services such as activities of daily living like bathing, dressing and using the bathroom. Long-term care can be provided in the home, in a community, in a assisted living community or in a nursing home.

By 2020, 12 million older Americans will need long-term care. Most will be cared for at home. Family and friends make up 70 percent ofthe solecargiversfor those individuals. A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that people who reach age 65 will likely have a 40 percent chance of entering a nursing home. About 10 percent of the people who enter a nursing home will stay there five years or more.

Source. www.medicare.gov

Thursday, January 24th, 2008

Here are a few tips to finding Long-term care options and pricing. I find that these basic steps help families and their loved ones prepare for their future.

1. Assess Your Needs. There are many different kinds of long-term care. Long-term care can take place at home, in senior centers, at community centers, in assisted living or special retirement communities, as well as in nursing homes. Long-term care service is not only nursing home care.

2.Research Financing and Care Choice.Talk with your doctor and ask him or her what long-term care choices and services are available to help meet your needs, now and in the future.Talk with your financial advisor about the costs of your current and future long-term care needs and ask him or her what long-term care financing options are available to help you pay for your long-term care needs.

3.Find What Is Right For You. Ask family, friends and otehr people you know who use different kinds of long-term care services if they are happy with the services .Call your State or local Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Ombudsmen visit nursing homes and other long-term care facilities regularly to visit residents and take care of complaints.Call your State Health Department. Ask if you can get information on the quality of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services in your area.

4.Visit Your Options. Before you make a final decision about long-term care, call and ask for information about the long-term care services or the long-term care programs they offer. Visit the places you are interested in. These places can be assisted living communities, services in senior centers, nursing homes, and other programs. Make an appointment to visit.

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008

Top 5 Questions to ask when visiting a nursing home. These are Tips to Help!

1. What types of insurance will cover my loved ones stay? Don’t forget to ask this question! Some skilled nursing homes only accept Medicare! If you or your loved one has and HMO make sure they know!

2. Do you bill secondary insurance? You may find that nursing homes DO NOT BILL secondary insurance carriers. Be sure to ask before you admit a loved one.

3. Are there additional costs for a private room? Typically the answer is YES. Be sure to ask what the rate difference is before requesting a private room; it could be a lot more than you think.

4. Can I see your state survey report? Did you know that the state surveys nursing homes frequently? Ask if they have any deficiencies and if they passed their survey!

5. Are there RN’s here 24 hours per day? Did you know that not all nursing homes are required to have a Registered Nurse’s scheduled round the clock? Be sure to ask this, it could be critical for your loved one.

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007

Now that your parents are getting older, you want to make sure that they’re taking care of themselves and staying healthy. You are probally starting to realize its quite challanging to monitor the health of your aging parents from far away. Try to use your next visit with your aging parents to ask about their health and find out if there’s anything you can do to help them maintain their independence.

Your parents probally won’t admit they need help around the house, few actually admit they need help even with light duties. This can be challanging and frustrating for you. You have to realize that sometimes they just don’t realize they need help.

Here are five things to look for on your next trip home, to help you asses whether your aging parents need assistance.

1. Have your aging parents lost weight? Its important to

2. Are your aging parents safe in their home?

4. Are your aging parents having difficulty getting around?

5. How are your aging parents’ spirits?

Be sure to take notes on each of these areas and talk to your parent or loved one if you have any concerns. Its better to be prepared then be called during a crisis situation. If you feel you need further assistance please contact a local Professional Geriatric Care Manager for further guidance.