Thursday, October 15, 2015

What is a Senior Living Advisor?


What is a Senior Living Advisor?


When you want to invest your money wisely, you call a Financial Advisor. When searching for a home, you call a realtor. When you are not feeling well, you call your Doctor. When you have legal concerns, you call an Attorney. Who do you turn to when you want to ensure you are making the best decision about one of life’s most important transitions pertaining to how and where you or a loved one should spend remaining retirement years? Typically, when something changes with you or a loved ones needs you probably turn to a phone book or internet search. Then upon narrowing down options via those sources you begin to make calls and schedule appointments with those contacts. This can be very time consuming and if you aren’t sure what questions you should ask or what to look for, your conclusion of which is the best option may be one you later regret. When making a decision about long term health care needs during retirement years as you or a loved one are aging and becoming more dependent on others, you should contact a Senior Living Advisor. A Senior Living Advisor can provide you with an insider’s perspective on Senior Living options in your area.
A Senior Living Advisor is a great resource which will save you time, money, hassle and worry. An experienced Senior Living Advisor will be able to provide you with information on which are the best options for Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Group Homes, Adult Daycare, Respite Care, Home Care, Home Health, Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Hospice, Financial Options, Veterans Solutions, Medicaid, Elder Law Attorneys, Real Estate Agents, Estate Sale Planners, Moving Assistance and Geriatric Care Managers. A large percentage of clients a Senior Living Advisor is assisting have already made a decision on one or more types of senior living options and aren’t happy with the ones they chose. They realize how time consuming it is to research thoroughly and that their knowledge about senior living options is very limited. Senior Living Advisors have worked closely with businesses in the area for many years and are aware of which will be a great fit for you or a loved one after providing you with an assessment.
Not only can your Senior Living Advisor provide you with an Assessment and give you the options that are best for your situation, they also can schedule appointments for you. provide transportation, accompany you on the appointments andensure an excellent  solution is provided for the needs that have arisen.

For more information on this topic contact Louis Johnson or Kelley Rogers, who are Senior Living Advisors for Senior One Source.  With more than 10 years of experience, Senior One Source Advisor’s have already done the research and know which options can be trusted to provide a better quality of life for you or a loved one. By allowing us to guide you, we are saving you time, money, hassle & worry. Call a Senior Living Advisor today for Free Cost Estimates, Advice and Health Assessments! To find out more about Senior One Source visit www.SeniorOneSource.net.

MO MedTrans, LLC ~ Are you a Taxi Cab Company?



Are you a Taxi/Cab Company?

Here is an answer to another question we get asked frequently. An answer that will shed light on who we are and how we operate, as well as certain things that make us unique:
We are not a Taxi/Cab Company
We are different in many ways, and more specifically in how we are licensed and the level of service we provide:
  • We are licensed as a livery service.
  • Our trips are not metered. We let our customers know how much it would cost them beforehand, and they agree to the price upfront. This gives them peace of mind; a meter keeps running and charging for traffic delays, it’s running even while a taxi vehicle is not moving.
  • Our assisted transportation services are door-through-door, hand-to-hand, and bedside-to-bedside – while a traditional taxi provides curb-to-curb service. This means a taxi driver expects the customer to be waiting outside on the sidewalk by the curb, and the customer will be dropped and left at the curb – while we assist customers based on their needs and preferences.
  • We can transport customers who must lay flat during a trip. We provide stretcher bedside-to-bedside service. This requires specialized equipment and training.
  • We are licensed to supply Oxygen.
  • Unlike a taxi drivers, who are independent contractors, our drivers are employees of the company.
  • Our drivers do not expect to receive tips.
  • You can not hail our vehicles like you do a taxi.
  • Our drivers  have to be CPR/First Aid certified, and they also have to undergo pre-employment DOT physical exam and DOT drug screening.
  • Our drivers must obtain a DPS fingerprint card.
We are not an Ambulance either
While we are at it, it’s worth distinguishing between our services and those of an ambulance. The fundamental difference is that we do NOT provide emergency medical transportation. This means, we do not provide any medical monitoring during a trip, nor do we carry any medical equipment in our vehicles. Our main focus is non-emergency medical transportation; unlike ambulances we do not have EMTs working for us. We fully comply with Arizona law; we do not take customers to the emergency room (ER) and we do not transport customers who have IV’s, trachs (from tracheotomy) or PEG tubes. Per Arizona Statute 36-2223, they must be transported using an ambulance for non-emergency purposes, and even if they are stable.

Ambulance
Always remember to call 911 in case of an emergency

To Market, To Market


To Market, To Market


Posted by 
We’re guessing that just about anyone who’s ever shopped at a farmers’ market has experienced the joy of bringing home gorgeous, fresh, locally grown produce only to, about a week later, feel the guilt of having let it go to waste because they simply didn’t have the time or energy or inspiration to do anything with it.
Which is a shame, because not only do farmers’ markets help promote sustainability and support the local economy, but they increase access to fresh, nutritious food for everyone (including, in many cases, people receiving SNAP and WIC assistance).
Rather than forego what can be a fun and very positive summer and fall tradition, here are some ways to make the most of your farmers’ market experience.
Start small and safe: If you’re not a regular visitor, or you don’t really experiment much in the kitchen, hold off on buying mass quantities of anything or produce that looks exotic and interesting but you’re not sure how to prepare it. Sure, that rainbow chard is a show-stopper but what does one do with it? (You could always try this.) Instead, go with what you know, and only buy how much you can realistically use over a few days – some heirloom tomatoes for a BLT, perhaps, or radishes to eat with butter from a local creamery.
But don’t be afraid to ask: If something catches your eye and you really want to try it, just ask. Food producers are passionate about their products and they want to get you excited, too. They are often happy to offer free samples or engage you in a conversation about their food. They may even provide recipe suggestions.
Mix and match: If you do wound up with leftovers, think about how you can combine them to create a healthy meal. Zucchini, corn eggplant, and beans can be thrown into a pot with other items to make great summer vegetable stew. Farm fresh eggs can be whisked with peppers and greens like spinach and kale for a delicious omelet. You can top pizza or pasta with all of the above… and, of course, tomatoes and herbs go with just about anything.
Share the wealth: Another way to use up farmers’ market produce is to give it away. Maybe a friend or neighbor can’t get out to the farmers’ market but they still long for the fresh flavors of summer – that tomato you need to use or lose might just make their day.
For more information about helping seniors living full and healthy lives, please contac(480) 827-4343
- See more at: https://www.homeinstead.com/195/blog/to-market-to-market#sthash.qwQhtaDR.dpuf

Tips For Reinventing Yourself As You Age


TIPS FOR REINVENTING YOURSELF AS YOU AGE


It’s never too late to find a new career, a new sport, passion or hobby.
The numbers of people over 45 is growing every year. People are hoping to stay active and vibrant as long as possible. There are over 76 million baby boomers today over 50, and the first of the 82.1 million Generation X-ers are about to reach that milestone in 2015. To get you started on re-inventing yourself, here are 5 tips from Healthy Aging Magazine:
  1. Do not act your age or at least what you think your current age should act like. What was your best year so far? 27? 41? Now? Picture yourself at that age and simply be it.
  2. Be positive in your conversations and your actions every day. When you catch yourself complaining, stop, take a moment and change the conversation to something positive.
  3. Have negative friends who complain all of the time and constantly talk about how awful everything is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, distance yourself from people who do not have a positive outlook on life. They will only get you down and stop your growth.
  4. Walk like a vibrant, healthy person. Make a conscious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first and wear comfortable shoes.
  5. Stand up straight. You can knock off the appearance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept trying to tell you. Fix your stance and practice it every day. You will look great and feel better.
What tips do you have? Or do you have a story to share about what you do to stay motivated to be the best version of yourself?
Visit us online @ http://www.brightstarcare.com/

Need Assistance Getting Up and Down Stairs? Check Out Harmar's Pinnacle Stair Lift in Tempe Arizona!

Need Assistance Getting Up and Down the Stairs? Check Out Harmar’s Pinnacle Stair Lift in Tempe AZ

As we age it can get a little harder to do things and get around, especially if you have an illness or disease process, or suffered an unforeseen injury. When you aren’t able to get around your home as easily anymore or are trying to prepare for the future there are a lot of options available to help make your home more safe and accessible. If you have a multiple story home you love and want to stay in for as long as possible a great option to help you get up and down the stairs is getting a stair lift.
Now I am sure a lot of people have seen commercials for these or heard about them on the radio. They are a great addition to any home where you have stairs that go to multiple levels. One of the top of the line stair lifts on the market today is Harmar’s Pinnacle Stair Lift. Let’s take a look at the variety of benefits and features that make the Pinnacle stair lift stand out from the rest.
The Pinnacle is the true essence of an affordable and necessary luxury. The slimmest and most light-weight stair lift on the market, it folds to take just 11” of staircase width. Although exceptionally compact, Pinnacle boasts a 350lb (160 kg) capacity with a wide, comfortable seat that swivels at the top landing to aid in safely entering and exiting the lift.
  • Narrowest stair lift in the industry – only 11” wide when footrest and seat are folded!
  • Lightest unit on the market – entire system weighs only 180 lbs installed (including 16’ of track)
  • Swivel seat at upper landing, for easy and safe, entry and exit
  • Easy operating controls and indicator lights
  • Patented helical worm gear drive system for extremely smooth ride
  • Operable in a power outage – up to 40 trips!
  • Comfortable seat with height adjustment
  • Safety sensors will stop the lift if it meets an obstruction
  • No greases or lubricants; easy to vacuum and keep clean
  • 3-Year warranty on components, 10-Year on gear rack, 1-Year on batteries
  • Easy, 1 person installation (Harmar recommends that all stair lifts are professionally installed)
This is the perfect option if you are looking for a safe and easy way to get up and down your stairs with the least amount of hassle. Here at ADL Solutions we can professionally install this stair lift into your home and help put your mind and your family’s mind at ease. ADL Solutions is a preferred provider of Harmar products. We are located in Tempe AZ but service the entire state of Arizona to meet the growing needs of the community. Call our office to schedule an assessment with one of our trained staff to evaluate your home setting so we can provide you with the best solution. So when you need assistance getting up and down your stairs and you want something that will be able to assist you safely check out the Harmar Pinnacle stair lift in Tempe AZ.

Click here for more information.  

Why Does My Elderly Mom Keep Falling? Common Causes and Solutions


Why does my elderly mom keep falling? Common Causes and Solutions


This issue is cause for great concern, since injuries can include hip fractures, head trauma, and cuts and bruises. Adult children of aging parents  http://www.caringseniorservice.com/fall-prevention-fact-sheet need solutions, both to protect their parents and for their own peace of mind.
There are several identifiable factors which contribute to elder injury due to falling. Thankfully, these same factors, when addressed properly, can also contribute to a solution.
Below is a list of some of the most common issues related to falling in the elderly.
  • Exercise- While insufficient exercise is a contributing factor to falling, choosing a lifestyle that includes moderate exercise is an excellent solution. Exercise programs that build leg strength and improve balance are especially helpful.
  • Vision exam- Make sure that your parent's prescription is up-to-date. Impaired vision can contribute to stumbling and/or falling. A once-a-year exam will insure that your parent's vision is as good as it can possibly be.
  • Prescription review- While medicine prescriptions are a fact of life for most elderly people, it is extremely important to have a physician or pharmacist review all medicines and how they interact with each other. Some medicines used together can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the probability of a fall. Simply substituting one medicine for another may put a stop to dangerous interactions. This step should never be taken without the advice of the supervising physician.
Dealing with the inevitable issue of elder care is stressful for almost every adult. Making improvements in the above-mentioned areas can have an impact on both parent and child, leaving more time to enjoy the precious moments we cherish as we watch our parents age gracefully.
To learn more about fall prevention, DOWNLOAD our Fall Prevention Fact Sheet.
Caring Senior Service has the experience, compassion, and training necessary for comprehensive home care, and we also offer a wide range of home care services that are all designed to make life easier for seniors and their families. To learn more about the services we provide, contact us today!

The Cost of Assisted Living


Cost of Assisted Living


If you haven't planned for senior living care, you aren't alone. Few people do - either because they don't think they'll need it or because they want to save their assets for their children and believe that government subsidies will cover any care they need. This doesn't mean they can't afford suitable care; it just means the choices may be more limited. Fortunately, just like the variety in settings, styles, and amenities, senior living residences are available at a variety of price points.
Costs vary with the residence, apartment size, and types of services needed. The basic rate may cover all services or there may be additional charges for special services. Most assisted living residences charge on a month-to-month lease arrangement, but a few require long-term arrangements.
Base rates may fluctuate depending on unit size: for example, studio, one, or two-bedroom apartment. Note also that base rates typically only cover room and board and two to three meals. Additional charges may include entrance fees up to one month's rent, deposits, and fees for other services such as housekeeping and laundry, though many providers include those services as well.
The average cost for a private one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living residence is $3,022 per month, according to research compiled by several nonprofit senior living organizations, including the Assisted Living Federation of America (2009 Overview of Assisted Living). Assisted living is of often less expensive than home health or nursing home care in the same geographic area.
More than half of assisted living communities use a tiered pricing model with bundled services, according to research. For instance, a resident needing very little assistance would be at the lowest tier. Other pricing models include all-inclusive, a la carte, or fee-for-service basis. Providers regularly review service and care plans to ensure residents' needs are being met. Billing is typically done monthly. 

Determining Your Budget for Senior Living Care

Senior living residents and their families generally pay the cost of service through private financial resources. Depending on the nature of your or your loved one's health insurance program or senior living care insurance policy, some costs may be reimbursable. Some residences also have their own financial assistance programs.
For most seniors, the home is the biggest asset. One option is to sell or rent the home and use the proceeds or rental payments to fund senior living. A less-known and less-understood alternative is the reverse annuity mortgage, which allows seniors to use the value of the home without giving it up. With this option, instead of the resident paying a mortgage, the financial institution pays the homeowner a lump sum or monthly payment, which the homeowner can then use for senior housing. Most experts suggest the reverse mortgage be considered only for the last five years or so of senior housing. AARP and HUD both have additional information on reverse mortgages.
When meeting with senior living providers, ask for written material, including copies of the community's resident agreement that outlines, at a minimum, services, prices, extra charges, move-in and move-out criteria, staffing, and house rules.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living and Senior Living Care

Several government subsidies are available to fund senior housing. However, the reality is that these amounts are limited and will impose restrictions on what care you receive and where you receive it.
  • Medicare: Neither Medicare Parts A nor B offer coverage for comprehensive ongoing long-term care. Medicare A (hospital insurance) may cover costs for a semiprivate room, meals, nursing and rehab services, medications, and medical supplies in a skilled nursing facility for the first 100 days after being released from hospitalization for an acute illness or injury. The first 20 days are covered at 80 percent, with the rest of that time period covered at decreasing rates. It never covers a private room nor services in an assisted living residence. Medicare B only offers reimbursement for covered services you receive from a doctor. 

    Ask Medicare is designed to support and assist caregivers. Ask Medicare offers a wide range of helpful information for the nearly 66 million Americans who provide help to an aging, seriously ill, or disabled family member or friend. Ask Medicare offers tools that helps caregivers and those they care for make informed health decisions. 
  • Medicaid: Medicaid, which provides federal health-care assistance to low-income Americans, is the biggest payer for room, board, nursing care, and social activities in nursing homes. Many, but not all, states now cover some assisted living services under their Medicaid programs; however, these fluctuate widely in terms of eligibility requirements, and dollar amounts of coverage. The Senior Assisted Housing Waiver provides eligible low-income adults a choice of receiving senior living care services in a community-based setting rather than in a nursing facility. Bear in mind that faced with budget deficits for years to come, states are more likely to cut, rather than expand, these programs. 
  • Housing and Veterans Subsidies: Seniors with annual incomes under $12,000 may qualify for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 202 and Section 8 senior housing, which provide rent subsidies that can help pay for the room-and-board portion of both independent living and assisted living environments. The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides some skilled and intermediate-level care to veterans in its own residences, depending on space availability. 
     
  • For more information on benefits, visit Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents or check out the VA's benefits fact sheets. 
  • Life Care Funding Group (LCFG) assists people in need of funds to cover the costs of senior housing and long term care. LCFG specializes in converting the death benefit of an in-force life insurance policy into a long term care benefit to cover the costs of skilled nursing home care, assisted living, home health care, and hospice.

Monday, October 5, 2015

IN THE SPOTLIGHT About You Home Care

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the 
Welcome About You Home Care!


About You Home Care is an innovative Physician directed non-medical home care
company serving the East and Southeast Phoenix Metro areas. The physician director works
with families and care providers to support client well-being and quality of life. He also oversees
caregiver training and supervisory visits to assure that high standards are maintained.

Dr. Morgan Brown, MD helped launch About You Home Care in 2011. While caring for his
mother he recognized that better communication among caregivers, families and medical providers
can result in improved health and may even reduce the need for costly hospitalization.  Dr. Brown
has over 25 years of experience in a broad range of healthcare areas including large hospital
inpatient care, outpatient primary care clinics and emergency medicine as well as clinical laboratory
 medicine and anatomic pathology.  He has also served on several hospital leadership and quality of care committees.

The founder Debbie McLay, has had a 10 year career working as a Behavioral Health
Technician providing Direct Care to youth and adults with behavioral challenges, including
substance abuse, eating disorders, domestic violence and mental health issues.  Debbie founded
About You Home Care with a vision of serving others who are faced with the struggles that her
family had experienced. As a strong believer in community service Debbie does volunteer work
for Duet, a nonprofit organization that provides free of charge services for homebound adults
and their families that face the difficult challenges associated with aging.

About You Home Care specializes in:
·         Chronic Condition Care - Our Condition Specific Program is designed to help improve the
health of our clients and keep them safe at home. If your aging loved one has a chronic or
post-acute condition we will customize a care plan and assign a caregiver trained in that specific condition.

·         AlzBetter Authorized  Provider  -  Our  specialized  Alzheimer’s and Dementia program can
help your loved one live a happier, fulfilled life. We combine essential tasks and meaningful activities, including our Music to Remember program, to enrich the lives of those struggling with Alzheimer’s
and other forms of dementia.

For more information visit http://aboutyouhomecare.com or call 480-427-4840