What Are The AHCCCS Income Limits to Received Medicaid in Arizona?

Table of Contents

·         1 Points to Keep in Mind on Medicaid Eligibility

·         2 How Working With an Attorney Can Help

·         3 FAQs on Medicaid in Arizona

·         4 What to Do if You Need Help

·         5 Need Help Applying for ALTCS in Arizona?

The Medicaid program in Arizona is called AHCCCS (the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System). AHCCCS is jointly federal and state funded and helps to support low-income individuals who are younger than 65 (though some who are older might be eligible). You might qualify for benefits through this program if you earn 138 percent of the FPL (Federal Poverty Level) or less. As of 2019, this is $35,535 for a household with four family members and $17,236 for an individual.

If you’re over 65, you’ll need to apply for Medicaid benefits through the ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System). Unlike other Medicaid services, which place a limit on how many participants can enroll, ALTCS offers benefits as an entitlement. In other words, if you meet the requirements for eligibility, you can access services.

The income and asset limits for ALTCS is can be tricky to navigate. We’ll go into detail on that soon, in addition to ways you can qualify even if you don’t meet the requirements.

Points to Keep in Mind on Medicaid Eligibility

·         AHCCCS typically covers state residents who are younger than 65

·         Residents who are older than 65 or disabled should apply for ALTCS

·         If you have children, they may be entitled to Medicaid services, too

·         The application processing period is usually between 60 and 90 days

·         If you don’t meet the financial requirements for ALTCS, a lawyer might be able to help

AHCCCS for Arizona Residents

When you apply to receive AHCCCS benefits, an associate will review your application and help you figure out which Medicaid coverage is best for your situation. To qualify for AHCCCS, you usually must be younger than 65 (though you can be 65 or older if you’re the caretaker or parent of a child). You must be either on Medicare as a pregnant woman or caretaker/parent of a child or be ineligible for Medicare services. You also need to earn below a certain limit and be a citizen of the U.S. or a qualified noncitizen.

Income-based AHCCCS will count most of the unearned and earned income you have. Some income doesn’t count, though, such as Supplemental Security Income. 

Medicaid for Disabled and Elderly Residents

ALTCS is a state Medicaid program that can help certain individuals afford their medical care. This system provides specifically for the long-term medical needs of qualifying disabled, blind, or aged residents in the state. This program pays for the services you require once you’ve already exhausted your savings. To qualify, you must undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you are able to cover the costs yourself. The next component is a functional assessment to determine your current medical state and care needs.

The financial eligibility requirements to receive ALTCS benefits can be complicated and will be affected by whether or not you’re married. As a single applicant, you can earn $2,313 or less in monthly income to qualify. If you’re married and applying for benefits on your own, your income is limited to the same amount and your spouse’s income doesn’t count. If you and your spouse are applying for ALTCS together, you may not earn more than $4,626 monthly.

If your income is higher than these numbers, don’t let that deter you from pursuing ALTCS services. You might still be able to qualify for benefits by using a Miller Trust. Like other trusts, this type of trust must be legally sound in order to be considered valid.

How Working With an Attorney Can Help

Getting approved for AHCCCS benefits can prove tricky for some people. Many residents are denied ALTCS benefits because they have too many resources to meet the eligibility requirements. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you can’t qualify later once you do. You may be able to get around being over the resource limit by “spending down” on your assets in order to meet the financial requirements. 

However, the way you go about this is extremely important. Working with a lawyer can ensure that you spend down in the way that will increase your odds of approval.

FAQs on Medicaid in Arizona

Here are some common queries that applicants may have about Medicaid services in the state:

Q: Will I owe any costs if I get Medicaid services?

For most of your needed medical services, you’ll either cover a small copayment when you visit a medical professional or pay nothing. In most cases, you’ll just have to show your coverage card to prove you have Medicaid and the state will pay your doctor for the costs.

Q: Can I get coverage for my children’s medical needs?

Medicaid and a program called CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program) work together to offer low-cost coverage to Arizona residents with children. If your income meets the eligibility requirements, your children can access these services. If you give birth while you’re covered by Medicaid, your child will also automatically be enrolled for the first year of their life.

Q: What factors can slow down the processing period for my application?

To qualify for the program, you must submit your application, which can take up to 90 days to get approved. Your application processing period might take longer than average if your income is too high for eligibility in the month you apply and the month after but might be low enough during the third month. If more proof is needed to determine your eligibility, or you request extra time to gather the necessary documents, your processing period might also be longer than 90 days.

What to Do if You Need Help

The Medicaid application process can be complex, and many applicants are denied coverage each year. Thankfully, even if you’ve been denied before, all hope is not lost. Give us a call so we can work with you to apply and give you a better shot at approval for AHCCCS benefits. We also might be able to help you appeal the decision if your application for help with medical coverage was previously denied. Speak with one of our Elder Law attorneys today.

Need Help Applying for ALTCS in Arizona?

If you need help setting up Medicaid, speaking with a lawyer is a good place to start. The application process itself can be complex and confusing, and making mistakes can set you back in attaining benefits and services. If your situation is complicated or you need help meeting the eligibility requirements, one of our attorneys can answer your questions.
 

Contact the JacksonWhite Elder Law team today at (480)467-4337 and learn how we can help to ensure you receive the maximum ALTCS benefits available, while preserving as many of your assets as possible.

New Year, New You: Practicing Active Aging in 2020

As a new year begins, it’s an ideal time to establish healthier habits for the future. For most, making time for physical activity, even a few times a week, can be greatly beneficial for overall health, but this is especially true for older adults.

Regular exercise has been shown to increase cognitive function, prevent many common diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, improve mood, strengthen bones and even reduce risk of dangerous falls. Despite the benefits, the United Health Foundation’s 2019 Annual Report, showed more than 31 percent of Americans age 65 or older reported participating in no physical activity or exercise other than their regular job in the past 30 days.

No matter age, fitness level or restrictions, there are countless ways for each and every person to increase their physical health. Consider beginning with low impact exercises like walking, yoga or water aerobics or be a little more adventurous and try an aerobics class or strength training workout. Every little bit is helpful to strengthen the mind and body.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed at the thought of starting a new exercise routine, start slowly and work your way towards at least one activity a few times a week. Some ideas include:

• Start Slow. If you’re not used to exercising regularly, start with activities that will warm up your muscles and joints. Exercises like seated hip marches and ankle rolls help with balance and flexibility, while torso twists and shoulder presses help seniors build strength and muscle. These exercises are great for building core strength to help avoid falls.
• Try a Local Gym. Local gyms may offer group fitness classes, perfect for seniors, classes can often be tailored to unique personal needs. What’s more, classes often occur at the same each week, so you can make a habit of exercising and add it to your weekly schedule.
• Seek Out Professional Advice. Working with a personal trainer can be especially valuable for those just getting started. Take this opportunity to discuss what types of activities you’re most interested in trying and what modifications could be helpful. By learning the right exercises for your unique needs, you’ll be able to ensure a safe and beneficial fitness plan. Before you begin any exercise program, it’s worth discussing with your physician.
• Stroll at Home. You don’t always need equipment, a gym or a trainer to exercise. Sometimes, all it takes is a brisk walk around the neighborhood to help stay fit. The best part about walking is that you can do it anywhere and at any time! To increase the overall health benefits, invite friends or family along for a causal stroll to catch up. Or, consider incorporating a walking routine with a passion like Beth does as a volunteer dog walker for her local humane society.
• Have Fun. Sports like tennis and golf are fantastic ways for seniors to get outside, get active and interact with others. The beauty of these sports is that they are timeless, and you don’t have to be a pro to play. There are many golf and tennis leagues specifically for older adults.

No matter your age, increasing physical activity and focusing on active aging can help you live a longer, healthier and more independent life. This year, find new ways to achieve your health goals. For more information on how to get started, visit https://www.caregiverstress.com/fitness-nutrition/.

Author: Lakelyn Hogan

Lakelyn Hogan is Gerontologist and Caregiver Advocate for Home Instead Senior Care. Lakelyn has been with Home Instead for five years, starting in the local franchise working one-on-one with seniors and caregivers. Now, her role at the Global Headquarters is to educate professionals, families and communities on Home Instead’s services and the issues older adults face. In partnership with the American Society on Aging, Lakelyn facilitates a monthly webinar series for professionals in the aging field. She also hosts monthly family caregiver live chats with Alzheimer’s and dementia experts from across the country.

Visit us online @ http://www.homeinstead.com/eastvalley.com 

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7 Questions To Ask Yourself When You Need Senior Care

Who are you, and why are you reading this blog?  Are you needing answers?

Maybe you’re a senior who knows you need long-term care. Maybe you’re a family caregiver who needs help supporting an elderly loved one. Perhaps you’re the child of an elderly parent who has shown a need for companionship that you know you cannot provide. You may be a senior coming to terms with your own limitations that are surfacing with age, and wondering about your options. Maybe you’re reading to find answers to questions that will help you navigate important care decisions.

Regardless of your place or role in care decisions, here are seven important questions to answer as you start assessing your situation, planning payment and shopping for providers of long-term care. Starting here, families and seniors who are new to the long-term care process can find some direction amidst the whirlwind of confusion that can surround this time. Aging well under quality care that makes a positive impact is what we want for any senior in need, especially those we love. You’ll find that the task of securing this care can be easier than it initially seems once you have the right knowledge and resources.

1.  What challenges do seniors face?

General aging brings a normal set of challenges for senior loved ones. Especially if you are the adult child of a senior who lives alone, you may want them to have home care out of precautionary concern. Protecting your senior loved one from risks like isolation and senior falls would be good reasons to find them home care if general aging concerns are the only issues you’re dealing with.

On the other hand, a temporary illness or injury may be a bigger reason for needing long-term care. Once a senior has suffered from a fall, cardiac disease or other common illnesses and injuries that happen to seniors, they may have to undergo intensive care in a hospital. Even when it looks like they will make a full recovery, you may not know what will happen after a hospital discharge. Seniors recovering from temporary illness or injury will generally get well sooner with home care that provides support with things they may not be able to physically do.

In the unfortunate event that a senior is experiencing progressive disease, it is very clear when they start to need long-term care. Progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, emphysema or cancer can worsen and spread causing serious debility until death. While seniors with progressive diseases are nearing the end, they are in most need for quality care. Usually, a family member providing informal care labors to the extreme out of loyalty and love for their elderly. This may be a spouse or an adult child. However, informal caregivers supporting seniors with progressive disease are in even more need for help with care because respite can actually save their mental, physical and emotional health.

2.  Who is the appropriate person to make decisions about care?

This may be a difficult question to answer, especially in some family situations, but it is very important to think about because confused decision-making about senior loved ones’ care can rip families apart and subject vulnerable seniors to harm. Unless they are suffering mental decline, the senior receiving care should have the first word on making decisions about care, like how to pay for it, who provides it and whether they need it in the first place.

A senior can specify their preferences for aging needs in a living trust, which might decline against the further treatment of terminal illnesses or designate a decision-maker to act on their behalf, for example. But with or without such documentation, families may still find themselves in conflict over who decides things about long-term care. Seniors who cannot accept dependence on care from others for reasons of pride or mental impairment may refuse care that they truly need against the advice of doctors or concerned family. They can stubbornly refuse to hand over decision-making authority, even to someone with good intentions.

In addition, family members may become confused over who has the “right” to manage the care of an incapacitated senior loved one. This conflict can occur among adult children, between spouses and in-laws and especially if money is involved, among stakeholders or beneficiaries. Remember that conflict and confusion is anything but what a senior needing long-term care wants, and that responsible, respectful communication should sort it out.

3.  How much care does the senior require?

It is good to answer this question before going to care providers or insurers. It also may be a question that you cannot answer alone. Determining how much care a senior needs is subjective to many factors. For one, a doctor’s orders that may come after a regular checkup, treatment in the hospital or continued treatment of a progressive disease should strongly dictate your measure of care the senior in question needs. The doctor may specify things that his or her patient should not do without assistance, like activities of daily living. Trying to do these things without help is against a professional’s best advice and can even cause harm. Use help, especially if a doctor says you need it.

Once you are advised by a doctor, you may have a good idea of how much care you or your senior loved one requires. In other situations, you may be the family caregiver who has seen a progression of limitations that inhibit your senior loved one from performing tasks that they used to be able to do on their own. You may have had to carry the brunt of their daily living helping with hygiene, cleaning, eating, dressing or toileting. You, as an informal caregiver, would have a very intimate knowledge of how much care your senior loved one needs. These time measures can put a good label on your answer for this important question:

Does your senior loved one require care…

• Occasionally?
• Several times/week?
• Every day, from 9AM-5PM?
• 24/7?

4.  What services do you need?

Long-term care entails services that cover a variety of medical and non-medical needs. Typically, caregivers providing long-term care will help with non-medical daily activities, household duties, transportation and companionship. People who receive long-term care because of chronic illnesses or disability cannot care for themselves for a long period of time. They may require more care than help with daily activities, such as medical care from skilled professionals and outpatient treatment from a hospital. Take a look at this list of services in long-term care, and assess what you or your senior loved one might need:

Amada Senior Care caregivers assist with:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Meal preparation/feeding
• Medication reminders
• Walking/ambulating/exercise assistance
• Housekeeping
• Errands/shopping
• Toileting
• Most non-medical assistance

Other providers, like nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities or hospice assist with:

• Physical, occupational or speech therapy
• End-of-life services
• Fitness and wellness programs
• Disease prevention and management
• Medication prescription refills

5.  How will you finance care?

Payment for care can come from three options:

• Government Aid (Medicare, or Veterans’ Benefits)
• Personal Funding or Private Pay
• Long-Term Care Insurance

Use the Genworth calculator to estimate what long-term care would cost you and your family. From Genworth’s summary of 2016 Cost of Care Survey findings, you will notice that homemakers or caregivers make a national median hourly rate of $20; assisted living facilities cost a median of $3,628 monthly; and a private nursing room home will cost $253 daily. These numbers are not meant to scare you, but to provide an honest generalization of the rising cost of long-term care.

Most people will find it extremely difficult to fund long-term care on their own spending, out-of-pocket. Middle-class families will find themselves in limbo between needing government assistance, but not qualifying for it. Making a long-term care insurance claim can seem a beast of a challenge, especially dealing with multiple calls, records and approval processes. Find yourself an advocate from Amada Senior Care when you need care and can’t find a way to finance it. Especially if you have long-term care insurance, Amada will be able to guide you through the process of reviewing and filing a claim so that you can start receiving your benefits as soon as possible. Find a location near you here.

6.  Who will provide care?

Your answers for questions from above will be very helpful when you decide who will provide senior care for you or your loved one. Know that there are many providers competing for your business and that you, within the constraints of your regional location and the payment options you have, are definitely able to find solutions that are best for you or your elderly. Depending on the level of care you need, you may find yourself choosing between these care provider options:

• Licensed Agency
• In-Home Private Caregiver
• Independent/Assisted Living Facility

Caregivers can be contracted independently to help seniors needing long-term care. However, independent caregivers may not have liability protection in the case that they cause harm to a senior or if they become injured on the job. This creates a dangerous risk for lawsuits that can carry on for ages. Licensed agencies like Amada Senior Care fully screen their caregivers and hire them as employees under sufficient coverage. You will find trustworthy caregivers from Amada. Furthermore, if you or your senior loved one must live in a facility to receive care, an Amada advocate near you can help you with placement.

7.  How will you monitor care?

In old age, the family becomes important in new ways. With time, families change. All age, including children who were once cared for by their now-elderly parents. Roles may flip when children become the care providers instead. This may be done through managing hired help or by the children and spouses close to a senior providing the care themselves. But when family is far away, it is even more important to monitor the care of an elderly loved one. How would you be able to do this?

Maintain close bonds with your parents from afar by engaging in constant communication through telephone, letters or technology. Inquire on their wellbeing by speaking with them thoroughly, as well as other people who see them regularly. With Amada Senior Care, you can closely monitor the care of your elderly loved one with the BeClose technology that uses sensors in the home. Read more about it here.

Amada Senior Care provides quality private care and assist with Long Term Care Insurance Management. 

Call Amada Senior Care at 480-999-5250 to schedule an assessment today! Say "I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!"

5 Tips For a Successful Conversation About Long-Term Care

Starting a conversation about long-term care with your aging loved one can be uncomfortable. As a result, you may be tempted to put it off until tomorrow. But far too often, tomorrow never comes and before you know it – it’s too late. But given that at least 70 percent of people over 65 years old will require some form of assistance in their lifetime, a conversation about long-term care is one we should all be having. That being said, here are 5 tips to help you initiate, approach, and end a productive conversation about long-term care with your aging loved one.

1. Do your homework.

Before you attempt to talk to your loved one about long-term care, make sure you do your homework. Identify all of your concerns and write them down. Doing so will give you a reference point for the other half of your homework assignment: educate yourself.

Educating yourself includes exploring the different solutions for each of the concerns you wrote down. Gather resources you think will help you gain a deeper understanding of your options.

Here are a few of the benefits you will attain from doing your homework.

You’ll be more confident when discussing the options. 

You increase your chances of selecting the best possible outcome for your loved one’s individual needs. 

Your loved one will view you as a trusted source.

They may even come to you with their questions because they feel confident you will be able to provide them with answers.

2. Take advantage of every opportunity.

Taking advantage of every opportunity is a way to have the conversation without having to be the one to bring it up. This indirect approach is particularly useful if the topic is sensitive. Be aware that this method does not take the place of having the conversation; it is more about planting the seed for further conversation.

To clarify, here are a few scenarios where this is appropriate.

Someone brings up a senior care related topic. The next time someone brings up a topic relating to senior care while you and your loved one are present, make it a point to ask your loved one’s opinion.

News. The same principle applies to long-term care related topics in the news. The next time you hear/read about senior topics, ask for your loved one to provide some commentary on the topic. A few topics to be aware of include changes in the retirement age, health care policy changes, senior living, etc.

Taking advantage of every opportunity gives you a chance to ease into the conversation in preparation for a more in-depth discussion.

3. Approach with empathy.

Approaching the topic with empathy is about making an effort to understand your loved one. No one wants you to feel sorry for them; seniors are no different.

Empathy does not come easy for everyone.  Here are a few things you can say to show you care.

• “You’re very special to me.”
• “I worry that something may happen to you when you…”
• “I’ve been thinking about you lately.”
• “I love you and I want you to be happy.”

These phrases may help you find the right words to use, but it’s equally important to pay attention to how you say them. And always remember to listen to their response.

[Tweet “Always remember to listen.”]

4. Be their partner, not their parent.

It is important to remember, you are their partner – not their parent. Nobody likes being told what to do, so don’t approach them with a pre-determined plan. Making important decisions about their lives prior to consulting with them will hardly ever go over well regardless of how good your intentions are. Doing so could place an unnecessary strain on your relationship and cause them to feel resentful towards you. Everyone, including your loved one has the inherent right to maintain control of their lives.

 [Tweet “Caring Conversation Tip: You are their partner- not their parent.”]

You and your loved one should work together. This means you will need to listen to what they want. You won’t agree on everything, but you need to remember it is their life you a dealing with.

If you want them to include you in their planning process, you should constantly emphasize they have the final say and ensure them you are only there to help. Your relationship should come before anything else.

5. Give them time to think.

Give your loved one time to think after the conversation. Don’t make them feel like they need to give you a definitive answer right away.

The goal is to have a productive conversation. Putting pressure on them could make them avoid the situation because they perceive it as too stressful. Instead, end the conversation with the intent to discuss the topic again.

“It’s never too late to start, but it’s always too late to wait” applies to more than just funding your retirement account; it’s also the best approach to take when discussing long-term care. Taking the time now to open the lines of communication will save you a lot of trouble down the road. If you wait until there is an emergency that requires you to make a serious decision, you will only contribute to the already stressful of the situation. And chances are, you will not be able to evaluate every option with the time it deserves. But, more importantly, it will take away from the quality of time you get to spend with your loved one.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to start talking about long-term care. Chances are if you’re thinking about it, your loved one is thinking about it too. They may even want to talk about it, but they don’t know where to start. Fortunately, you do. Have the conversation about long-term care with your senior loved one, today! 

Do you have any advice for someone having trouble bringing up the topic of long-term care?

Did you find something particularly helpful when you had this conversation?

Share this post to help others begin talking about long-term care.

“5 Tips For a Successful Conversation About Long-term Care,” Ashley LeVine, Amada Blog Contributor.

Amada Senior Care provides quality private care and assist with Long Term Care Insurance Management.  Call Amada Senior Care at 480-999-5250 to schedule an assessment today! Say "I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!"

Amada Senior Care ~ The Effects of Stress on Older Adults

When your body senses danger, your brain sends signals directing your muscles to tighten and your adrenal glands to release stress hormones. Stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, force your breath to quicken, blood pressure to rise, and senses to sharpen. These physiological changes speed up your reaction time, increase your strength, improve your stamina, and enhance your focus. This reaction is referred to as the stress response, and it’s entirely normal and necessary for survival. Once your brain accepts you are not in danger, your body returns to its normal pre-stressed state. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is harmful to your health and can be particularly hazardous for older adults. Here is what you need to know about stress in older adults.

The Effects of Stress On Older Adults

Although it’s difficult to determine the extent to which chronic stress affects the health of older adults, there is undoubtedly a correlation. Here are the few ways seniors are affected by stress.

Lowered Immune System

You’ve likely experienced a time in your life where you were stressed out and became sick. Your situation only became more stressful when you had to put everything you were stressed about on hold to allow yourself to recover. What you may not realize is that “being stressed” is likely the reason you got sick. Stress is known to suppress the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Furthermore, older adults are already more susceptible to illness due to the age-related suppression of their immune system. Combined, these factors make it easier for older adults to get sick and make the recovery process take longer. As a result, stress makes it far more difficult for older adults to detect and fight disease.

Heart Problems

Stress can flood your body with adrenaline, which raises your blood pressure and heart rate. But the relationship between stress and heart disease extends far beyond quantifiable factors. Stress can cause seniors to look for relief in activities such as excessive drinking, overeating, and drug use. Each of these activities can damage arteries, blood vessels, and increase your risk for heart disease.

Vision and Hearing Loss

Long-term adrenaline production can constrict blood vessels, leading to a temporary decrease in hearing and vision.

Digestive Issues

Stress can literally make you feel sick to your stomach. This sick feeling occurs when stress activates the “fight or flight” response in your central nervous system. The central nervous system can shut down blood flow, causing contractions of your digestive muscles, and a decrease in the secretions necessary for digestion. Chronic or severe stress can lead to serious digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers.

Dental Issues

It is common for dental issues to increase with age, making seniors more susceptible to fractures and cavities. Stress can contribute to these dental problems when they stressfully clench their jaw throughout the day and unintentionally grind their teeth.

Common Stressors For Older Adults

Stressors often change as you age. Here are some of the most common stressors experienced by older adults.

Changes in Health or Physical Ability

Health can be a huge stressor for aging adults.

• Deteriorating health. 
• Increased dependence on others.
• Healthcare costs.
• Losing energy. Losing energy can be frustrating for seniors, as they are forced to slow down their lives.
• Losing the ability to do their favorite things. 

Loneliness and Isolation

Loneliness and isolation are two very common stressors for aging adults. Here are a few examples of why seniors are particularly susceptible to loneliness and isolation.

• Losing a spouse. The loss of a spouse due to death or divorce is common among older adults.
• Losing family members, friends, or pets. Many seniors feel lonely after they lose a family member, friend, or pet. Regardless of whether the loss was the result of a death, relocation, or conflict, the event can cause seniors to isolate themselves, increasing their feelings of loneliness.

Lack of Purpose

Older adults who lack feeling a sense of purpose are more susceptible to stress and its harmful effects. Here are a few scenarios where a senior may feel a question their sense of purpose.

• Retiring. Adults who define themselves by their by their career often lose their sense of purpose when they retire.
• Losing the feeling of being needed. 
• Losing a position in your community. 

Loss of Independence

Losing independence can trigger a stress response. Here are a few reasons why a senior may feel their independence is threatened.

• Losing the ability to drive safely. Many seniors experience a decrease in their mobility, causing them to lose their driver’s license.
• Losing the ability to live alone. Seniors with disabilities often lose their ability to live alone, forcing them to become dependent.
• Losing control over daily routine. A decrease in mobility can force seniors to depend on others for help with the activities of daily living.
• Lacking transportation services. Seniors with limited options for transportation can make it difficult for seniors to do things on their own.
• Decreasing financial independence. Losing the ability to manage their own money can challenge a seniors sense of independence.
• Increasing healthcare costs. An increase in healthcare costs can force seniors to become financially dependent.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Stress in Older Adults

• Feeling tired
• Sleeplessness
• Irritability
• Unnecessary worrying
• Headaches and other pains
• Negative feelings or attitude
• Feeling out of control
• Poor concentration
• Frequent crying
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, it is important to be proactive about finding ways to manage your stress before the damage becomes irreversible.

5 Tips For Managing Stress

Here are a few stress reduction techniques.

1. Take care of yourself by exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet.
2. Get involved in community events.
3. Volunteer for a cause you care about.
4. Learn strategies to help you cope with stress such as relaxation techniques and mediation.
5. Focus on the things you can control as opposed to those you can’t.

Amada Senior Care provides quality private care and assist with Long Term Care Insurance Management.  Call Amada Senior Care at 480-999-5250 to schedule an assessment today!