End-of-Life Peace of Mind: Family Tools for Hospice

There is a note of humble awe in her voice as Kelly Fehr, the owner of Amada Senior Care of Nashville, recalls the final hours in hospice care that caregiver Jill Murray spent with their longtime senior client, Margie.

“On the day of her death as Margie was unresponsive and being cared for at home with hospice, I watched as Jill spoke with a gentle voice, moistening her lips and brushing her hair,” Kelly said. “We sang songs, said prayers and told Margie how much we loved her. She passed later that night. We cried together, a lot.”

When families undergo the end of a senior loved one’s life, hospice is where they usually do it with the help of caregivers like Jill. In our culture, we tend to fear death. Our fear can transfer to the people who are in the process of dying. Hospice, or the homes where terminally ill seniors go to live the rest of their lives, can be a breeding ground for this infectious fear unless we avert it and cultivate comfort, as Jill did for Margie.

Families who are present for an end-of-life situation experience conflicted feelings that do not foster the best environment for their loved one to pass away in. This blog will offer families tools for coping with the hospice process. These strategies taken from best practices can help you keep a peace of mind until the very end. November being National Home Care & Hospice Month promotes awareness that information and resources from agencies like Amada Senior Care are available.

End-of-Life Planning
Amada Senior Care reiterates the importance of planning for aging matters such as long-term care, estate planning and ending of life not only because it is good to plan ahead, but also because serious problems can arise if planning is never done. Near the end of a senior’s life, important decisions about their dying process must be made and communicated before they become too incapacitated to handle things themselves. A dying senior will often need others to advocate for them as they pass away. Trusted advisors, who will most likely be family, must know what orders to give health professionals who treat their elders, where and how their senior loved one wants to die, and when to assert their authority to prevent harm. Having serious conversations with your elderly loved ones about these decisions is the best way to plan ahead.

A Family Ordeal
Initially, you might think that hospice is all about the treatment of a patient or senior. The senior’s care is definitely at the forefront of all matters in hospice care, but what eludes some relatives and care providers is the importance of the family around them.

“How very awful it must be to be doing this frightening thing,” said Kerry Egan, a hospice chaplain, to Next Avenue. “Not everybody is frightened, but some are—and really want friends and family to be with them. You’re lonely and you don’t feel good and you’re sick and you want the people you love to be with you, but they’re afraid of you.”

The fear and despair level of a family around the dying can be toxic and disturbing in what should be a peaceful event. Families tend to fear both losing their senior loved one and being in the presence of them. The greatest tool in preventing the harm that fear can cause in an end-of-life family ordeal is remembering that everyone, living or dying, is a normal person in a difficult situation. Seeing as the dying tend to have family – above all other matters – on their mind as they pass, family unification is important, too.

The ending of life and end-of-life planning can be uncomfortable and challenging to talk about – which is why preparing for the end of one’s life often is an avoided task. However, not being prepared for a situation in which you are unable to make medical decisions for yourself can be disadvantageous to you as a patient and to your family. This is why Dr. Michael Demoratz, co-author of Dying 101: A Candid Conversation on Terminal Illness,” focuses on educating families about the importance of Advance Care Planning.

“If you deal with some of these issues before they become a crisis, they’re easier to handle,” said Dr. Demoratz, a nationally recognized expert on hospice and palliative care and National Clinical Director for Amada Senior Care.

Finding the Right Care
After Margie’s passing, Jill helped select her burial outfit and coordinate funeral arrangements. She even cleaned out the refrigerator, knowing that the family wouldn’t have time to see to it before items began to spoil.

The family requested Jill apply Margie’s makeup for the funeral because she knew how to make Margie look her best. Jill took time to consider the request before respectfully declining. The task would have been too emotionally draining for her, given she also was mourning Margie’s death.

On the eve of the funeral, knowing that Margie’s only granddaughter needed to stay at the house, Jill changed all the bedding and even baked muffins for the family. During the service, Jill held the great grandchildren on her hip and sang to them during her client’s funeral.

Indeed, Jill exemplifies the ideal care provider who you would want to help in your senior loved one’s end-of-life process. Finding the right care for this difficult job can be done with caregivers like Jill and experienced agencies like Amada Senior Care. Doing so takes time and informed decision-making by the senior’s family.

The actions of caregiver Justin Delgado, who is employed by Christina Ram as the owner of Amada Senior Care of Tucson, typify how having a trained and compassionate caregiver can bring comfort to a senior loved one. While their senior client Deryk was in hospice at his assisted living community, Justin learned that the med tech could not administer medications until those orders were received via computer. Justin realized that if he did not intervene, Deryk would continue to suffer unnecessarily in an uncomfortable and agitated state.

“Justin made sure the hospice nurse was notified immediately to rectify this situation,” Christina said. “He did this with diplomacy—working with all parties to ultimately provide the much-needed relief to Deryk while understanding the need to preserve relationships with the assisted living community and the hospice staff.”

Based on Jill’s and Justin’s experiences (as well as many others from their fellow Amada caregivers), it’s clear that a caregiver who offers guiding support will be least abrasive to your sensitive situation during a senior loved one’s passing. Find a caregiver who will show tact, grace and respect to your elder just as much as she or he does to your family.

Learning to Live While Dying
“This condition is humanity at its most raw, its most vulnerable. it is frightening, but viewed in a different way, it is incredibly beautiful. What is left is the essence of self. The inside is the outside. And don’t worry. You’ll wear it well.”

These words about dying are written by Bruce H. Kramer, a former college dean who struggled through a losing battle with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He said to Minnesota Public Radio, “I found that by embracing it, it actually has become, in many ways, a friend. when you embrace your death, it just opens up vistas for you. Things mean much more to you because you know they’re passing.”

Life while dying is either toned negatively in despair or positively with gratefulness and appreciation. This goes for both dying seniors and their families because both might experience regret for dying too soon or thankfulness for a full life. Living while dying may take parts of either outlook, but time will carry on nevertheless, and everyone is faced with the choice to make the most of it.

Learning to live while dying means grasping life for all that it is in the final moments. Families can do this by treasuring the company they keep with dying senior loved ones, sharing memories, healing old wounds and assuring the dying that everything will be okay when they pass on. Seniors at the end of their lives can still learn to live by reveling in the kindness others around them offer, sharing their personal selves with others and appreciating the care of providers who will be there every step of the way.

Holding on or Letting Go
With advanced healthcare technology, seniors’ lives are prolonged in good ways and bad ways. Yes, a longer life is appealing to all of us. But seniors who might have to undergo prolonged life in the dying process may have to do it under dire circumstances. Especially if seniors are too incapacitated to communicate their dying process preferences, families who want to hold on to their loved ones may order their increased treatment. This treatment might be invasive, inhumane and even deadly.

Families must have serious conversations about hospice treatment or palliative care with their elderly loved ones. They must also come to a consensus about the decisions they make. These decisions should be accurately communicated with healthcare providers who will be in charge of treatment during the dying process. With assured direction no matter what may happen as a senior loved one dies, families will be able to focus on their quality time with the senior instead of bickering over their treatment. Most importantly, knowing when to hold on or to let go can give seniors the most comfortable, peaceful passing possible.

Discovering Priorities
A senior loved one passing away may have lived a life to contentment and may have no further wishes before they die. But asking your senior loved one if they do can mean the entire world to them. Discover the priorities of your elder as they near the end of their lives to see if you can make their wishes possible. They might request a final treat, like their favorite meal or a visit to the ocean. They might want to find a lost connection and make amends. They also might want to update their will. While you have the chance to communicate with a dying loved one, be accepting, realistic and willing to execute their final wishes.

You are not Alone
Both Jill Murray and Justin Delgado were highly praised in October at the annual Value Awards presented by Amada Senior Care to recognize six caregivers who embody its “6Cs of caregiving.” These include Compassion, Commitment, Communication, Competence, Confident Humbleness, and Congeniality, and they reflect Amada Senior Care’s caregiving philosophy and process. Amada franchise partners nominated members of their caregiver teams for consideration and a juried panel selected the six award recipients.

Jill and Justin deserved this recognition not only because they stood strong as rocks for multiple senior clients and their families in need, but because they exemplified the message Amada Senior Care wants to give you: you are not alone in your experience with hospice. Whether you are the patient nearing the end of your life or the family preparing for it, you can keep your peace of mind with the right help. To find the right caregiver for you in your family’s end-of-life process, find an Amada Senior Care location near you.

Click HERE to contact Amada or call 866-752-1961 toll-free.

Endeavor In Home Care ~ 5 Star Award Winning Home Care!

WE’RE PROUD TO BE THE ONLY AZ COMPANY TO RECEIVE THE “BEST OF SENIOR LIVING” AWARD 6 YEARS IN A ROW.

The Endeavor Story began after our Founders Dave & Nancy Rodgers both experienced tender losses of loved ones. Dave lost his first wife of 40 years after a hard fought battle with cancer. During her final years, private duty non-medical caregivers were an integral part of her comfort and care. For Nancy it was the loss of both parents, one of whom went to live in a memory care facility for her Dementia.

After these experiences, Dave & Nancy felt called to make a difference in the lives of seniors. In 2015 they created Endeavor In Home Care with the goal; enrich lives and empower seniors with the independence to stay at home for as long as possible. It’s a blessing to help others remain safe and in control, in the familiar comfort of their own home.

To provide our clients with the highest quality caregivers, and promote continuous learning, we created the Endeavor Training Institute, an Arizona State licensed caregiver school. What began as a simple concept has grown to a school that now trains caregivers for some of the top Assisted Living Communities in the Valley. Clients love the extra care, and reliability of Endeavor’s caregivers so much that we were voted “Best of Home Care” 6 years in a row!

It’s hard to know when “it’s time” to seek a little more care at home. That’s why from day one we start with a Free In Home Assessment, to discuss individual challenges, needs, and goals for care. For some, they might just need a few hours a week of extra help bathing, or with other Activities of Daily Living. Our care spectrum ranges from 4 hours a day up to full 24hour and in home memory care, with our Cognitive Care . No matter what the need, give Endeavor a call, our Care Management staff will work with you to assess needs, and create a customized care plan.

Everything we do at Endeavor is guided by our culture of Service. Read some of the amazing reviews and testimonials which consistently speak to the peace of mind and the life enriching experiences provided, and you’ll understand our saying... “Once you’re with Endeavor, you’re family forever.”

Visit Us Today!

How to Spot the Signs of Elder Self-Neglect

When we see or hear the term “elder abuse,” many of us instantly think about a professional scammer getting access to an elderly person’s finances or a shameless and amoral family member exploiting a senior loved one for personal and financial gain. But when you pull on a hidden thread in the fabric of elder abuse, you’ll find there is a subcategory known as “elder self-neglect.” Senior care experts are seeing this type of self-abuse become a rising trend among older adults, particularly those seniors aging at home.

What is Elder Self-Neglect?

“Elder self-neglect” is defined as “refusal or failure to provide oneself with care and protection in areas of food, water, clothing, hygiene, medication, living environments, and safety precautions,” according to an article published by the National Institutes of Health. It is a type of self-inflicted abuse when an older person is unwilling or unable to perform essential self-care, such as conducting personal hygiene, taking prescribed medication, having meals, or staying sheltered.

Self-neglect leads to poor physical and mental health. In addition, the risk of premature death rockets to 15 times higher for older adults who self-neglect, according to the Institute for Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers University. Given that seniors are more likely to suffer from a chronic illness, dementia or depression, they are more at risk of self-neglect. State-level data suggests the problem has been growing in recent years due to an increasing number of seniors who live alone or without nearby family members. Census data points to about 25% of seniors ages 65 and older, or 14.3 million, were living alone in 2017, up 31% from 10.9 million in 2007. A 2019 Pew Research Center study reported that older adults spend over half their waking hours alone.

“A lot of people end up getting very isolated in their homes,” says Lori Delagrammatikas, executive director of the National Adult Protective Services Association. “That can cause a downward spiral.” Research scientists like Farida Kassim Ejaz of the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, are concerned that the increase in elder self-neglect cases is due to the pandemic triggering periods of isolation for older adults. Data is difficult to come by, she told PBS’ Next Avenue, as family members and friends aren’t visiting frequently enough to realize their senior loved one is self-neglecting.

Signs of Elder Self-Neglect

Many times, seniors will not readily admit that they need help, and when confronted, they may try to assure you that everything is fine. That’s why it’s important that family members stay vigilant and watch for red flags. The following is a list of warning signs that a senior needs assistance:

Spoiled food that doesn’t get thrown away
Missing important appointments
Unexplained bruising
Trouble getting up from a seated position
Difficulty with walking, balance and mobility
Uncertainty and confusion when performing once-familiar tasks
Forgetfulness
Unpleasant body odor
Infrequent showering and bathing
Strong smell of urine in the house
Noticeable decline in grooming habits and personal care
Dirty house, extreme clutter and dirty laundry piling up
Stacks of unopened mail or an overflowing mailbox
Late payment notices, bounced checks and calls from bill collectors
Poor diet or weight loss
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
Forgetting to take medications – or taking more than the prescribed dosage
Diagnosis of dementia or early onset Alzheimer’s
Unexplained dents and scratches on a car

Source: AgingCare.com

What to Do If You Suspect Elder Self-Neglect

If your elderly loved one is exhibiting any of the signs above, it may be time to consider care options. However, seniors often see needing assistance with ADLs as a loss of independence and may start to view themselves as a burden. That’s why it’s important to recognize the early warning signs and prepare the senior to transition to care. Without a plan, the need for care in an emergency situation can create unnecessary emotional and financial stress for seniors and their families.

Transitioning to care is often an emotional process for seniors – one that can leave them feeling afraid, vulnerable, and angry. Families should focus first on determining what type of care is best for their loved one, whether that be an in-home caregiver or an assisted living facility, or even a 24/7 home care safety system like Amada Connect. Ask your loved one what their preference for care options would be and try to be understanding of their point of view. If they continue to be resistant to help, enlist the help of other family members and friends who can express concerns about their wellbeing.

While many seniors see needing assistance as a loss of their independence, finding quality care can actually prolong their independence and help them live a safer, healthier, and happier life. An adviser from Amada Senior Care will help seniors and their families find the best care options available for every situation and will work to make the transition to care an easier and more pleasant experience. Click HERE to find an Amada location nearest you or call 866-752-1961 toll-free.

How To Communicate with a Senior Loved One Who Has Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia among the elderly population. Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that progresses in stages, beginning with memory loss and potentially leading to changes in physical abilities like walking and difficulty in communicating.

World Alzheimer’s Month in September exists to challenge the stigmas surrounding dementia and empower seniors and their loved ones to reach out for the support and assistance they need. The 2021 theme of Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s spotlights the power of knowledge in the fight against Alzheimer’s and the continuing search for a cure. The World Health Organization and other nonprofit research groups estimate that more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide.

Understanding the warning signs of dementia, proactively seeking a timely diagnosis, and continuing to learn about dementia and Alzheimer’s are all empowering steps to help older adults and families better able to prepare and adapt to any needed changes. Do not hesitate contact an Amada Senior Care advisor to learn more about resources to include specially trained Amada caregivers who can provide in-home care support to help seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s manage their symptoms and give respite to family caregivers.

At Amada, we know that caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia takes an endless amount of patience. Professional caregivers are trained to handle difficult situations and respond to the varying moods of their clients, but family caregivers usually have no previous experience to draw on. One of the most important things to know in caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is how to communicate effectively.

Jo Huey, an Alzheimer’s caregiver for over 30 years, has created what she calls “The 10 Absolutes of Alzheimer’s Caregiving.” She shares more stories of her experiences in her book “Alzheimer’s Disease: Help and Hope.” The 10 Absolutes provide practical yet compassionate strategies for family caregivers to implement that are based on her personal experience. We hope you find some of these helpful.

Never argue, instead agree.
Never reason, instead divert.
Never shame, instead distract.
Never say “you can’t,” instead say “do what you can.”
Never command or demand, instead ask or model.
Never condescend, instead encourage and praise.
Never say “remember,” instead reminisce.
Never say “I told you,” instead repeat.
Never lecture, instead reassure.
Never force, instead reinforce.

In a nutshell, be understanding, attuned, and constantly aware of your loved one’s condition. It may be difficult to remember at times, but their mentally deteriorated state is not really “them,” and their misconceptions due to their condition are not their fault.

For more information and education about dementia and Alzheimer’s, click on the links below to these resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute on Aging

National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center

Aging at Home Continues as Top Senior Goal

Aging at Home Continues as Top Senior Goal

Here’s some breaking news on this International Day for Older Persons: An overwhelmingly number of seniors have not budged from their preference to age at home and in fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has strengthened their desire to do so. In the just released AAG Importance of Home Survey, more than 80 percent of American seniors said they want to live in their home for the rest of their lives. Here are some reasons why staying put matters to aging seniors:

Roughly four in five seniors (83%) say they feel safer at home than anywhere else. Living in one’s home is tied closely to a feeling of safety.

Half of the seniors in AAG’s survey said that the pandemic strengthened their desire to live at home longer. “Independence” was stated as the most important benefit of living at home, according to more than one-third (40%) of older Americans surveyed.

More than half (56%) pointed to family life as a significant reason, saying their home reminds them of their family. More than two in three seniors (68%) have communicated to family members where they would like to live for the rest of their lives, and overwhelmingly it’s with their children and close relatives.

Of course even before the pandemic, AARP and other senior research organizations have reported on the “aging at home” or “aging in place” trend solidifying. AARP reports that nearly 90 percent of adults over 65 want to remain in their current homes for as long as possible. However, at some point, nearly every senior will need assistance with performing daily tasks.

Currently, there are around 40 million people in the U.S. acting as a caregiver in some form to an elderly relative. The added responsibility of caring for a senior loved one to an already busy and overbooked life will add stress, that untreated, will eventually lead to caregiver burnout. And the 2020 Caregiving in the US Report by AARP found about half of the family caregivers surveyed said they are using some type of caregiver technology to supplement some of their duties.

According to the report, the reason family caregivers may not be using technology is mostly due to a lack of awareness and a perception that these new technologies are probably difficult to use and won’t actually help them that much. However, nearly half of the current caregiver population is made up of Generation X and millennials. Experts say that these younger generations are more likely to adopt caregiving technologies, and that the digital health industry hit nearly $30 billion last year.

“We’ve entered the era of low-cost, miniaturized, technological capabilities that enable smarter caregiving and greater independence,” said Laurie Orlov, an aging-in-place technology analyst.

Perhaps the most significant benefit caregiving technology offers is peace of mind, for both seniors and their loved ones. More and more family caregivers are interested in using in-home monitoring systems, as well as medication management tools that provide refills, deliveries, and adherence for their senior loved ones’ prescriptions, making and supervising medical appointments, and assessing health needs and conditions.

In-Home Care Technology Systems

There are several systems that provide technology-based safety services for seniors, such as “fall buttons” and GPS tracking devices. In-home monitoring systems are also increasing in popularity with seniors and their loved ones. Amada Connect is an in-home personal response system that puts seniors who are alone in their home in touch with emergency responders at any time of day.

Amada Connect devices feature 24-hour, hands-free, two-way communication only seconds after a pendant is activated, with a built-in speakerphone, optional fall detection, as well as both visual and audible alarm indicators — perfect for hearing and / or visually impaired seniors. An in-home personal emergency response system (PERS) like Amada Connect can provide some peace of mind to families with senior loved ones living independently.

Statistics indicate that one out of three people over the age of 65 will fall at least once this year and that older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes. There are voice- and motion-activated accessories to Amada Connect such as a door contact, panic detector and pressure-sensitive floor alarm.

Another tech device rising in popularity are state-of-the-art medication dispensers like Hero Medication Management Dispenser. The device can be set up by a caregiver or family member to ensure an elderly loved one is taking the right medications on the right day and time. The Hero unit provides an automated alert to a pre-designated contact if a dose is missed.

Technology devices like these can act as a supplemental caregiver, and is a way for loved ones to be reassured that a senior is behaving in a normal pattern. Since many seniors only receive around four hours of care a day, Amada Connect can serve as a safeguard should something happen when a caregiver isn’t present. An Amada Senior Care advisor can assist you in designing a safety plan for yourself of a senior loved one at home for emergency response, medication management or another independent living concern.


We’re here to help, so feel free to call us toll-free at 866-752-1961 to franchise location near you.

AZNHA - Arizona In-Home Care Association - Understanding its Importance

AZNHA – What is it? AZNHA was founded as a consumer protection and business trade association, to be an advocate for the home care industry within the state of Arizona because our state doesn’t require a license to open a home care agency. Simply put, we don’t have a regulatory body to keep our industry operating within a ‘best practice’ standard. After failed attempts to get legislative recognition, leaders in the homecare industry got together to form AZNHA to create self-regulated oversight for an industry that serves a vulnerable population. The other purpose was to establish a higher standard of expectation in the areas of service delivery, human resources, business ethics, education and consumer protection. The homecare industry predominantly serves our elderly population and those who are experiencing ill health. Individuals and families in need must trust in an industry that can provide care safely. They deserve excellence in continuity of care, honesty, integrity and an industry looking out for their best interests.

AZNHA – Why use it? The Benefits – ‘Best Practice’ Requirements include:

1. Member agencies must be insured and bonded and have a store-front office. That means you, as a consumer, are protected under a myriad of circumstances.
2. All caregivers must be hired as employees and not contract workers, so that all liability, including paying taxes, workers, comp, and social security, etc. falls to the agency, not the consumer. This is a huge safety net.
3. A thorough interview process looking for qualified caregivers includes a 50-state background check of all employees before hiring.
4. Employees are drug tested prior to hiring as well as randomly throughout employment.
5. Driving record checks and insurance confirmation for those who will be driving clients provides another layer of protection.
6. Current CPR and first-aid certification for all caregivers is required.
7. Proof of negative tuberculosis tests and infectious disease policies will mitigate exposure to dangerous health risks.
8. A robust pool of qualified caregivers means replacement/back-up staff options can be sent temporarily when a caregiver calls in sick, or becomes otherwise unavailable, eliminating you scrambling with staffing in the current world of caregiver shortages.
9. Consistent oversight from staff doing in-home supervisory visits every 90 days allows you to have input into your caregiver’s reviews.
10. A new client representative will come into your home, free of charge, to assess the individual needing care. Through observation, discussion, and a full assessment process, they will write a complete care plan for the individual needing assistance with the help from the family. They will then use that information to help find a caregiver that would be a good ‘fit’ for the new client. The right personality is usually a determining characteristic, but skill-set for specific needs must also be carefully considered.
11. Ongoing professional support – care coordinators, care managers, dementia specialists, etc. are part of your team from your AZNHA-member agency, as well as their community partners and resources.
12. The AZNHA organization also functions as a safety net with a formal complaint process that supports you as a consumer when or if your AZNHA homecare company does not fulfill its standards of operation.
13. AZNHA members can go into communities and assist residents moving into assisted living or memory care, as well as those in independent living. They also can sit-in for family members who cannot be there if individuals are in the hospital or a rehab.

**Note: COVID restrictions may apply.

In summary, AZNHA agencies are professionals who absorb the headaches, the challenges, the liabilities, and the larger frustrations when needs are immediate and physical resources are limited.

What’s the bottom line?

Non-medical homecare is a savior to individuals and families who want/need one on one caregiving support, in whatever setting they call home, no matter how small or great the need. Whether someone is aging, living with a chronic illness, or recuperating, help is often needed at some point. Bringing someone into your home can be a little scary. It’s a big enough leap to admit it’s time to need assistance, and the thought of having a stranger in the home can be daunting.
People are afraid that homecare means they’re no longer independent. But the reality is that homecare allows you to stay independent longer because you are assessing your situation and making decisions to stay safe. Using an AZNHA agency not only provides the assistance you need, it helps you cover all the angles you need to be in the best and safest situation you can be.

For more information, contact: https://aznha.org, info@aznha.org or call 602-283-3503.

Elaine Poker-Yount, CDP is Director of Care Management and a PAC Certified Dementia Trainer at Visiting Angels East Valley, a Founding Member Organization of AZNHA

Mirabella at ASU Premier Retirement Community - Opening Soon!

http://www.retirement.org/mirabella-asu/

We are pleased to announce our newest SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options advertiser!

Mirabella at ASU Health Services is getting ready to open. We will offer Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living and Memory Care. Independent Living has been open since December 2020. Mirabella at ASU is a distinct Life Plan community, in part, because of its proximity and partnership with Arizona State University. The community is located along the arts & culture corridor of the ASU’s Tempe campus which facilitates resident engagement in ASU’s vibrant campus life including a wide range of events, performances and exhibits.

Residents are fully affiliated members of the ASU community with ASU IDs which enable their participation in classroom learning alongside enrolled ASU students and access to campus facilities such as the libraries and fitness facilities.

​Mirabella residents are not only considered lifelong learners, but also valued contributors with important knowledge, experiences, and skills to share with ASU students which helps ensure the success of future generations.

Senior Care for Veterans: The Aid and Attendance Benefit

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total number of Americans over the age of 65 was about 54 million as of July 2019. Of that population, more than 12 million consisted of war veterans, their surviving spouses or both. They make up a segment of Americans who may be eligible to receive a VA Pension, such as the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit. Receiving the pension ultimately depends on income, assets and long-term healthcare needs, but due to the rising occurrence of long-term care, statistics show that 60 to 80 percent of this population will qualify for pension benefits at some point.

The Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension is a part of the VA Improved Pension, which has three tiers. There is the Basic Pension, which begins at age 65. The second tier is the Housebound Pension, which is for those who need more simple care, like assistance with activities of daily living. The third tier is the Aid and Attendance Benefit.

To apply for the Aid and Attendance Benefit, one can write to the VA regional office where he or she filed a Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation. Along with a DD-214 form (or military “separation papers”), a person should include evidence provided by medical personnel that they qualify, with specific details about the injury or illness or if they need assistance with activities of daily living. Is the veteran confined to his or her home? How well can he or she get around? These are details that will be needed in order to be considered for the benefit.

There are four basic points that qualify someone to receive the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit:

The first point to consider is the veteran’s military service. A person is required to have at least 90 days of active duty on his or her service record, with at least one day of service within a war-time period. The reason for leaving the service can be anything but a dishonorable discharge. A surviving spouse is also eligible, as long as the marriage was ended by the veteran’s death.

The following is a list that VA recognizes as wartime periods to determine eligibility for VA Pension benefits (from va.gov):

World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)

Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)

Vietnam era (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)

Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation)

The second point to consider for qualification is the veteran’s state of health. A doctor needs to certify that the veteran’s health has declined to where he or she needs assistance from another person.

To qualify, one specifically must need assistance with activities of daily living like eating, bathing and getting dressed. Other qualifications include blindness, or living in a nursing home or assisted-living facility. Even a healthy veteran can file for a sick spouse if the spouse’s medical needs qualify and medical bills deplete their monthly income.

The third point to consider is if the veteran is spending the majority of his or her monthly income on healthcare expenses. One’s net worth limitations and net income come into play, but there is no set amount to qualify. Each individual is considered on a case-by-case basis. Even if one’s income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate, one could still qualify for the benefit based on annual medical expenses. The Aid and Attendance Benefit provides up to $1,936 per month for a single veteran; $1,244 for a surviving spouse; and $3,072 for two married veterans.

The last point to consider is the veteran’s age. The older the veteran, the less he or she will receive from the benefit in most cases. Due to lower life expectancy as age increases, the VA will most likely decline older veterans if they have a higher amount of income and assets.

Rick Hagins, the owner of Amada Senior Care San Fernando Valley, says Amada works to help individuals understand financial resource management, in which VA benefits are just one category of many.

“Managing the Aid and Attendance benefit can be a difficult process because there are many things to consider such as military service, age, health, income and assets” said Hagins. “There’s also a lot of information out there concerning the Aid and Attendance Benefit that is simply untrue.”

With so much competitive information circulating and so many hurdles to jump through, Rick stressed the importance of good research and reliable information. “It’s generally good to speak to someone who’s familiar with the intricacies and details of these types of programs,” Rick said. “At Amada, we can help people find the right resources and connect them with others who are equipped to handle these situations.”

If you think you or someone you know may be eligible for veterans benefits to pay for home care, visit this locations list to contact an Amada Senior Care advisor near you.

Written by Amada blog contributor Taylor French.


Visit our website today! https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/

The Value of Home Care

The Value of Home Care The Home Care Association of America and Global Coalition on Aging‘s collaborative booklet, “Caring for America’s Seniors: The Value of Home Care,” was the first report to shed a light on the critical role home care plays in the lives of many seniors, families, the healthcare system, and the nation’s economy as America continues to gray.

“The Value of Home Care” emphasizes the importance of home care by helping us not only understand the needs of our aging population, but also by forcing us to recognize American seniors’ desire to age in the comfort of their own homes and in the communities with which they are familiar. Here are a few key takeaways from the report, as well as some insight as to how home care is a key component of the senior care continuum.

The Graying of America By 2021, 56 million Americans will be 65 and older. By 2050, that number will reach 84 million By 2040, the number of adults older than 85 is expected to triple. Americans (and much of the world) are aging. There are now more adults over the age of 65 than ever before. The percentage of Americans over 65 will continue to increase as baby boomers age, and improvements in healthcare extend our average life span.

While this is certainly something to celebrate, our “bonus years” don’t come without a price. An increase in age often leads to an increase in the likelihood you will need care. In fact, nearly 70% of Americans who reach 65 will be unable to care for themselves at some point; as a result, they will need some form of assistance.

Who is Going to Provide the Care? It’s no secret that our current government healthcare programs and institutions are insufficient when it comes to meeting the needs of our rapidly aging population.

This begs the question, “Who is going to provide that care?”

The answer lies in home care – more specifically, private-pay home care.

Home Care Home care allows seniors age in the comfort of their own homes while maintaining their health and prolonging their active lifestyles for as long as possible. This service is provided by home care professionals referred to as caregivers.

Although caregivers are typically not medically certified, they do receive professional training that allows them to assist seniors with the activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include:
Bathing Dressing Meal preparation/feeding Medication reminders Walking/exercise assistance Light housekeeping Errands/shopping Toileting Arguably more importantly, caregivers also provide seniors with the companionship and mental stimulation many older adults fail to receive. These caring professionals have various ways of doing this, including engaging seniors in conversation and accompanying them in other activities. Caregivers also give families peace of mind by recognizing and alerting loved ones to any signs they feel may indicate a decline in health.

At this time of pandemic, the additional professional training that Amada Senior Care caregivers receive includes ongoing training and certifications on minimizing Covid-19 risks. In addition to this education on universal precautions, Amada caregivers also are provided with PPE (personal protective equipment) like gloves, masks and hand sanitizer.

Home Care Allows Seniors To “Age in Place” It’s no secret why older Americans want to stay at home. There is a sense of pride that comes with owning your own home and it is often part of the American dream. Over 80 percent of Americans in their early 70s own their own home, and as you can imagine, many of them worked hard to do so. Owning a home is something they are proud of, and it can be devastating for them to leave simply because they need a little (or a lot) of help. Home care often provides seniors with the option to live where they choose.

Home Care Reduces Long-Term Care Costs Not only does home care allow seniors to age where they want, but it does so while reducing the overall financial cost of health care. Home care is a far more cost-effective option for long-term care than traditional methods. Here is a snapshot of the current annual cost of long-term care.

It costs about $91,250 for a private room at a nursing home, while a semi-private room cost an average of $80,300. $43,200 is the average cost to live in an assisted living facility. It costs an estimated $45,000 to receive in-home care services. You can calculate the cost of care in your area with the Genworth Cost of Care Survey tool.

Home care has also been shown to…
Reduce hospital readmissions Reduce the need for a doctor Reduce senior falls (which often result in a trip to the doctor) The Takeaway Private-pay home care complements our existing health care services by alleviating some of the pressure on the healthcare system and simultaneously allowing many seniors to age where they want to—in their homes. Not only does home care fill a critical gap for seniors in between hospital stays, nursing home facilities, and care provided by loved ones, home care provides seniors with a choice about how and where they age. Furthermore, home care gives family members peace of mind knowing their older loved ones are safe.

If you have questions about home care, how to safely age in place and how to pay for caregiving services, we would love to speak with you and provide answers. Amada Senior Care is committed to enriching lives by providing nurturing, compassionate, non-medical in-home care and by guiding families through the many supportive senior living options available to them.

Visit our website today! https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/

Healthy Habits Leads to Healthy Aging

HEART HEALTHY MONTH!

This is the takeaway for American Heart Month, the campaign reminding us to make time to maintain our cardiovascular health at every age!

The American Heart Association points to heart disease as the greatest public health threat and cardiovascular disease as the underlying cause of death in 1 out of 3 people. Now, the potential harmful effects of coronavirus on the heart and vascular system have heightened the importance of healthful habits.

Studies show that heart health can be improved at any age. Committing to a healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep blood pressure and cholesterol numbers within a healthy range. Losing weight if BMI (body mass index) is high and quitting smoking will provide more positive health benefits.

A trained Amada caregiver can help your senior patients protect their overall health or manage symptoms of congestive heart failure or stroke recovery. Call 877-44-AMADA to learn how we can help. We always appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us as your partner supporting seniors along the care continuum journey.

MBK Senior Living Celebrates National Activity Professionals Week

 

10,000 Possibilities in 2021

January 27, 2021 |by MBK Senior Living

All Mbk Senior Living

January 24-30 is National Activity Professionals Week, an opportunity to recognize the role of Resident Enrichment Directors and other activities professionals have in enhancing seniors' lives nationwide.

 

At MBK Senior Living communities, our Resident Enrichment Directors help advance our signature program, Mind+Body Wellness, by providing residents the opportunity to choose from several activities, classes, and programs that enrich the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. The program encourages residents to integrate all aspects of wellness into their lives and offers a diverse offering designed with the specific needs of residents in mind.

 

"The past year and conditions due to the pandemic have created challenges to the robust offerings and group classes that so many of our residents enjoy," said Crystal Roberts, National Director of Resident Enrichment. "Our team of Resident Enrichment directors has stepped up to find creative solutions to keep residents thriving."

 

"It's fitting that this year's theme to National Activity Professionals Week is '10,000 Possibilities'," added Crystal. "It's a reminder that while we currently might not be able to do traditional activities and outings, there are always new possibilities to explore. It just takes some imagination and willingness to embrace new technology – which our team wholeheartedly does!"

 

In addition to various emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual opportunities,  MBK communities launched its annual themed activities program in January. This year's theme, "America the Great," will immerse residents monthly in America's history, culture, food, music, politics, as well as other aspects that make America great.

 

This month's focus was "Welcome to Hollywood!" featuring activities and discussions that celebrated American radio, television, and film. Residents have enjoyed film fests to view some of America's all-time most significant films, tested their knowledge of broadcast history and trivia, played "Hallway Game Shows" to maintain social distance while testing knowledge of long-time American game shows, joined virtual book clubs to discuss biographies of notable American celebrities, and so much more.

 

"There's a misperception that seniors are 'locked down,' isolated and alone in senior living communities due to the pandemic," said Roberts. "But the fact is, here they have access to programs, services, and technology to keep them active, connected, and safe. More so than most would have in their own homes."

 

"When you pivot your thinking to what's possible, as opposed to what's paused during the pandemic, you'll find the possibilities to stay active and engaged are endless," said Roberts.

 

To learn more or find an MBK community near you, visit MBKseniorliving.com.