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.

The Biggest Senior Mental Health Issues Today

 

As parents and grandparents age, many adult children (and seniors themselves) fear that their loved one will be diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, enduring years of cognitive decline and ultimately death as a result of the crippling disease. When we think of mental health issues in seniors, Alzheimer’s and dementia is at the forefront of our thoughts, conversations, and research. However, there is another silent killer that poses the biggest threat to senior mental health—depression.

Depressive disorders are the top mental health issue faced by seniors today, said gerontologist Patrick Arbore, EdD, director of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief-Related Services, a program of the Institute on Aging in San Francisco that he founded in 1973. Closely following are cognitive disorders (such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease), anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders, respectively.

During this Covid-19 time of physical distancing, many older adults are feeling isolated, lonely, agitated, and withdrawn, reports the National Council on Aging, noting that those with underlying behavioral health conditions, such as depression, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, and previous substance use disorder are at higher risk for severe anxiety, relapse and thoughts of suicide. Click here to read NCA’s tips for managing your mental health during the pandemic.

According to the Center for Disease Control, between one and five percent of seniors living at home suffer from major depression; the numbers rise to about 14 percent for those who need home health care or are living in an assisted living facility. Those who have chronic diseases are more prone to suffer from depression. Although the rate of those affected increases with age, depression is not a normal part of aging and can be treated in 80 percent of cases. However, depression and other mental health issues are widely unrecognized and untreated among seniors.

With the holiday season quickly approaching, seniors may begin to experience seasonal depression, which often leads to further depression when untreated. A variety of factors can bring on the “holiday blues” – cold weather, shorter days, disabilities that prevent participation in holiday traditions, loneliness, isolation, loss of a spouse, etc. “The holidays are a time of tradition and the gathering of family and friends for many people,” said social worker Mary Stehle, LICSW. “For some seniors, this can be a time that reminds them of losses…the loss of loved ones, the loss of a home, and the loss of good health.”

If these symptoms continue to accumulate and worsen, it can lead to bigger issues, said Arbore. “Loneliness and isolation are such a concern among community-dwelling elderly,” he said. “If that milder depression isn’t recognized, it can get worse, for example, with the death of a spouse or adult son or daughter. That loss could trigger a major depressive episode.”

Arbore said the main reason depression so often goes untreated in seniors is because the value placed on independence makes it difficult to ask for help. “It’s going to make them less likely to say to somebody ‘I haven’t been sleeping that well,’ ‘I’m not making good decisions,’ or ‘I’m not eating very well,’” Arbore said. “That would normally trigger a question about, ‘Hey, what’s going on?’ But often – even if they are aware that something has been changing – they still won’t ask for help.” He also pointed out that many seniors don’t know who to ask for help, and may not see the need for a specialist, like a geriatrician.

So how do we fight elderly depression?  Arbore said some crucial needs include mental health specialists for seniors and awareness among family, caregivers, and the healthcare industry of the signs of depression and how to treat it. The following are some signs that a senior may be suffering from a mental health concern, such as depression:

• Persistent sadness
• Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much
• Decreased socialization
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Excessive worrying
• Irritability
• Feeling worthless, helpless or hopeless
• Changes in appetite
• Crying spells
• Trouble focusing, remembering or making decisions

As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 4-10, we can help seniors living with mental health issues like depression by continuing to raising awareness of the issue, educating the public, providing support, and replacing the stigma of mental illness with hope. Know that you can reach out to an Amada Senior Care advisor to ask about assistance and available resources.

Visit us today @ www.amadamesa.com 

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!"