I found this post on a the Smart Women Invest blog - thought I would share it as it does very briefly and to the point tell you what to look for when shopping for long term care insurance. Since Medicare does not pay for long term care - it is usually something that I recommend people look into.

• What qualifies you for the benefits?
• What type of care is covered?
• What will the benefit amount be?
• What is the benefit period?
• Is the benefit adjusted for inflation?
• Is there a waiting period before benefits begin?

Read an article today in the Sun Times about a man who assumed because he was losing his memory and was having trouble with balance that it was simply a part of 'just getting old'. Well he had a stroke and they discovered he had normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the brain. He had a shunt put in and now he is back to normal. You can read the entire article here.

Before making the actual move there is usually some paperwork that has to be filled out by the family and the doctor before the new resident can move in, especially if its is licensed and regulated by the state.Depending on the property you choose, the following information is necessary:

• Medicare card/insurance number
• Birth Certificate/driver's license
• Resident physician report (supplied by property completed by physician) - includes physician's name, address and telephone number
• Contact information of other doctors and dentists
• Responsible party's name, address and phone
• Emergency party's name, address and phone
• Pharmacy name, address and phone
• Advance directives such as Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney
• Some properties will also require you to fill out a "DNR" or Do Not Resuscitate" directive

In addition, the community will probably also include an information form for the family to fill out that lists the new residents likes and dislikes, hobbies, prior jobs, family etc. The more information you can include the better, especially in the case of a person who is moving in with memory impairment.

March 20- March 27 Join the Ultimate Blog Party!

If you are visiting my blog for the first time because of the party - welcome!  This is basically something I put together 3 years ago because I always learn something new that has to do with senior living or caregiving or resources for the elderly and I thought it would be the best way for me to share all that I have learned.

Looking forward to meeting all of you who visit, please say 'hi'!

Happy first day of spring...

Remember, this is your new home and you should make it yours. Most assisted living apartments come unfurnished, though some will rent furniture if needed. The property can also supply bed lines including pillows (twin bed), towels, washcloths and shower curtains. I think that bringing your own pillow is the best idea - but you can use the rest and accessorize with your favorite blankets, throws, etc.Residents may want to bring some of the following: personal toiletries, bath mats, wall hangings and pictures, radio, television, clock, telephone, VCR/DVD player and custom window treatments.Furniture required is usually a bed, night stand, lamps, recliner chair or rocker, bookshelf, dresser, chest of drawers.Don't forget to bring the photo albums and your personality.

It is important to carefully assess all of your needs when searching for senior housing. From our experience, these are the top 5 things you want to look for.1. Cost - How much do they charge and how are you going to pay for it? Some charge a standard monthly fee and some charge for care a la carte. It is important to realize this when comparing facilities. In the current economy, do NOT be afraid to ask if they community you are considering is running any specials or incentives - you might save a couple of thousand dollars. Remember, Medicare does NOT pay for assisted living2. Location - Where do you want to be - near your current neighborhood, friends and church? Near your children? It is sometimes best to consider a place that is easiest to get to for friends and family to visit. The real estate rule is still in effect.. pricing is all about location location location.3. Care - Make sure the place you choose has the staff and the training to handle the medical issues of the person making the move. That can include medication management issues, falling or Alzheimer's disease. I usually recommend that the community has a nurse on staff every day - and hopefully for 12 or more hours a day if possible.4. Room Type - This is an area of the greatest adjustment. Many times the senior is not just downsizing, they are really downsizing. They may be moving from a 4 bedroom home to a studio apartment. Check out the cost of each option and keep in mind their furniture. Remember - the dining room table does NOT have to come with. You would not believe how many times people tell me they want to bring their dining room table. (Same people who have been eating off a TV tray in front of the television every night.)5. Meals - by far the 3 most important activities of the day. Meal time allows residents to socialize as well as get the nutritious meals they may have been skipping at home. Is the dining area clean? Are the residents given a choice of entrees? Every place I work with will allow you to come in for lunch to try the food. Take advantage of this! And if they don't invite you, ask. If they don't want you to try the food.. .... run!

I found this article the other day and felt that it really did a good job of showing what happens in a lot of cases when someone finally moves into an assisted living community.  Having worked in them myself I have seen this same story, different names.  Senior is at home, lonely, not eating properly, not taking medications correctly, not safe.  Usually something triggers the acceptance of the move.  And often times, this will happen.  The senior will flourish with proper medication management, good nutrition and socialization.  Of course this does not happen 100% of the time, but if you can do a good job of researching/picking the right place, it just might.

Here is a link to the story, When is Assisted Living the Right Solution for Elder Care?

According to Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter of Illinois, palliative care is:

• Medical care that is provided by an interdisciplinary team to improve your quality of life and relieve suffering
• Addresses physical symptoms, as well as your emotional, interpersonal and spiritual concerns
• Can occur along with treatments that have cure and recovery as their goal

Another one of Senior Living Experts partners, Alden Gardens of Waterford in Aurora IL has won some awards.  They won 3 state awards at the Illinois Health Care Association Convention in Peoria.  To read about the awards and the people who won them check out the article The Art of Senior Care.

I still think independent living has suffered a little bit from the housing bubble bursting, but the idea in this video is correct.  You can't choose to stop aging, and assisted living is need driven.  You move in then decide what to do with the house.  The video is short and informative, but you do have to get past the ad first where the guy from Law & Order tries to sell you some stock! :)

Senior Housing Not Slowing Video from Mainstreet.com

Willow Falls Senior Living Community is hosting a professional panel made up of a geriatrician, attorney, Alzheimer's care expert, nurse, and social worker will present on many issues facing our aging population. Audience will have a chance to submit questions as well. Be sure to contact Julie Brewer Community Relations Director: (815) 725-5868 to RSVP for what will be a very informative discussion.Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009Time: 6 PM - 8 PMLocation: Willow Falls Recreation Center, 1691 Willow Circle Drive, Crest Hill IL

Read this in an article from the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

People with Alzheimer’s are high consumers of hospital, nursing homeand other health and long-term care services, which translates intohigh costs for Medicare, Medicaid and millions of families. As familiesstruggle to survive in a deepening recession and states grapple withbudget shortfalls, Alzheimer’s disease threatens to overwhelm themboth.

Read the whole article at the Alzheimers Association website.

Nancy just received this beautiful hand written note which I wanted to share:

Dear Nancy,

Thank you for the expertise you provided in selecting a home for my aunt.  The Park seems to be a perfect fit.  Adeline has done very well this first month and I am so grateful you pointed out independent living.  I will keep your card to refer others to your service.  I've already pointed a few people your way.

Thanks again and have a great spring,

Barb B.

Thanks for sharing Nancy! 

Since we only specialize in Chicago I thought I would include this nice chart of pricing from across the country.  It appears that pricing has gone up regardless of the recession but that could be because assisted living is very need driven.

Chart of Senior Living Rental Rates Nationwide

This is an ironically unforgettable video I found on You Tube. It was funded by the Art Council of Wales.  Haunting.

The average assisted living resident needs help with 3 or more ADL's (activities of daily living)

The average resident is an 80-something woman

They do not need highly skilled care

They would benefit from socialization

Those that might be unsafe in their own homes.

But of course each situation is unique.  We have certainly helped people who are much young or much older.  Males, females and couples... and never under estimate the power of socialization on the mind and well being of someone. 

The Anne Byron Waud Resource Center is located on the 4th floor of the Johnston R. Bowman Health Center.710 S. Paulina, Suite 438, Chicago, IL 60612This service, offered by Rush Generations offers skilled and compassionate professionals that can support you with health, aging and caregiving concerns.Education & Support

• ongoing education and support groups
• Benefits CheckUp - determines program eligibility in IL and nationwide
• Information on diagnosis & treatment options
• caregiving training & resources
• planning for future care needs
• community referrals and info
• physician referrals and info
• medicare and insurance information and guidance
• brochures on community resources
• books & videos on a variety of topics
• nutrition and exercise information
• complementary and alternative medicine options
• FREE computer class
• & more...

Call 800-757-0202 for more information!

As difficult as it is to find affordable living arrangements for seniors, it can be even more difficult to know who to trust.

It seems almost daily the news is filled with horror stories about senior living centers where caregivers provided poor or under adjusted care for their residents.  It’s scary to have to put your trust in people who you barely know and enable them to care for loved ones and family.  Follow a few simple tips how to find a facility you trust and keep everyone involved in the know.

Remember: there’s no substitute for firsthand experience.

It stands to reason that a good senior living facility will put you in touch with people who use their services.  Make sure that if these are families of those already living in the facility that they have the opportunity to speak with you outsides of the confines of the facility.  There are always people who are willing to give you clear, trustworthy feedback to all your questions if you know where to look, and if at any time you feel like it is a chore to communicate with a specific facility or potential caregiver this is not a good sign.

There should be no confusion about simple questions about things like meal times, quiet times, activities and the ratio of caregivers and staff to patients.  Remember – every question is important and if they don’t have time to answer them, will they take the right amount of time to give your family member or loved one the care they deserve?

Check the net.

Websites like www.angieslist.org and other internet based web reviews are a great place to start as well.  Many of them don’t allow anonymous reviews and offer certified data collection practices.  Remember that any reviews could possibly be influenced and have common interest in the places they are reviewing.  Take everything you learn with a grain of salt and remember that your gut instinct is always something to pay attention to, if the price is too low or the deal too easy that may be a red flag.

Talk to an expert.

Many times the primary care doctors of elderly patients can be a fantastic resource to find nursing homes and care facilities.  Most doctors have been in exactly your shoes and know the stresses and worries associated with finding credible, safe facilities.  Although financial limitations may unavoidably affect your choice, talking to experts and as many people as you can will help give you perspective and direction in your search.

Pick one willing to go the extra mile to work with you.

A facility going out of its way to communicate and make certain your questions are answered may be a sign that they will go the extra mile for the patients they care for as well.  Always beware of the difference between someone trying to inform you versus someone trying to convince you.  In most cases the latter may be betrayed after multiple subsequent visits reveal a waning effort in communication.  Be savvy and don’t expect to find the best facility overnight.  These are important decisions and with time they will become more fully illuminated so that you can make the best decision.

This post was contributed by Karen Sampson, who writes about the masters of public health in USA. She welcomes your feedback at Karen.Sampson1120 at gmail.com 

I cannot count the number of times a family has done their homework and investigated their best options and then (out of guilt?) decide that now is not the time to move.  They almost need to wait for a crisis (or excuse) to happen to make the move.  But sometimes, by that time, its too late and because of the crisis they are no longer suitable for the assisted living they selected.

Here are some reasons why you should move sooner rather than later:

1. Security & peace of mind knowing staff is available to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
2. You can still control the move and decide where you want to go and what you want to bring
3. Enjoy new opportunities to socialize and share experiences with other seniors and their families
4. Participate in programs and activities
5. Enjoy the convenience of consistent availability of good quality food without the hassle of shopping and meal preparation

I was so excited to stumble upon this blog today.  It talks about one daughters experience with transitioning her mother into her home of 30 years to a retirement community.  The changes that she talks about with her mother are the changes we often see first hand.  I wanted to share one post in particular that I really enjoyed.

It is a list of the top 10 changes she has seen in her mother since her move to the retirement community.  Awesome!