Education

Moving seniors to a new residence can seem like a daunting job. This brochure from the American Healthcare Association on Moving into assisted living can be helpful. Photo by David Bailey MBE ©

4 Tips for Moving Seniors to a New Residence

1. Start as Soon as Possible

• A 6 Week Plan – It’s suggested that you plan things out 6 weeks ahead or more if needed. Keep in mind that you will need to get all of the essential materials needed in order to move, along with the packing and moving itself.
• Time is of the Essence – It’s very easy to underestimate the task ahead. Start as soon as possible so you can allow your senior loved one deal with the emotions and prepare and focus on all of the needs.

2. Finding Moving Help

We’ve all discovered that friends and family may have good intentions when offering help, but can often fall short of the needs.

• Student Help – Talk to a local private school or college and ask if you can “hire” help; many high-schools require students to perform community hours and this could help them obtain their hours, while college students are often looking for a way to make a few extra dollars and still work around a busy schedule.
• Moving Company – While it may seem overwhelming to face the figures of hiring full-time professional moving companies, it may prove to be the best case scenario at some point of the move. Moving seniors to a new residence can require a vast amount of man hours, time and muscle that just can’t be found any other way.

3. One Room at a Time

Focusing on one room at a time will keep things in perspective and eliminate being overwhelmed.

• Which Room First? – We suggest starting small, with the room with the least possessions in it. The problem with starting big is that you may be pumped up to start but lose steam quickly; as opposed to starting with plenty of steam and getting a small, easier room finished faster and feeling more accomplished.
• Sorting by Room – Depending upon the type of senior living situation you are going into, sorting your items by room may be helpful.

4. De-clutter

Reducing the amount of “things” that you have to move is going to be a big part of the process. Chances are many years of saving have led to a house filled with a variety of items. Sort – Begin with boxes or bins labeled:

• Donate – If your parent or loved one is a part of the sorting process, giving them a sense that their items can serve a purpose in helping someone else in need may make it easier for them to give up.
• Family/Others – Anything that goes to others should have a date to be picked up by or the contents will be moved into another box
• Keep – These are items that will transfer over well into their new surroundings. Try to focus on words like “fresh start” or “new beginning” and how some of your items will look so nice in their new place.
• Trash – You probably expect this to be the smallest pile but in the end it may end up being the biggest. Let your senior help make choices about what ends up being trash; but set limits such as “if it’s broken its garbage.”
• Sell – While selling items may seem like a good idea; other than large furniture and high valued items, it’s rarely worth the amount of time and effort. If you’re really set on selling items, entertain the idea of selling the entire house contents to an auctioneer or buyer.

Senior Living Experts can help get you through the entire process of moving seniors to a new residence with expert guidance and knowledge.

Often there are misconceptions regarding what we do as Senior Living Advisors in the marketplace. Recently, at an educational event for seniors, a gentleman said, “ When you get paid by the senior living communities, my rate goes up because they have to pay you!” I told him in no way is this true. Communities have a line item in their budget for services like ours. They expect to pay us, and are prepared for that without affecting the resident’s monthly rate in any way. As a matter of fact, as Senior Living Advisors, we are able to negotiate rates for our clients. Often, a family may favor one community over another for various reasons, but the rate may be just out of their comfort zone. In this case, we can work with the senior living community to compromise on a rate that works well for the family. The more we negotiate, the less we make. So, in no way does the senior become impacted financially from the use of a Senior Living Advisor. On the contrary, as we will find a way to make it work financially for our clients.Another misconception, is that we will only show senior living communities that we have contracts with. Again, this is not true. We do have contracts with around 230+ communities in the Chicagoland area, city and suburbs. I would say we work with over 90% of all senior living communities in Chicagoland as a whole. But, there are some we do not work with. Sometimes communities might feel they have enough contracts with referral services, or if they are full, they may not feel they need our assistance. However, just because we don’t have a contract with a particular community, does not mean we will not suggest our client take a look at it. If it’s an obvious possible fit for the client in location, budget, and level of care, than suggesting anything other than them seeing it would be unethical. We would be doing a disservice to the client who is hoping to find the best possible living arrangement for the next phase in life.Our goal at Senior Living Experts, is to provide the best senior living options to our clients based on their specific needs and desires. We are here to protect our clients finances by working to get them the best monthly rate possible, as well as suggesting they go see all communities that would fit their wish list. Regardless, if we personally benefit or not, is placed on the back burner. Because if we don’t provide our service with integrity, than none of us will gain anything of real importance and value throughout the process.

Why Patients with Alzheimer’s Benefit from Hospice Care

According to the 2017 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures published by the Alzheimer’s Association, out of the 5.5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s dementia, around 96 percent or an estimated 5.3 million are aged 65 and older.The number is expected to continue to grow fast that, by 2050, the figure is projected to rise as high as 16 million.In the meantime, patients with Alzheimer’s have to live with the disease day in and day out. What can you do to make their lives less of a struggle?Consider hospice care, a special way of caring for people who are living with a terminal disease, while providing support to the family.Hospice care providers have the expertise to deal with dementia from the onset right throughout the end of life process. Their services may include medical care, counseling, respite care, and grief support.

When does a patient need hospice care?

It is important that you recognize when an elderly loved one needs hospice intervention. Since Alzheimer’s disease goes through progression, it is not always necessary for patients to receive hospice care early on. You just need to know when the time is right.Degenerative brain disease has three main stages – early stage or mild Alzheimer’s, middle stage or moderate Alzheimer’s, and late stage or severe Alzheimer’s. Among these stages, it is during the moderate to late stages that hospice intervention is necessary.During the middle stage, a patient will require more direct help and care from loved ones and doctors, what with them becoming frustrated more frequently and experiencing a variety of behavioral changes.During the late stage, on the other hand, most of a patient’s communication skills will be lost and recent events are often a distant memory or forgotten altogether. Add to this the physical limitations that a patient experience, such as the inability to swallow, sit up, and/or walk, constant care is crucial.Still unsure if an elderly loved one needs hospice care? You must not hesitate when any of the following symptoms manifest:

• Episodes of pneumonia and other serious infections happen twice or more during the past six months.
• Difficulty in eating and swallowing, resulting in 10% or more of weight loss over the next six months.
• Skin pressure ulcers are not healing.

When you notice one or all of these symptoms, opt for hospice intervention right away.

What to expect from hospice care for Alzheimer’s patients?

• Hospice care should not only focus on patient’s comfort but also on making the end of life as easy and as comfortable as possible.
• Helps the family deal with the loss of a loved one or the reality that a senior loved one is on their end-of-life stage.
• Ensures a family approaches end of life with dignity and peacefulness, regardless of what encompasses their beliefs.

How do you choose a hospice provider?

Check if they offer the following:

• 24/7 call line
• Experience with previous patients with Alzheimer's, whether in-home or in aged care
• Length of time that a provider has been open.
• The kind of specialized services that help ensure a patient's comfort.
• The hospice program being offered is Medicare certified.

Better yet, consult with Senior Living Experts that can help you choose the best hospice care provider and facility. They are more than willing to be a part of both hospice and palliative care for a senior loved one, ensuring that their specific needs are met.

Assisted Living‍

Assisted Living helps your loved one continue to remain as independent as possible while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Often times when people think of senior living they think of Assisted Living as the main form of care. However, there are many branches of senior living that are easily misunderstood or looked past.

So, what makes Assisted Living different from other forms of care? Each branch of care depends on how much care a person will need. It ranges from Independent Living to Memory Care.  

‍Independent Living

‍First, Independent Living is structured so the resident can choose to pay for any extra services they desire.  Assisted Living includes the services, whereas, Independent Living is like having A La Carte services available.

Independent Living is designed to keep all services and activities close by, so the resident does not need to travel far in order to access what they need. There are recreational centers, libraries, bistros, and outdoor space available for the residents.

The resident can choose to get assistance with services such as dog-walking, laundry, and daily check-ins.  Once someone uses a certain amount of additional A La Carte services, it may become more economical to choose Assisted Living as their choice of residency.

‍Memory Care

‍Second, Memory Care is another type of care that involves more supportive cognitive services. This is specifically aimed towards those who have Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments.

This type of living is placed in a separate memory care unit with 24-hour supervised care, along with an easy layout so the residents can navigate easily. It revolves around keeping the residents not only physically healthy but mentally healthy as well. There are activities planned by staff in order to accomplish this goal, while also entertaining the seniors.

Memory Care is a great option for your loved one if they need more supportive cognitive services, as it will help them feel safe, stress-free, and supported.

‍Supportive Living

‍Next, there is Supportive Living. This form of care is the most similar to Assisted Living.

The main difference between Assisted Living and Supportive Living is that Supportive Living is subsidized by the State and there is a financial safety net. In Illinois, services offered in Supportive Living can eventually be covered by Medicaid once assets have been spent down.

Assisted Living and Supportive Living involve similar places of residency and services offered.  This is a way for residents to be supported financially while still receiving the personal care services they need.

‍In-Home Care

‍Finally, there is In-Home Care, which is when a caregiver comes to your loved one’s home and helps them with the services they need.

The resident can choose how much care they need. It ranges from a few hours a day to 24/7 care. The caregiver can help with companionship, transportation, cleaning, and financial management, among other things.

In-Home Care is a way for the resident to be in the comfort of their home while being offered services to help support them with their needs.

‍Where Should I Place My Loved One?

‍Assisted Living seems to be the first thing that comes to mind when having a conversation about senior living. However, there are many different branches that are offered depending on the person’s level of care.

When looking at where to place your loved one, it is important to consider how much care they will need. This will determine whether they will be placed in Assisted Living or one of the other forms of care.  

No matter which form of care your loved one ends up being placed in, they will be supported and assisted, depending on how much care they need.

https://seniorlivingexperts.com/what-should-i-look-for-in-a-memory-care-community/

You might think that meeting the marketing or admissions person on a tour is all you need when searching for senior housing for your loved one.  Not so.  While the marketing and admissions person is indeed important and is the person that will be able to tell you about availability, cost and show you around, there are three other people I think you should try to meet.  When scheduling a tour at a community ask if its possible to meet some of the following people.

1. Executive Director (ED) - This is the person who should have a sign on their desk that says "The Buck Stops Here."  This person sets the tone for the building and is ultimately responsible for making sure it runs smoothly on a daily basis.  Sometimes on tours we will run in the ED and shake hands.  Trust your gut.  I am sure everyone is going to seem very excited to meet you, especially if there is a chance that you may be moving your loved on in.  But gauge how that person really makes you feel.  Do they make you feel welcome?  Was their door open?  Are the approachable?  I have meet some that are all numbers and closed doors.  I have also meet some that are too caring and spend their entire lives there.  You are trying to find someone in between.  Observe the ED with some of the residents.  Does he or she know everyone by name?  Are they really stopping to talk with the residents?  If the resident is in a wheelchair does the ED get down to their eye level to talk to them?

If you are every having an issue with the care, the food, the whatever... this is the person you are going to be dealing with.  I hope their door is open.

2. Nurse - This person is going to be ultimately responsible for your parents care and medication management.  They will be reviewing the files, and making sure meds are properly taken.  Sometimes they will be involved in routinely weighing the residents, checking blood pressure, maybe taking blood or checking insulin.  While you might think that any nurse that chooses to work in an assisted living building must be caring and good with seniors - never assume.

example: I had a situation where I took a client to a very nice assisted living building to be assessed by the nurse.  The nurse usually needs to ask a number of health related questions, review their medical history and make general observations.  The client I was working with was relatively young (73) and has what she liked to call a "touch" of dementia.  This nurse spoke to my client like she was a child.  This of course caused my client to get very paranoid and scared and caused her to start acting very defensive.  (Typical behavior for someone in this state.)  Instead of understanding the reactions, the nurse continued to stare at and talk at the client.  I would hope that a nurse would have enough experience in geriatrics to know not to speak to an elderly person like a child and not to continue to upset a person with dementia.  They should know how to work around these behaviors...  Needless to say the client and I chose not to move her there and she is now in another residence that specializes in Alzheimer's and dementia.  This new place also worked closely with her doctor to get her medications in order so that her behaviors were more controlled.

3. Resident Service Coordinator or Director -  This person is going to have more contact with your loved one than either the nurse of the ED.  They will be the first person to contact you if your loved one is not doing well or has changed their eating habits or stopped going to activities or needs help with bill paying, etc.  You are going to want someone who is warm, and sharp and caring.  Trust your gut on this one too.  This person may look or appear a little frazzled, I have yet to see one who doesn't.  If they look calm, cool, collected and like they haven't a care in the world, then they aren't doing their job.  On the other hand if they look like they are going to lose it and quit tomorrow, then they are not getting the support they need from the other staff to do their job.  This person may or may not also be in charge of hiring and managing caregiving staff, which is extremely important.

Hopefully, when you start looking into senior living options you will be able to meet some or all of these people on the tour.  It is not always possible, but maybe on your first tour you meet one and then you schedule a second tour for lunch - bring your loved one and taste their food that they claim is so great! - and see if you can meet and OBSERVE the rest of the staff in action.

The marketing director/ admissions person is good, but they can't do it all.

Questions?  Ask me!  Comment or email me, I have been on more tours than I care to remember and have been the marketing director at an assisted living community. 

Gambling addiction in the elderly has become more common than you may think. Often people assume that gambling means spending too much time at a casino; but it can include a lot more.

Games of Chance/Gambling Games

• Lottery Tickets
• "Tips" purchased in social clubs/bars
• Online gambling sites
• Bingo
• Slot Machines
• Card Games
• Video Poker (often found online)
• Racing (horses, dogs, carriage, car, etc)
• Keno
• Any of the Top 10 Casino Games

Types of Gambling Addiction in the Elderly

There are three types of gambling addictions recognized; however, gambling addiction in the elderly is always something to be concerned with because they can quickly go through a lifetime of savings.

1. Social Gambling - Probably the most common type of gambling in the elderly; social gambling is exactly as it sounds - a social outlet for those who may have fewer social engagements as they age. If there is a reasonable allotted amount for "fun money" this could be an acceptable social outlet; however, it can quickly spiral into problem gambling.
2. Problem Gambling - Problem gambling usually begins as a social outlet (social gambling) but despite negative results over and over they continue to gamble. This type of gambling can actually cause great financial damage and literally eat away a lifetime of savings that seniors have put away for retirement.
3. Professional Gambling - This type of gambling is rare and requires a special talent. It's extremely rare for those of any age to become a professional gambler and, most likely, your grandparent's/parent's aren't going to be able to become a professional gambler in their retirement.

If A Senior You Love Is Showing Signs of a Gambling Addiction

It's important that you address gambling addiction in the elderly as soon as possible because if left unaddressed it can lead to loosing their entire lifetime savings in a relatively short length of time.

• Do Not Approach Aggressively - It's important that your loved one doesn't feel like they are being attacked regarding how they are spending their own money. They may argue that "you're just worried I'm spending your inheritance!" and ending the conversation completely.
• Make Mention of Their Actions While In Conversation - Try to find the perfect time to talk about their "social" life and mention the gambling while enjoying normal conversation at home. Find out the facts without accusing them of anything and you may find that they are being responsible.
• Make Suggestions - If you notice that they are going without groceries and bills are unpaid but gambling continues, it's definitely time to step in. Suggest that you help pay their bills out of their account and then leave a certain amount for fun money, or if the situation is out of hand get them professional help.

Gambling addiction in the elderly can cause the golden years to become frightening and sad if someone doesn't step in to help.Picture by: deluxtrade / Pixabay

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Senior Living Experts offers free services to help you find living conditions that embrace aging safely. Living alone increases the risk of death but accepting a style of living that encourages quality of life as you age can help you live a healthier, happier life

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Last night I finally had a chance to sit down and read my friend Mark's book about reverse mortgages.  Not the most exciting topic in the world so I congratulate him for tackling it.  Of course it's something he is passionate about so it certainly makes it easier.

It took me about 1 hour to read the whole thing. I challenge anyone to ask me a question about reverse mortgages, their pros and cons, why you would get one and how they may be better than a home equity line of credit.

In Chicago, I have meet many seniors who paid off their homes they bought 50 years ago - homes that are now worth a million dollars.  These same seniors are getting by on minimal social security checks and or pensions.  Their costs have increased and yet they are literally sitting on a million dollars.  If the senior wants to stay in their home (and the majority do) and they need a little help, I think it’s a great idea that they can borrow from themselves to do so.

Needless to say, I recommend the book for anyone who is considering his or her options.  It’s easy to read and understand and finish knowing how they work.  I personally have worked with Mark on the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk Committee (that’s him at the walk in the picture).  He is smart and he is honest.  And that is the kind of person you would want working with you for a reverse mortgage.

Click here if you want to contact him or learn more!  (You can also buy the book from the Amazon link on this site!)

Photo by Jeffrey Czum from Pexels.

There are five things you may not know about psoriasis, a condition with no cure that impacts over seven-million people in the US, including distinct health risks for seniors.When it comes to living with psoriasis, Senior Living Experts has you covered with comprehensive information pertaining to dermatologists and other providers in your area. Did you know that over seven-million people in the US live with psoriasis? The symptoms can range from mild to severe and is frequently seen with co-occurring medical conditions, increasing the health risks for many sufferers.

Five things you may not know about Psoriasis are:

• Psoriasis is serious

Psoriasis is no laughing matter; it is a serious chronic inflammatory disease that has no known cure. Psoriasis typically affects adults, including seniors that may experience joint-pain, called psoriatic arthritis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, which impacts about 80% of those diagnosed and that manifests in patches of inflamed, red skin with scaling skin. Usually, people with psoriasis notice the outbreaks on knees, elbows, hands, feet, and scalp. Approximately 20% of those with psoriasis have severe conditions with more than 5% of their body afflicted with these often-itchy, irritating skin-patches.It is not unusual for people with psoriasis to also have other diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or depression.

• Many things can trigger psoriasis

Psoriasis has been shown to have a strong genetic link, and if one of your parents suffered from psoriasis, there is a good chance that you will, too. Outbreaks can be triggered by habits and lifestyle, which may lead to long periods of remission for many patients that choose to change specific daily habits that could be contributing to their condition. Some outbreak-triggers include:

• People that have recurring infections, like strep throat, may be at a greater risk of psoriasis. Also, anyone with viral or bacterial infections, like HIV, are more likely to contract this condition.
• Many prescription medications could be contributing to your outbreaks or causing an initial flare-up of psoriasis. Talk to your doctor about any noticeable signs of psoriasis when first noticed.
• Anything that impacts your immune system could trigger psoriasis, including stress.
• Sensitivities and allergies are another risk-factor for psoriasis and could impact the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
• If you are overweight, you are more at risk for contracting psoriasis. It is not uncommon for obese patients to develop psoriasis patches and lesions in the folds and creases of their skin.
• Did you know that where you live could cause or irritate psoriasis? The climate, weather, and air-quality all can cause, trigger, and impact psoriasis.
• It is reported that smoking increases your risk of psoriasis as well as contributes to the severity of your symptoms.

• There is no cure

There is no cure for psoriasis but lifestyle changes may impact the severity of your outbreaks and the frequency of your symptoms; for example, losing weight or moving to a different climate could impact your psoriasis. This condition is also treated with topical agents and phototherapy in more severe instances.

• Seniors face additional risks

There are additional risk factors and health repercussions that exist for seniors with Psoriasis. It can be difficult to control elderly-onset psoriasis due to co-occurring medical conditions and medication risks specific to seniors. Physicians and providers may find themselves in the position of having to sacrifice treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis in light of addressing other serious medical issues, as medications often exacerbate and initiate psoriasis symptoms. Seniors living with psoriasis also have increased incidence of heart disease, obesity, and lymphoma. Additionally, psoriasis patients are also at a higher incidence of depression, suicide, and unhealthy habits, such as smoking or excessive drinking. Psoriasis takes a toll on the psyche, as well, and it is estimated that 50% of psoriasis patients also suffer from depression, which can be particularly troubling and difficult to treat among seniors.

• There is a World Psoriasis Day

Make a note: October 29th is World Psoriasis Day, initiated by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). The aim of this recognition is trifold: to raise awareness, disseminate information, and to give those living with psoriasis a voice in the understanding and treatment of this chronic disease. It may also help bring people together, both to relegate the stereotypes and social anxiety associated with psoriasis, as well as to create a supportive network that can improve the quality of life for those living with this disease.

How can Senior Living Experts help?

Do you have symptoms of psoriasis? A dermatologist is the best provider to contract for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms associated with psoriasis. Senior Living Experts is at the helm of healthcare, helping patients navigate, network, and find the resources, providers, and answers that they need. Find a provider to address your psoriasis and to offer solutions that impact the severity, frequency, and stigma of this serious medical condition.

It has been all over the news.. Mickey Rooney who accused his step-son of elder abuse stood in front of congress this week to talk about his experience."If elder abuse happened to me, Mickey Rooney, it can happen to anyone," the 90-year-old actor said in testimony to the Senate Special Committee on Aging.Abuse can be neglect, physical harm or financial exploitation or all three.Mr. Rooney said he spoke because "Please, for yourself, end the cycle of abuse and do not allow yourself to be silenced any longer," he said.A study by the Government Accountability Office released at the hearing estimated 14 percent of elderly Americans experienced some form of abuse in 2009.So if you know of someone who is being abused what should you do or what can you do? I have posted some links to the best resources I could find on elder abuse on the web. Please watch out for it and report it. It shouldn't have to happen at all.National Center on Elder Abuse - www.ncea.aoa.govIf you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, Click Here for state reporting numbers, or telephone the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help..

Which is better, non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients? The job of Senior Living Experts is to present as many facts and choices as possible so that you can choose the best dementia care for the Chicago senior you care about.

Comparing Non-Medical Home Care or Memory Care for Dementia Patients

Our services are free and meant to offer guidance in helping you choose the right type care for the senior(s) in your life. We can’t answer the question, “What is best, non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients?” This is a choice that we can only help guide you in, by providing as much knowledge to the client and family as possible.

Non-Medical Home Care for Dementia Patients

Non-medical home care offers a variety of services; most of which are similar throughout the home care industry.

• Staying at home or living in assisted living housing with non-medical caregiving
• Light Housekeeping
• Meal Preparation (caregiver will help feed the client if needed & create meals that the client asks for and/or can eat without difficulty – within reason)
• Personal Hygiene (according to need)
• Mobility Assistance (if needed or client is able to move with help)
• Errands (shopping, taking client to appointments)
• Companionship
• Reminders to take Medication (cannot dispense any medications; reminding client to take medications only)
• Assistance for Safety (helping to keep clients who may wander, be confused, etc. to remain in the safe confines of the home)
• Assist the family, friends and medical caregivers watch for possible health issues and report conditions or problems that can put the client at risk
• Offer a variety of hours for care (especially helpful if the client doesn’t sleep well at night and may wander or be in harm’s way at night while the family sleeps)

Providing at home caregiving for a client depends upon the client’s level of need (physical and mental).

The Positive & Negative Points to Think About

1. One of the positive parts of non-medical home care is that the care is one-on-one and completely dependent upon the needs of the client. Allowing them to age at home.
2. One of the negative aspects of non-medical home care includes the possible need for medical attendants and skilled health care providers to provide the full amount of care needed.

Memory Care for Dementia Patients

Memory care refers to a facility that is specific to those who have dementia for any reason. This article about choosing Chicago assisted living facilities helps to explain what a memory care unit is about. This short 2 minute video helps explain dementia; because not all dementia is related to Alzheimer’s disease.

• Locked living facilities to deter wandering
• 24/7 Staff
• Skilled Medical Staff Available (Usually includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, nursing staff, and a facility physician on call)
• Continuous Social and Entertainment Interaction Available (both scheduled events and non-scheduled events such as puzzles, cards, conversation with others, etc.)
• 3 Meals & Snacks prepared, served & fed (if needed). Most facilities will give clients a choice of meal items and often accommodate clients who may want something simple instead of the full meals designated (maybe a PB&J, flavored milks, etc.)
• Skilled nursing staff to provide medication as needed on a timed schedule
• Focus specific to dementia patients & keeping them safe with the highest quality of life possible while dealing with a degenerative disease
• Private rooms available at a higher cost; otherwise the most common type of rooming is double occupancy

The Positive & Negative Points to Think About

1. One of the positive points to a memory care facility is that the care 24/7 care based specifically on providing safe surroundings and care for dementia clients.
2. One of the negative aspects to a memory care facility is that especially during moments of cognizance the client may be confused and upset; wanting to go home.

Which senior living option is better for you and your family?

1. Compare – It’ not an easy decision but weigh the differences between in home non-medical care and memory care; taking everything into consideration. This article points out some interesting things to notice about memory care facilities.
2. Accept Help – Bringing in the advice and knowledge of a third party such as Senior Living Experts can help you make your choice based on facts. Our process guides you and helps you find the living situation that fits you and your loved one best.
3. Start Early – It’s never too early to begin weighing your options; even before you need to make the choice of where and how to live as you age. Over 3 million Americans live with dementia.

The biggest question when dealing with a loved one who has dementia is: Do you want non-medical home care or memory care for dementia patients like your senior loved one?Photo by Neill_blue from Unsplash

Choosing an assisted living facility is something that you should put great thought into; as this facility will be caring for you or your loved one every day of their life. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing an assisted living facility.

Top 5 Factors to Use in Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

1. Personal Needs – Understanding and recognizing the needs specific to your case is important; keeping in mind the overall health, abilities, disabilities, funds, and functionality of you/your loved one. Often, utilizing a Care Manager can help ensure that the facility matches the needs and availability of funds to offer the best care possible.
2. Client/Staff Interaction – Visit the facilities that interest you most so you can watch the interaction between the residents and the employees. When choosing an assisted living facility you want to be sure that you and your loved one feel as though they are safe and healthy with pleasant surroundings.
3. Complaints – Utilize the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman for your state, available at the Resource Center or by calling the Resource Center at 202-332-2275, and ask for complaints for the facilities near you. Any problems, complaints or issues brought to the state will be listed and readily available for you to see.
4. Amenities/Social Activities – It’s important to have special amenities available to keep you/your loved one socially active. Important things to look for may include an in-house hairdresser/barber, cooking groups, gardening clubs, card clubs, exercise classes, regular entertainment, and day trips are all activities and interests that can keep you/your loved one socially active.
5. Ability to Remain Long-Term – It’s important that your loved one not have to be moved a number of times as they live out their golden years with provided caregiving that’s appropriate for their needs. Choose a facility that can accept the changes and needs of your loved one as they age; adding on needed health, mental health, and therapy programs/care as needed.

These are just a few of the important things to keep in mind when choosing an assisted living facility. Because choosing an assisted living facility can be time consuming and stressful, we can’t recommend enough how important it is to have someone who is experienced on your side when looking for the facility that fits your current and ongoing needs. Senior Living Experts is here for you when it comes down to choosing an assisted living facility for you or your loved one in the Chicago area.Photo by National Garden Clubs

When it comes to senior living facilities in Lincoln Park, know your residents’ rights. Seniors have rights, protected by law, including those in skilled-nursing care. Make sure to ask questions during tours and visits of assisted-living or other senior residences before moving in; read contracts and paperwork, and ask a trusted friend or family member to review it with you. Reach out for help when needed, or if you are looking for senior living situations in the area. Senior Living Experts can help connect you with a network of support to navigate the terrain of finding housing, providers, or services in the Lincoln Park region.Some things to know about your rights as a senior include the following information:

For those residing in senior living facilities in Lincoln Park: Know your residents’ rights before you move in or out

Know that you- or your senior- have some very clear and clarified rights under the law. These extend to living facilities and the treatment of older individuals that reside there. Feel like your rights are being violated? First, know what your rights and protections are, and then do something about it!Some of every senior’s rights include:

Protection

First and foremost is the protection of any senior who chooses to file a staff grievance or complaint, without fear of repercussions or reprisal. This also ensures that staff of any senior living facility address the issue promptly and make efforts toward resolution.

Preservation

Another right of residents in senior living situations is the preservation of quality of life. Federal law requires facilities to provide care that promotes quality of life, which includes freedom of choice, dignity, and self-determination. That is, services and activities will be provided to ensure the well-being of those living there- though it is entirely up to the individual whether they opt to participate or not.

Information

Another right of the senior resident is to obtain a copy of any rules, regulations, resources, and costs of the facility that they are staying at - including a copy of the residents’ rights. Residents that have roommates will receive ample notice, in writing, of any roommate or room changes. Furthermore, residents have the right to receive this information in a language that they can understand.

Participation

Residents of a senior living situation have the right to receive care as needed, and that this care is by consent of the resident. Seniors have a right to remain informed about their care, medical conditions, or treatment, as well as the right to refuse it. The resident should be given access to their medical records and documentation when requested, and as relates to the living facility.

Privacy

Seniors also have the right to privacy and confidentiality. Any communication related to the senior should only be shared when the individual has consented to release this information, signed by the senior or their guardian in some situations. This includes medical, financial, or personal information.

Autonomy

Another right of the senior resident is the independence and autonomy to make personal choices and decisions. This may include choosing what to wear, how they manage their money, or how they opt to spend their leisure time.

Seniors in skilled-nursing care also have distinct rights and protections under the law.

Seniors that live in skilled nursing settings and nursing home residents also have legal rights; in fact, if the senior is a Medicare recipient, they have guaranteed protections under Federal law.Some of the very precise and protected rights of a senior in a nursing facility are similar to those of seniors in other living situations and include:

• Freedom from discrimination.
• Freedom from abuse or neglect.
• Right to medical treatment.
• Right to privacy and respect.
• Freedom from involuntary discharge from a facility or transfer to another facility without consent.
• Right to participate in activities and groups on-site.
• Right to have visitors.
• Right to vote, if the senior is a US citizen.
• Right to manage their own money.
• Right to have information pertaining to services and costs of the facility.
• Right to proper and safe living arrangements.
• Freedom to voice complaints without fear of repercussions.

Reach out for advocacy and legal assistance as needed

There are times when seniors’ rights seem to get overlooked or ignored; enlist the help of a lawyer or senior service that provides legal advice and counsel. There are laws in place intended to protect the rights of seniors, and resources available to help seniors navigate the often-complicated legal system in these situations.Some of the things that legal services for the elderly can assist your senior with include:

• Medicare and insurance issues.
• Dealing with nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and home health care disputes.
• Scams and thefts.
• Issues of abuse.
• Appointing power of attorney.
• Wills and living wills.
• Evictions or housing problems.
• Debt resolution and working with collection agencies.

Do you or someone you care about feel like your rights are being compromised? Senior Living Experts is an online resource that can help seniors in the region connect with a network of facilities, advocates, and providers that can help improve your current situation, protect your rights, and preserve your independence.

Having the conversation with your senior loved one is one of the biggest deterrents in helping the senior make a life transition. It’s very difficult to explain the changes you see in the senior, and why you think they would benefit from some extra support. One of the best ways to handle this is to get the doctor more involved. There is nothing wrong with calling the doctor prior to an appointment to ask for his/her support in offering their concerns on why they think a change would benefit the senior. This takes some of the burden off the adult child by allowing the child to be able to refer to what the doctor said when bringing up the subject in the future. Often, seniors revere their physicians and their opinion matters a great deal. If the adult child can reiterate the points the doctor made, the shift has been taken off the child, and the senior is more likely to listen to the doctor’s advice.We also recommend a respite stay when the senior is first starting to wrap their head around the idea of making a lifestyle transition. Most senior living communities will let the senior stay for a couple of weeks to a month or more, to “try it before you buy it”. It’s a great way for the senior to meet some new friends, try the food, get used to the routine, environment, and staff. Often, this gives the senior the opportunity to live the lifestyle for a while, and at some point, the senior realizes this is much easier than it was at home.Finally, when these ideas have been exhausted, but the senior still is not willing to make the change, we would recommend hiring a Geriatric Care Manager. This is usually a nurse who makes a plan of care for the senior and proposes his/her ideas for more support for the senior. Sometimes having a third party involved helps the adult child who wants to say things to their parent, but just can’t. The Geriatric Care Manager can be an objective voice allowing the child to maintain their relationship with their parent, yet still have an advocate by their side helping to see that the parent has a plan for future care needs.It’s a difficult road for the adult child, but with some tools in their tool box, they can help their loved one make a successful transition to senior living!

We would like to take the time to help you discover ways to honor senior veterans in your life & community. November 11, 2016 is Veterans Day. It’s a great time to let someone know that their service mattered.

How to Honor Senior Veterans

Honoring veterans of any age is important. However, to honor senior veterans is especially important because many may not have received the thanks they deserved.

• The USO – The USO has played a big role in many of our veterans’ lives. Senior vets will be able to tell you about USO dances, USO Shows & more. Find out more about the USO here.
• Celebrate Their Life – Take the time to celebrate the life of a veteran. It’s important to let them know that their service truly made a difference. You can celebrate with a small party, a photo montage or any other ideas you can think of.
• Volunteer at a Senior Community – Find out if a senior living community near you is celebrating Veterans Day. See how you can help with their celebration. (Remember to plan ahead!)
• Veterans in Your Life – If you have a senior veteran in your life take the time to make their day special. Hang a new flag in an area they can see regularly or simply stop by with a special treat to say “thank you for serving.”
• Know the History – Find documentaries, books, and movies that teach you more about the wars that a senior veteran may have been active in. These would include WWII, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Viet Nam, etc. Each of the wars listed is a link with more information.
• Visit the Local VA – Call ahead to see if you can visit your local VA hospital. Take the time to talk to the veterans about what it was like to serve.
• Have a Talk –Take the time to talk to a veteran. Many senior vets are lonely. Use these guidelines to help you know how to talk to a vet.
• Don’t Forget Women – Women weren’t always recognized or allowed to serve their country. Learn more about women in the military & take time to talk to a senior woman who helped our country.

3 Gift Ideas to Honor Senior Veterans

If you know someone in your family who is a senior veteran, take the time to make their day special. Here are a few gift ideas:

1. Dessert – A healthy dessert can be fun to share. Use some of these red, white, & blue dessert ideas.
2. Video – Something as easy as using your cell phone to create a video log of stories from a senior vet you know will be priceless. You, the vet, and their entire family will be able to enjoy these memories throughout time. Here are some tips to help you out.
3. Read to a Senior Vet – Take the time to visit a local VA hospital and read. One on one time with a senior vet can be very important to them. Here’s the link to our Chicago, IL VA Hospital.

Senior Living Experts is proud to provide services to many senior veterans. Please help us honor senior veterans this year and make a difference. Photo by ** RCB **

During this on-going global crisis one thing on the forefront of all our minds is the health and safety of our loved ones especially those who are older and require more care. Though it feels like the world has slowed down in some respects our loved ones are continuing to age and now might be the time that they are ready or needing to move into a senior living community, where less than 1% of residents get COVID-19. Even though this timing is not ideal here are some of the pros and cons of moving your senior loved ones into a senior living community. ‍

PROS:

Monitored Community

One of the biggest benefits and the reason many families move their loved ones to a community is for the consistent care and attention to medical needs (even small things that go unnoticed, like what they do to prevent falls). In a community residents health needs are always a top priority and are monitored closely this is very important with the risk of COVID-19. With this current health crisis what better place for your older loved ones to be then a place designed with their health needs in mind.

Sanitized with the Highest Standards

With COVID-19 one of the biggest suggestions given by our world health leaders is washing out hands and staying clean. Sanitation is a permanent top priority in senior living communities with an even bigger emphasis now. If your loved one struggles with independent self-care a senior living community can fulfil this need while also helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  

‍All Food, Care & Necessities Provided

I’m sure by this point everyone has heard and or is familiar with the term social distancing. By moving your loved ones into a senior living community full social distancing is easily obtainable. All residents' needs are fulfilled in one place this includes food, medicine and other daily needs so trips to the grocery store or pharmacy will no longer be needed. During this time getting all your loved ones’ needs met can be difficult but you can be assured that they will be met in a senior living community.

‍No Interactions with Strangers

Another great thing senior living communities are doing during COVID-19 is limiting foot traffic. By limiting interactions with those outside of the community they also limit the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

CONS:

It's difficult to tour communities because of social distancing. How do you know this is the right one?

When picking out a senior living community for your loved ones one aspect many enjoy is touring to find the right one. But with limited foot traffic through communities touring will not be possible for most. Though this is a downfall with the help of technology, virtual tours and online resources can give potential residents an idea of what each community has to offer, mostly when it's so expensive.

‍You're moving your loved one to a new environment during a difficult time

With the COVID-19 health crisis ongoing many of us are tempted to freak-out and hoard resources, like toilet paper, during this challenging time. While so much is on our minds moving our loved one into a senior living community may seem like a worrisome task. Even with this it's important to remember that care staff want what's best for your loved one just like you and you will be moving them into safe hands.

You're moving your loved ones around other seniors, who are also at high risk

We all know that COVID-19 poses a bigger threat to those over 65 so for many moving your older loved ones in with other similarly aged people may seem like a bad idea. With this though being around others who are elevated risk does not necessarily mean you are at higher risk for contamination. About 9 out of 10 cases of COVID-19 are being spread by “silent spreaders” so placing your loved one in a senior care community does not increase their risk because these communities have the facilities to practice social distancing and room isolation to slow the spread.

While COVID-19 is interrupting many aspects of our normal life you can now know the pros and cons of moving your loved one into a senior living community during this difficult time.

For More Info:“How 'Silent Spreaders' Are Fueling the Coronavirus Pandemic.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2020, www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-03-17/how-silent-spreaders-are-fueling-the-coronavirus-pandemic.

One of my favorite organizations (H.O.M.E. - Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly) is looking for seniors to help (again!) They are seeking referrals of low-income senior homeowners for their free weatherization program.  Referred clients should meet these criteria:•    Own their own home•    Reside south of North Avenue within the city of Chicago•    Windows in home are low-quality and/or not thermal- or double-paned•    Senior lacks resources to obtain weatherization services on their ownVolunteers who are trained and supervised by H.O.M.E. staff will perform the work.Due to the last-minute (and very welcome!) availability of a large volunteer  group, they still have spaces for weatherization calls on Saturday, January 6They of course are also welcoming referrals for future weatherization service.Referrals may be made to either Mike Wren or Eric Samuels at 773-921-3200.How cool (or warm?) is that?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

What is Medicaid in Illinois?
Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health care in Illinois. This article will
discuss Medicaid for patients in a long-term care facility. This is an overview of a very
complicated program.

‍
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Illinois?
The basic eligibility requirements are that the applicant must be a U.S. citizen (or non-citizen in
certain categories), an Illinois resident, 65 or older or disabled and must reside in a facility that
take Medicaid patients.

‍
What are the asset limitations for Medicaid in Illinois?
- Single person asset limit: $2,000.00
- Couple asset limit: $3,000.00
- Spousal impoverishment limit: $109,560.00

‍
Some assets are exempt and will not count in the above limits. The home is exempt if occupied
by the person as their home or if they intend to return to their home (usually within 120 days).
The home is also exempt if any of the following reside in the home:
- the person's spouse;
- a dependent sibling of the person;
- the person's child under age 21; or
- the person's adult child who is blind or has a disability;
- the person's son or daughter who provided care to the person and resided in the home for the
two years immediately before the person moved to the LTC facility.

‍
Other exempt assets include:
- a vehicle with a value not exceeding than $4,500.00,
- cash value of life insurance $1,500.00 or less,
- term policies with no cash value, group policies provide by an employer.

‍
Money for a funeral is also exempt in the following situations:
- Up to $1,500 of money set aside in a bank account or in a revocable prepaid burial
contract.
- Up to $6,680.00 in an irrevocable prepaid funeral contract.
- Prepaid burial contract funded by a life insurance policy when ownership of the insurance
policy has been irrevocably assigned. 

‍
Also exempt are:
Vaults, headstones, markets, plaques, burial containers, cost of opening and closing of the grave.

‍
What about income limitations?
A single person’s monthly income must be less than the cost of the long-term care facility to
qualify for Medicaid.

Under the spousal impoverishment rules, the spouse at home is allowed to keep $2,739.00
income per month.

‍
What is spousal impoverishment?
Spousal impoverishment assures that the spouse who is still living at home has enough assets and
income to pay for his or her expenses at home. The rules help prevent the spouse at home from
being impoverished when paying for long-term care expenses for the spouse in the facility.

‍
Can’t I just transfer the assets to someone else and go on Medicaid?
Making transfers is not a good idea unless you know the consequences. Some transfers affect
eligibility, and some do not. Whether eligibility is affected depends on when the transfer took
place, the type of transfer and the reason for the transfer. Transfers that do not affect eligibility
are called allowable transfers.

‍
Which transfers are allowable?

‍
The following are allowable transfers:
- Transfers made more than 60 months before the date of the Medicaid application;
- Transfers for fair market value, such as a sale of a home;
- Transfers to a community spouse – the spouse still living at home; 
- Transfers to the person's child of any age (who is blind or has a disability), or to another
person for the sole benefit of the person's child (who is blind or has a disability), or to a
trust created solely for the benefit of the person's child (who is blind or has a disability);
- Charitable gifts and gifts to family members which are consistent with amounts and
frequency of such gifts in the past;
- Transfers made exclusively for a reason other than to qualify for benefits.
- Transfers to special needs trust and pooled trusts in certain circumstances.

‍
A transfer of the home is allowable to the following:
- the person's spouse; or
- the person's child under age 21; or
- the person's child of any age who is blind or has a disability;
- the person's brother or sister who has an equity interest in the homestead property and
who was living in the home for at least one year immediately before the date the person
entered the LTC facility;
- the person's child who provided care (either nursing or support) for the person and who
was living in the property for at least two years immediately before the date the
person entered the LTC facility; 

‍
One size does not fit all.
Medicaid rules can vary from state to state. There are different exceptions to the rules, especially
when there is a spouse, so it is wise to check with an elder law attorney about your specific
situation and how the Medicaid rules would apply to your situation.

‍
Eileen R. Fitzgerald, Attorney at Law, 1561 Warren Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515;

630-493-4380; www.efitzlaw.com

‍

Today I had a tour cancel - so while I am sad that I am not showing a family some assisted living options as planned, I am happy to have some catch up time.  Its been a long while since I posted.  There have been a few caregiver conferences and even a trip to Vegas for my birthday, but now I am back. Earlier this week, I attended a seminar given by Terry Savage .  It was fantastic.  I immediately sent a link to her website to my father for him to check out.  I was looking at it today and she has a lot of great financial tools that can help someone figure out how much they need to retire or their "Savage Number...".  If you click on her name above, it will take you directly to the site. Another reason I have not been blogging is because the phone has not stopped ringing.  While this is a good thing, I have been spending a lot of time on the phone talking to people I cannot help.  Many people this week have called me regarding nursing homes that accept Medicaid.  I work with private pay assisted living, independent living etc, as well as a few private pay nursing homes.  I can even recommend supportive living, which accepts Medicaid, but I cannot help with a Medicaid nursing home.I would hope that this is an option of absolute last resort for anyone and unfortunately it seems to be the only alternative for many people.  Many seniors did not purchase long term care insurance - maybe because its has only been around for 20 some years, or maybe because they always planned on staying in their own home. Maybe they thought that the government or Medicare would pay for their care.  It does not.  Unless you are impoverished and then that's where Medicaid kicks in. The honest truth is that your options are so much more limited if Medicaid is your only option for paying for long term care.  And the addition of all the baby boomer's in the market in the next few years is only going to make it worse.  I have already seen nursing homes where the private pay patients are in a private room and Medicaid patients are 4 to a room.  In the same nursing home. Another reason to plan NOW.  Before the crisis.  Look into long term care insurance NOW.  Before you can't get it.  What if you never need it?  Well what if you never need auto insurance or home owners insurance?  You buy it and send off that monthly check every month and hope you never need it.I will write more about long term care insurance in the future.  I am not an expert on it, but I love when someone calls me and tells me they (or their mom) has it because now I can help them and now their options are greater.  They even have the option of staying home with care - because that is not cheap either and guess who doesn't pay for that either.. that's right, Medicare.   (And with Medicaid you might be eligible for 4 hours a day 5 days a week with a caregiver that may or may not show up..)

Photo by Matteo Vistocco/Pexels

This week’s #MentionMonday is to Arielle Lewis, who created an information hub online (COVID19 for IL, AL and SNF (Aging Services) as a conversation forum and to keep those in Chicago eldercare up to date on news. She is part of the team supports seniors at The Selfhelp Home in Uptown and is going out of her way to provide information. Her team at SelfHelp now has a mobile "Shabbat Cart" and a video recording of messages from families for Friday night, already recorded a Passover seder to stream, and coordinated over 100 letters and cards to residents from community volunteers.

As for Arielle, she says of her work: “I am grateful every day for the love and compassion shared by the residents and staff at Selfhelp.” Follow their feed at The SelfHelp Home, or reach Arielle at alewis@selfhelphome.org.https://seniorlivingexperts.com/how-senior-living-communities-are-keeping-coronavirus-away/

This report was recently sent to me via email so I thought I would share it with all interested:

More than Three-Quarters of Family Caregivers Positive about the Experience

New York, NY, November 20, 2007. Nearly 80% of family caregivers are finding the caregiving experience emotionally rewarding, despite initial negative perceptions of caregiving, according to a nationwide survey by Caring Today magazine.

Published in conjunction with National Family Caregivers Month this November, the Caring Today survey shows that caregivers have distinctly more positive feelings after caring for a family member than they did as they were about to take on the responsibility. The number of caregivers finding the experience highly rewarding jumped by 50% following the caregiving experience.

"National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize family caregivers for their good hearts and tireless support," said President George W. Bush in a Presidential Proclamation. Some 50 million Americans act as family caregivers, providing non-paid assistance for a family member or friend who needs support, guidance and or/physical help with health and medical decisions.

Read the rest of the article here!