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When planning care for a loved one, it can often be difficult, stressful and confusing to understand what care is truly needed. It doesn't have to be.
Senior Helpers® now makes it easier for families to truly understand the caretheirloved ones need with our exclusive Senior Helpers LIFE Profile™ (Life, Independence, Function, Evaluation). Our unique LIFE Profile is a data-driven assessment tool that provides a holistic view of the risks, needs, and factors that influence the ability to age at home.
Basedon more than 15 years of research, Senior Helpers LIFE Profile has been shown to improve overallquality of life, reduce hospitalization risk and support successful agingat home.
The Senior Helpers LIFE Profile helps you answer the following questions:
1. What activities can my loved one reliably do on their own?
2. Where and when is assistance needed?
3. What are the critical things I need to know to help keep my loved one safe at home?
The Senior Helpers LIFE Profile is a comprehensive assessment that reviews the five key factors that are most important for successfulaging:
Safety
Medical Condition
Independence
Burden of Care Management
Quality of Life
Featured Article •
Senior Money Scams:
8 Tips to Protect Yourself
Millions of older adults fall prey to financial scams everyyear.Use these tips from NCOA and the Women's Institute foraSecureRetirementtoprotectyourself oranolderadult youknow.
1. Be aware that you are at risk from strangers-andfrom those closest to you
Over 90% of all reported elder abuse is committed by the older person's own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others. Common tactics include depleting a joint checking account, promising but not delivering care in exchange for money or property, outright theft, and other forms ofabuse, including physical abuse, threats, intimidation, and neglect of basic care needs. Everyone is at risk of financial abuse, even people without high incomesorassets.Understand thetop 10 mostcommonscamstargetingseniors, so youcanspot onebeforeit'stoo late.
2. Don't isolate yourself-stay involved!
Isolation is a huge risk factor for elder abuse. Most family violence only occurs behind closed doors, and elder abuse is no exception. Some older people selfisolate by withdrawing from the larger community. Others are isolated because theylosethe ability to drive, see, orwalk aboutontheirown.Someseniorsfearbeing victimized by purse snatchings and muggings if they venture out. Visit the Eldercare Locator to find services nearby that can help you stay active. Or contact yourlocal seniorcenterto get involved.
3. Tell solicitors: 11I never buy from (or give to) anyone who calls or visits me unannounced. Send me
something in writing."
Don't buy from an unfamiliar company and always ask for and wait until you receive written material about any offer or charity. Neighborhood children you know who are selling Girl Scout cookies or school fundraising items may be an exception, but a good rule of thumb is to never donate if it requires you to writeyourcreditcardinformationonany forms. It's also good practice to obtain a salesperson's name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailingaddress, andbusinesslicensenumber before you transact business. And always takeyourtimeinmaking a decision.
4. Shred all receipts with your credit card number
Identity theft is a huge business. To protectyourself, investin anduse-apaper shredder. Monitor your bank and credit card statements and never give out personal information over the phone to someone who initiates the contact with you.
5.Signup forthe "DoNot Call" listand take yourself offmultiple mailing lists
Visit Do Not Call to stop telemarketers fromcontactingyou.Becarefulwithyour mail.Donotletincomingmailsitinyour mailbox for a long time. When sending out sensitive mail, consider dropping it off at a secure collection box or directly at the post office. You also can regularly monitoryourcredit ratingsandcheckon any unusual or incorrect information at AnnualCreditReport.com. To get more tips on protecting yourself from fraud, visit On Guard Online, which has interactive games to help you be a smarter consumer on issues related to spyware, lottery scams, andotherswindles.
Continued onpage 43
Housing&ServicesDescriptions
Look for thesecolorcoded housing types on the pages ofthis magazine ...
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES SS+ either age targeted or age restricted offer home ownership for adults 55+.These communities are maintenance free and offer a monthly association fee. Many of these communities are single family homes, cottages, patio homes, condominiums and townhomes.
SENIOR APARTMENTS offer all the amenities of regular apartment communities but have a minimum age requirement, in some communities it is 55 years of age, in others it is 62. Many of these apartments offer reduced rent for those that qualify they are identified as "affordable" apartment communities.
INDEPENDENT LIVING WITH SERVICE COMMUNITIES offer older adult congregate housing that is generally replete with many amenities and social activities and services. Most communities offer restaurant-style meals, frequent events and country club style furnishings.
PERSONAL CARE HOMES this is a home in a residential care setting equipped to give adequate care to three residents. Personal care services may be delivered, i.e. assistance with bathing, moving, feeding, general oversight of the physical and mental well-being of a person who needs assistance.
ASSISTEDLIVING COMMUNITIES offer help with all aspects of daily activities (bathing, grooming and dressing assistance, perhaps) in atmosphere of semi-private living units.There is a wide range of services and amenities offered in this category. Provide many activities, excellent meals and beautiful appointments. All are currently licensed by the state as assisted living communities.
ALZHEIMER'S MEMORY CARE COMMUNITIES can be a special unit of a free-standing community designed to sensitively care for those with Alzheimer's or memory-related disorders.
SKILLEDNURSING / PHYSICAL REHABILITATION COMMUNITIES Offer hospital-like attention in an institutional atmosphere.These facilities offer 24-hour supervision. The amount of additional services, upkeep, food, and the structure of facilities can vary from nursing home to nursing home.They also may specialize in short term or acute nursing care, intermediate care or long term skilled nursing care.
HOSPICE CARE care may be provided in the home or a senior care facility. Services can include pain management and a variety of emotional, spiritual and physical support issues.
HOME HEALTH CARE agencies offer skilled nursing services, wound care, distribution of medication, physical and rehabilitation therapies.
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES providers of licensed health care services in the home and communities offer non-medical assistance with such tasks as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and transportation.
Enjoy the Serenity of Independent Living.LocatedintheHeartofTexasjust ontheoutskirtsofSanMarcos,LaVistais independentlivingatitsfinest,offering spacious1&2bedroomfloorplans,convenientlygroupedinourone-storycommunity.Comeandjoinourfamily.
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The Low Income HousingTax Credit program is managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.Through the program, owners of multi-family homes designate as tax credit properties, to low-income residents for a reduced rent. Senior apartments that advertise the word'affordable'are generally tax credit apartment communities.You will also often seethe words"Income Limit Restrictions Apply" Each tax credit senior apartment community has different income requirements soit's important toask when contacting them.
These communities have many of the same amenities as the 55 & 62+ communities, someare resort stylepool,movietheatre, library, exercise room, social activities.
HEALTH
Alzheimer'sAssoc www.alz.org 800-272-3900 Help Line
With one all-inclusive paymenteach month -thatincludesrent, utilities, cable, wifi and more -Affinity provides youwith resort-like livingthat includes perks like:
One of the most special family relationships is often between grandparents and their grandkids. Andyet, itcansometimesbe hard for grandparents to connect with grandkids, especially iftheyliveinadifferentarea, have been staying home during the pandemic or due to time between visits. It might seem like your grandkids love to look at screens, but they secretly (or not so secretly!) also love spending time with you.
As a mom of two young boys, I've seen grandparentscome up with some interesting ways to connect, and others who struggle to engage. Below are some fun ideas for grandparents who might be looking for new ways to relate withtheirgrandkids of all ages. Fun ideasfor avisitwithyourgrandkids
Explore
• Go for a walk around theneighborhood
• Visit a park or zoo
• Have a scavenger hunt, especially around holiday times ('let's see how many flags we can spot")
• Bring a magnifying glass and take a closer look at nature
• Plan a triptogether-eitherto a local destination or somewhere aroundthe world. Talk about the local culture, where you would love to stay, what you would eat and the placesyou would explore. For little kids, this is a great make-believegame. For older kids, check out the destination on the internet, maybe they will have the opportunity to go in the future!
Create
• Breakoutthecrayons/markers/paper, and drawtogether
• Makeacardforafamilymember,neighbor, classmate
• Construct a castle / car / dragon from ageappropriate blocks
• Bake a delicioustreat ortry a newrecipe
• Tie-dye a shirt / socks/ pillowcase together in theirfavorite colors
Encourage
• Start a collection: rocks, stamps, postcards, whateverthey might be into
• Volunteer to clean up the park or help a localcharity
• Be the audience if they love to tell stories or act
Play
• Find a boardgame that works for their age orteachthemto playchess/checkers/cards
• Try a word puzzle such as sodoku or wordsearch-for older kids, make it a race against you orthe clock
• Blow bubbles - great for little kids, there are lots of new ways to make bubbles these days such as an extra-large wand or bubble machine
• Read together - get a new book in a series that they love or read an old favorite from grandma's/ grandpa's house
Featured Article
Fun Ways to Connectwith YourGrandkids
Virtual ideas for a video call with grandkids
•Tellthemastory-littlekidslovestorytime even virtually. Older kids love hearing real stories from your childhood such as tales of a time before computers, phones that were plugged into the wall, that time it snowed 6feet...
• Don't have time for a video call? Send caregivers a video of you reading a book or telling a story that they can replay for many years to come.
• Findagamethatyou canplaytogether, onscreen.
• Get two matching bingo sets, mail one to each person who will be on the phone or video call. Take turns calling numbers and see who wins!
• Forolderkids, charades/ pictionary oreven trivia-style games can be played virtually
• For younger kids, i-spy and simon says are fun virtualgames
• Have a scavenger hunt around the house: Create a list of 10 items that they have to find and bring to the computer screen, such as: something blue, something squishy, picture of an animal, something you wear on your head etc. Make it a race, first one to comebackto thescreenwiththeitemswins.
• Bea penpal-writenotes/postcards/draw a picture and send them via USPS. Have caregivers help if they are not old enough to writeback.
• Get the wiggles out - do yoga together, have adanceparty, or do some silly jumping
• Have a virtual tea party- invite their favorite dolls/stuffed animals. For older kids, make a fancy hot chocolate together during a video call.
Looking for things to talk about with grandkids?
• Ask their caregivers what they are interested in or ask grandkidsdirectly. Ask about their favorite activity, show, book, a new class they are taking, their best friend.
• Find moments to tell them that you are proud of their hard work whether it's color-
ing, schoolwork, sharing with a sibling, volunteering in the community or submitting their collegeapplications.
• Getting lots of yes/ no answers? Try rephrasing the questions - ask them to tell you about an experience/ their day/ that field trip last week/a recent soccer game.
Do a safety check withcaregivers
Depending on age, ask their caregivers if it's ok beforeheadingout on an adventure.
Ask caregivers to provide games/ supplies that are age appropriate.
Ifgrandkidsarevisitingyour home, consider putting away valuables and locking away chemicals/ alcohol / prescriptions to keep everyonesafe.
Consider allergies before providing snacks for grandkids.
6. Use direct deposit for benefit checks to prevent checks from being stolen from the mailbox
Using direct deposit ensures that checks go right into your accounts and are protected. Clever scammers or even scrupulous loved oneshave been knowntostealbenefits checks right out of mailboxes orfrom seniors' homes if they are laying around.
7. Never giveyour credit card, banking, Social Security, Medicare, or other personal information over thephone unless you initiated the call
MisuseofMedicaredollarsisoneofthelargest scams involving seniors. Common schemes includebillingforservicesneverdeliveredand selling unneeded devices or services to beneficiaries. Protect your Medicare number as you do your credit card, banking, and Social Security numbers and do not allow anyone else to use it. Be wary of salespeople trying to sell you something they claim will be paid for by Medicare. Review your Medicare statements to be sure you have in fact received the services billed, and report suspicious activities to 1-800-MEDICARE.
8. Be skeptical of all unsolicited offers and thoroughly do your research
Be an informed consumer. Take the time to call and shop around before making a purchase. Take a friend with you who may offer some perspective to help you make difficult decisions. Also, carefully read all contracts and purchasing agreements before signing and make certain that all of your requirements have been put in writing. Understand all contract cancellation and refund terms. As a general rule governing all of your interactions as a consumer, do not allow yourself to be pressured into making purchases, signing contracts, or committing funds. These decisions are yours and yours alone.
Protect yourlovedones: Signsto look for If you know or care for an older adult, here are some additional warning signs that may indicatetheyarethevictimoffinancial abuse:
There are unusual recent changes in the person's accounts, including atypical withdrawals, new person(s) added, or sudden use of a senior's ATM orcredit card.
The senior suddenly appears confused, unkempt, and afraid.
Utility, rent, mortgage, medical, or other essential bills are unpaid despite adequate income.
A caregiver will not allow others access to the senior.
There are piled up sweepstakes mailings, magazine subscriptions, or "free gifts," whichmeans theymaybeon "suckerlists."
Every state operates an Adult Protective Services (APS) program, which is responsible for receiving and investigating reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and in most states, the abuse of younger adults with severe disabilities. APS is the "911" for elder abuse. Anyone who suspects elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation should make a report. The reporter's identity is protected. APS services are confidential, so the reporter may not be able to learn the outcome of the case. APS respects the right of older persons to make theirown decisions and to live their lives on their own terms. In cases of cognitive impairment, however, APS will take steps to protect the older person to the degree possible.
Steps to take ifyou're a victim of a scam
If you think you've been scammed, don't be afraid or embarrassed to talk about it waiting couldonly make itworse.Immediately:
Call your bank and/or creditcardcompany. Cancel any debitorcredit cards linkedto the stolen account.
Resetyourpersonalidentificationnumber(s). Also, contact legal services and AdultProtective Services if warranted. To find your local offices,visit the Eldercare Locatoror call them toll-free at1-800-677-1116 weekdays 9 a.m. to8 p.m.ET.
State-of
Spacious activity room
Privatebathroom&shower ineveryroom
Outpatient therapy
Nurses
Computer/Internet access
Charmingporch,gazebo&courtyards
On-sitebeauty/barberservices
FlatscreenTVs& cablein everyroom
Chapeltomeetyourspiritualneeds
ADVERTISER LIST
For more information about one of our advertisers featured in Senior Living Choices, please send an email to Kameron.SeniorLiving@gmail.com.Pleaseletus know which communities, services or products you are interested in. Don't forget toincludeyour name, phonenumber,email andaddressin theemail. This will assist in letting the community know your preference in being reached.
For more information about one of our advertisers featured in Senior Living Choices, please send an email to Kameron.SeniorLiving@gmail.com.Pleaseletus know which communities, services or products you are interested in. Don't forget toincludeyour name, phonenumber,email andaddressin theemail. This will assist in letting the community know your preference in being reached.
