Corporations Finding a Valuable Resource in Hiring Senior Citizens

What is the responsibility of our corporate leaders when facing a world where a large majority regards senior citizens as a group of second-class citizens? Statistics show that seniors (65+) represent 12.7% of U.S. population, about one of every eight Americans.

Mature adults are the fastest growing demographic segment of the population and at age sixty-five, 23% are still working for a variety of reasons – to supplement their income or their health insurance benefits; to not have to be dependent upon relatives; or just to continue to make use of their talents and abilities by working. (1)

Private Industry Taking Notice

Privately-held corporations are taking notice. A Clearwater, Florida-based corporation, PostcardMania, started hiring more senior citizens. When the CEO’s mother passed away due to cancer, Gendusa started looking for something for her father to do.

“His whole life revolved around my mother,” said Joy, “I noticed that without something to create on, he was not as happy.” Joy hired her father, not expecting the surprising outcome.

“The staff loved him – and he loved them. I saw him light up when he got to contribute to the overall expansion of the company.”

Not only did Joy’s father, Bernie Lebowitz, get attention, but he was invaluable in working on a much needed project to identify reasons for failed sales calls so that targeted marketing messages could be tailored to those past prospects and clients to generate more revenue.

“He was so conscientious – he would work on the weekends to ensure that he got his job done and ensured it he did more than he did the week before – every week,” said Joy.

Bernie, a successful entrepreneur in the shipping industry before retirement, recommended his friend, Murray Schact, for hire to the PostcardMania employee roster as well. Schact, a former IBM executive, applied and came on board to help PostcardMania maximize their database for increased sales.

Before hiring her father, the majority of PostcardMania was a large percentage of young aspiring adults with little or no experience. That younger demographic – willing, eager minds that could learn a trade – excelled into Gendusa’s top executives, being paid well above the norm. Gendusa quickly boomed her enterprise into the fastest-growing direct mail marketing firm in the nation recognized by Inc. Magazine in 2005. But bringing experienced, well-educated, elderly employees into the mix changed the chemistry of the company – a change that was a welcome to Joy.

“It’s not that I thought that elderly employees would not be an asset,” Joy said, “Senior citizens rarely came in to apply for jobs here.” Since the hire of Bernie and Murray, PostcardMania’s Human Resources has expanded its hiring pools to more mature applicants. There is a bevy of older generation employees that work at PostcardMania now – many on their 2nd and 3rd careers.

The prevailing thought around the country is that people want to quit working when they are done with their 25, 30, or 50 year career. “I have found that the majority of seniors that apply (at PostcardMania) still want to be able to contribute to be useful in their lives,” said Cindy Wilson, PostcardMania’s VP of Human Resources.

Murray, now a Boca Raton citizen who in his career-life at IBM created the flight software for the airline industry, had been retired for over 15 years. He now works for PostcardMania remotely from home. PostcardMania’s IT division set Murray up to be able to access the company’s database and continue his work from afar.

“I am so thankful to be able to work on something worthwhile and meaningful,” said Murray, “It (PostcardMania) literally gave me my life back – I mean that.”

Corporate Giants Also Take Heed

Corporate giants are also taking notice of the elderly as a valuable resource and enlisting senior citizens for help – not just in volunteer activities, but in creating new careers that allows them to exercise their hard-won experience and expertise. Likewise this ‘help’ is giving these veterans their 2nd and 3rd careers.

Publix, the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the United States, founded by the late George W. Jenkins in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, has a corporate philosophy to provide a diverse workforce and is known for its employment of senior citizens, where one of out every five Publix employees are older than 50. These ‘mature associates’ are a large part of the Publix workforce and make up 30,000 of their 141,000 total employees.

“Mature Associates offer valuable skills, maturity and experience,” said Shannon Patten, Publix Media and Community Relations Manager. “They have a strong work ethic, many skills and job knowledge that they share with our younger associates.” Shannon says the corporate philosophy is such that they encourage an environment where senior citizens will want to apply.

Even Wal-Mart, despite their recent bad rap in the media, is one of the leading employers of senior citizens in the United States, employing nearly a quarter million associates – just less than 20% of Wal-Mart’s workforce is at least 55 years old.

Senior citizens or ‘mature associates’ are becoming an integral part of the workforce and is one of the ways corporations can take responsibility for the social and economic welfare of our country.

(1) taken from www.seniorjobbank.org

Senior Living Community Trends

Senior living communities are relatively new, are responding to constantly changing demands and while even this industry is reacting to the current economic downturn, baby boomers are creating and responding to trends in a variety of ways.  A recent survey conducted by Mather LifeWays with Life Services of Illinois in late 2008 revealed some interesting findings.  This survey is “significant because there are few published studies that examine trends in programs, amenities, and environments among aging services providers,” states Mary Leary, President and CEO, Mather LifeWays.

Independent living is at the top of the list for most seniors and most are serious about technology.  That means that senior living communities must offer state-of-the-art systems for computer savvy seniors.  Those leaving the workforce today have become accustomed to and very adept at building their careers and a portion of their personal lives around computers.  Seniors want services available that will allow them to maintain independence.

New models in Senior Living Communities

The Beacon Hill model, as described in AARP Magazine is an innovative program that allows residents to stay in their homes and maintain their independence safely and comfortably.  Beacon Hill Village in Boston is being embraced by communities with seniors across the nation because of its model as a full-service concierge program dedicated to linking older residents of the neighborhood with anything from a ride to the doctor’s office to house painting services to free lectures and exercise classes.  Members must live in the neighborhood and pay an annual fee. The Beacon Hills Village program has sparked grassroots movements across the country.

“The New Retirement Survey” released in 2005 by Merrill Lynch focused on how baby boomers, who are quickly approaching retirement age, will have a noticeable impact on all aspects of senior living, including housing.  In fact, because baby boomers will fundamentally reinvent retirement by living longer and remaining engaged and employed beyond age 65, the impact will influence all trends in senior living communities.  The survey describes the “turning point”: 76% of boomers intend to keep working and earning after retiring from their current job and even exploring entirely new careers.  This desire to continue working is motivated by earnings and by a desire for “continued mental stimulation and challenge which will motivate them to stay in the game.” Naturally, this finding supports the senior living community trend of a desire for further education. Visit the Bernard Osher Foundation to learn about the location of classes and opportunities for lifelong learning offered by this well-regarded foundation.

Trends can also be observed in surveys targeting the operators and owners of these communities.  The Mather Lifeways survey describes trends in senior living communities that include wellness and lifelong learning options available as well as environmental considerations, such as green living standards.   The survey also found that wireless technology is opening even more opportunities to pursue a wealth of knowledge.  Currently, 22% of continuing care retirement communities are now offering Web-based education; however that number is expected to soar to 69% over the next four years, while wellness offerings, including classes and recreation, are projected to grow to 52%, up from 25%.  Studies also reveal that 35% of senior living community providers are expected to observe “green” standards in new construction or renovation.

Another study, by Ziegler Capital Markets, queried senior living community owners, explores senior living community trends from a marketing standpoint.  The majority of respondents stated that their multi-site organizations have been impacted by the current downturn in the economy.  When asked how they intend to react, most said they will offer a variety of discounts on monthly service and entrance fees, which will naturally be attractive to those considering a senior living community.  Marketing programs are also focusing more on what their community can offer in response to trends in senior living communities.

Technology, independence, education, health and environmental concerns will undoubtedly keep the newest members of the senior population occupied, challenged and productive for many years.

Senior Care Homes-Care and Housing Options in NJ

Many times, adult children of seniors find themselves playing the role of advocate to obtain care of parent. This may begin when a parent becomes ill or injured and has to be hospitalized or you may see that your parent is declining and can no longer be alone and will require ongoing care. What do you do then? So many people, it’s like a “trial by fire”, trying to learn the language of senior care homes options in order to make the best decision for their loved one. Understanding the different senior care terms can make this an easier task.  

Rehabilitation/Sub acute Care Center-this type of facility provides short term therapeutic care for patients once discharged from the acute care of a hospital. The therapy provided includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. A typical stay in a rehab center is usually about two to three weeks. The goal is to restore the patient to normal capacity.

Home Care-also known as senior in home care or home health care. This type of service provides a range of services that include assistance with bathing, toileting, dressing, and ambulation. Home care can also include meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry services. In-home care can be provided for a few hours per day or on a 24 hour per day basis depending on need.

Adult Day Care/Medical Day Care-a protective environment for seniors needing a structured program. Services for adult day care vary from custodial care, offering stimulating activities for independent seniors along with meals, to an adult medical day care which provides activities to seniors with medical needs.  Seniors are usually brought to an adult day care program in the morning and leave in the evening. Transportation to and from the center is often available.

Assisted Living-is a combination of housing and personal health support services for seniors. Services in an assisted living usually include:
-private or semi-private apartment
-emergency call systems
-daily meals served in a common dining room
-social and recreational activities
-transportation
-assistance with personal care
-medication management
-24 hour staff
-laundry and housekeeping services
In addition, many assisted living facilities have a secure unit for memory impaired seniors.

Nursing-Convalescent Home/Skilled Nursing Facility-For those with a need for more acute care, a nursing home provides patients with 24 hour care. This type of facility is generally for patients requiring ongoing skilled care such as bathing, toileting, dressing, as well as assistance with ambulation. Medical supervision and rehabilitation services are also provided.  

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)-a community that offers multiple levels of assistance to seniors. Levels of care range from independent living, assisted living and nursing home care. A CCRC provides a continuum of housing and health care options on one central campus.  Seniors who opt to live at a CCRC usually sign a long term contract (often the length of a resident’s life). This offers the senior the peace of mind that they can receive housing and assistance at one site, as their needs increase.

Senior Citizens Should be Aware of Private Long Term Care Insurance

Long term care is a major concern of American senior citizens and their families. Studies have shown that Americans rank long term care second, behind saving for retirement, when prioritizing financial needs. Unfortunately, many Americans do not want to think about needing long term care and, therefore, fail to plan for it. Others wrongly assume that Medicare or standard health insurance policies will cover the costs of long term care services. As a result of this failure to plan, tens of thousands of Americans are impoverished each year by the costs of long term care.

The best time to plan for long term care is before it is needed. Start thinking about long term care when you plan for retirement. If you are already retired, it is not too late to begin planning for potential long term care needs.

Private long term care insurance is an excellent way to finance long term care. This brochure will guide you through the important process of selecting the right long term care insurance policy. This booklet provides information on long term care services, what to look for in a long term care insurance policy, and a glossary of terms.

Finding a good policy will take some effort, but the effort will be worthwhile. Here are some steps to take when considering the decision to purchase a long term care insurance policy:

1. Talk to your financial planner or insurance agent about whether long term care insurance makes sense for you.
2. Ask your financial advisor to recommend a company and a policy.
3. Check with insurance rating services to make sure the insurance company you are considering is financially secure.
4. Call your state insurance department and ask about the company and its record in your state.
5. Make sure your insurance agent is licensed to sell long term care insurance in your state.
6. Review all the details and options of the policy. Do not rely just on the marketing materials or outline of coverage.
7. Make sure you understand all the provisions before you purchase any policy.
8. Ask your insurance agent questions. Seek guidance from the state insurance commission office, the Area Agency on Aging, or local senior centers. Discuss policies with friends, family, and others whose opinions you respect. Take time when choosing a policy, and don’t allow yourself to be pressured into making quick decisions. And remember: Never pay cash.

The decision to purchase long term care insurance is not a simple one, but thorough investigation and thoughtful planning now can offer you and your family financial protection for the future, and, most importantly, peace of mind.

Defining Long Term Care

Long term care includes a range of nursing, social, and rehabilitative services for people who need ongoing assistance. Most people in long term care facilities are older, but many young people need long term care during an extended illness or after an accident.

Assistance with routine personal needs such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and taking medicine is the most common long term care service. Long term care facilities also provide skilled nursing and rehabilitative care, which is ordered by a physician and supervised by skilled medical personnel such as a nurse or licensed therapist.

Long Term Care Is Offered In A Variety Of Settings

Nursing facilities are the primary settings for people who require medical care daily or intermittently. You must have a physician specify needed services in a written treatment plan for admission to a nursing facility. Many nursing facility stays are short periods of recuperation from an acute medical episode such as a hip fracture or surgery.

Assisted living facilities or residential care facilities provide general supervision, housekeeping services, medical monitoring, and planned social, recreational, and spiritual activities for people who are still independent and ambulatory. Assisted living facilities do not provide medical care.

Facility care services include skilled nursing care, speech, physical, or occupational therapy, facility health aides, or help from facilitymakers. Sometimes, family members, or caregivers, provide most of the care with the help of facility aides and skilled professionals.

Adult day care services are available in many communities, providing personal care, skilled care, and recreational services.

Financial Issues And Long Term Care

The cost of long term care varies by the level of care needed, the setting where the care is provided, and geographic location. Nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and facility care services provide different levels of care to different resident populations; therefore, costs are not comparable.

On average, round-the-clock long term care services in a nursing facility cost $40,000 per year, or $112 per day.

Assisted living costs vary dramatically-anywhere from $900 to $3000 per month depending on room size, amenities provided, and services required.

Facility care, if needed daily, also can be quite expensive. In 1996, an average facility care visit from a registered nurse (RN) cost $99. RN visits for facility care typically do not exceed 2-4 hours per day, so care is not round-the-clock.

Eight hours of adult day care can cost an average of $45 per day.

Nursing Facility Care: About one third of the costs of nursing facility care are paid directly by individuals and their families. Two government programs may pay for some of your care.

Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older, only covers skilled facility care and up to 100 days of skilled care in a nursing facility if you are admitted after a three-day hospitalization (not required if you are an HMO member) and your physician prescribes skilled care in your treatment plan. Many people think that Medicare is the primary payor of nursing facility stays, but Medicare accounts for only 9 percent of nursing facility expenditures.

Medicaid, a program for the poor, pays for approximately 52 percent of the nation’s nursing facility care, but only for people who have spent almost all their assets and become impoverished. Due to lack of planning for long term care, Medicaid is the source of payment for nearly 70 percent of people in nursing facilities!

Unless you have long term care insurance, qualify under limited conditions for Medicare coverage, or become poor, you will pay out of your savings for nursing facility services.

Assisted Living: About 90 percent of the nation’s assisted living services are paid for with private funds. The Supplemental Security Income, Older Americans Act, and Social Services Block Grant programs pay for some assisted living services, while about one-fifth of the states allow the federal Medicaid program to pay for some service components.

Facility Care: Private funds pay for about 46 percent of facility care costs; Medicare covers 32 percent; Medicaid, 22 percent.

Adult Day Care: There are some out-of-pocket expenses for adult day care; however, the majority of funding comes from public sources either the state exclusively, or, in some states, Medicare and Medicaid. Private donations from corporations and charitable groups such as the United Way also supplement the costs of adult day care.

When To Buy Long Term Care Insurance

Because long term care insurance premiums are based on age at the time of purchase, the younger you are when you purchase a policy, the less expensive the annual premium. These premiums for most policies stay level each year as you age. If you buy at age 55 a policy that cost $800 per year, you will continue to pay the same premium. However, if you wait until you are 65, the same policy will cost you $1,700 per year.

What To Look For In A Policy

The best policy for you depends on several factors, including your family arrangement, your financial situation, your preferences regarding long term care choices, and the level of risk you are willing to accept. There is no one best company or one best policy for everyone. You should select a policy that meets your needs.

Before you buy a policy, make sure you know the product you are buying and from whom you are buying it. Be sure your agent is licensed to sell insurance in your state and has received specific training on long term care insurance. Consult friends, consumer guides, and information from your state’s insurance counseling program or local agency on aging.

Senior Care Costs

The Costs of Senior Care Options

When planning for our retirement, most of us allocate money into a 401K or another savings program to take advantage of tax write-offs and to make sure we will be able to enjoy a nice lifestyle when we are no longer working from nine to five. We imagine using the money to supplement our monthly social security checks to enjoy vacations and other leisure activities while taking advantage of all those senior discounts.

The financial companies advertisements assist us with the visions of enjoying gardening, sailing and relaxing during our retirement years. They don’t show the other side of the reality which includes health problems which accompany aging. Along with a longer life comes an increased chance for developing an age-related disease, such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease. Alzheimer’s Disease is now the sixth leading cause of death, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. As we all witnessed from watching former President Ronald Reagan battle the disease, a senior with Alzheimer’s Disease can live for many years, while requiring a caregiver to assist with their daily living. As Medicare does not pay for long-term senior care (only stays of 100 days or less in a nursing home for rehabilitation after a hospital stay, with doctor preapproval, with only the first 20 days paid at 100% by Medicare), the costs can quickly add-up.

What are your senior care options when you need caregiving assistance for your activities of daily living?

Senior Home Care Agency Nursing Home Assisted Living Community Continuing Care Retirement Community

How much do these options cost? Based on prices effective as of January, 2009, here are the costs.

Senior Home Care Agency: $15 – $25 per day/$190 – $350per day (Most common hourly rate = $19, Most common daily rate = $225) Nursing Home: $145 – $400 per day Assisted Living Community: $3800 – $5,000 per month Continuing Care Retirement Community: Down payment @ $250,000 + $3,000 – $5,000 per month

These costs are consolidated to account for the lowest to highest fees nationwide. You can find actual costs per state and metropolitan area for specific nursing homes, senior home care agencies and assisted living communities at Caregiverlist.com.

What are the ways to pay for these senior care options?

Private pay with your own savings Long-term care insurance policy Qualify for Medicaid care (nursing home only with the exception of a few states experimenting with home care, must have assets of $2,000 or less)

Remember that senior home care agencies actively manage the caregivers and provide for all the necessary insurance and payroll taxes for the caregiver as their employee. This guarantees that a substitute caregiver will be available when the regular caregiver cannot make the shift and provides active training and management of the caregiver.

When evaluating nursing homes, you should inquire about their ability to provide for your care if you end up needing to spend down your assets and go onto Medicaid insurance. Medicaid is administered by each state and provides for the needs of very low-income seniors, with the minimum in assets usually around $2,000. Most Continuing Care Retirement Communities do provide for care should a senior spend down their assets and need to be covered by Medicaid insurance. These communities also usually will refund a portion of the deposit upon a senior’s death, based on the number of years and services actually used. As demonstrated by their name, they provide peace of mind for seniors by continuing to provide care at all levels of need, from independent living to around-the-clock nursing care.

Remember, Medicare does not pay for long-term care, which means to effectively plan for your senior care needs, you must plan for where you want to receive the care and save to pay for the care services either in a nursing home or in your home. While less than 7% of Americans over the age of 70 currently have long-term care insurance, it is predicted that more than 50% of Americans will have long-term care insurance in twenty years, as people witness their parents burn through their life savings to pay for their senior care needs. Research the options and manage your investments to allow you to choose your preferred senior care.

Senior Housing – Your Ultimate Guide

Many people hold the belief that taking care of their parents, right in their own homes, is the way to go. There are circumstances, though, when even the ideal must give way to practical considerations. When your aging parents become ill and require constant medical care and supervision, or when they are recuperating from an injury/disorder but can no longer be left on their own, obtaining paid professional help can ease tremendous pressure off you (especially if you’re dealing with unceasing work demands).

Senior housing facilities operated by individuals committed to the care of the elderly have sprouted in recent years. Many of these are run by competent individuals who value their main clients – elderly who depend on them to make life as easy as possible while grappling with age-related disorders, or memory loss, or simply bouts of loneliness.

Some of the most popular senior housing options are  residential care or assisted living, which is characterized by a homelike environment and is geared towards helping residents in their daily routines; and nursing homes, which are generally replete with specialized care facilities & supplies and staffed with medical experts, nutritionists and other professionals to provide care for injured or sick seniors.

Another type of senior housing is the continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which may run the gamut from independent living facilities to assisted living or special nursing homes. When opting for a CCRC, clients will be paying for long-term care, upfront “rent” & housekeeping and meals.  A CCRC is pricey. There are payment schemes like pay-as-you-go or modified. Some seniors move in at a relatively early age to get to enjoy activities like informative lectures, bike paths, and fitness classe

Better Sleep in May: Improving Senior Health Care

Elected “Better Sleep Month” by the Better Sleep Council, this May is the official month to improve all areas of our sleeping lives. Though many don’t realize it, getting a good night’s sleep is vital to our ability to function properly throughout the day. Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep can eventually lead to deterioration of the body and mind. Children, teenagers, adults, and seniors can all suffer the consequences of a poor sleeping pattern. Therefore, it’s important to assess your sleep on a regular basis, and take the right steps toward consistently obtaining better rest.

As we grow older our schedules change and our sleep patterns modify along with them. Because of this reason, seniors are very susceptible to sleep disorders. Since May is “Better Sleep Month”, many senior service groups are promoting senior health care and better sleep by doing their part to inform seniors about the intrinsic risks of deprived sleep, and how to develop an effective sleep plan.

Improving on Sleep

Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your general health. Fortunately, there are a variety of options that can help you improve your sleeping habits. Good health, a satisfactory environment, consistent schedule, and many other factors can contribute to a great night of sleep. Below are a few suggestions to help you achieve better, more consistent sleep:

Ø Purchase a New Mattress – Though it is often ignored, purchasing a new mattress can do wonders for a good night of sleep. Old mattresses with sags, tears, and other general maladies can interrupt an otherwise comfortable night of sleep. Senior health care professionals agree that, as our bodies grow older and lose the ability to handle stress, it is good practice to purchase a new mattress every 5-7 years.

Ø Schedule – Do not underestimate the benefits that a regular sleeping schedule will have on your body. Try performing a similar routine before you go to bed every night. This routine will alert your body to begin producing the proper chemicals that prepare the mind and body for sleep.

Ø General Health – As one of the most important aspects of daily life, general health is also vital for sleep, too. Proper diet and exercise, as well as finding ways to reduce stress on a daily basis, can help your sleep cycle tremendously.

Ø Environment – Your sleeping environment should be as simple as possible. Dark environments with a comfortable temperature are best for sleeping. Even the tiniest bit of light may interrupt your sleep cycle, so don’t use your bedroom for work or other activities that might produce light and disrupt your sleep.

Ø Stimulants – Before bedtime, steer clear of stimulants such as cigarettes, caffeine, or alcohol. These can upset your sleep cycle, and cause sleep disorders.

The Inherent Risks of Sleep Deprivation

At first glance, the only consequence of a meager night’s sleep would be feeling drowsy the following day, which you might combat with a cup of strong coffee. However, the consequences of a consistently deprived sleep schedule are much more serious. Some of these consequences include:

Ø Mood Disorders

Ø High Stress Levels

Ø Memory Loss

Ø Irritability

Ø High Blood Pressure

Ø Heart Disease

Ø Diabetes

Senior Health Care and Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are common among Senior Citizens. If you’re feeling tired during the day then it’s very possible that you may have one. While specially designed sleep clinics and other senior services will help monitor sleeping patterns to diagnose a particular disorder, there are signs and symptoms you should be aware of:

Ø Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea is an inherently dangerous sleeping disorder. Pauses in breathing occur throughout the night with sleep apnea, causing you to wake up periodically and diminish the quest for a good night sleep. Frequent awakening and louder than normal snoring are signs that you may have sleep apnea.

Ø Insomnia – Insomnia is very frequent in adults who are 60 and above, making it a major concern for many nursing homes and other senior health care service providers. Consult your doctor if you have trouble staying asleep or going to sleep since both are signs of insomnia.

Sleep and Alzheimer’s disease – Nursing homes and other senior health care services have begun focusing on the sleeping habits of those with Alzheimer’s disease and how to improve their rest and safety at night. Many who suffer from Alzheimer’s have erratic sleeping schedules and, often times, disorders which include insomnia, sleep walking, and other similar disorders.

Sleep disorders and other forms of sleep deprivation can become a serious health concern for people of all ages. Assess your sleep on a regular basis and make sure you’re getting proper rest at night.

How Does A LTCi Policies Protect Senior Citizens?

Lets take a few minutes to look how LTCi policies protect senior citizens. Life is a journey full of surprises! No one knows exactly what the future holds. You worked hard to save and invest wisely for retirement. And, though it’s impossible to predict what lies ahead, we can gain some control of the future by examining our lives and finding solutions that will protect our independence. The reality of life is that, despite everything you do to take care of yourself, your chances of needing long-term care steadily increase over time. The costs that go along with long-term care can exhaust your savings and impact your standard of living along with your independence. Fortunately, there’s a solution. With long term care insurance, you can help ensure that if you ever need long-term care, you’ll be better able to pay for it and help protect your family, your assets and remain in control of your future!

American’s are living longer, leading healthier lives than ever before. We know what is healthy for us and what is not. We have access to medical advances and care that with each passing day we hear about another person celebrating their 100th birthday. Most never expected to live that long. Have you thought about living a long life and the financial and emotional risk associated with long term care? Chances are, you or someone you know has faced the issues involved with caring for a family member. Long Term care is the ongoing care for a chronic, long term illness or disability such as Alzheimer’s, a broken hip or an inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). Long Term care can include home health care, supervised adult day care, assisted living, residential care, respite care and nursing care.

When it comes to long term care, evaluate the impact on yourself and your family. Would you be able to stay at home to care for yourself or would your family care for you at home? How will you pay for it? Families often bear the burden. The majority of long-term care is provided by unpaid family caregivers to seniors living in their own homes or with their families. Discovering the benefits of long-term care insurance will help ensure your financial security and independence.

Reasons to own a Long Term Care Policy:

1. You can have a professional plan and coordinate your care at home.

2. Your family can be a part of your care plan, but they don’t have to be the planners.

3. You will have the money to pay for the care without depleting your nest egg.

4. Your loved ones can carry on with their jobs and own family commitments.

5. Your family will help out of love instead of out of feelings of obligation.

6. You will have the funds to be better able to choose your own facility or stay at home, whichever is more appropriate.

7. You may be able to stay in your own home longer.

8. You may be able to stay with your children without depending on them for all of your care. There will be less strife between family members. One person won’t have the sole responsibility of caring for you.

How does a LTCi policy protect Senior Citizens? by protecting your independence and family’s well-being. Including Long Term Care Insurance (LTCi) in your financial plans is an important step toward making sure the high cost of long-term care doesn’t take your choices away. Work with a Long Term Care Specialist who can answer your questions and help you obtain affordable protection best suited for your needs today!

Making the Transition to Senior Housing

The moving process always causes a great deal of stress which, for seniors and their families, can be compounded by a number of complicating factors. The following are a few tips for those who are getting ready to move.

Downsize early

Often, seniors are moving into a smaller space when transitioning into a senior housing community, which means many of belongings they may have accumulated over the years won’t fit in their new home. This can create a very difficult situation when it comes time to move, as it often comes down to throwing away many items which hold sentimental value.

 Try to go through this process as early and as gradually as possible. Get the family together and go through the basement, attic or garage well before the time comes to move. Doing so will ensure that the move to senior housing goes much more smoothly.

 Check to make sure it’s a good fit

Often families overlook seemingly-smaller issues when selecting a senior housing community which can prove to be deal breakers down the road. After finding a community that is in the desired area and provides the basic care needs, continue to ask questions. Do they allow pets? Does the community offer kosher or vegetarian meals? Is smoking allowed? What are most of the other residents like? These are often-overlooked issues that should be considered before a decision is made.

 Look into getting help

Moving into senior housing poses many potential complications that one simply doesn’t have to worry about in any other situation. Seeking the help of a professional senior move manager can save mounds of time, effort and frustration in the long run.

 The National Association of Senior Move Managers is the largest senior move manager professional organization in the nation. Its members have experience helping seniors make the transition into senior housing, and their expertise extends beyond the moving process. NASMM members can even help you find an appropriate senior housing community, as the organization has partnered with snapforseniors.com which maintains the most current and comprehensive senior housing resource in the nation.

For further details about senior housing, retirement homes, assisted living and senior care services visit snapforseniors.com

Senior Assistance-Care Options

Locating appropriate senior assistance for your elderly loved one can be a daunting task. This can be especially true when you are not familiar with your care and housing options. It can be overwhelming when you hear senior care related terms such as sub-acute care, independent living, assisted living, residential care, or continuing care facility.

Understand the variety of senior care options and related terminology can ease your way as you navigate your way. The following are some of the common terms and service options you may encounter and want to become familiar with.

Adult Day Care/Medical Day Care-a protective environment for seniors needing a structured program. Adult day care services vary from custodial care, offering stimulating activities for independent seniors along with meals, to an adult medical day care setting which provides activities to seniors with medical needs. Seniors are usually brought to an adult day care program in the morning and leave in the evening. Often times, transportation to and from the center are available.

Assisted Living- is a combination of housing and personal health support services for seniors. Such services usually include:

Private or semi-private apartment Emergency call system Daily meals served in a common dining area Recreational and social activities Transportation Personal care assistance Staff available 24 hours Laundry and housekeeping services Secure unit for memory impaired residents (at some assisted living communities)

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)- a community that offers multiple levels of assistance to seniors. Levels of care range from independent living apartments, assisted living and nursing home care. A CCRC provides a continuum of housing and health care options on one central campus. Seniors who opt for CCRC living usually sign a long term contract such as the length of the resident’s life. The benefit of this type of care is that it can provide peace of mind that housing and medical assistance will continue to be provided at one site as needs increase.

Home Care- also known as senior in home care or home health care. This type of service provides a range of services that include assistance activities of daily living such as bathing, toileting, dressing, and ambulation. Home care can also include meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry services. In-home care can be provided for a few hours per day or on a 24 hour basis.

Nursing-Convalescent Home/Skilled Nursing Facility- for those with a need for more acute care, a nursing home provides patients with 24 hours care. This type of facility is generally for patients that will require skilled care ongoing. This type of facility provides medical supervision, rehabilitation as well as bathing, toileting, dressing, and assistance with ambulation.

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