Leslie Newlife

How Seniors Can Make Their Home More Comfortable

No matter how old you are, there is nothing like relaxing in the calming embrace of home. This is a feeling that never fades away yet can become difficult to recreate as we move through the different stages of life. For those moving into an assisted living facility, this transition can be even more jarring; but things can be done to get that feeling back. Here are four ways how seniors can make their home more comfortable.

Prevent Trips

One of the difficult realities of aging is the loss of strength and dexterity that we used to take for granted. This can be an especially tough pill to swallow for those who value their independence but must now rely on the assistance of others in their day-to-day lives. One way to help preserve your health is to take steps to prevent trips in the home. This can be done by decluttering items you don’t need any longer and moving large items to create large pathways to walk through. You should also remove throw rugs, cords, cables, and other tripping hazards throughout your home.

Improve the Lighting

Just as important in preventing trips but also worthy of its own category, another way how seniors can make their home more comfortable is to improve the lighting situation. As our bodies continue to age, our eyesight can deteriorate, but installing additional high-quality lighting can counteract some of the effects of vision problems. Putting bright lights in dark corridors like hallways and stairwells can reduce instances of tripping or running into furniture.

Update the Furniture

Sometimes with the loss of strength, it can become difficult to stand up from a sitting or lying position. Fortunately, furniture can be modified to make the process easier. There are mattresses available that are adjustable to help aid sleep as well as getting in and out of bed. There are also many motorized recliners that help with standing up from a sitting position.

Personalize the Bathroom

Creating a personalized bathroom that is catered to each person’s needs will make the home feel much more comfortable. Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower will help prevent falls. It’s also smart to put a bench in the bathtub to go along with an anti-slip mat.

Benefits of Seniors Owning Pets

Life as you age can tend to get more difficult. There is no doubt that loneliness can set in as people you love pass away or your family moves farther from you.

Being lonely may not immediately raise any red flags, but there are negative side effects that could possibly stem from it. Stroke, depression, and heart attacks are just some of the symptoms that can accompany being lonely for an extended period of time. 

Many people in their older age may not immediately consider the idea, but getting a pet for companionship is a great way to help combat the loneliness they may be feeling.

Of course, getting a pet can be a big commitment. There are many things that may cause you concern, such as how you will clean your home and car while owning a pet. Animals can make a mess sometimes, and many do have a tendency to shed, which can cause a much bigger need to clean.

However, the benefits of pet ownership typically far outweigh the concerns.

Physical Benefits

As a senior, there are many health concerns that arise as you age. However, a great way to help your physical health may be owning a pet. Animals can provide many physical health benefits. 

Owning a pet can help with:

  • Improved mobility – Walking or playing with a furry friend can greatly increase your mobility from repetitive movements.
  • Lowering blood pressure – Petting or cuddling with your companion is shown to reduce stress, which in turn does wonders for your blood pressure.
  • Reduced risk of heart disease – Similar to lowering blood pressure, animal interaction can also lower heart rates, which can lead to lower chances of heart disease.
  • Increased exercise – Having a pet encourages you to exercise, either by walking them routinely or getting up to give them some attention and playtime.

Mental Benefits

Having a pet stems beyond just physical health benefits. Animal companions also help greatly with mental health.

Having a furry friend can:

  • Lower stress levels – Animals bring us a sense of relaxation when they are near. Interaction with a pet can release oxytocin, which in turn helps lower stress levels.
  • Decrease feelings of loneliness – Having a pet can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness that may come with older age. Pets provide a strong sense of companionship to their owners.
  • Increase social interaction – Pets may provide more companionship than just themselves as well. People who own pets are more likely to meet new people through conversation starters and shared social settings.
  • Increase comfort – Animals bring a strong sense of comfort to their owners when something difficult happens. Whether it be an emotional struggle or physical, having a companion can provide much comfort in hard times.What to Consider Before Choosing a Pet

All the benefits of pet ownership sound wonderful, but there are also factors to consider before going off to purchase your new companion. Pets have many needs, and before making the commitment you should consider whether you will be able to fulfill their needs.

Daily Maintenance

Pets bring so much joy, but they also have needs of their own. One is that most pets will require daily maintenance. Dogs will need to be fed and given fresh water daily, as will cats.

They will also need interaction from you on a daily basis. Dogs need frequent walks, to be taken outside, and play time. Cats will need stimulation and play time.

There is also the cleaning. Dogs will need their feces disposed of, whether right after they go or frequently if you have the yard space to let them outside. Cats will need frequent litter box cleanings.

Expenses

Pets can be costly, which is something to keep in mind before choosing to adopt. Things such as adoption fees, vet bills, pet supplies, and grooming can all add up.

Outside of the routine costs, pets can also have unexpected problems, just as we do as humans. If you decide to get a pet, you should be prepared for the possibility that they may have unexpected costs.

An easy way to mitigate the financial expense of having a pet is purchasing pet insurance. There are different policies available that provide coverage for unexpected pet expenses. Some car insurance policies even include pet coverage.

Location

Before bringing home a pet, consider the living situation. If your home does not have a fenced yard and you live in a climate where it gets cold, you may need to take your dog out in freezing temperatures to use the restroom. 

If this is something you are not prepared to do, choosing a pet that doesn’t need to be let outside would be a wiser option.

Making sure your living space is appropriate for the pet you choose is a large factor. 

How to Choose the Right Pet

If you have decided everything lines up and you are ready for a furry friend to keep you company, it is important to choose one that works well for you.

Dogs

A dog is a great choice for someone who is not limited in their mobility or looking to improve their mobility. Since dogs require more exercise than other pets, they are best suited for someone who is able to meet those needs.

There are many dog breeds to choose from, with many different personality types. Do some research on breed specifics, and you can be sure to find one that is perfect for you. 

Don’t forget! You can also search your local animal shelter for a canine companion. Shelters will typically have a wide variety of dogs for you to choose from.

Cats

Cats can be a great option for a senior who struggles with mobility or does not have outdoor space.

Since cats don’t need to be let outside, they are relatively low maintenance when it comes to mobility needs. Just be sure you are able to clean their litter box frequently and provide them with fresh food, water, and some stimulation throughout the day.

The life of a cat can even be made easier if you prepare some cat diapers! Then you won’t have to worry about fecal & urinary incontinence, spaying incontinence, or heat cycle issues.

Birds or Small Rodents

Pets such as birds, hamsters, or guinea pigs can be lower maintenance options for seniors who don’t want to overwhelm themselves. These animals don’t require much space and simply need feedings, water, and cage cleanings.

They can provide just as much companionship as a cat or dog, with typically less maintenance.

Fish

Fish are extremely low maintenance pet options. They need a small feeding each day and their tank water cleaned. Outside of that, there is not much they require. 

Fish are a great option for someone who needs routine in their life but may have trouble with a more high-maintenance pet.

Enjoy Your New Companion

If you have decided a pet is the best option for you in your senior years, you will surely be happy with the love and companionship they bring. 

It’s true, pets can take a lot of work. But if you are able to care for them, the benefits they bring can far outweigh the maintenance. From helping you stay physically fit to keeping your mental health strong, having a furry friend in your home can certainly fill many needs you may have.

About the Author: Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, USInsuranceAgents.com and loves animals. She has five pets of her own who she spoils every day.

 

Helping Your Loved One Acclimate to Nursing Home Living

Transitioning your aging loved one from in-home care to a nursing facility can be an emotionally-draining process—one many loved ones tend to put off. Avoid unnecessary chaos and grief by understanding the signs of mental and physical decline and discussing your loved one’s care before injury or outburst. Suppose you notice that your elderly loved ones have a track record of skipping meals regularly, forgetting medication, taking constant spills, or showing signs of mental confusion and delirium. In that case, it may be time to hand the torch over to nursing facility specialists.

From the outside looking in, aging-in-place may seem like the preferred, more comfortable option for struggling seniors. However, you may find assisted living facilities’ benefits too good to ignore as you investigate further. Accessible senior living centers can offer your loved one a safe and comfortable residence equipped with hands-on help for day-to-day strains, personalized rehabilitation programs, and a diverse community to soothe feelings of isolation.

Ensure a seamless and guilt-free transition by adequately preparing your loved one for this new stage of life.

What to pack

Just like high school seniors sorting through unnecessary belongings in preparation for dorm life, senior citizens moving into assisted living facilities should also assess which beloved knickknacks can feasibly fit in their new space. Everyday basics like personal hygiene products, prescribed medications, a cell phone for seniors—enabling external communication—and a flashy outfit or two are a must. Along with the necessities, plan to move personal items, like family photos, meaningful heirlooms, a well-loved quilt, or—if the facility permits—a lounge chair for optimal comfort and respite.

Build a foundation

Seniors transitioning from at-home care to a nursing facility may experience emotional discomfort as they distance themselves from friends and family. Avoid this potential hurdle by visiting often and filling in nursing staff on your loved one’s quirks, personal favorites, and other important background information. Sprinkle in details—like a favorite snack or fun nickname—to help facility caretakers understand your loved one’s personality. That way, nursing home staff can provide your loved one with a home away from home.

Give them a say

Although your caring concern is appreciated and integral in the transition to assisted living facilities, ensuring your loved one maintains as much autonomy as possible is crucial. If they’re of sound mind, allow them to make everyday decisions. After all, it’s their health on the table.

If you have to maintain control for their own safety, inform your elderly loved ones of the gravity of the situation when making life-altering decisions. Along those same lines, ensure you maintain consistent communication. Keeping your loved one in the loop minimizes transitional shock and grants these seniors a sense of control.

Encourage community participation

Encouraging your loved one to participate in local senior life is an excellent route to acclimation.  Nursing home staff often organize events and provide opportunities for community engagement and connection.

If your elderly loved one is wary of attending, tag along to relieve feelings of discomfort. Support your senior’s socialization efforts as they learn new hobbies, eliminate feelings of isolation, and create lasting friendship bonds.

Make it their home

Designing a customized safe space conducive to relaxation is imperative to your elderly loved one’s emotional well-being. Depending upon individual medical conditions, rooms may be equipped with equipment and machines, giving the space a hospital-like feel.

For those unfamiliar with nursing home living, these medical-equipment-filled spaces can be jarring, especially in contrast to previous family homes. Spruce up their living spaces with personalized decor, souvenirs, and family photos for a more personal feel.

Conclusion

Sending your loved one to a nursing home is not an easy decision to make. However, the specialized care these facilities offer may be just the thing to increase their quality of life. Take the time to research assisted living facilities specializing in home-like caretaking to ensure the senior citizens in your immediate network can live their remaining years to the fullest.

Ways to Enhance Staff Communication in a Nursing Home

The residents of your nursing home deserve the best care available to them from staff and administration who care about their health. If a long-term care facility lacks communication skills among its staff and administration, it can lead to chaos and frustration among everyone involved—other staff members, residents, and family members. Provide your employees with the best tools and knowledge for effective ways to enhance staff communication in a nursing home and your residents will enjoy the rest of their sunset years at the facility.

Step Up Nurse Training

Your nurses are a crucial part of how well the long-term care facility runs day after day. A bad day for the faculty or poor training reflects negatively on your nursing home. To keep residents happy and healthy, it’s essential to prioritize staff communication during training.

Not only do your staff members need to practice once during training, but they also need refreshers over the course of the years that they work for your care facility. Try the following training exercises to prepare your nurses with the communication skills they need to succeed:

Clearly Discuss a Resident’s Needs During Care Transfer

During the inevitable situation in which a resident’s care becomes a different nurse’s responsibility, it’s essential that the two nurses are able to discuss everything that the resident requires. Everything from resident quirks to medication must be covered in conversation.

When possible or appropriate, get the resident involved with this process as well. Provide the resident with the right gateways to talk about their needs with both their previous caretaker and new caretaker.

Emphasize Teamwork

Nursing homes require every employee to work together as a team; any competition can prove dangerous for the facility. Emphasize nurses helping nurses. If any staff member has questions or concerns about a resident, ensure that they have means to communicate with other caretakers rather than attempting to solve the problem on their own. Team-building games and exercises can help nurses feel comfortable around their peers and open the floor to communication.

Ensure the Facility Provides Ample Communication Tools

Communication often falls apart at longer distances. Prevent lapses in staff communication by providing your staff with work cellphones or by installing a two-way radio system. As one of the best ways to enhance staff communication in a nursing home, a system of two-way radios offers long-lasting communication without the use of cellphones while at work.

If using work cellphones, it’s important to make sure that cell signals reach all areas of the facility. Not only will improving the cell range in the long-term care facility enhance staff communication, but it will also ensure all residents have the cell range they need to communicate with staff and family. Better communication for staff and residents results in happier clients and even more elated families.

7 Ways Seniors Can Prevent Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

According to research, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for seniors above 65. It can result in injuries such as hip fractures, concussions, and broken bones. If you have a senior member of your family or you work at a retirement home, you should take steps to ensure that falls and trips are minimized. Here are some of the best practices you can implement to prevent accidents at home and keep the senior members of your community safe from fall accidents.

1.    Clear clutter

As we grow older and our muscles shrink, our sense of balance deteriorates. For this reason, you should keep hallways, corridors, and paths clear of any clutter in case you are housing a senior person. Clutter such as phone cords, banana peelings, pet bowls, and electric wires are some of the common causes of trips and falls at home.

2.    Keep floors dry

Apart from clearing clutter, you should always ensure that floors are dry and any spills are wiped immediately. Slip, trip, and fall accidents are the most common accidents in senior living facilities and are mostly caused by clutter or slippery floors. If your elderly parent had a fall accident that you believe resulted from a senior living facility’s negligence, be sure to consult a personal injury attorney like levarlaw.com to help you get compensation.

3.    Improve the lighting systems

Seniors struggle with weaker vision, and their residences should be well lit to provide safety when moving around. Light switches should be easy to reach.

4.    Exercise regularly

Exercises are ideal for keeping body muscles healthy and balanced. Seniors should engage in activities such as swimming, walking, jogging, and dancing.

5.    Use assistive devices

At some stage in their life, elders will lose their ability to support their body weight, and at this stage, you should provide them with support structures such as a walking stick. Pathway points such as staircases should have supportive rails, while bathrooms should have grab bars.

6.    Regular checkups

Seniors should have regular medical checkups to ascertain the condition of their eyesight and hearing. The auditory system controls balance and coordination on the brain, and an infection can significantly influence the elder’s ability to keep their body balance. Poor eyesight also contributes to poor judgment when moving about, which can result in falls. In case an elderly person under your care is experiencing visual impairment related signs, you should consult an optician immediately.

7.    Be aware of the effects of medication

Most seniors are under medical prescriptions that boost their wellbeing. Sometimes, the medicine can have adverse side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, resulting in loss of balance. It is advisable to consult with a doctor in case of such effects set in.

8.    Proper footwear

A senior’s footwear should have a solid gripping sole and fit firmly and comfortably. You should encourage seniors to avoid wearing high heels, flip flops, slippers, or shoes without back support.

Endnote

Seniors are susceptible to fall and slip related accidents due to their old age. However, these accidents can be avoided by keeping their environment safe and free of risk factors.

How Caregivers Can Support Seniors Suffering from Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability for young and old folk alike and is often one of the many inevitable side effects of aging. Operating as an umbrella term for joint-related conditions, arthritis affects millions of people—disproportionately elderly folks.

Although a natural aging process, joint wear-and-tear often causes excessive amounts of pain and persistent aches, leaving afflicted elders with mobility complications and a newfound need for physical assistance. Common arthritis-related health complications include hip, knee, wrist, and hand pain and immobility.

This arthritis-related discomfort renders daily functions—like walking or eating—and menial tasks—like household cleaning and basic hygiene— tedious and exhausting. Additionally, independence is often lost, resulting in understandably frustrated elders who are left, sometimes helplessly, to deal with the physical and emotional side-effects of arthritis.

Give your loved ones the help they need by listening to their specific needs, offering assistance, and steering them in the direction of useful resources if you can’t provide them the hands-on care they require.

Coming to terms with your loved-ones declining health

Caretakers must apply due diligence in understanding when assisted living admittance is non-negotiable and necessary. Although difficult to accept, your loved one may need additional or more specialized treatment than you can provide.

Caring for a mobility-restricted elder can range from small, helpful tasks to round-the-clock, intensive caretaking. Sometimes, both parties’ best option is admittance to assisted-living facilities or use other care services. Relinquishing care and control can ensure your loved one gets the professional, specialized care they deserve.

Step into your loved-ones shoes

Often, family, friends, and even caregivers lack a firm grasp on the harsh realities of age-induced arthritis. Spend time asking questions, listening earnestly, and stepping into your loved one’s shoes to better understand the physical and often overlooked emotional effects of the disability.

Arthritis causes daily, painful health complications, encompassing full-body stiffness, bouts of fatigue, prolonged pains, and appetite loss, resulting in an inability to perform seemingly simple daily tasks. A senior’s deteriorating sense of independence can be extremely frustrating and disheartening for the newly-disabled. The aftermath of this drastic, physical lifestyle change can generate emotional irregularities, like bursts of anger or prolonged periods of depression for your elderly loved-ones, making empathy and unconditional love an effective form of treatment.

Attending to unavoidable emotional hurdles

Elders experiencing mental and physical effects of arthritis-induced complications often strap into a rollercoaster of emotions as their health declines. However, caretakers may also feel heightened levels of emotional distress as they navigate unpredictable outbursts and prolonged periods of physical pain.

Caretaking is often overwhelming and can be stressful when you lack resources or personal mental and physical stamina. Your physical and emotional health is not only of equal importance as your elderly loved-one, it also equips you with the necessary tools and resources to adequately care for their specific needs. Asking for help, scheduling in non-negotiable self-care periods, and regulating your own emotions are all important aspects of caretaking and are necessary, helpful tools for minimizing depressive periods, stress-induced anxiety, and exhaustion.

Understanding their physical challenges

Understanding the physical challenges that your loved one faces is crucial to helping them treat pain and better navigate their newly-restrictive lifestyle. Because mobility can range from limited to non-existent, there are a wide variety of approaches to arthritis care.

Implementing daily stretching routines can offer relief to patients. Performing exercises that preserve joint agility and taking routine medications can assist with pain management. Additionally, installing mobility aids—like stairlifts and handrails—offer elderly folk more control, subsequently taking pressure off of you as their caretaker.

Final word

Living with the physical and emotional effects of arthritis-induced pains and aches and assuming the caretaker role can be equally challenging. However, understanding signs of decline, empathizing with your loved-ones pain and frustration, and recognizing your own limitations will aid both of you through this difficult stage in life.

What To Know When Buying a Cane

There are several varying reasons for why you may need to buy a cane. While this seems like a simple, straightforward task, it’s important not to neglect some helpful information first. There are several things to consider when buying a cane including the type, size, and the overall feel. To learn what to know when buying a cane, read below.

Using a Cane

Understanding the proper use of a cane is vital for a user’s safety. Canes are meant to improve mobility and balance for a person with who is physically disabled. This could be a person who’s permanently disabled, recovering from an injury, or, most often, a person who is elderly. Many elderly people in assisted living or nursing homes will use a cane to help them get around. The common cane has a single tip with a rubber point to prevent it from slipping. Quad canes are designed with four tips to create a broader base for extra support. The idea is to be able to successfully put body weight on the cane for improved balance and security.

Selecting a Grip Type

There’s a variety of different cane grips you can choose from. Grip types are generally based on personal preference. There are grips made of foam that are designed to conform to the shape of your hand. Those suffering from conditions like arthritis or other joint problems might prefer a larger grip. Foam and other grip types are made so your joints will be relieved of any stress while holding the cane. Issues like numbness or pain in your hand and fingers is a sign that you need a different grip. Consult with a physical therapist to decide on a grip type that’s best for you.

Check Your Cane Size

Size is an incredibly important part of what to know when buying a cane. There are some types of metal canes that are adjustable, but many other types aren’t. It’s important to know how to measure your cane before you go looking to purchase one. Important details to check when sizing your cane is checking your elbow bend and your wrist height. Your elbow should be at an angle that’s comfortable. To check your wrist height, make sure the top of the cane lines up with the crease of your wrist.

Testing the Cane

The main test to see if a specific cane will work for you is to see how you feel while walking with it. The cane should be held in your hand that is opposite of the affected leg. Move the cane along with the affected leg. Make sure to keep the cane in place when stepping with the unaffected leg. Don’t forget to test the cane on some stairs as well. Hold onto the railing if one’s available and step first with your unaffected leg. Then, move the cane as you step with the affected leg. To go down the steps, put your cane on the lower step first, then step down with the affected leg followed by the unaffected one.

The Importance of Exercise for Seniors

Physical activity is one of the most important things a senior citizen can do to help preserve their independence and health as they age. There are numerous health benefits for seniors associated with regular physical activity. These include better balance, fewer falls, improved cardiovascular health, and better bone, joint, and muscle health. Regular physical activity also can improve mood, reduce the risk of depression, and promote better sleep quality. Choosing to improve fitness is a smart decision offering real, measurable health benefits.

Senior Exercise Targets

Even if a senior has never been much for exercise and fitness, fitness is a journey most can start at any age and see physical improvements, according to Harvard Medical School. The 10-year MacArthur Study of Aging in America project found that even people who had never exercised before could improve their physical fitness in their 70s and 80s with regular exercise. However, seniors should discuss plans to change physical activity levels with their health care provider before starting a new fitness routine.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises seniors just beginning their fitness journey to start out gradually and work up to the recommended two hours and 30 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity and twice-weekly sets of activities that work all major muscle groups. The best exercise routines for seniors will focus on four primary fitness targets. These are balance, flexibility, endurance, or aerobic exercise and strength training.

Each of these focus areas has a role in improving quality of life and overall fitness. Balance and strength training can translate into fewer falls and bone fractures. According to the CDC, falls are the top cause of death due to injury for seniors. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism revealed that mortality risk could increase for a decade in seniors after a broken bone. Endurance or aerobic exercise can help cardio health and improve lung capacity. Flexibility and strength training support mobility. All of these exercise-related health benefits help to promote independent living for seniors.

Types of Exercise

Swimming is an excellent choice for low-impact activities that offer excellent health returns over time. For people with osteoporosis or joint ailments, swimming is a great option for strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular health. Brisk walking is another great option, with the advantage of being readily available to almost everybody. With just a pair of comfortable shoes, you can walk your way to better fitness. If physically able, shoot for 10,000 steps throughout the day. Research shows that regularly getting 10,000 steps a day can reduce the likelihood of death during the next ten years by 46 percent.

Yoga and Pilates promote flexibility, strength, balance, and motor control. Both are typically low-impact, meaning easy on the joints and ideal for seniors. Regular range of motion exercises can help preserve and also enhance flexibility and mobility. Bicycling is another low-impact excellent option, helping seniors toward better cardiovascular health while working the leg muscles.

The Gym is Great For Seniors

While there are plenty of strength training exercises that can be done at home, there’s a lot of advantages to using a gym, especially for beginners. Strength training equipment is often the safest option for frail seniors just beginning their fitness and strength training journey. Weight machines, for example, can be safer to start on as compared to other weight and strength training options because they also offer stability in positioning.

Gyms also offer a variety of exercise and workout programs, including fitness classes. That can be very helpful for beginners, helping to avoid exercise-related injuries and to develop effective, efficient work-out routines. Many gyms offer classes especially for seniors, specifically targeting their exercise needs. One fitness chain that offers senior-specific classes is Chuze Fitness, with gyms in Tucson, Albuquerque, Denver, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

Make It Social

Social interaction is also vital to senior health and well-being. Exercising with a friend, a group, or taking classes at a gym is a great way to combine two of the most important elements of long-term senior health. Working out with friends helps everyone involved to be healthier, stronger, and to enjoy a better day-to-day quality of life.

6 Housing Options for Seniors

The housing options for seniors can vary; what works for one family can be completely different from what works for another. It’s always advisable to exhaustively research your options before making a decision that will ensure the highest quality of life possible for your loved one. Here are some of the options you might consider:

Living at Home

Many seniors feel that living in the comfort of their own home is most desirable. It’s likely where they’ve lived for a long time, and they may prefer the feelings of normalcy they experience there. Fortunately, private nursing care makes living at home possible even when the loved one needs assistance. To continue to live at home, an older person should be physically and mentally capable of living an independent life with a little help, if help is needed.

Living in an Active Adult Community

An active adult community can consist of houses, townhouses, apartments, condos, or even trailers. Most of these communities are open to people who can live an independent life and are at least 55 years old. The residents are capable of caring for themselves and their homes. The communities typically offer social activities that encourage seniors living in the community to interact with one another.

Living in an Independent Living Community

An independent living community is also called a retirement community or a retirement home. A unit in this type of living environment can be purchased or rented. People living here may have access to transportation and household services, and their meals may be included. The majority of the seniors living in an independent living community are independent. This is an ideal option for many semi-active seniors who enjoy living in a community with people their age and like having someone clean their house and prepare their meals.

Living in an Assisted Living Residence

Living in an assisted living residence is somewhat like living in an independent living community. Personal care is offered in an assisted living facility, however, and people with dementia live in units that are designed for people with this illness. Fairly active seniors who require assistance with everyday chores may want to consider living in an assisted living residence.

Living in a Nursing Home

A nursing home may also be called an extended care facility. Nurses and medical professionals are typically available round the clock to give the patients the health care they need. Depending on the situation, some people stay there on a temporary basis while others remain there indefinitely. If your loved one requires round-the-clock care, you may find that living in a nursing home is the best option.

Living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community

More expensive than all the other options is the continuing care retirement community. Here you can choose to live an independent living lifestyle, an assisted living lifestyle, or a nursing home lifestyle. Since all of these residences are in the same location, you can easily change your residence when your situation changes and you discover that you need additional medical assistance. Moving into a continuing care retirement community makes living in the same community for the remainder of your life possible. Doing so sets up a plan for the future.

What You Need to Do Before You Move Into a Senior Community

Before deciding to settle into a senior community, discuss what you are thinking of doing with your family and your friends. Ask your doctor for advice. Your health care professional should be able to help you decide which senior residence is best for you. If you are not well enough to make the right decision, have a family member do it for you.

You should also analyze your financial needs and create a budget plan. Choose a senior community that meets all of your needs. Locate senior living residences in your area. When you find them, request that you be taken on a tour of these places, then evaluate them. Before you sign a contract, carefully examine it. Let your lawyer look it over. Ask your family for help with selecting a senior residence.

Also, ask your physician to explain how to determine if you or a loved one is suitable to live in a senior community. Get information about the type of care needed. Ask your doctor if living in a senior community temporarily or permanently is recommended.

Making the Most of Open Enrollment

It’s time for open enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you want to add, change, or keep your current insurance policy, you have a limited time to complete the necessary application and documentation. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when choosing insurance and making the most out of open enrollment this year.

Premiums

The premium refers to the amount of money you will pay each month for your health insurance. However, you may qualify for assistance paying for your premiums. After you fill out your application, you’ll get to see how much money the Health Insurance Marketplace will pay towards your premiums each month. Each plan will have different premiums, as they will offer different amounts of coverage. You can compare online health insurance quotes to find the right plan that meets your needs and budget.

Copays

If you have to go to the doctor, you don’t want to have any surprises regarding how much your visit will cost. You can avoid this by choosing a plan with a copay. A copay is the amount of money you will need to pay for a doctor or specialist visit. When selecting a health insurance policy, you need to keep in mind that copays might be different for primary care physicians and specialists.

Deductibles

Before an insurance policy financially covers certain procedures, you will need to meet the deductible by paying a certain amount of money out of pocket. Once you meet your deductible, you won’t have to pay it again until the following year. Doctor’s visits tend to be excluded from deductible requirements, and many insurance policies will only require that you pay a copay for doctor’s visits even before you have met your deductible.

Prescription Coverage

If you take prescription drugs, this is one area that you need to pay extra attention to going forward. Insurance policies will vary quite a bit as to the amount of coverage that they offer. Some policies also require that you meet a pharmacy deductible before paying for part of your prescriptions, while other policies will only require that you pay copays. The amount of the copay will depend on the type of drug. Prescription drugs fall into four tiers. These tiers include Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. Each tier can have a different copay amount.

Referrals

PPO and HMO insurance policies are the two different options you have when choosing insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. One requires the need for a referral, while the other does not. PPO policies don’t require a referral from a doctor, and you can see any doctor you’d like without the need for your primary care physician to approve it as long as the doctor takes your policy. HMO policies require that you get a referral if you want insurance to cover it. Many people choose PPO policies because they don’t want to wait to get a referral to see a doctor, but PPO policies do tend to be more expensive than HMO policies.

Open enrollment is upon us, and you need to act quickly if you want to have health insurance next year. Before choosing an insurance policy through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you need to keep the above information in mind. This will allow you to make the most out of open enrollment.