Feeling at home is more than just the physical environment where we live, we want a sense of belonging – knowing we’re in the right place. We understand that selecting a senior living community can be a stressful and difficult time. You may feel overwhelmed, don’t have a clue where to start or afraid of making a decision you might regret.  These feeling are normal.

To make the process easier, we have a few tips to help you navigate the selection process, whether it be for a short stay or a longer-term decision.

How to Choose a Senior Living Community

Tip #1  Determine the appropriate level of care you or a loved one needs. 
It’s important to understand the different types of senior living options that are available and the types of services and care they offer. From independent living communities to memory care and assisted living communities, there are options for each resident’s unique needs. If you are unclear which setting might best serve your needs, talk to the admission counselor; they are a wealth of information and can help you understand your options. To read more about the levels of care read this article.

Tip #2  Tour
Visiting communities and walking through the building is the best way to evaluate your options and get a feel for the “culture” of each community. Ask to sample the dining services or attend a community event, this will allow you or your loved one to meet with current residents and observe the culture first-hand.

Tip #3  Get Feedback from Residents & Families
Another great way to determine if a senior living community is right for you is to speak directly to the residents or family members. Talk to your friends, you may know someone that currently lives in the community or has in the past. If you don’t know anyone who has had experience with the community, your tour is a great time to chat with those you meet along the way.

Tip #4   Ask the right questions
When trying to narrow down your search for an independent senior living community, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. You want to make sure that the community is not only the right culture fit but it fits your financial needs and lifestyle as well. Here are a few great questions to ask to make sure you are informed.

• How much will care cost?
• How are services billed?
• Do you participate in Medicare, Medicaid, VA Aid and Assistance, long-term care insurance or any other payment program?
• Can I continue to see my own physicians?
• Can I have a pet and my own furniture?
• What are types of social and recreational opportunities available in this community?
• Is there transportation provided?
• What training and background checks are required of staff?
• Is there a registered nurse or other medical professional available at all times?

Tip #5    Plan for the future 
It’s important to think about what kind of care is needed now, and also what additional assistance or health care might be needed down the road. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What are additional types of care and services provided on the campus?
• If I require a higher of care in the future is that available on campus?  When will I have to move to another setting?
• Does the community offer other settings with a higher level of care?

Tip #6    Trust Your Instincts
Most importantly trust your instincts. When you tour the community ask yourself, “Can I see myself or my loved one living here?” and “Do I feel there is caring and capable staff?”  How a community makes you feel when you visit is critical. If the answers are yes, and all of the other important aspects of the community align, hopefully, you found the place to call home.

If you are looking for the right place, Nye Health Services offers a continuum of care levels on all our campuses, including independent living, assisted living, and personal care. We understand the importance of a maintenance-free lifestyle for older adults, and we are committed to improving quality of life. Call today to talk to an admission counselor on one of our campuses for more information. We are here to help you or your loved one celebrate life in the environments we create. We understand this decision may be a part of your life’s journey, and we are committed to making it the best.

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According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the number one results in injury among older adults. These falls can result in broken hips, skin tears, head and brain injuries, and death. The fear of falling alone can keep the older adult from enjoying the simple pleasures life provides — activities and social engagements.

The good news is that you can prevent many falls without having to break the bank to remodel. You can do it by making minor adjustments to your home, by learning the causes of falls, by being aware of your own body, and taking care of yourself when you feel slightly off. By incorporating these tips, you can prevent your fear of falling from limiting your life.

Body Awareness
Falls tend to occur when we push ourselves beyond our capabilities. If you feel you are limited by your mobility, endurance, or strength, look into a physical therapy screening. A physical therapist can develop a personalized plan to increase your endurance, mobility, and strength.

Medications
Certain medications such as sedatives, sleeping aids, and antidepressants, may cause dizziness, lethargy, and dehydration. Be sure to check with your doctor on the side effects and interactions with the drugs you are taking. You know your body the best, so if you notice you are feeling these symptoms, notify your doctor for precautionary measures.

Exercise
As we age, we tend to decrease our activity – leaving us with weaker muscles, less endurance, and decreased mobility. To combat these symptoms of aging, it’s important to exercise daily for 30 minutes with cardiovascular, resistance, and stretching exercises. Those who exercise decrease their risk of falling. It’s also good for your heart and overall well-being!

Safe Bathrooms
Adding grab bars near and in the shower can stabilize yourself as you enter and exit. It’s also helpful to add a non-slip mat in the shower and outside of the shower to prevent possible slippage.

Stairs
Living on a single level to avoid stairs is best, but if this isn’t possible, install two rails for you to hold on to as you use the stairs. Ascend and descend each stair carefully and mindfully.

Tripping Hazards
We become so accustomed to our living quarters that we move through our homes without thinking. You may not be aware of potential trip hazards. By keeping clutter to a minimum, you can ensure your walkways are clear to reduce your risk of tripping.

Watch out for:

•  Extension cords that may be sticking out
•  Pets that may be getting in your way as you move through your home
•  Area rugs — try to minimize them or ensure they are in perfect condition!

See, painless! There is no need to fear falling when you intentionally make yourself aware of your surroundings and become mindful of what you are doing in the moment.

Any safety tips you’d like to add?  Please comment below!

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Medicare is a federal program offered to individuals 65 years and older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. Understanding what Medicare is, what it covers, and deciding what plans to choose can be daunting. It may even be confusing for those who have already chosen their Medicare plans.

To help you understand the different types of coverages and which may benefit you most, you need to understand each plan and what it entails. Medicare plans cover different services, including: inpatient hospital stays, outpatient services, skilled nursing care, prescription drugs, and medical equipment. There are four types of Medicare plans: A, B, C, and D.

Medicare Part A

You can think of Medicare Part A like hospital insurance. It helps cover inpatient care and services like hospital stays, nursing care, some home health services, skilled nursing care, and hospice care. For eligibility, you have to be admitted to the hospital and stay overnight for three midnights. Many who qualify for Part A will discharge to a short-term rehabilitation facility, and receive 24-hour nursing services and a regimented therapy program to assist in getting stronger and healthier for their return home. If you qualify for Part A, it will pay up to 100 days of your stay if you’re progressing toward the treatment goal and the services are justified in the therapy team’s documentation.

Medicare Part B

You can think of Medicare Part B like medical insurance. It helps cover outpatient services such as doctor visits, therapies, procedures, and some medical equipment and adaptive devices. Part B, has a minimal deductible set by the government you must meet before your benefits kick in.  Part B will only pay up to 80%, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20%. Many choose a supplemental insurance to help cover the remaining 20%. Therefore, when selecting a supplemental insurance, check to see how it works in conjunction with Part B.

With Medicare B, three midnight stays at a hospital are not required for eligibility. You are eligible anytime a service is needed or necessary. A doctor’s signature to evaluate and treat a condition with a specific discipline will suffice for Part B to kick back in and pay for the services.

Medicare Part C

You may know Medicare Part C as a Medicare Advantage Plan. These plans are approved through Medicare and are required to offer the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Part B minus hospice care. They may even offer more services than A & B such as dental, vision, and prescriptions. Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies. Therefore, you pick your own coverage through the insurance companies versus the government picking it for you. Every month, Medicare pays the private insurance company a fixed amount, and the insurance company covers your costs according to rules set by Medicare.

When choosing this plan, you are restricted to health care professionals and providers set by the insurance company, your premiums can change yearly, and your coverages can be dropped.

Medicare Part D is a prescription drug coverage. If you select going with Medicare Part A & B, Part D would be a separate plan. If you choose Part C, prescriptions coverage may be included.

Like every insurance plan, there are pros and cons to each so take the time to understand what each plan entails and match the coverage to your personal needs. You will thank yourself in the long run!

For more information and details on Medicare, visit medicare.gov.

Nye Health Services  · 750 East 32nd  Street ·  Fremont, Nebraska 68025  ·  402.753.1400  ·  Privacy Policy | XML Sitemap