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Choices for Senior Adult Independence

This is the time of year when we in America celebrate our independence.

Our country’s declaration of independence from Britain in 1776 was the idea to become independent from the “world superpower” of that time. Our forefathers fought and won against overwhelming odds. Today, many of the “Great Generation” of senior adults are in a battle to remain independent and in their homes. Many have lived in that home for decades and the thought of having to leave it can be an emotional battle seeming fought against overwhelming odds. This article is a tool to perhaps help families engage in conversations that might help determine if a change in lifestyle is needed.

There are basically 7 options for senior living today and this article will briefly explain them.


Aging in Place (in their home or a family member’s home)

In a recent survey conducted by AARP nearly 90 percent of people over the age of 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible, and 80 percent believe their current residence is where they will always live. However, for aging seniors to age in place their physical, financial, and care environments must be accommodating. A quote by Robyn Stone, (Executive director of the LeadingAge Center for Applied Research) puts it this way: “Most people are doing that until they aren’t doing it … it’s only when they reach either a crisis or a change in their condition or functional status, or in many times, the family support that they can no longer remain in their homes.” Such a crisis or change often happens after the age of 85. A home that lacks bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms on the first floor for example is just one of several barriers to aging in place. There are options to help finance home modifications such as a second mortgage or a reverse mortgage, but for low-income households and even many middle-income households paying to age in place is a serious challenge.

 

The Village Concept

The Village movement is a nationwide network of non-profit membership organizations. Members pay a fee for access to and help with local services including transportation, handyman services, help with household tasks, and organized social activities. On average it costs about $50/month or $600/year. A Village works just like a concierge service. A member needing a service would be connected to Village members who donate their time or volunteers who are vetted and trained. The Village concept is not yet widely available and many communities and would require a strong commitment of support from many businesses and services to be successful. Hopefully, it can be developed in many areas of the country.


 

Independent Living

This is defined as any housing designed exclusively for seniors, usually retirement communities, retirement homes, senior housing, and senior apartments. In general, the housing is compact, easy to navigate, and includes help with outdoor maintenance. The cost is medium to high depending on the location and services offered. Average costs range from $1500 to $10,000/month.

Residential Home Care

These are small facilities that offer personalized service to small groups of senior adults. They are often known as family homes, board and care homes, or personal care homes. They provide lodging, meal services, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). These can often be half the cost of nursing homes but again, are not widely available in all communities.

 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

These communities are part independent living, part assisted living and part skilled nursing facility. Residents can start out in the independent living section and move to different parts of the community as they need increasing levels of care. The cost of this option is high. CCRCs are the most expensive of all long-term care options.

 

Assisted Living Community

These communities consist of small apartments where older adults can live somewhat independently but require some assistance. Typical services include a staff available 24 hours a day, meals, medication management, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, and transportation. Again, costs are high and vary according to the level of daily help required and type of living space needed.

 

Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility

This option is for older adults who need 24-hour supervised care with medications, activities, and overall health management. This facility is to care for those adults with debilitating physical or mental illness and are unable to care for themselves. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and a nurse or other medical professional is always on the premises. Costs are high and are according to the level of daily help required.

 

At Around the Clock Medical Alarms, we remain committed to assisting families to keep their loved ones in their homes for as long as possible. When it becomes time for a change in their living condition, we are able to assist them in Independent and Community Living Facilities where “pull cords” are the method of obtaining help. Often, they need help in areas of the apartment or home where the cords are not accessible. Our subscribers are able to get help in any living area and often coverage for the entire campus. We stand ready to help families fight for their ability to remain independent for as long as possible by getting them the help they need at the touch of a button.

No matter where you live, a medic alert system can help to maintain your independence and safety!  If you have questions about a PERS device, feel free to give us a call at 573-334-7233.

Article contributed by Les Tainter, Area Manager, Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

 

 

Aid and Attendance Pension

VA Aide & Attendance Pension Helps Wartime Vets and/or Surviving Spouse to Maintain Their Independence

Keep them safe at home!
VA Aid & Attendance Pension helps them to maintain their safety and independence!

 

Aid and Attendance Pension

Aid and Attendance Pension

 

Do you know a wartime veteran, and/or surviving spouse, who could benefit from home care assistance through the Aid and Attendance Pension?

The little-known Department of Veterans Affairs pension (VA Non-Service-Connected Pension with Aid and Attendance Benefit) is for veterans:

  • with an honorable discharge
  • who have served at least 90 days on active duty, with at least one day of service during a period of war, or be their surviving spouse.
  • To qualify for this particular benefit, which pays for personal care services, the disabilities must not be service-related.
  • There are also financial limitations associated with the pension. This little-known pension can help them to maintain their safety and independence!

This little-known pension can help them to maintain their safety and independence by providing personal care services through home care to veterans and/or surviving spouses, so they can remain in their own home, which is where they want to be. Subsequently, it can also be used to pay for assisted living, if, and/or when, they are no longer able to maintain their independence in their own homes.

The VA requires a variety of documents including the following:

  • armed services discharge papers
  • proof of assets
  • marriage license and death certificate (surviving spouse).
  • medical information from your physician to verify your need for in-home personal care services.

 

In summary; the Aid and Attendance is a needs-based VA pension paid to wartime veterans with a non-service-connected disability, or their surviving spouses, who require help with daily living.  

It helps veterans, and/or their surviving spouses, receive personal care services to help them retain their quality of life and stay in their homes. If, and/or when, they are no longer able to maintain their independence in their own homes, it can be applied to the cost of assisted living. This is a huge resource that many are unaware even exists!

Additionally, the pension can provide an Around the Clock Medical Alarms “life alert” type of service to help them to maintain their home safety. The VA guidelines indicate that ”Cash assistance” is at the discretion of the beneficiary (or their family members / caregivers), and can be used to pay for home safety monitoring.  A Personal Emergency Response System, (PERS), can provide an extension to the home care, by bringing peace of mind that our aging heroes are never alone – and that they can get help any day, any time, any reason! Statistically, a PERS system can help an individual to stay in their homes longer, because they get help – instead of laying there for hours or days….

Financially, it is cheaper on our system to assist our aging populous to stay independent in their own homes, rather than to place them in nursing homes. Typically, when they remain independent, their quality of life is better, which equates to a WIN-WIN situation for all involved. However, when assisted living is needed, the Aide and Attendance pension can be used to pay for that as well.

Call 877-449-5566 or visit online for questions regarding the Aid and Attendance Pension and/or “life alert” type system provided through Around the Clock Medical Alarms.

 

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO: Medical Alarms

Notice Changes in Mom and/or Dad?

In May, we celebrated Mother’s Day. We will celebrate Father’s Day very soon….

Many of us may have seen our parent(s) face-to-face for the first time in several months — or possibly a year or longer.

Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO: Medical Alarms

Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO: Medical Alarms


If we notice changes in their health, mobility, or wellbeing, we may now be the ones who worry about them, instead of the other way around.

As we prepare to be better caregivers, protectors, and friends to our elder loved ones, we realize that older family members may need our assistance and care more now than ever.

If you feel that now is the time to consider DME (durable medical equipment), physical or occupational therapy, home care, assisted living, or hospice, it may be time to consider the medic alert system, as well. Many people feel a PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) is only for an elder person who falls. However, it is for anyone — regardless of age — who would benefit from the ability to get help ASAP in an emergent situation.

800,000 seniors are hospitalized after a fall and the average hospital costs around a fall is $30,000! This is a staggering statistic that many families are experiencing. One in three (1/3) of seniors 65 and older will fall this year. Nearly half (48%) need help up after they get down. For those who cannot get up, their health is typically compromised, because they lay there for hours, or worse, days. If this happens, their families feel that they are not able to remain independent. They start looking for other options to keep their loved ones “safe” and oftentimes it means moving their loved ones out of their family homes.

Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO: Medical Alarms 

A medical alert system will not prevent a fall, heart attack, stroke, or any other emergency, but it will get help IF/WHEN it happens — even if you cannot speak!

A new subscriber, Ms. JoAnn R., had this to say about the Around the Clock Medical Alarms service: “You have been so easy to talk to and the setup was easy. Les was so nice and explained everything well. I really like the button around my neck. I have told people about you! Thank you and God Bless ALL of you. My daughter got to know Linda by phone and is very pleased!”

Thank you, JoAnn, for allowing us to assist with your medical alert service needs!

Do you have Grandparent(s), Parent(s), or other elderly, or ill, Loved One(s) that you are concerned about?

Let us help you to help them to stay safe and independent! Protection for as little as $1/day! Cost is covered by some Long-term care plans AND the Veterans Aide and Attendance (Wartime vet and/or surviving spouse) pension.

 

Help is available — “Around the Clock” — EVEN IF they cannot speak!

 

Remember, we are here to help you to help them to maintain THEIR independence and YOUR peace of mind! IF you need help, call us at 573-334-7233 or 877-449-5566 or visit online at:
AroundTheClockMedicalAlarms.com

#SeniorSafety #MedicAlert #Caregivers #PERS

 

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

Thankful For Peace Of Mind

Normally after something tragic we think of getting a medical alarm for our loved ones.

I know when my aunt fell over 12 years ago and lay on the floor for days without anyone knowing we got her an alarm system. Therefore, when our dear friend’s sister fell, I advised that friend to contact Linda and Les at Around the Clock Medical Alarms (ATCMA). (Just FYI my friend lives in Florida – ATCMA can help you wherever you or your loved one live – you don’t have to be in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where they are located). They are a nationwide provider of the PERS (Personal Emergency Response System). Then I called Linda to give her a heads up. Little did I know our conversation would change my life and give me the peace I was seeking.

At the time my mother was in a nursing home.
Mom was one of those individuals whose body failed while their brain was sharp. She could not get up by herself and needed lots of assistance. She stayed in the same lift chair 24/7. Often mom would wait extremely long for care. My mom had dealt with narcolepsy since she was in high school, she would fall asleep without notice, so the thought of her sitting on a portable potty in the middle of her room waiting for help to get off was particularly troublesome. If she fell asleep, she could easily fall. Needless to say, I was concerned. During my conversation with Linda about my friend’s sister, Linda asked about how my mom was doing. I explained the situation and she said “You know, we put alarms in nursing homes too”. I had never thought about an alarm for my mom. One thing I had learned during mom’s 6 stays in 4 different nursing homes during the past 8 years (some short-term stays for rehabilitation due to surgeries and bone breakages) is that staff in nursing homes are overworked and underpaid, please know I am not complaining about care. I was just trying to find a solution to a sad reality that has been around for a long time. I am thankful for the caring staff who treated mother as they would their own mother. I know those nursing homes and staff care deeply about their residents but one can only do so much.

Long story short In July 2019 we decided to try Around the Clock Medical Alarms.
A system was sent to our friend in Kansas and she set it up for my mom. Mom loved knowing she could get help when she needed it. I loved the security of knowing I would get a call if there was a problem. That meant if mom pushed her button, provided it was not an accidental push, I knew. She could not say “Oh I just won’t tell Kim about this so as not to worry her” as my mom did that a lot. She would even tell her dear friend who visited her daily not to tell me things that had happened. The alarm system gave me peace of mind and a feeling that I knew what was happening and how best to advocate for my mom. The alarm system allowed mom to push it when it was necessary for care, and the emergency Response Center always got in touch with mom and the nursing home and got her the care she needed. They stayed on the alarm system with her talking to her until she got the help she needed. When mom received the care, she needed then I received a call and knew what was happening. Peace of mind knowing my mom was taken care of. Mom and I could then touch base afterwards and be on the same page.

 

Kim & Dad Aug 2014

My dad was living alone at the time and did not feel he needed a medic alert, so we did not pursue that for him.

At the time dad was driving 30 minutes one way to the nursing home daily to see my mom and taking care of himself at home. But we did have an issue. He would occasionally forget his medication. One time when Linda at ATCMA called to check on my mom and mom’s alarm system (yes – they call to check on your loved one and monthly alarm checks are done also) Linda asked about dad – I told her about the medication issue and she said they had a medication dispenser that might help. We could either buy it outright and set it up or if we had an alarm system for dad, we could link it to that and if he did not remember to take his medication, he would receive a reminder phone call. We decided to just buy the system outright. Linda and Les got a system to me, spent time showing me how to set it up and use it, and then I took it back to Kansas in November 2019 when we went home for Thanksgiving. It worked like a charm. We could see when he forgot to take his medication. Since we live 10 hours away in Missouri, we had someone coming in to add medication to the dispenser. I called the pharmacy for refills, his caregiver picked them up and filled the dispenser. Additionally, we bought an extra tray so she could have it all ready when she came to the house to see dad. She popped in the new tray, took the old one, and let me know if all medication had been taken. It worked so well.

Mom’s alarm and dad’s medication dispenser made things easier.
As we all know caring for a loved one is tough. Having a loved one in a nursing home is another challenge and being 10 hours away adds to that. Then add in a nursing home shut down due to COVID-19 which made it impossible for the caregiver who came in from outside to see mom daily and bring the items she needed and you add to the stress.

 

 

Long story short, my mom passed away on April 5th, 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were not able to go back to KS for the burial – there was no funeral – we had planned to have it as soon as we could but then my dad hurt his leg carrying her lift chair that the nursing home sent back with him on the day after her death. Needless to say, I had no idea they were sending the chair back and could not get help to unload it for him as I knew nothing about it. I was busy planning a burial from 10 hours away. My dad’s leg which he bruised got progressively worse during that week and blood clots developed. Just so you know, if you have paid your yearly rate and something happens to your loved one, you get your money back for the unused time or you can transfer the system to another loved one like we did. As of April 9th, when we got mom’s personal effects back from the hospital (mom was wearing her button when she went to the hospital the day she died) Dad was set up with mom’s system and we had that peace of mind once again even though we were not in the same state.

Three days later, Easter Sunday, dad called me – his leg was hurting and he had not slept all night.
His leg was cold and purple. My dad spent 52 days in the hospital and had 6 surgeries. I was not able to be there in person. On May 21st I saw my dad for the first time since March 2020 before the whole lockdown thing got really bad. Our whole family had gone to Kansas for my father-in-law’s surprise birthday celebration so we all got to see mom through the window and thankfully an exception was made for me to go to a doctor appointment with my mom and then stay with her when she got a blood transfusion the next day. When we finally did get to see dad, two of our sons’ and I spent 3 months in Kansas caring for him. We all drove back to Missouri in late August. Dad’s camper came with us. To say it has been an adventure I could never imagine is an understatement! Currently, we are at our house for a time while dad continues healing.

 

His Around the Clock Medical Alarm and his medication dispenser have come with him.
They are both lifelines for us. The medical dispenser acts as a reminder for me and my family so we know dad has gotten his medications. If I have to be gone or if I am outside in his camper teaching or sleeping, I know dad not only has his phone to call me but his button to push if the need arises. Yes, you read that correctly, my husband and I are sleeping in dad’s camper and we are utilizing that as extra space for our family. All caregivers know we must be creative when it comes to meeting everyone’s needs when caring for our loved ones.

I can’t encourage you enough to contact Around the Clock Medical Alarms. They truly care about their clients. I can’t tell you the number of times I have had to call Linda or Les — or the times they have contacted my mom and dad to check on their systems. No matter how many times I contact them, I am never made to feel that I am bothering them. They truly care about their clients AND their families. I know Linda has been a caregiver and she truly gets it. Les has worked in nursing homes. He gets it too. They can help give you peace of mind while you are doing your best to care for your loved ones. I hope my story helps you on your journey to care for your loved ones in this difficult time. I originally wrote this in November while counting my blessings and remarked that we are thankful for that phone call to Linda about my friend’s sister as it has given us peace of mind that money cannot buy.

Now as we head into May & June, and think of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, that gratitude has not left me.
I know I have been able to truly honor my mother and father, by doing my best to care for them as they always did for me. We are still so grateful for the peace of mind that Around the Clock Medical Alarms brings to our family. We pray for everyone in the position of caring for their loved ones and hope that you reach out to Around the Clock Medical Alarms as they can help bring you peace of mind too.

…Guest article by Kim B., daughter, MO.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566

 

 

Senior Care Spotlight: Home Sweet Home Senior Transitions

Home Sweet Home Senior Transitions takes the stress out of moving so our clients can relax and simply enjoy living in their new home.

For over 16 years, Home Sweet Home has assisted seniors, and their families, with the process of moving to a senior community, apartment, condo, or new house. Our experienced team carefully packs your belongings – right down to your toothbrush – and our movers load and transport them to your new home. By the end of the day, you are relaxing in your new home, and your toothbrush is by the sink!

 

 

Owner Kristen Lund and her crew not only pack, move and unpack all your belongings, but they also make sure your new home is safe from trip hazards, that lighting is adequate in each room and that your new space is organized to make daily living more carefree. “Our clients’ safety is our top priority. My team takes into account any challenges our clients have, like placing furniture for easy wheelchair access and setting up the kitchen and bathroom so everyday items are within reach,” Lund said. “We often work with the adult children of our clients, and I ask about any concerns they see happening with their parents so we can accommodate them.”

Many times, the toughest issue for our clients is leaving a home of 30, 40, or 50 years filled with memories – and belongings. Going through years of accumulation is challenging, especially for seniors. It can be physically demanding, but more so, it can be especially difficult to part with a lifetime of treasures. Lund and her team are experts at helping clients sort through it all prior to the move. “As soon as I begin working with a client, we sit down together with their new floor plan and talk through which pieces of furniture will fit into their new home. Then as we get closer to the move day, we help them sort through closets, kitchen drawers, basement storage, or wherever the need is, to help declutter and organize so everything will fit safely in the new space — and still feel like their home.

 

“I have found, over my 16 years in this business, that our service is important, not only to our clients but especially to their families. We’ve been told many times, how much relief we bring to the adult children, knowing that they don’t have to be the ones sorting through years of stuff,” Lund remarked, and added, “the adult kids know they probably won’t have the same success as a professional with experience in downsizing, especially when we’re talking about moving from a large 3- or 4-bedroom house into a much smaller senior community unit. Also, there’s the ‘parent-kid thing’ that can come into play.” Lund laughs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Home Sweet Home has been in even more demand. Until recently, senior communities haven’t allowed family members in, in order to keep everyone safe. In most cases, Lund and her crew were the only ones allowed to move, unpack and set up their home. “I can’t begin to tell you how many adult kids were concerned, knowing they couldn’t help their parents on move day. When they found out we would handle the entire process, their stress level went way down.”

 

Kristen Lund owner of Home Sweet Home brings valuable experience to Home Sweet Home clients in space, design, and organization. Kristen stresses to our clients that a successful move begins with knowing what to take, what to share with family members, and deciding what can be left behind. Kristen custom tailors the downsizing process to meet each individual’s needs. In addition, she helps her clients create a beautiful, functional, and unique living space that can be enjoyed at the end of the move day.

 

 

 

 

For more information on Home Sweet Home Senior Transitions, contact Kristen Lund at (636) 675-3667 or go to HomeSweetHomeSTL.com.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering choosing Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau MO, please contact the friendly staff at Around The Clock Medical Alarms.
Call Us: 877.449.5566