Thursday, July 23, 2015

SRG Properties Invites Prospective Residents to Sample the Lifestyle



SRG Communities Invite Prospective Residents to Sample the Lifestyle

Our communities host a variety of educational programs for prospective residents and their families. Most of our communities offer a monthly Lunch and Learn where guests can learn about the community while enjoying a delicious lunch. We also offer fun, engaging events for older adults to sample our communities’ carefree lifestyle. For example, at Maravilla Scottsdale in Arizona, a “Denim to Diamond” event will provide a no-pressure atmosphere for guests to truly feel at home and mingle with our residents. Everyone is invited to don their most fashionable denim attire paired with diamond-studded accessories and dance the night away to country western band, “Gone Country”. The executive chef and his team also have planned a tantalizing menu. If you’d like to learn about upcoming special events, please click here for a list of SRG’s communities.



Visit Silver Springs @ 


Dependable Health Services ~ Care Management Techniques You Can Use



Care Management Techniques You Can Use

Did you ever wish you could just pick up the phone and call someone who would take stock of your situation, help you access the right services, counsel you and your family to help resolve some of your differences, then monitor your progress with an eye toward channeling your energy and abilities as effectively as possible? If your answer is "yes," you're not alone. Having the help of a care coordinator (often called a care manager) could make all of our lives easier and less lonesome, and help us be more capable family caregivers. While most of us may not have access to a care coordinator, we can all learn how to think and act like one, thereby reaping numerous benefits for our loved ones and ourselves.

What Is Care Coordination?

Although every case is different, the care coordination approach usually involves:
Gathering information from healthcare providers; an assessment of your care recipient and the home environment; research into available public and/or private services and resources to meet your loved one’s needs; and ongoing communication between all parties to keep information up-to-date and services appropriate and effective.

Unfortunately, an assessment of your abilities and needs is not necessarily a standard part of the process, but it should be. A complete view of the situation cannot be gained without one. An objective analysis of your health, emotional state, other commitments, etc., are key elements in determining how much you can and cannot do yourself, and what type of outside support is needed to ensure your loved one's health and safety.

Become Your Own Care Coordinator

By learning and applying at least some of the care coordination techniques and ideas that follow, you'll be in a much better position to develop an organized course of action that will, hopefully, make you feel more confident and in control - a goal well worth working toward.  Educate yourself on the nature of the disease or disability with which you're dealing. Reliable information is available from the health agency that deals with your loved one's condition and the National Institutes of Health. When using the Internet, stick with well-known medical sites. Understanding what is happening to your care recipient will provide you with the core knowledge you need to go forward. It will also make you a better advocate when talking with healthcare professionals.

Write down your observations of the present situation including:

Your loved one’s ability to function independently, both physically and mentally.
The availability of family and/or friends to form a support network to share the care.
The physical environment: Is it accessible or can it be adapted at reasonable cost?
Your other responsibilities — at work, at home, and in the community.
Your own health and physical abilities. Your financial resources, available insurance, and existence of healthcare or end-of-life documents. This assessment will help you come to a realistic view of the situation.
It will let you know the questions to which you need answers. It can be a handy baseline for charting your caregiving journey and reminding you just how much you've learned along the way.

Hold a family conference.

At least everyone in the immediate family should be told what's going on. A meeting can set the stage for divvying up responsibilities so that there are fewer misunderstandings down the road when lots of help may be needed. A member of the clergy, a professional care coordinator, or even a trusted friend can serve as an impartial moderator. A family meeting is a good way to let everyone know they can play a role, even if they are a thousand miles away. It can help you, the primary family caregiver, from bearing the brunt of all the work all of the time.

Keep good records of emergency numbers, doctors, daily medications, special diets, back-up people, and other pertinent information relating to your loved one's care. Update as necessary. This record will be invaluable if something happens to you, or if you need to make a trip to the ER. If you can maintain a computer-based record, that will make updating all that much easier and it might even allow you to provide the medical team with direct access to the information.

Join a support group, or find another caregiver with whom to converse. In addition to emotional support, you'll likely pick up practical tips as well. Professionals network with each other all the time to get emotional support and find answers to problems or situations they face. Why shouldn't family caregivers?
Start advance planning for difficult decisions that may lie ahead. It's never too early to discuss wills, advance directives, and powers of attorney, but there comes a time when it is too late. It is also vital that you and your loved one think through what to do if you should be incapacitated, or, worse, die first. It can happen.
Develop a care team to help out during emergencies, or over time if your situation is very difficult. In an ideal world there will be lots of people who want to help. More likely you'll be able to find one or two people to call on in an emergency or to help with small chores. The critical thing is to be willing to tell others what you need and to accept their help.

Establish a family regimen. 

When things are difficult to begin with, keeping a straightforward daily routine can be a stabilizer, especially for people who find change upsetting and confusing.


Approach some of your hardest caregiving duties like a professional. It's extraordinarily difficult to separate your family role from your caregiving role, to lock your emotions up in a box while you focus on practical chores and decisions. But it is not impossible to gain some distance some of the time. It requires an almost single-minded approach to getting the job at hand done as efficiently and effectively as possible. It takes practice, but is definitely worth the effort.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ HCR ManorCare

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 
Welcome HCR ManorCare!



HCRMANORCARE

CHOOSE A PROVEN LEADER.®

The people of HCR ManorCare bring genuine compassion to health care and considerable skills to post-hospital and long-term care. Our mission continues to expand to meet the needs and health care goals of individuals who are discharged from the hospital and require additional nursing and rehabilitation care. One person at a time, HCR ManorCare is raising the bar for patient-focused, short-term, outcomes-focused health care.
You’ll find HCR ManorCare pursuing this goal at more than 500 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centersassisted living facilitiesmemory care facilitiesoutpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospiceand home health care agencies. There’s a good chance you may know us by another name, though the majority of our locations operate under the respected Heartland, ManorCare Health Services and Arden Courts names.

OURVISION

WHY WE ARE WHO WE ARE.

We, the employees of HCR ManorCare, are dedicated to providing the highest quality in health care services. By ensuring that patients and residents live with the greatest dignity and comfort possible, we will establish HCR ManorCare as the preeminent care provider, committed to standards of performance which serve as the hallmark of the industry.
This level of performance will require:
  • Employee commitment to excellence in health care.
  • Attractive, highly functional facilities.
  • Clear, appropriate and measurable performance targets.
  • A healthy working atmosphere based on sound, uniform policies; clear direction and lines of authority; a responsive management; and unsurpassed employee training.
  • Satisfying the needs of our most discriminating customers is the truest indicator of how well we are meeting these standards. By meeting them consistently, we will further the success of this enterprise and enhance the future for us all. As members of the HCR ManorCare team, our exceptional performance will create the greatest possibility for personal development and recognition. Through our success, the company will continue to grow and broaden its opportunities in diverse health care markets.

HCR MANORCAREGIVES

Caring for the community doesn’t end at the doors of our facilities. Both corporately and individually, HCR ManorCare gives back to the communities we serve through HCR ManorCare Gives, a multi-faceted philanthropic initiative representing our commitment to patients and residents, employees and communities at large.
Through HCR ManorCare Gives, we open our hands and hearts to those in need in a number of ways. The Employee Volunteer Grant Program, Employee Matching Gift Program and Corporate Office Charitable Event Giving Programs enable the people of HCR ManorCare to make giving more personal.
The Community Care Fund provides financial support to local, nonprofit organizations that work with us to provide special services to our patients and residents to help them live life to its fullest. Employees select which organizations will receive funding.
The Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund relieves the financial pressures experienced by patients and their families who are coping with terminal illness and its aftermath.
In the wake of unexpected catastrophic events such as natural disaster or serious illness, even our own employees can use a hand. The Hug Fund is a partnership of employees helping employees who have an urgent financial need. 

BY THE NUMBERS

  • More than 1,800 communities have been impacted across the country.
  • Over 23,000 families have been touched through HCR ManorCare Gives.
  • Almost 1,700 organizations have received support.
  • More than $16 million has been distributed through HCR ManorCare Gives since 1997.

OURCOMMITMENT

THE COMMITMENT IS GROWING.

As HCR ManorCare continues to flourish, our commitment to quality of care continues to be unrelenting. We strive to provide levels of care across every service line that can serve as benchmarks for the industry. We believe our Report on Quality confirms that we have achieved excellence in a wide variety of services.
In our skilled nursing centers, nearly 90 percent of our rehabilitation patients are discharged home with the majority of the others opting to stay with us for long-term nursing services.
The average length of stay for our post-hospital patients is 34 days, and over 65 percent are discharged in less than 40 days.
More than 90 percent of rehabilitation patients rated their rehabilitation therapy as "Excellent" or "Good."
Because discharged patients are leaving the hospital sooner, they are more likely to be readmitted. HCR ManorCare is working closely with hospital referral sources to help ensure smooth transitions to our centers and to provide quality medical care and rehabilitation.
Our skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers average 18 percent rehospitalization, significantly lower than the national average. Many of our centers achieve rates lower than 10 percent.
Over the past three years, we have invested more than $100 million annually in new construction, renovation and expansion of existing facilities, equipment and information technology.
We continue to fulfill and keep our promises to hospice and home health care patients. Our hospice services integrate holistic principles with palliative disease management, expert pain and symptom control, family education and psychospiritual support for end-of-life care. Meanwhile, our home health care services help patients requiring healing from an illness, hospitalization or surgery the opportunity to recover in comfortable, familiar surroundings. 
Our Arden Courts memory care facilities tailor care specific to the unique characteristics of the individual living with dementia and provide approaches that preserve remaining abilities. Approximately 95 percent of the families of residents at Arden Courts rated their overall satisfaction as "Excellent" or "Good."
HCR ManorCare is truly a proven leader in the industry. As America ages and boomers continue to mature, we are uniquely poised to serve their transitioning health care needs with a level of care that continues to improve.


IN THE SPOTLIGHT Elmcroft Senior Living


We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 
Welcome Elmcroft River Centre!



About Us



Based in Louisville Kentucky, Elmcroft takes great pride in offering much needed services for seniors across the United States.  Elmcroft has 102 senior care communities, including 79 assisted living communities, 4 multilevel retirement communities and 19 health and rehabilitation centers serving over 6,000 residents in 19 states.

At Elmcroft, we are dedicated to providing compassion and kindness to our residents and fellow employees. Our mission is to enrich the lives of those who live and work with us by responding to their unique needs and universal desire for dignity and respect.
We are mindful that each resident comes to us with an individual set of needs. For some, those needs are as simple as companionship, a church service or a few kind words throughout the day. For others, it’s assistance with the basics of daily living such as housekeeping, laundry and more. Still others require more specialized care including therapy services, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
Our trained and tenured staff are here to serve the many differing needs of our residents, promoting creative thinking and learning, with patience, kindness and, above all, compassion.
The later years of life can bring many joys and many challenges. At Elmcroft, we are committed to making these precious years fulfilling and enjoyable. And we will do this through our passionate pursuit of excellent care and service.
Here's to life.




Resources
At Elmcroft we understand the decision to place yourself or your loved one in another's care is a complex one; there are many factors to consider.  We would like to be a resource to help you make the decision that is best for you and your family based on your specific needs and wants.  We have assembled some resources below to help, but we encourage you to reach out to one of our communities for assistance as well.

WHEN IT'S TIME

What are the signs that a move to a senior living community might be a good option?
  • Mobility issues – difficulty with daily activities or frequent falls and other safety concerns
  • Memory loss – misplacing items or wandering away from home
  • Medication concerns – forgetting to take medications as prescribed
  • Lack of socialization – not interacting as usual; untidy surroundings and poor personal hygiene
  • Fear and depression – unwilling to seek medical help or assistance; withdrawal from others
  • Lack of appetite – not receiving proper nutrition throughout the day
If you or your family member are experiencing any of these signs the move to a senior living community may in fact be a very good option. Whether a long-term or short-term stay, seniors often improve through socialization, regular diet and medication management, as well as relieving the burden they often feel they have placed on their family. You are free to resume your relationship and enjoy the company of your loved one without the worry of providing for their needs.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMMUNITY

You should take the time to visit the senior living communities you are interested in to see which will be the best fit for you. Each visit is an opportunity to get to know the community and staff better.
The Assisted Living Federation of America has developed an evaluation tool to help you get all the answers you are looking for before you choose the community that’s right for you.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

How will you cover the cost of a senior living community? This is a concern for many families. Follow the link below to view the financial options available to seniors and their families

MAKING A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

We understand that you, just like your loved one, are going through a life-changing transition. Our goal is to make that process as comfortable as possible – for both of you.
You will have more quality time with your loved one because our caregivers are doing their day-to-day physical care. And you will have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is getting 24-hour care and you can focus on your own health needs.
  • It will take you and your loved one time to adjust, but remember why you chose to make the move to a senior living community.
  • Give your relationship time to adjust. You are still an important part of your loved one’s life.
  • Take care of yourself. Allow time for physical exercise, rest and play. Nurture yourself.
  • Reconnect with friends; surround yourself with supportive people.
Making the decision to surround your loved one with trained professionals who can meet their needs is a selfless act. It is important that you understand you will still be involved in medication and level of care concerns and that no one lights up your loved one’s life like you, so visit often and cherish those moments.
Here's to life.


Visit us online @ http://www.elmcroft.com/community/elmcroft-of-river-centre/

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Heartland Hospice

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 
Welcome Heartland Hospice!





About Heartland Hospice

Heartland Hospice is part of the HCR ManorCare family, a leading provider of home health care, hospice care, skilled nursing, memory care and post-acute care.
We deliver care in 24 states and are the third largest hospice provider in the nation.  To view our National Service Map, click here.
At Heartland, we proudly provide hospice care wherever you call home: the house you've lived in for decades, a skilled nursing center, an assisted living facility or anywhere else you find the greatest comfort.  Why Heartland Hospice?

Every patient is different.

Heartland Hospice provides care to patients wherever they call home: in the house they've lived in for years, a skilled nursing center, an assisted living facility or independent living facility.

Every patient is different. With different challenges, different needs, different family and friends. So the care we give each patient is different. Click here to hear firsthand what our patients have to say about our hospice services. 
Our caregivers work with patients and families to create individualized care plans and set personal goals. They encourage patients and families to make the right decisions on their own behalf and help fill their lives with meaningful experiences. Pain and symptoms are managed so patients can be as comfortable as possible. Our social workers and spiritual counselors help patients and families share thoughts, hopes, concerns and dreams.
We take our roles in our patients' lives very seriously. Their dignity must be preserved, and respect always shown to them.

Everyone experiences a life-long health care journey. We support our patients and their families wherever they are on that journey, and promise to uphold their wishes, goals and values.

The Heartland Promises (Philosophy of Care)
________________________________________
We promise to care for the mind, body and spirit in a way that is comforting and compassionate.
We promise to be the difference in our customers’ day, working to make every connection a personal one and creating memorable moments that define their Heartland experience.
We promise to discover what is important to our customers, respect their choices and customize our service specifically to their needs.  We promise to be leaders in care delivery, corporate responsibility and community action.

Our Mission 
We believe our mission is to enrich lives.  That begins with every life we encounter: Our employees, our patients and those who love and care for them, the communities in which we operate, our stakeholders and those who are yet to become our customers.  

Thursday, July 9, 2015

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Welcome El Dorado Audiology



We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 
Welcome El Dorado Audiology!



          El Dorado Audiology's Experienced Staff Of Professionals: Specialists in Hearing Experts in Listening

El Dorado Audiology is committed to your continued hearing health and improved quality of life through better hearing. We offer over 25 years of combined experience with advanced Audiological Services to help you hear better and enjoy life to the fullest. Our goal is to find the ideal hearing solution that fits each patients needs and lifestyle. Caring and extensive follow-up ensures that all patients enjoy the most benefit from their hearing devices.
Carolyn Jaret, MS, CCC-A, Owner & AudiologistCarolyn Jaret, MS, CCC-A
Owner & Audiologist
Inspired by her experiences living with a hearing impaired family member, audiologist Carolyn Jaret, MS, CCC-A founded El Dorado Audiology, Inc in 1996 to provide the most complete, personalized hearing healthcare in Tucson. After helping her own family, she wanted to help other Tucson families, too. Carolyn has a Masters in Audiology and a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology. She is also a member of several prestigious audiology associations and is on the board of directors for the Tucson Hearing Society. Carolyn and her staff are dedicated to providing top quality hearing healthcare to all patients and ongoing hearing education to the Tucson community.



Visit us online @ http://www.eldoradoaudiology.com/index.html

How To Prepare for Long-Term Care

How to Prepare for Long-term Care

Richard A. White JacksonWhite Law, Mesa Arizona
Question: I am 55 years old and I have spent the past year helping my father transition into an assisted living community. The process has been difficult, not to mention expensive. Along the way, I learned about the Arizona Long Term Care System program, and I wish I would have known about it from the outset. What can I do now to help me prepare for ALTCS in case I need long-term care myself?
Answer: One of the difficult things about ALTCS is that it has strict medical and financial requirements that must be met concurrently in order to qualify.
This being the case, even if you engaged in planning to meet the financial requirements now, you would not be eligible unless you also met the medical requirements.
The fact that you are only 55 does not disqualify you from the program, but the fact that you are presumably healthy will prevent you from qualifying.
As a rule of thumb, it makes sense to start planning for ALTCS if and when you have a medical need that might necessitate long-term care.
Despite being strict, the financial requirements typically do not present an insurmountable barrier to those with a real medical need. Accordingly, waiting until the need for long-term care is actually foreseeable is most often the best approach.
If you want to be more proactive than this, there are long-term care insurance products that might be able to help.
It is worth pointing out that even where it makes sense to delay ALTCS planning, speaking with an attorney who is familiar with the ALTCS process could help you in the long-term.
Everybody should have their affairs in order, and given that the expenses associated with long-term care are so burdensome, it helps to have an understanding of what you will need to do when the time is right.

Richard White is an elder law attorney at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law. For more information on Elder Law at JacksonWhite, please visit www.ArizonaSeniorLaw.com.