IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ HCR ManorCare

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 

Living Options Guide. 

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 centers, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, outpatient 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.

Visit us online @ http://www.hcr-manorcare.com/

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Elmcroft Senior Living

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 

Living Options Guide. 

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.

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

Download Elmcroft’s Senior Living checklist tool to review with your family.

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.

Evaluation Checklist

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

View Financial Guidance.

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.

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Heartland Hospice

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 

Living Options Guide. 

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.  

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We invite you to visit us online @ www.heartlandhospice.com to learn more.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Welcome El Dorado Audiology

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 

Living Options Guide. 

Welcome El Dorado Audiology!

          

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 patient’s 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 & 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 Master’s 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

1 July 2015 by JacksonWhite Elder Law  |  Category: ALTCS, Arizona Republic Column Articles, Estate Planning

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.

Jackson White Law ~ Staying In-Network for Long-Term Care

Staying In-network for Long-term Care

3 June 2015 by JacksonWhite Elder Law  |  Category: Senior News

Question: I filed an Arizona Long Term Care System application for my wife nearly a year ago, and I have had a horrible time trying to manage and understand the process on my own. After many months of working on this process, I am now being told that my wife has to move to a different facility in order to qualify for the benefit. Can ALTCS really tell me where my wife has to live?

Answer: ALTCS will never decide where your wife will live — this is your decision to make. Before ALTCS will approve your wife’s case, however, she must reside in an approved setting.

To clarify, ALTCS is just like any other insurance provider insofar as it will only provide coverage to its members who seek care from an in-network provider. Just like with any other insurer, ALTCS has a network of providers with which it is contracted to provide care.

As long as the setting in which you place your wife has an ALTCS contract, she will be eligible for coverage if she is otherwise eligible for the benefit.

It is worth mentioning that ALTCS contracts with care providers all along the healthcare continuum. There are approved in-home care providers, group homes, day care centers, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities. Further, it is not as if there is a clear demarcation between ALTCS and non-ALTCS facilities — all ALTCS facilities also have non-ALTCS residents; and ALTCS members are given the same level of treatment and care as others.

If the only thing preventing your wife from qualifying for ALTCS is this setting requirement, it would certainly be worth considering moving to an approved setting to help facilitate eligibility. You have many good options available to you, and this benefit is too valuable to forgo.

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.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT The Villas at La Canada, The Villas at Houghton & Coming Soon ~ The Villas at Green Valley

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser  
in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 

Living Options Guide. 

Welcome The Villas!

The Reason for Innovative Senior Living

The owners and staff of Innovative Senior Living believe in giving exceptional care for those in need of assisted living. Everything we do is a result of our passion for serving those that have physical or cognitive difficulty and need assistance with daily living.

Thirteen years ago, Bobby Larson and Klaus Axen saw how seniors in need of assisted living were underserved.  Large facilities are too impersonal and institutional; smaller homes don't have the amenities seniors need to remain active.  Their research backed up their inclination: seniors have a higher quality of life and age in place better by being served in a home with 10 residents or less.

Soon after, Bobby and Klaus formed Innovative Senior Living so that people in need of assisted living could live in a small group home and receive great care and have pioneered the "small home concept."  ISL is one of the few companies in the country that has successfully built a family-centered neighborhood model. 

Twelve years ago, Innovative Senior Living bought a subdivision and started building the Villas at La Cañada on Tucson's northwest side.  The neighborhood now consists of 10, 10-bedroom homes and is clustered on a 17-acre campus.  The homes are staffed with two caregivers to serve the 10 residents in each home.  Residents receive home cooked meals and snacks, have access to activities, and most services a resident would need -- like a beauty salon -- are available onsite.  Because multiple homes are clustered on one campus, we are able to provide more amenities -- like a physical fitness center, beauty salon, walking paths, gardens, and out door spaces.  

After construction on the neighborhood was complete, Bobby's mom, Wanda, moved into the Villas at La Canada.  The reason for starting ISL came full circle:  Wanda lived in a family-centered home where she liked the care so much she called her favorite care giver "mom."  The Villas at  La Cañada provided physical and mental stimulation, fostered great friendships and Wanda loved the home-cooked meals.  

The experience Bobby gave to his mom is the experience he wants to give to anyone needing assisted living.

Bobby and Klaus are using their experience to expand.  The Villas of Houghton, a nine-home neighborhood on Tucson's east side was complete in October of last year.  Currently, Innovative Senior Living is in the process of building The Villas of Green Valley, south of Tucson.  ISL wants to expand anywhere the eldercare community is underserved.  You are welcome to call Klaus about development opportunities.

Please click on the neighborhood websites (at right) for more specific information on ISL's neighborhoods.  The websites can only show so much; we would rather see in person.  Call Bobby Larson at 520-730-5271 to setup a tour of any of our neighborhoods.

Visit us online @ http://www.islassistedliving.com/