Independent vs. Assisted Living

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When it comes down to where a person will be living in one’s older years, a single question is asked more than any other – Will it be more beneficial to live at home, or move to a community or home that provides care and assistance?

 

The answer always comes down to the individual, of course, based on their lifestyle and goals for their sunset years, their family situation and their health. Has this person always lived comfortably in independence and solitary pursuits? Or, would they prefer the more consistent surrounding of peers and activities?

 

A large factor that must be brought into account is financial ability. How the elder has prepared for retirement and their later years greatly influences their position regarding assisted or independent living. Those in circumstances that require someone to assist in a nursing capacity may prefer a live-in nurse or caregiver at home, if they are in a position to pay for personal, round-the-clock care.

 

However, many are also drawn to the social aspect of assisted living, regardless of finances. Group activities, shared meals, social interaction and the opportunity to develop deeper relationships with peers hold great benefits for some. It can be a lot easier to lead a healthy, active lifestyle in one’s senior years when surrounded by others who are doing the same thing.

 

An article by Nancy Walsh on Medpage Today stated that those who were physically active over the age of 75 live almost five and a half years longer than their unhealthier counterparts, according to Laura Fratiglioni, MD, PhD, and colleagues from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. No one is denying the asset that is activity. Even in youth, exercising with peers keeps one accountable, on track, and, at the right times, distracted. This drive stays just as crucial to success as one gets older.

 

When it comes down to it, the decision between independent living and assisted living must also be a fit with the individual’s personality. Many people thrive in assisted living environments, but it’s not for everyone. Talking things (including expectations and ideas about assisted living) through with family and friends always adds perspective from the people care about the person most.

 

If you or a loved one are considering the prospect of assisted living, contact Paradise Living Center today to make an appointment.

Saving Money after Retirement

The cost of living during retirement is a serious concern for many older adults. Financial experts warn of the cost of retirement, but we don’t need as much as the experts would make us believe. After retiring expenses often decrease, as retirees can actually eliminate many costs they had while working.

Here are just some of the ways to save money after retirement, without affecting lifestyle choices:

If you are approaching retirement, and would like to kickback sooner rather than later it is worth sitting down and assessing your options. If you’re interested in learning what your retirement options may be there’s a neat quiz on the blog Sightings Over 60 that we encourage you to take. Remember retirement is your time to truly enjoy your life, after all you’ve worked for it!

Get Into the Act: Older Americans Month

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In 1963, May was given the label of Senior Citizens Month, which was later changed to Older Americans Month. According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), at the time that President Kennedy made the determination, “only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday.” With that, however, nearly a third of older Americans lived in poverty, and all faced a dismal shortage of social programs and government assistance.

That began to change with Older Americans Month. People were encouraged to value the contributions of their community’s current and past senior citizens, and each year May plays host to a different theme.

This year’s Older Americans Month has been given the theme: Get Into The Act. The purpose, according to the ACL, is “to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Here are just some of the ways you can engage seniors in your home or community to “Get Into the Act”:

In addition, 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s signing of the Older Americans Act. The ACL notes that “the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, community-based assistance, preventive health services, elder abuse prevention, and much more.”

May is National Arthritis Month

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Arthritis affects one in five adults, and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Since May is National Arthritis Awareness Month we wanted to share a few things to help manage arthritis. Unfortunately it’s not always possible to prevent arthritis, but it is possible to still live an active and healthy life with it.

Exercise – Gentle exercise is a great way to keep joints moving and avoid the stiffness many arthritis sufferers complain of. Exercise also builds muscle strength, which can help build muscle that surrounds joints and protects them. It is valuable to incorporate stretching into your exercise plan too, as it will also help keep joints flexible.

Diet – A well balanced diet can limit the symptoms of arthritis, as it can help in maintaining a healthy weight, which alleviates arthritis pain by taking excess pressure off the joints. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids can also help in reducing inflammation, eliminating some of the pain arthritis sufferers experience.

Rest – While exercise is important for those with arthritis, it’s also valuable to let the joints rest. It’s important for each person to find a balance that works well for him or her. Taking the time to rest and recover also helps prevent injury, which can further aggravate arthritis.

Physical Therapy – If exercise alone is not enough, it may be beneficial to enlist the help of a physical therapist. A therapist can develop a personalized program that incorporates the best movements for eliminating joint pain without the need for medication.

Ice and Heat – Applying ice or heat to affected areas can help ease pain.

In some cases adopting all these tips into your lifestyle is not enough to remove the need medication or for other treatments. If you have arthritis or suspect you may be developing arthritis, it is important to meet with a doctor for a full examination and blood work. Once the proper tests and exams are done, the doctor can discuss proper treatment options and the medications for your health and well-being. The physician can also advise on other lifestyle changes you should make to best manage your pain. While there are challenges to living with arthritis, with proper care and prevention it is possible to maintain an active and enjoyable lifestyle.

Bestselling Books that make for Good Summer Reads

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Most of us don’t have the time to read as many books as we would like, especially when we’re busy raising families and working. This makes retirement an ideal time to re-read old favorites, learn something new through reading or check out the latest, most popular books. With summer coming up and Arizona heating up, checking out some good summer reads is a great way to stay cool and entertained without having to go outside!

To help you get started, we compiled a list of some of the current NYT Best Sellers.

  1. The Girl on The Train by Paula Hawkins
    • A psychological thriller
  2. The Shadows by J.R. Ward
    • The latest in the popular Black Dagger Brotherhood series
  3. Dead Wake by Erik Larson
    • A nonfiction account of the sinking of the Lusitania
  1. American Sniper by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice
    • An autobiography of the most lethal sniper in American history, Chris Kyle
  1. The Stranger by Harlan Coben
    • A suspenseful fiction novel
  2. The Patriot Threat by Steve Berry
    • A historical fiction novel on the 16th amendment
  3. Deep by Kylie Scott
    • The final novel in “Stage Dive” a contemporary romance series
  4. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
    • A memoir by Cheryl and the story of her 1,100 mile solo hike
  5. The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
    • Nicholas Sparks’ 17th romance novel
  6. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
    • The nonfiction account of 9 American’s experience at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

We hope you enjoy the list we’ve complied and re-discover your love for reading this summer! It’s never a bad idea to learn something new, experience another world or time through reading, or simply read for enjoyment.

Six Hobbies for Active Retirees

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While many people are excited for retirement, many also ask themselves “What am I going to do with all my free time?” Most look forward to relaxing, reducing the stress in their lives that comes with work and simply enjoying life more. But the addition of unscheduled time leaves many people needing something to do in order to feel entirely fulfilled and happy. Continuing an active lifestyle into late adulthood also offers a variety of health benefits.

Trying new things as a senior can be intimidating, but when you have more free time, it can also be a great way to discover something new that you love and enjoy.

If retirement is on the horizon and you aren’t sure what you would like to do with your newfound freedom, here are some ideas to help get started:

There is plenty to do during retirement! This list of ideas is just a start. If you’re committed to living an active lifestyle, we’re confident you will find many activities and hobbies that will interest and inspire you throughout your senior years.

Medicare versus Medicaid

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Despite having similar sounding names Medicare and Medicaid are two completely different programs. To add to the confusion, both are government programs that help people pay for healthcare. That’s where the similarities end. Some individuals may be eligible for both programs and these people are referred to as “dual eligible.” If you fall under this category, often times the two programs work together to cover most of your healthcare costs.

The comparison

The primary difference is that Medicare is generally for people with a disability or those older than 65 years of age, while Medicaid is for people with limited resources and income.

Medicare Medicaid
Provided by federal government Provided by state governments
Your coverage depends on what you chose and can include:·  Services and care received as an inpatient in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (Part A)·  Visits to your doctor, services and care received as an outpatient, and some preventative care (Part B)

·  Prescription medication (Part D)

 

*Note – Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) combine A and B coverage, and often include D too – an all in one plan.

Each state provides its own programs, following federal guidelines. Medicaid provides both mandatory and optional benefits. In part, mandatory benefits include:·  Services and care received in a hospital or skilled nursing facility·  Services and care received in a federally-qualified health center, rural health clinic or self-supported birth center (licensed or recognized by your state)

·  Services provided by a doctor, nurse midwife, certified pediatric or family nurse practitioner s

 

Costs depend on the coverage you choose. Costs can include co-pays, premiums, deductibles and coinsurance (a type of insurance in which the insured pays a share of the payment made against a claim). Costs depend on your states’ rules and your income. Costs can include co-pays, premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. Certain groups are excused from most out-of-pocket service costs.
Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A and B when they turn 65. You can also contact your local social security office to qualify your eligibility. Call your state’s Medicaid office to see if you qualify. Eligibility depends on the rules of your state.

Navigating these programs can be daunting. If you are overwhelmed by all the information, try talking to your physician or insurance agent. There are resources available that help seniors understand their entitlements, such as AARP. You can also contact your local social security office for more details on your Medicaid or Medicare eligibility.

*Source: Medicare Made Clear

Heart Health Awareness

Heart Health Awareness

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February is diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables

As you embark on your journey for a healthier heart, bear in mind the following to make the process more manageable:

The American Heart Association recommends that the best course of action is to get regular check-ups and know your risks. Women often neglect getting themselves checked, as they tend to be the caregiver, but self-assessment is imperative for prevention. If you are concerned about your heart health, contact your physician today and start making the necessary lifestyle changes as soon as possible.

A Guide to Dealing with Grief

A Guide to Dealing with Grief

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In the later stages of life, there are many areas in which one may experience feelings of loss. Whether it be the loss of a long-time career, mobility, health, independence, or a loved one, seniors may have difficulty adapting to these life changes. They will likely grieve for the things that they have lost, and it’s important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently. The following tips offer advice for helping an elderly loved one overcome their loss:

 

 

If you have an elderly loved one that is experiencing some type of loss, understand the ways in which you can help them grieve. It is important to know that everyone processes grief differently, and that you may not understand how they are feeling. The best approach you can take is to be there for your loved one, and to make sure they know that they will always have your support.

New Year at Paradise Living Centers

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We’re embracing the New Year and introducing some exciting experiences at Paradise Living Center. In 2015 we’re taking trips outside the home, hosting special dinners and implementing better ways of connecting with loved ones. At Paradise Living Center, we aim to enhance the experience of the residents living at our home. With this goal in mind, we have a lot in store:

 

 

In welcoming these new changes at Paradise Living Center, we hope to better serve our residents and provide them with opportunities to communicate and spend more time with friends and family. Please reach out with any questions about our new communication methods or to find out when we will be hosting our events.