Key Medicare Terms for Informed Decisions

Enrolling for and/or making changes to a Medicare plan can be confusing. Medical News Today’s website states that learning how the health program works can help avoid errors, including missing enrollment periods, overlooking costs, and choosing unsuitable plans.

To help you avoid costly mistakes that result in you not getting the best coverage, it is important to understand what you are signing up for. One easy way to start is to learn Medicare terms.

Medical News Today explains the following terms:

Out-of-pocket cost: This is the amount a person must pay for care when Medicare does not pay the total amount or offer coverage. Costs can include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and premiums.

Premium: This is the amount of money someone pays each month for Medicare coverage.

Deductible: This is an annual amount a person must spend out of pocket within a certain period before Medicare starts to fund their treatments.

Coinsurance: This is the percentage of treatment costs that a person must self-fund. For Medicare Part B, coinsurance is 20%.

Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount a person with insurance pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.

Additionally, it is important to understand Medicare plans. Original Medicare is Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Medicare Advantage is known as Part C and is managed by private insurers. Part D offers separate drug coverage. Medigap is a supplemental plan that helps pay costs such as deductibles, premiums and coinsurance not covered by Original Medicare. If you have further questions, visit Medicare.gov.

At MorningStar at RidgeGate, we offer outstanding independent and assisted living in Lone Tree, CO. Our carefree lifestyle gives residents the freedom to pursue their interests and make new friends. Meaningful wellness programs and activities promote healthier, more purposeful lives; and our elevated dining can be enjoyed all-day in a choice of venues. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides holistic care to those with memory impairment. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Lone Tree, Colorado. Please contact our team to inquire about availability, pricing or to set up a tour.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medicare-enrollment-common-mistakes?

Learn More About Senior Living Communities

Moving from your current home to a CCRC (continuing care retirement community), such as a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, can be a complex, emotionally-charged decision. Seniors worry they may lose their privacy and freedom of choice; or weaken their bonds with friends and family. Other concerns include: is it a smart decision financially, will the move increase their stress, and are they really ready to move?

To address these concerns, hearing from actual residents is helpful. Age Wave, a company specializing in issues related to the aging population, surveyed how older adults feel about senior living. It examined the decision-making process including priorities, hopes, concerns, and questions of those surveyed as well as conducted interviews with residents and management in retirement communities.

The first topic the survey looked at is whether a senior’s current home is in reality the best place to retire in. Age Wave said results show a move to senior living can in many cases provide more freedom, more convenience, better care and less worry for older adults.

One sentiment expressed by many is that they appreciate the fact that if their health needs change, or those of their spouse, the community is equipped to deal with the needs without necessitating a move. Also, if they need to see a doctor, they like that they can just schedule a ride to their appointment.

Another myth is that people fear they will no longer have purpose in their life in a senior community. However, according to the Age Wave survey, people in CCRC reported at this time of life perhaps there is a better purpose than doing household chores. Residents expressed their satisfaction in the freedom to explore new pathways – “from learning how to paint, volunteering in the community, becoming an expert on healthy cooking, authoring a book, reaching new levels of fitness, to developing rewarding new friendships.”

Sometimes, seeing the costs, people worry it is too expensive. Again Age Wave says several misconceptions can lead seniors to miscalculate the cost of staying in their home to community living. Once you add in all the services offered by senior living, including peace of mind of predictable budgeting without the unforeseeable costs of remaining in your home; many discover it is a better bargain.

MorningStar at RidgeGate’s goal is to provide exceptional independent and assisted living in the Highlands Ranch, CO area. Residents enjoy carefree retirement years with a wide range of luxury amenities, best-in-class dining, wellness programs and activities. Our private suites are available in a choice of floor plans and configurations; and deliver style and comfort. For those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, we offer memory care suites in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Please contact us to set up a personalized tour of our beautiful home.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Highlands Ranch, CO offers.

Source: agewave.com/research/Five Myths Report_FINAL.pdf

MorningStar at Jordan Offers a Wide Range of Care Services

MorningStar at Jordan is a 55+ community in historic Centennial, a suburb southeast of Denver. We provide residents compassionate assisted living and memory care with resort-style amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a wide range of care services to ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing.

At MorningStar, memory care we define health and well-being holistically and as such, offer programming that supports the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Reflective of the full authority of our licensing with the Department of Health, our resident care services are broad and help extend the stay of residents even as their health conditions change. In fact, we will routinely look for creative solutions (within our licensing mandate) that yield a higher quality of care for residents often at a lower cost to their families.

To improve care services, we proudly bring the MorningStar Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to our Jordan community. It provides us with a central, mobile solution for assessments, care planning, incident tracking, wound care, behavior management and eMARs (electronic medication administration records). The system benefits both our team and residents with quick access to accurate, legible, and complete demographic and medical information.

Our services include: 24-hour care managers, medication management by certified med care managers, licensed nurses—on call 24/7, care planning reviews and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. MorningStar also partners with EmpowerMe Wellness, a leader in providing therapy services to senior living communities, to help residents maintain their independence as long as possible. Residents have onsite access to wellness programs and personal training as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

MorningStar at Jordan also offers short term respite care for those recovering from surgery or an illness, or when a personal caregiver needs a break from the responsibilities of caring for a loved one. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest assisted living communities in Centennial, CO.

Challenge Your Brain With Puzzles and Games

While there is a long-held belief that memory loss and aging are inevitable, it is now known we can help keep our brains sharp. Studies have shown our brains continue to build new connections, and engaging in activities that challenge us can lead to sustained brain development and offer new ways to approach challenges.

The most effective puzzles and games linked to a reduced risk of dementia are those requiring critical thinking, problem-solving and memory recall. Patrick Porter, Ph.D, a neuroscience expert and founder of BrainTap, explains “These activities stimulate the brain by challenging it to find patterns, make connections, and think creatively. They require mental flexibility and encourage the brain to adapt and reorganize neural networks, enhancing cognitive reserve.”

To get the most benefit from mental activities, the experts say it is best to vary the type of games we play. Shifting from games that rely on speed, rapid decision making or memory help strengthen and tap into multiple ways to engage the brain. Studies show it is important to keep challenging ourselves and pushing the bar toward more difficult activities. Another thing to keep in mind are the studies linking socialization to a decrease in dementia. So before you jump on the computer for some brain games, think about gathering a group of friends to play a game of trivia or piece together a puzzle.

At MorningStar at Jordan, we offer outstanding assisted living in Centennial, Colorado. Suites are available in a variety of floor plans and are equipped with a handicapped-accessible bathroom, emergency call system and private heating and cooling. We provide residents comprehensive care services along with wellness programs and a full calendar of fun activities including trivia, puzzles and games. For those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we offer compassionate, all-inclusive memory care in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Please contact us for information about pricing, availability and to schedule a tour.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living communities and memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: prevention.com/health/memory/a44613229/puzzles-games-can-lower-dementia-risk-study/

Strategies for Improving Memory

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reminds older adults that mild forgetfulness is more often a normal part of aging and not a serious memory problem. They explain serious problems generally involving things like the person asking the same question over and over again and getting lost in places they know well. They may also have trouble following recipes or directions and find themselves confused about people, places and time.

If you are someone who is forgetting things, there are some steps you can take to feel more confident. These involve several simple things you can do, which will benefit your whole being like getting enough sleep (seven to eight hours a night), not drinking a lot of alcohol; and exercising and eating well. Managing high blood pressure is also important.

Other more practical tips to help with forgetfulness are putting your wallet or purse, keys, glasses and phone in the same place each day. Instead of assuming you will remember, write out shopping and need to-do lists and use a calendar or take notes. NIA says to get involved in activities that focus on using the mind and body and stay socially involved. If you feel depressed for weeks at a time, talk to your doctor.

Strategies to improve forgetfulness include challenging our brains by learning new things as well as using all our senses. For example, prepare a new recipe that requires lots of spices. If you are eating out, try to identify the flavors and seasonings used in the meal. To help remember new information better such as names, places, etc., try repeating it out loud or writing it down as this reinforces the memory. For example, if you want to remember a new neighbor’s name, say it out loud back to them, like “hi Jack.” Then an hour or so later say the new neighbor’s name out loud again.

At MorningStar at Jordan we promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing comfort and security. Our beautiful home has 55 well-designed assisted living suites with a choice of floor plans. In addition, 29 memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood are devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional dementia care in Centennial, Colorado.

MorningStar’s senior living communities have a passionate commitment to serving our residents, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest assisted living or dementia care in Centennial, Colorado, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Jordan. Contact us to learn more.

Boost Health and Longevity at Any Age

It is never too late to improve your health and making changes in your behaviors and attitudes can mean living a happier, longer life. Doctors say getting your weight under control, quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising can all significantly improve your health and longevity at any age.

Remember taking care of our health also includes our brains. Experts used to believe the brain could not make new neuron connections as we aged but research now shows the “brain remains nimble and capable of physical change and growth throughout life.” In fact, studies find people who step out of their comfort zone and try new hobbies and interests can improve their cognitive health.

Another misconception is thinking it is too late to start exercising or to lose weight. A meta-analysis of 39 studies on aging and resistance-type exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands, found it is possible to build muscle mass no matter what age. In the studies, “1,300 adults over the age of 50 who did some form of this kind of training, muscle mass increased by an average of nearly 2.5 pounds in just five months.”

Being positive is a trait that helps people deal more effectively with stress and worry and is linked to longevity. Researchers also find it is better for us to be in charge of our own medical care. One way to do this is to stay up-to-date on medical research and advice regarding care options as well as asking pertinent questions of our healthcare providers. Other things we can do to protect our health is to get appropriate screenings and tests, use our time productively and stay socially engaged.

MorningStar at Jordan, dementia care is a vibrant 55+ community that offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and social engagement. Our range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities are designed for stress-free retirement years. Our beautiful community has well-designed suites for assisted living and memory care in a variety of floor plans. Please contact us for more information. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest assisted living and dementia care in Centennial, CO.

Source: verywellhealth.com/boost-longevity-in-your-60s-2223714

It is Important to Have Expert Help When Choosing a Mobility Aid

Many older adults, especially those in assisted living communities, are no longer as steady on their feet as they used to be. This puts them in danger of a fall, and a walker, cane or even a wheelchair or scooter is probably advisable. However, before you start using a hand-me-down walker or buy any-old cane; experts warn that one size does not fit all. In the case of a walker, to be an effective and safe mobility aid, it is important to have an expert help you pick out the best type and size for your needs.

As AgingCare.com points out, “The wrong device can negatively affect a senior’s stability, cause posture-related problems and even result in pain. Mobility aids come in all shapes and sizes, so selecting the right equipment and achieving a proper fit usually requires a professional’s assistance and expertise.” To get started determining what your needs are, experts recommend seeing your healthcare provider to discuss any problems you are having with your activities of daily living (ADLs). If they recognize a need for a mobility aid, they may refer you to an occupational or physical therapist.

The following are a couple of basic guidelines to know before you get started. A cane can help provide balance and stability and is ideal for someone who needs to support no more than 25% of their body weight. It is most useful for those minimally impaired or with weakness in one leg. Walkers are available in a variety of models but regardless of the style a “correct height of a walker is measured from the floor to the wrist, and the elbows should be flexed in a range of 15 to 20 degrees.” Experts also say the walker must be large enough to provide front and side support for the user.

A motorized scooter may be the answer for someone who has lost the ability to walk any distance but still has an adequate amount of strength in their arms and upper body to stay upright as well as drive the scooter. Again, there are a variety of models including indoor and outdoor ones as well. Keep in mind though that most insurance companies and Medicare Part B typically only cover scooters for in-house use.

If you are considering senior living communities in the Centennial, Colorado area, MorningStar at Jordan may be the place for you. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents, and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, luxury amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about assisted living or memory care at MorningStar.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest memory care in Centennial, CO.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/expert-advice-how-to-choose-a-mobility-aid-190138.htm