Choosing Adult Day Care with Sue Susskind, Smilecast 152
What to Know About Adult Day Care
Adult Day Care has been around for a long time. Still it is virtually unknown to many. In this session, we will explore what adult day care is, the benefits, how to choose and what to ask!
Read more about our expert – Susan Susskind
Susan Susskind has devoted the past 15+ years to working in a variety of areas related to the field of eldercare and developmental disabilities. She worked with the International Federation on Ageing, developing a “tool kit” to be used worldwide to educate about elder abuse. She also served as the Director of Development on a volunteer basis for the National Adult Protective Service Association, and as Director of one of Indianapolis’ Active Day Adult Day Centers.
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Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities – Ashley Maloy – Smilecast 151
As seniors naturally started to congregate in urban areas such as Beacon Hill, a new concept in care emerged. Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) are a phenomenon where seniors stay in place and the services they need spring up around them. We will explore this movement in our session and help you better understand options for aging in place in NORCs.
Read more about our expert – Ashley Maloy
Ashley Maloy, LMFT is the Coordinator for the Toco Hills NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities). There are two NORC’s in the greater Atlanta area and the Toco Hills NORC is part of Jewish Family and Career Services. Ashley has been with the NORC for close to one year.
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Our Friday Song of the Week – New Kid in Town
Our Friday Song of the Week – New Kid in Town
Exercise and Thinking Skills – How Much is Enough?
How Much Exercise Is Needed to Help Improve Thinking Skills?
We know that exercise may help improve thinking skills. But how much exercise? And for how long? To find the answers, researchers reviewed all of the studies where older adults were asked to exercise for at least four weeks and their tests of thinking and memory skills were compared to those of people who did not start a new exercise routine. The review is published in the online issue of Neurology® Clinical Practice. They found that people who exercised an average of at least 52 hours over about six months for about an hour each session may improve their thinking skills.
In contrast, people who exercised for an average of 34 hours over the same time period did not show any improvement in their thinking skills.
Is Cost Preventing You from Getting a Medical Alert System? Here’s Help!
Coverage for a Medical Alert System
Caring for the elderly requires research and knowledge to provide the best assistance possible. As much as we do to prevent injuries or falls, they can happen. That’s why it’s best to be prepared – and to know what care options are available.
There are many resources available to family caregivers and their loved ones. One option many find valuable are a medical alert system, because of their ability to keep seniors safe and independent. With just a push of a button or a triggered fall these devices ensure that the user is protected in case of an emergency.
With this device, on call emergency response and constant health monitoring come at a cost. So, when you are shopping around for the right medical alert system – keep in mind budget. One thing to consider as well is whether your health insurance plan covers alert systems. Unfortunately, most insurers do not find them to be “rehabilitative or habilitative service”, meaning they are commonly not covered.
Medicare and Medicaid on the other hand are more open to covering the costs of medical alert systems. You will find some Medicare Advantage plans as well as select categories of Medicaid programs will consider it.
Your best bet if you want insurance to cover a medical alert system is to have a long-term care policy.
One major benefit of long-term care insurance is that it helps seniors “age in place.” In other words, helping the elderly stay in their homes as long as possible – often covering the cost of “durable medical equipment.” That includes emergency response systems!
There are so many benefits to using these devices. Primarily targeted for seniors, this technology has been found to assist those who are prone to falling and at risk of a heart attack or stroke. It is also great for the peace of mind especially for families of seniors who prefer to live independently, knowing that they will receive the help they need in any situation.
Although the cost varies, and coverage is hard to narrow down, many still prefer this method to help regain their independence. Be sure to do your research when looking around to find the best device and coverage for your loved ones.
