The Legal Side of Moving a Parent Into Your Home
Moving a parent into your home comes with important considerations, from Medicaid and taxes to healthcare and legal planning.
How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community
Making the decision to transition a senior loved one into an assisted living community can be a complex and emotional process. Families want to ensure their loved ones are safe, happy, and receiving the support they need while maintaining as much independence as possible. We’ve put together a few tips so you know how to choose the right assisted living community for your loved one’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Understanding Assisted Living vs. Long-Term Care Before selecting a community, it’s important to understand the difference between an assisted living community and a long-term care facility. Assisted living communities are designed [...]
The Significance of Advanced Directives in Elder Care Planning
For all of us, preparing for future healthcare needs is important, however, one of the most critical steps in this preparation involves creating advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that communicate a person's wishes regarding medical care if they cannot communicate those decisions themselves. Advanced directives ensure individuals' healthcare preferences are known and respected, even when they can no longer express their wishes. The Role of Advanced Directives in Elder Care Planning Advanced directives in elder care serve as a voice for individuals when they can no longer speak for themselves due to incapacitating medical conditions or severe health [...]
Five Elder Law Myths Debunked
Elder law myths can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities for those planning for retirement, healthcare, and estate management. Here, we aim to debunk the top five common myths about elder law, providing clarity and accurate information to help you make informed decisions. We hope to offer peace of mind by addressing these elder law myths and empowering our readers with knowledge. Myth 1: Elder Law is Only for the Wealthy One of the most pervasive elder law myths is the belief that elder law planning is exclusively for the wealthy. This misconception can prevent many individuals from [...]
How to Find Current Staffing Information On Nursing Homes
For decades, academic research has shown that staffing levels reliably predict the quality of care in nursing homes and that shortages increase the risk of delayed response to daily needs, like toileting and eating, as well as medical emergencies, such as falls and strokes. A pivotal federal study from 20 years ago, when most nursing home residents were younger and healthier than today, suggested a minimum of 4.1 hours per resident daily – more than the new rule. On April 22, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule on Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term [...]
Physical Therapy for Seniors: How It Can Help
Physical therapy for seniors: what is it and how can it help? Suppose you have ever had an injury, pain, recurrent falls, or changes to your walking or otherwise daily mobility. In that case, you’ve likely heard of physical therapy or have been a patient yourself. Physical therapy for seniors is a form of healthcare that combines prescribed exercise, therapeutic activities, functional mobility, patient education, and rehabilitation to help heal and restore everyday function. Physical therapists are movement experts in rehabilitative and preventative care, working to improve one’s quality of life. As of 2016, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy is [...]
Nonprofits And Programs For Seniors
I am honored and proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for two nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of seniors and their loved ones. ARTZ Philadelphia and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey (JFCS) are the nonprofits. Each nonprofit offers complimentary programs for older adults and those living with dementia. ARTZ Philadelphia is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of people with dementia and their care partners through joyful interactions around arts and culture. Their evidence-based programs connect people with dementia and those they love with artists, cultural organizations, and each other. They help [...]
The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Elder Care
The designation of a healthcare proxy in elder care is an essential aspect of planning for the future, especially for seniors who want to honor their healthcare wishes. Understanding the role and importance of a healthcare proxy in elder care can provide peace of mind and protect the rights of elderly individuals. As age-related illnesses or cognitive decline can sometimes impair the ability to make informed healthcare decisions, having a trusted healthcare proxy becomes increasingly vital. The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Elder Care A healthcare proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney or healthcare agent, is [...]
Update on CMS Care Compare Website
For nursing home residents and their families, making a decision about what facility to choose can be a daunting and frustrating process. How do you know whether the nursing home you are considering for your loved one provides quality care? One resource is the federal government website which provides quality measures for every nursing home in the U.S. For more than ten years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been posting information on facility staffing measures on the Medicare.gov website under Care Compare. The information supplied regarding nursing home quality measures has been of questionable quality. However, [...]
Recognizing Changes in Loved Ones Over the Holiday Season
‘Tis the season for families to come together to celebrate the holidays, including with our elderly loved ones. In many instances, this time of year is the first time you may see an aging parent, grandparent, or other relatives after months apart, or even perhaps from the last holiday season. Below are some common age-related changes in loved ones to be mindful of when visiting. Significant weight gain or loss Changes in mobility or balance Fluctuations in mood or behaviors Poor memory or increased confusion It is important to address changes in loved ones such as those listed above early [...]