Assisted Living

The cost of skilled nursing care is slowly rising. Currently, the average cost of care in Arizona ranges from $3,500 to $4,500 per month. Skilled nursing facilities are great for seniors who require skilled nursing care by medical professionals such as registered nurses or physicians. However, is skilled nursing care appropriate for those who only require assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom? Is it realistic for someone to pay $3,000 to $6,000 a month for skilled nursing care when their only requirement is assistance with their ADLs? Believe it or not, there are many seniors who do not require skilled nursing care and remain in nursing homes due to their lack of knowledge of the options available to them. There are affordable alternatives to nursing home care. When a senior requires long term care without 24 hour medical supervision, the preferred alternative is Assisted Living Homes.

You may ask, "What is an Assisted Living Home?" In Arizona, an Assisted Living Home is a regular home located within a residential neighborhood and licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services to provide assistance 24 hours a day to those who need care outside of their own home. Assisted Living Homes are licensed for up to 10 residents. There are three levels of care an Assisted Living Home can be licensed for: Supervisory, Personal and Directed. Every Assisted Living Home is licensed for one or more of these levels of care. In sum, Assisted Living Homes are homes licensed to provide care for seniors who are no longer able to live alone, and do not require skilled nursing care.

What are the benefits of an Assisted Living Home? An Assisted Living Home gives residents a feeling of being at home instead of an institutionalized setting. Each caregiver and manager is required to become certified, and often times the caregiver or manager lives in the home full time. Each home provides 24 hours of care, 7 days a week. Many homes offer hospice care, respite care, Alzheimer’s/Memory Care, incontinence care, and therapeutic services under the direction of a physician. In addition, three nutritious meals are prepared for the residents along with snacks throughout the day, as well as daily activities as required by law. Both private and semi-private rooms are available for residents to choose from. As a result, there are many benefits available when residing in an Assisted Living Home.

Why is an Assisted Living Home unique? An Assisted Living Home provides care in a home setting, and because there is a limit of up to 10 residents in each home, the ratio of caregiver to residents is such that the care provided is very individualized as opposed to larger facilities. Monthly costs for Assisted Living Homes range from $1,500 to $3,000, allowing for an affordable option compared to the cost of nursing home care. Private pay may be the only option currently offered by the majority of Assisted Living Homes. However, the facilities that do accept different payment sources such as ALTCS (Arizona’s Medicaid Program referred to as Arizona Long Term Care System), usually require a resident to private pay for a certain period of time before they allow government benefits to begin. Bottom line: Assisted Living Homes are less expensive and provide more individualized care in a home-like setting.

Finally, when living at home is not an option and skilled nursing care is either out of one’s budget or not the right option based upon one’s level of care, Assisted Living Homes are the affordable alternative senior housing choice.

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You have permission to use this article as long as the author’s full bio is present as well as any hyperlinks to author’s website.

Torey Farnsworth has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Most recently, Torey served as Elder Law Director and Paralegal for a Phoenix based law firm where she provided assistance in a variety of areas including long term care planning, estate planning, ALTCS eligibility and Medicaid planning. Ms. Farnsworth is also a certified caregiver with the State of Arizona as well as a Certified Senior Advisor. Ms. Farnsworth has spent her career in senior care as her family owns and operates assisted living homes.

Ms. Farnsworth owns and operates a senior care placement business in Arizona called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families. For information on placement services in Arizona, visit http://adultcarecentral.com/

Arizona Assisted Living Homes — The Alternative to High Priced Senior Care

It is easy to be fooled by fancy drapery or expensive furniture that may decorate a care facility. Even though a facility looks high class doesn’t always mean the care provided is first class. The following are just a few simple guidelines to follow when selecting either a nursing home or an assisted living facility:

1. Talk with people in the community who are familiar with the facility you are looking at. Get their opinions and feedback.

2. In order to get the feel of the residents and their activity level, tour the facility during meals times, or right before or after a meal. Activity level is usually higher during these times. This will give you a general idea of the atmosphere and the quality of food being served. Great meals are one of the lasting enjoyments our seniors have.

3. Pay attention to the residents in the facility. Do they appear to be happy? Unhappy residents could indicate their needs are not being met properly. Do the caregivers know the residents by name? Is there adequate interaction between caregiver and resident?

4. If you have concerns about the facility, don’t be afraid to ask the staff questions and voice any concerns you may have. Did you receive adequate answers? Was the staff professional? Ask the administrator about the staff turnover rate. If it’s high, ask for the reasons why.

5. Examine all license and state or county inspection results for the facility. Each facility is required to display these items. A facility with little or no deficiencies is most likely a facility that wants to get the job done right the first time.

6. Research the facility using resources on the internet such as the Nursing Home Compare at www.medicare.gov or view license and enforcement action information with the appropriate state agency.

7. Trust your instinct. If you feel uncomfortable about a facility, there is a reason why. If a second unscheduled visit yields the same uneasy feeling, go with your gut feeling.

Overall, being familiar with a few simple guidelines will help make your selection process much easier. Selecting a care facility for a loved one is a very important decision. The care your loved one receives will ultimately affect their quality of life. In the end, if you cannot see yourself living in a certain facility you’re visiting, then chances are you shouldn’t place your loved one there either.

You have permission to use this article as long as the author’s full bio is present as well as any hyperlinks to author’s website.

Torey Farnsworth has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Most recently, Torey served as Elder Law Director and Paralegal for a Phoenix based law firm where she provided assistance in a variety of areas including long term care planning, estate planning, ALTCS eligibility and Medicaid planning. Ms. Farnsworth is also a certified caregiver with the State of Arizona as well as a Certified Senior Advisor. Ms. Farnsworth has spent her career in senior care as her family owns and operates assisted living homes.

Ms. Farnsworth owns and operates a senior care placement business in Arizona called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families. For information on placement services in Arizona, visit http://adultcarecentral.com/

Assisted Living: Tips on How to Choose a Facility

Assisted Living: Aging in Place

For the nation’s growing number of elderly, assisted living facilities have become popular alternatives to nursing homes. Most people move into assisted living when they need just a little care, or simply don’t want to manage a house. But then people age, they get more frail, they develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Ruth Elroy, 87, is a resident at an assisted living apartment facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Her daughter, Cindy Maracay, says assisted living allows her mother to live with a degree of comfort she could not find in a nursing home. “It’s dignity. It’s independence. It’s freedom to shape your own lifestyle. That’s what assisted living is supposed to be about. It’s not a nursing home,” she says.

Cindy agonizes over how to break the news to her mother that she’s being evicted. Ruth has Alzheimer’s disease, and the facility’s administration recently informed Cindy, Ruth‘s only child, that the elderly woman’s medical needs “exceeds the level of care we can provide as an assisted living community.”

“This is a nightmare,” Cindy says. “This can’t be happening to my mother in Phoenix, Arizona.”

Cindy was faced with a tough decision, until recently when she found out about assisted living homes, an arrangement where assisted living is provided in a residential home like environment for elderly who need care from the early stages also allows for the resident to age in place as their level of care increases. Assisted living homes in Arizona are state licensed and regulated, from five or ten residents offering assistance for elderly in all levels of care.

Much like nursing homes, assisted living homes provide equivalent levels of care, prices are usually at half the cost, yet residents in assisted living homes have the freedom and independence they want to choose in the comfort of a residential house.

Assisted living homes also have a high staff to resident ratio which allows for a more individualized level of care per resident. Meals are home cooked, many assisted living homes offer a variety of daily activities and exercises and even weekly.

Cindy found out about North Valley Assisted Living – an assisted living home in Phoenix, Arizona from a friend who also had their mother cared for there and were extremely pleased with the services she received.  Cindy enjoys peace of mind knowing her mother Ruth will now be able to age in place as her level of care will change.

North Valley Assisted Living is licensed for ten residents in the State of Arizona and has been providing quality assisted living since 1993 in the Phoenix valley and have since established a great reputation in the community.

Are you looking for an Assisted Living Home in Phoenix, Arizona? Desert Comfort Assisted Living is their second residence they recently opened which has openings for private rooms. Visit www.desertcomfortaz.com to view photos or contact them for information on the care they offer.

Seniors who choose assisted living enjoy a vibrant, independent lifestyle, with assistance customized to meet their personal needs. Residents enjoy a community where comfort, dignity, family connectedness and social activities are promoted. More than 1 million Americans are currently living in 36000 assisted living communities.
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How to Select a Nursing Home or an Assisted Living Home

Nursing home abuse becomes the three scariest words to an individual seeking an assisted living facility. Moving into an assisted living facility means giving up a certain amount of independence and freedom as well as leaving behind a home that is loved and filled with memories.

Nobody wants to leave their home and enter a nursing home. Facing the possibility of nursing home abuse makes the entire process an even scarier ordeal.

Selecting an assisted living facility based on reputation is a place to start. Talking with professionals such as geriatric nurses and doctors, physicians and even psychologists can help in determining whether or not a particular nursing home or assisted living facility carries a low risk of abuse.

Selecting the facility that is appropriate for the individual is also a preventative measure. Nursing homes are different from assisted living facilities, and often placing someone in an assisted living facility when they actual belong in a nursing home can set them up for a certain amount of abuse.

Assisted living staff does not meet the same training requirements in many states as staff and are more likely to lose their patience with someone who is unable to care at least partially for themselves.

Nursing home abuse victims are often seen in hospitals, and often speaking with the nursing staff of the local hospital about a particular assisted living facility can give some indication about whether or not the facility of choice is a high or low risk for abuse.

Of course, searching public records online can also benefit, as lawsuits are public record. Thoroughly investigating a facility prior to undergoing placement is crucial in avoiding abuse.

Lawyers can also be a valuable reference, as they are typically well aware which nursing homes or assisted living facilities are receiving a high number of complaints and which ones are receiving no complaints at all.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that even with the greatest amount of due diligence that a loved one won’t fall victim to nursing home abuse, as it is a horribly rampant problem in our society. In fact, America is rated one of the worst first world societies to grow old in. A general lack of respect for the elderly has contributed greatly to the downfall of our elder care.

We, as a society, are happy to warehouse the elderly simply so that we do not have to be reminded of what we may become as our youth escapes us. This is an unacceptable attitude considering these are the people who laid the foundation in one way or another for our very lives to be as they are.

Abuse is simply a statement of society’s ill concern for the aging. Picking a nursing home or an assisted living facility that combats this general attitude is a huge plus in combating abuse.

The local office of the aging and social service programs can also report on the suitability of an assisted living facility. These governmental agencies are able to do this because they have the insider information that allows them to determine whether or not there are open or pending cases of nursing home abuse.

They can also testify whether any old cases of abuse were handled well internally. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities that have a good clean record usually come with a higher price tag. It’s unfortunate that our elder care is based on assets and income, however, most assisted living facilities that are higher priced are more careful about their reputation.

It is not uncommon for people to find the need for an assisted living facility to be urgent in nature, and all too often people are willing to place their loved one in a less than par facility because it was the first available bed.

Without due diligence, you have no idea whether or not your loved one is at risk for falling victim to nursing home abuse. Choosing an assisted living facility based entirely on availability is often the one way to ensure that your loved one will be at a higher level of risk for nursing home abuse. Check out assisted living facilities carefully before signing any type of contractual agreement.

Related Assisted Living Articles

Every year we hear stories of seniors falling, ending up in hospitals and never fully recovering. Unfortunately, these falls often result in death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths for seniors age 65 and older. Every year, approximately 35% to 40% of seniors over 65 years of age fall at least one time. The following are five ways to help reduce the risk of you or a loved one from falling:

1. Keep Indoor Pathways Safe- Remove throw rugs or use double sided tape to prevent rugs from becoming loose. Keep telephone and electrical cords out of walkways as well as items such as shoes, blankets and books. Move furniture out of walkways to ensure the path is clear. Always keep stairways free from clutter.

2. Review Medications- Visit with your doctor or pharmacist about the medications you or a loved one is taking. Some prescriptions and over the counter drugs can cause one to become drowsy, dizzy or unsteady. In addition, make sure to get your vision checked once a year to reduce the risk of falling due to poor vision.

3. Exercise Regularly- It is important to improve your muscle flexibility and strength to reduce the risk of falling. Balance and coordination are also important to help prevent falling, and these can be accomplished through regular exercise.

4. Add Safety Features to Bathroom and Bedroom- Install mats or suction cups in the bathtub. Place grab bars near the toilet, shower, and tub area, as well as bench or a stool in the shower. Consider using an elevated toilet seat to help reduce the risk of falling. In the bedroom, keep a lamp or light switch that can be easily reached without getting out of bed. Use night lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

5. Improve Outdoor Walkways- Paint the edges of outdoor steps, especially steps that are narrow or are higher or lower than other steps. Paint outside stairs with a mixture of sand and paint to help with traction. Keep walkways well lit and clear from debris, snow and ice.

In addition to keeping the home safe from hazards, always try to maintain good health and exercise habits. It is important to wear rubber soled shoes that fully support your feet. Furthermore, limit the consumption of alcohol, and use walking devices such as a cane or a walker if extra support is needed. By reducing the risk of falling, one is increasing the chances of living a happy and safe life.

—————————————————————————You have permission to use this article as long as the author’s full bio is present as well as any hyperlinks to author’s website.

Torey Farnsworth has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Her legal experience includes long term care planning, estate planning, ALTCS eligibility and Medicaid planning. Ms. Farnsworth is also a certified caregiver with the State of Arizona as well as a Certified Senior Advisor. Ms. Farnsworth has spent her career in senior care as her family owns and operates assisted living homes.

Ms. Farnsworth owns and operates a senior care placement business in Arizona called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families. For information on placement services in Arizona, visit http://www.adultcarecentral.com

Senior Living: 5 Ways to Help Reduce the Risk of Falling

The following are a few of the care options available for seniors who can no longer live on their own and require assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL), or require skilled nursing care. Every state is a little different in terms of availability and cost, state regulations, and the specific names used for each care option:

Assisted Living Home- A facility consisting of 10 or fewer residents in a private home setting located in residential neighborhoods. Residents have the option of choosing a private or semi-private room. Most homes provide for all levels of care. Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) is provided 24 hours a day. Assisted Living Homes are ideal for those who prefer to live in a home-like setting and do not require skilled nursing care. Monthly prices range from $1,500 to $3,000.

Assisted Living Center- A facility consisting of 11 or more residents. Many of these types of facilities are in the form of apartments or units. Each facility provides assistance with ADLs. Level of assistance may vary depending on the level of care the facility is licensed for. Monthly prices range from $1,800 to $4,500.

Alzheimer’s/Memory Care- An assisted living facility consisting of a secure environment geared towards the specific needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The staff has additional training to care for those who suffer from dementia. Many facilities offer specific activities geared towards memory loss in order to keep residents active, motivated and stimulated. Monthly prices range from $2,600 to $6,000.

Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility- A facility consisting of skilled nursing care for seniors 24 hours a day. Registered/licensed nurses are on staff 24 hours a day. Therapeutic services are provided to residents when needed. The number of beds varies between facilities, and can range from 11 to over 100 beds. Monthly prices range from $4,000 to $6,000.

Home Care/Home Health Care- There are a variety of services offered to seniors who require assistance with their ADLs but wish to remain in their own home. Home Care agencies provide non-medical services including assistance with meal preparation, laundry services, bathing, dressing and other daily tasks. Home Health agencies provide medical care provided by licensed medical professionals as well as assistance with ADLs. Prices for home care range from $15 to $19/hr, and $100/hr for home health care.

Adult Day Health Care- A facility consisting of structured programs for seniors during the day. Such programs include meals, social activities, and therapy. Adult Day Care is often used for respite care for caregivers who work during the day, or need a break from daily caregiving duties. Facilities range from 16 to 100 seniors. Daily prices range from $40 to $100 depending on the program.

You have permission to use this article as long as the author’s full bio is present as well as any hyperlinks to author’s website.

Torey Farnsworth has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Her legal experience includes long term care planning, estate planning, ALTCS eligibility and Medicaid planning. Ms. Farnsworth is also a certified caregiver with the State of Arizona as well as a Certified Senior Advisor. Ms. Farnsworth has spent her career in senior care as her family owns and operates assisted living homes.

Ms. Farnsworth owns and operates a senior care placement business in Arizona called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families. For information on placement services in Arizona, visit http://www.adultcarecentral.com

Arizona Senior Housing: Care Options for Seniors Who Can No Longer Live Alone

According to the Arizona Administrative Code (R9-10-710), those who reside in assisted living facilities in Arizona have certain rights. In addition to having the right to live in an environment that promotes dignity, independence, self-determination, individuality, privacy and the right of choice, the following are a few of the rights given to residents who reside in assisted living facilities:

1. The right to be free from physical and chemical restraints.

2. The right to privacy regarding correspondence, visitation, communications, financial and personal affairs, hygiene and health related services.

3. The right to be involved in the creation of a written service plan and the right to review and re-negotiate the service plan at any time.

4. The right to refuse services as long as the services are not court ordered or the health, safety or general welfare of other individuals is not compromised due to the refusal of services.

5. The right to request to relocate or refuse to relocate within the facility based upon the needs and desires of the resident, and the availability of options.

6. The right to choose activities, schedules and daily routines.

7. The right to choose a primary care provider, pharmacy, or other service provider and to assume additional costs as a result of such choices.

8. The right to refuse to participate in social, recreational, rehabilitation, religious, political and community activities.

9. The right to be free from discrimination, and to be given the same civil and human rights others are given.

10. The right to be treated with consideration and respect.

Upon moving into an assisted living facility, a copy of the complete list of Resident Rights must be given to the resident or their representative. In addition, the facility is required to provide current phone numbers of several agencies such as D.E.S. Adult Protective Services and the Governor’s Office for Americans with Disabilities. If a resident or their representative feels these rights are being violated, the resident has the right to submit grievances to the facility, or other outside agencies. In summary, those residing in assisted living facilities have the right to remain as independent as possible, while residing in a facility that promotes such independence and strives to enhance the quality of life for their residents.

Torey Farnsworth has over 12 years of experience working with seniors. Ms. Farnsworth’s vast expertise encompasses a wide variety of senior issues ranging from adult care to elder law. Ms. Farnsworth owns and operates a senior care placement business in Arizona called Horizon Senior Care Referral. Her placement services are free to seniors and their families. For information on placement services in Arizona, visit http://www.adultcarecentral.com

Arizona Assisted Living: Resident Rights

Are The Workers In Your Loved One’S Assisted Living Facility Qualified?

“Are you dedicated, driven, committed, and professional? Do you want to make a difference by caring for others and working with people from all backgrounds and socio-economic levels?”

Yes, this could be an ad aimed at recruiting knowledgeable senior caregivers for openings at an assisted living facility. And, in fact, the many qualified care providers on the staff of a facility work together to make sure each day’s routine runs smoothly. Of course, in order to ensure the highest level of quality and care for your loved one, verifying the facility’s credentials and the staff’s training and on-the-job experience are vital.

Essentially, an assisted living facility provides care for individuals who can no longer live independently but do not necessarily need round-the-clock care. More importantly, however, you must remember that an assisted living facility is not a nursing home nor can it provide the kind of medical care your loved one may require. And while there are many safeguards in place, there are many more caregiving roles at the facility that are not required by law to be provided.

But how do you know what to expect from each caregiver? First and foremost, inquire about the hiring requirements of the senior caregivers – what are their daily tasks? What sort of training have they received? Remember you can never be too careful or too inquisitive, so before your tour, prepare yourself with a look into the care provider structure of an assisted living facility.

RNs/LPNs – Even with an extended staff of experts and senior caregivers on hand, an assisted living facility is not required by law to have registered nurses and licensed practical nurses on staff or even on call.

Nurses are often required to assess the health care needs of residents in coordination with the administrator and the resident’s physician, serving as a sort of liaison between the two parties. They are responsible for developing a comprehensive plan or outline of care for each resident (if necessary) and carry out these tasks on a daily basis. In addition, they train new hires that have an active part in the resident’s health plan.

As RNs and LPNs are licensed medical caregivers, only they can administer and/or distribute medication to residents. While many facilities do have RNs on call, it makes administration and/or distribution of medication to residents harder as they are the only ones able to perform these tasks. If your loved one requires round-the-clock care and supervision from senior caregivers, a skilled nursing facility may be a more practical option.

CNAs/General Caregivers – Certified nursing assistants and general caregivers are hired to bathe, dress, feed, and tend to residents on a daily basis. While CNAs have extensive training, hands-on experience, and a considerable subject knowledge base, general senior caregivers often receive on-the-job training, learning as they go, so to speak.

In addition, some facilities require specialization in key areas such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. CNAs and general senior caregivers are the primary point people that interact with residents every day and often provide them with much-needed social and emotional support.

Administrator/Director of Marketing and Sales – Initially, you’ll speak with the administrator and/or the director of marketing and sales, who will guide you through the entire process, conduct a tour of the facility, and answer all of your questions regarding the senior caregivers and staff. The administrator oversees all operations within an assisted living facility, keeping track of the staff, and monitoring residents’ needs and well-being. He or she is responsible for the training of all licensed and unlicensed staff and senior caregivers on the premises.

The director of marketing and sales, on the other hand, promotes the assisted living facility, ensuring the proper advertising messages are relayed regarding the approach to resident care, amenities, and services. He or she will speak with you to discuss the features and benefits of the facility as well as pricing, on-site senior caregivers, and any other perks.

Activity Coordinator – The duties of the activity coordinator are an important part of your loved one’s daily routine at an assisted living facility. These individuals are called on to provide stimulating, mind-challenging, and invigorating games and therapies that help residents get moving and thinking. The activity coordinator keeps aging minds thinking cognitively and aging bodies moving actively with singing, outdoor adventures, movie nights, shopping trips, and other engaging events and games.

During your tour, observe some of the in-house activities to get a feel for what residents do each day. The activity coordinator at an assisted living facility is also responsible for special programs and social events that occur outside of the scope of daily activities.

Dietician/Chef – The makeup of a senior’s diet is much different, and meals require nutritious elements that aid in recuperation, rejuvenation, and weight maintenance. Though a dietician may not always be on staff, if one is, he or she will be able to offer helpful insights into the necessary requirements of a senior diet, including reduced sodium, increased fiber and calcium, and more protein, all while supervising calorie intake.

Besides proper food handling and sanitation requirements, a head chef at an assisted living facility is often required to have line experience, efficient organization and time management skills, and a basic understanding of preparing food for the senior stomach.

The senior caregivers at an assisted living facility promote interaction and prevent isolation but are not capable of caring for a loved one in poor health. Above all, the most important thing to keep in mind when finding the right place for your loved one is that it offers quality assistance from kind senior caregivers and satisfies the requisites for welfare, health, and happiness.

See Electric Wheelchairs

Are you worried that you may lose all your life’s earnings and nest egg due to the rising costs of in-home long term care? As you get older do you have the necessary finances to protect yourself from going broke while slightly incapacitated? Many seniors are worried about are worried about the costs of long-term health care.

Are you worried that if something happens to you, that you may run out of money and burn thru their reserves and all your nest egg. Even be forced to sell your paid for home to survive? The costs for long-term in home care are rising, just like the current costs in health care. The average nursing home stay is 2.5 to 5 years of care with a cost of $135.00 per day. At that rate it will not take log to burn thru piles of cash. This is a concern of seniors and rightfully so.

It is very important to have long-term care insurance in order to protect your assets and give you peace of mind. You need the assurance of quality care, choice and control over receipt of care.

As we get older we do not wish to burden our offspring to come take care of us as they have their own family obligations; so we will want to avoid dependence and it might be nice to receive some tax advantages too. Paying for Long-Term Care requires some strategic planning; either thru family pact to take care of you or long term care insurance. Nothing is not guaranteed and do not expect the government to foot the bill. You see medicare is great but this program may pay for skilled nursing facility care for a very short period of time – but no longer than 100 days and only when you meet all the Medicare requirements for daily skilled care. If you live in California there is Medi-Cal, but this program, called Medicaid outside California, may pay for skilled, rehabilitation and custodial care that is not covered by Medicare, but only if you first "spend-down" assets to federal and state legal impoverishment level guidelines. Can you pay for your care thru personal or family assets without selling your home? Most people provide for long-term care expenses from personal or family income, assets and resources.

Your more strategic choice for Long-Term Care may involve having an insurance program. Specially designed programs to pay for long-term health care expenses are viable option. HIPAA defines Federal tax treatment of insurance policies that provide long-term care coverage. Policies that meet certain criteria are designated as "qualified long-term care insurance" and will receive certain tax incentives: the cost of coverage may be deductible and long term care benefits received will not be reported as taxable income. Please consult your tax advisor for information about your personal situation.

Play it safe and know your options regarding long-term health care and know protect your assets. Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” – If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Long Term In-home Care Options

Good news! You no longer have to risk chance when it comes to selecting a reputable elder care service for yourself or for a loved one. Senior Approved Services has certified a select number of businesses in our area serving the elderly and disabled populations.

Senior Approved Services was founded as a method to actively advocate for the right of all seniors to receive excellent quality care and most importantly, remain safe in the receiving of that care. Rather than report and warn senior citizens of known unsafe services (products and resources), they take the positive approach of highlighting businesses that are willing to prove that they deliver what is promised.

"No one should have to risk the safety of their loved ones when it comes to selecting a service," states founder and president of Senior Approved Services, Barbara Mascio, a devoted advocate for seniors.

Families that want to secure an in home care service, an elder-law attorney, financial planners, long-term care health insurance representatives, bill-paying services, general handyman and cleaning services, adult group homes, adult day services, assisted living facilities, specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care services, self-help books, health care directives and living will services, alternative healing practices (including stop smoking programs), elder mediation, home medical equipment, and so forth – can now select the best of the best through the exclusive network of Certified Senior Approved Services.

Seniors and those searching for verified excellent services access this valuable program free of charge by visiting www.seniorsapprove.com or by phoning 216-883-3163 during business hours.

Businesses that offer a product, resource or service for the senior citizen (or those with disabilities) may apply for certification. It is proof that they indeed put the client first. "We’re responding to three years of research and focus group studies," offers Barbara, referring to results that clearly show the consumer of elder care services wants an unbiased third-party entity to verify the history of care and service.

In the last twelve months alone, Senior Approved Services has received nearly 3,000 inquiries from families that have asked to be connected with a Certified Senior Approved Service. "I only hope that other business owners serving this precious population will respond and request certification so that we may continue helping seniors avoid services that are known to be less than desirable," affirms Barbara Mascio.

Businesses may request Senior Approved Certification by first visiting http://www.qualityeldercare.com/seniors

Senior Approved Services advocates for the right of all seniors to receive excellent care and most importantly, remain safe in the receiving of that care. We are building a national network of products, resources and services endorsed by seniors and their families.

Local Businesses Serving Seniors Prove Commitment to Quality Care