Veteran's Directed Home Services Program

Veteran's Directed Home Services Program Benefits

Individuals enrolled in the Veteran's Administration (VA) health care system may qualify for a program that provides both funds and flexibility for veterans to hire caregivers, including family members, and receive services to assist with activities of daily life within in their own home and community. The Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services program, started in 2009, is now available in at least 42 states. The VA plans to expand the program to serve additional areas by 2020.

The program operates differently from health related VA pensions, is open to veterans of any age, and is not need-based. There are no income or asset limits. Veterans receiving an Aid and Attendance pension may obtain services. To qualify, a veteran must have served 24 months of continuous active duty with a discharge status other than dishonorable or for bad conduct. Exceptions to the 24-month rule can be made for service related disabilities and conditions or if the veteran received a hardship or "early out" discharge. 

Veterans seeking assistance must generally require a nursing home level of care. Persons requiring help with three or more activities of daily life usually qualify. Activities might include cooking, dressing, bathing, and grooming. Qualifications are less strict for veterans living alone, requiring hospice care or who are 75 years of age or older. Veterans suffering from moderate to severe Alzheimer's will most likely be approved.   

Working with a VA medical center and a local agency on aging, the veteran, often with the aid of family, prepares a care plan and an estimated budget designed to allow the veteran to live at home or in the community rather than in a nursing facility. Creating the plan allows a veteran to be specific about personal needs and preferences. Veterans are free to coordinate with a VA medical center outside their immediate geographic area. After the plan is submitted, it may take several months of revision and negotiation to reach a mutually agreeable budget. Payments are not made until the budget has been approved.

The plan can include virtually any service and product required for the veteran's care and health or which improves the ability to live independently. This may include home modifications for wheel chair ramps and vehicle access, electronic monitors, emergency alarms, homemaker services to assist with laundry, cooking and cleaning, personal care services to assist with bathing and dressing, adult day care, respite care, home delivered meals, caregiver training and transportation and escort services required for shopping or attending medical appointments. 

The program does not pay for rent or personal care in an assisted living facility. Services must be provided to the veteran in his or her home, a caregiver's home or in an independent living residence. Friends or family members including a spouse, adult children, and relatives may be hired as caregivers and are paid based on rates set by the VA adjusted for local factors. 

As the program name states, the veteran directs what services will be provided in the home and chooses the personal caregivers rather than receiving care within the VA health care system. The monthly budget is determined by a veteran's specific needs. The maximum amount allowed varies by state. As a general guideline, the budget should not exceed the cost of similar care at a VA skilled nursing facility. 

Veterans authorize payments to providers, but do not actually receive cash. A financial management service working in cooperation with the VA will issue checks to service providers and reimburse the veteran for pre-approved supplies. The veteran, in effect, acts as the employer, hires and schedules care providers, and orders health care supplies. 

Based on surveys, 95 percent of veterans participating in the program expressed satisfaction, saying it met their needs and improved access to health care. An ongoing evaluation scheduled to be completed in December 2019 will examine health outcomes including hospital and emergency room visits, nursing home admissions and days at home as well as costs associated with providing the directed services program.

The program continues to expand. In 2017, the VA began an effort to add an additional 90 VA Medical Centers to the program. Interested veterans should contact a local Area Agency on Aging to determine program availability.  

The VA estimates the number of veterans requiring long term care will double in the next decade. With an annual cost of $110,000 for a veteran to receive such care, the home and community based option offers a cost-effective, viable alternative to promote independent living for veterans while meeting their individual needs.

What is Schizophrenia? - Elderly Connections LLC, Seattle, WA

What is Schizophrenia? - Elderly Connections LLC, Seattle, WA

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Life-Saving Devices for Seniors

Life-Saving Devices for Seniors

Staying in their own houses and apartments as they grow older is a golden goal for most folks.Staff members at elder-care facilities may mean well, but the comforts of home are best. Ten devices make living at home safer and easier to manage for seniors and their caregivers.

Movement Monitors

Wireless motion sensors placed near room entrances track the daily movements that imply well-being. Bathroom and kitchen visits are the most common events. An automated Internet service will detect a lack of expected movements. If telephone calls to the resident go unanswered, the service dispatches emergency personnel. This basic safety blanket covers serious events like severe physical trauma or extended unconsciousness.

Emergency Alerts

Falling down is a serious danger for seniors. Bones tend to grow brittle with age, and decreased physical fitness is also a factor. Broken hips are a common cause of hospitalization. A wearable transmitter offers the fastest way to get help from emergency personnel. Modern wireless systems can reach beyond the home to local parks and other venues. Some medical emergency-response systems support awider roaming range. T he service that manages the alert system may also contact caregivers and family members.

Safety-Step Stepladders

Ladders account for many falls and injuries among all adults, not just seniors. A safety stepladder has wide, slip-resistant steps and a sturdy gripping bar at the top. Aside from preventing many
accidents, a safety stepladder increases personal independence. Seniors will feel more comfortable about replacing their own light bulbs. Reaching high shelves is also no longer a problem with a good safety-step stepladder.

Flow-Reduction Devices

Scalding injuries from hot water are common. Also, some folks may react to hot water by falling against a hard surface and suffering injury. Temperature-activated flow reducers for sink faucets
and shower heads can help. If the water flowing through such a device is too hot, the device reduces or halts the flow. These inexpensive screw-on attachments are available from many hardware stores.

Heart Monitors

Wearable heart monitors can watch for problematic arrhythmias that demand medical attention. They can measure subtle heartbeat patterns that may reveal blocked arteries and other problems. They can serve as mobile cardiac-telemetry devices for cardiovascular-disease patients. Primary physicians and cardiologists appreciate this kind of information about heart behavior. Emergency medical personnel can also respond without delay to life-threatening cardiac events.

Stove Sensors

Seniors may not always be up to the close attention required for safe cooking. Waning mobility and declining cognitive abilities may mean house fires from unattended cooking. Several companies offer automated cutoff systems for electric stoves. If sensors detect excessive heat or an unattended stove, the system shuts off the power to the stove. Active development continues on possible solutions for gas stoves.

Medication Monitors

Many seniors cope with complicated medication regimens. Remembering to take all the individual medications would be a chore for anyone. Older folks tend to forget sometimes. Adverse reactions to combined medications are also more common among seniors. An automatic medication dispenser or programmable voice-reminder device can help with the daily routine. Some devices send messages over the Internet to warn caregivers about noncompliance. A few manufacturers demand monthly fees for full functionality, so check the fine print.

Hearing-Impairment Aids

Impaired hearing is a common ailment of aging. Visual-alert systems for doorbells and telephones ensure that important calls or visitors aren't missed. Visual-alert versions of smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide alarms also are available. Installing these devices might save a life.
Lever-Style Doorknobs

Being able to escape without delay in case of fire might be a matter of seconds. Many elders already have an impaired ability to cope with ordinary doorknobs. Lever-style doorknobs ease the
pain of arthritis and make quick work of opening doors.

GPS Trackers

Many seniors and their caregivers find GPS-tracking systems to be helpful. These devices have a button for contacting emergency services from almost anywhere. Some GPS-tracking systems can send an alarm if they detect that the carrier has fallen down. Caregivers for dementia patients can locate their charges if they wander off. Such services come with monthly fees.

Concluding Thoughts

These ten devices will reduce the risk of an accident or an undetected medical emergency. They can forestall the need for frequent personal checks. Family members and caregivers can stop
worrying so much about loved ones. Seniors can relax and enjoy their independent living arrangementshttp://elderlyconnections.com/devices-for-seniors/

The Elderly – America's Forgotten Citizens

The Elderly – America's Forgotten Citizens

Although the genetic makeup of a human being has a significant impact on their expected longevity, a healthy environment, proper diet, consistent exercise, and regular participation in general activities can all prolong life.

According to the Penn State Research Department, a few decades ago people could expect to live about 12 years after retirement. In 2009, people can expect to live 25 years after their last day of work. Rapid advances in medical technology have also contributed to this rising figure. The baby boomer generation, who are now reaching or are already of retirement age, also practice a much healthier lifestyle than their predecessors raising their life expectancy to age 85 compared to 58 in the early 1900s.

America is a youth-driven culture. As age sets in, and if finances allow it, it is not unusual for people to get their age-telling imperfections stretched, sucked, snipped, nipped, tucked, and injected. Citizens who are old, and look old, are too often considered unattractive, non-productive members of society. Stuck in nursing homes or other care centers, many of the elderly feel unwanted, useless, and unneeded; they live and die alone. Not all cultures take this position. Even in America, one particular culture has a deep respect and caring attitude toward their elderly, Native Americans. It is the responsibility of younger tribe members to care for aging tribal members and they generally fulfill that need with a gracious attitude.

Asian countries have been known for centuries to respect and honor their elderly. Commitment to the family unit is a strong, enduring tradition. Hospital stays are short and the governments of these countries encourage family responsibility and care. However, those of Asian descent living in America are more likely to take on the attitudes of their American counterparts.

African tribal societies continue to view their elderly as wise; their life experiences and knowledge are much revered by younger tribal members. Many of the elders carry tribal stories and traditions in their memories to pass on to younger generations. Most members of third world countries care for their elderly as part of the active family unit until death. Many Caribbean Island cultures also have an unwritten rule in place; it is understood that families will take care of their own.

Most Western European countries have implemented universal healthcare for all their citizens. This alone can take a tremendous burden off family members. The Hastings Center Reports that the Czech Republic, Hungary, and other countries once under communist rule, have reported that up to 75% of their elderly live with family members, many however live in a state of poverty.

According to the Catholic News Service, South American countries, whose bulk of the population is primarily under 30 years of age, have a tendency to treat their elderly as a burden. Since a high percentage of Latin America's elderly are poor and uneducated, with 60% receiving no monthly income or pension, they are easily forgotten.

Middle Eastern countries, with the majority of citizens practicing the Muslim faith, consider it an honor to care for their parents. They do not have nursing homes; the elderly are treated with respect.

What does a society do with all these old people? Have they all financially prepared to live up to 25 years with no income from active employment? How many people are counting on Social Security as a total means of support? Are there enough assisted living centers and nursing homes available to meet the population increase? These are all questions that Americans will soon be facing head on.

Many Americans did pre-plan for retirement, but lost part or all of their retirement investments in the economic crisis of 2009. Safe, secure financial planning is not an option any longer; a higher interest rate is not always worth the risk.

Unfortunately, many Americans have not planned financially for retirement and certainly not to live 25 years past retirement. The Social Security system is not prepared to deal with the influx of eligible applicants. Social Security and Medicare, although certainly not perfect, do provide some income and medical care, but with all countries facing a poor economy, national budgets will have to be cut somewhere. With care for the elderly already expensive, inadequate, lacking in quality, and with higher co-pays, many parents will need to live with family members in order to survive.

According to the National Senior Citizen Law Center, their committees are urging the Obama Administration to adopt an agenda that strengthens health and income programs for low-income seniors. They also advocate home and community care; many families can certainly take in an aging parent. As well, the availability of in-home care for the elderly needs expanding. Those who may only need a special treatment a few times a week can easily live at home with their family instead of being sentenced to live full-time in a rest home.

Abuse of the elderly is on the rise. According to the Gerontological Society of America, a new study concluded that nearly 13 percent of America's aged citizens suffer some form of abuse. They also report that older adults who are physically impaired are particularly susceptible to mistreatment. Mistreatment in 57% of the cases reported was perpetrated by someone other than a member of the person's immediate family, another compelling reason for parents to reside with children.

Should children feel responsible to take in an aging parent? Sometimes it is impossible to deal with a parent's medical needs and a care center is the only option, but children can still visit regularly, monitor the care, be involved, and provide love and emotional support. In too many cases, family visits become more and more infrequent, out of sight, out of mind.

Some children do care for their elderly parents in America; statistics show that 50 million family homes include at least one parent of either the husband or wife. Most parents; however, do not want to live with their children; they want to be independent for as long as possible. Assisted living centers are an ideal situation as are retirement communities; however, this type of living situation is generally quite costly. If retirement funds are not plentiful, this may not be possible.

Welcoming an aging parent into the home presents a multitude of pros and cons. On the positive side, a child does not have to worry that the parent is being abused or not eating properly. Parents can also help pay expenses, which can help families through difficult economic times. There are also cons associated with moving a parent into a family home. The woman of the home will probably be the direct caregiver, which can be overwhelming while working and taking care of a family at the same time. In this case, all family members would have to pitch in and help.

As a nation, we must demand that seniors are not left out of the President's plans to reform our government and renew our sense of responsibility as a people. As family members, we must remind ourselves daily of the sacrifices our parents have made so our lives could be better and, in return, be there for them.

The best places in Seattle to meet people over 40

The best places in Seattle to meet people over 40 include fun activities for all ages. Washington has an abundance of cheap and free things to do for making friends with baby boomers, seniors, or anyone.

Many of these meeting places are free. If something is free, or very inexpensive, what do you have to lose? Every venue on this list draws quality people (and a few quirky types).  So, any guy or gal who wants to make friends, either platonic or romantic, should make time for these great Seattle social scenes.

First Thursday Seattle Art Walk

The Seattle Art Walk at Pioneer Square is definitely one of the hippest places to meet people of all ages, and browsing art is very chic. The Pioneer Square area is quaint and inspiring; however, women might want to bring pals along during the winter months when the Art Walk takes place after sundown. (The Art Walk is light all summer.) Art gives everyone something to talk about, even if the viewer just says, “Wow!” or, “What the heck is that?”  The Seattle Art Walk takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month.  See FirstThursdaySeattle.com.

Wander the Trippy Molbak’s Garden Store

Visiting Molbak’s nursery in Woodinville is a very green thing to do. Baby boomers are finding that gardening fits into the 1960s ideology of getting back to the land, and Molbak’s nursery is free fun as long as visitors keep their green in their pockets.  This magical garden center has free classes where anyone can find friends with similar interests.  Woodinville is about 12 miles northeast of Seattle.  See Molbaks.com

Farmer’s Markets in Seattle

Everyone needs to eat, so why not go to a market where the food is organic and the people are friendly. These mini “street fairs” are modeled after European street markets and are cool places to meet local people.  Here are the most popular farmer’s markets in the city.

•The Ballard Sunday Farmer’s Market sells fruits, veggies, and fresh, sustainable foods every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

•The University District Farmers Market has tasty cheese, French bread, jams, and produce, along with live music every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

•The Fremont Market is more like a flea market than a farmer’s market, so go to the Freemont Market on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to meet new people, but look for produce at the nearby Fremont P.C.C. store.

Good Nutritional Habits for the Elderly

With age comes a number of new health concerns and an increased need for good nutritional habits. You need to make sure that your body is getting the nutrients that it needs to function properly, but it’s all too easy to get confused by the alphabet of vitamins and minerals out there. To help fill in some of the potential gaps in your knowledge, here are several key nutritional facts for the elderly:

Calcium and Vitamin D Can Save Your Bones

As you get older, your bones will become weaker. This means that you need to consume increased amounts of calcium and vitamin D if you want to keep your bones healthy. If you fail to do so, then you could develop osteoporosis. Even if you don’t get osteoporosis, your bones will still be weak and prone to breaking.

Caloric Intake Decreases With Age

As it turns out, your body needs less and less energy as time goes on. Your basal metabolic rate will decrease and you end up using less calories on average. As such, you will want to decrease calories that you consume on a daily basis. Of course, this doesn’t apply in cases where your level of physical activity increases as you get older, but if your lifestyle isn’t changing with age, then you will probably need to decrease the amount of food that you consume.

Vitamin B12 Becomes Harder to Get

With age comes a decreased capacity to acquire vitamin B12 from food. Unfortunately, B12 is a critical vitamin when it comes to healthy nerves and red blood cells, which means that you will need to find a way to increase your intake if you aren’t getting enough. While B12 occurs naturally in dairy products, meat, and fish, you can also take supplements to make sure that you are hitting your dietary goals.

Hydration Can Be Difficult to Track

If you fail to keep hydrated, then you can suffer from a nasty urinary tract infection or constipation. While keeping hydrated may seem simple and self-explanatory, it actually becomes harder with age. It can become difficult to determine how thirsty you really are, but it is almost always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to hydration. By drinking a few extra cups of water here and there, you can make sure that you never become dehydrated.

Developing Habits and Routines Is Key

Keeping track of your health can be exhausting, but there are ways to make the process a lot simpler and more natural. By adopting healthy habits, like drinking an extra cup of water with every meal or taking a vitamin B12 supplement on a regular basis, you can make the maintenance of your health a reflexive task rather than a chore that you need to manually contemplate and address on a daily basis.

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Financing Options for Long Term Senior Care | Elderlyconnections

 

It is important that you should have complete information about the finance options available to you, especially when a decision has to be reached for you or your loved ones to relocate to a senior care facility for elderly. To have a comfortable stay at a senior care facility, it is essentially important to consider the finance options available to you. There are a range of finance options available that can be tailored to suit your needs.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Over 10 million Americans have purchased long-term care insurance.  Long-term insurance coverage has appropriately assisted in paying the bills of the elderly confined to a facility. The quotes offered by insurance firms vary but in most cases insurance has been beneficial in providing coverage for home care and also helps protect the individual’s assets. Make sure that your loved one has an apt insurance policy with long term insurance firms.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is a well-known financial planning tool which can also provide coverage for cost of care. In most cases insurance policies providing life coverage are made flexible in order to also provide coverage for long-term care plan rather than a benefit paid out after the death of an individual. It should be understood that a life insurance coverage is terminated by the insurance firm immediately a cash out is made for the purpose of long-term care.

Commonly used life insurance policies are as follows:

• Universal Life Insurance (UL) which is inclusive of build-up fund and a life insurance.
• Whole Life insurance affords individuals the opportunity to own policyholder coverage for a life time and the cash accrued can be cashed out for the purpose of paying the care bills of the elderly.
• Group Life insurance is provided for the benefits of employees or members of a labor organization. To remain a beneficiary, you must maintain employment.
• Life Settlement involves selling an existing life insurance policy to another person at a value below its net death benefit but reasonably above its cash surrender worth.

Other Financial Options

• Supplemental Security Income (also referred to as Title XVI) is an initiative that gives a monthly check to the elderly, blind and disabled individuals. It is a need based program designed to support only individuals who have worked long enough. Social Disability Insurance provides a low asset limits and income value, but it is the only program initiated to supplement individuals in this group.
• Medicaid is established to cater for the payment of specific types of health services and home care bills for persons with a low source of income. They also pay for some long-term care bills of individuals at home and within the community. Before this provision can be accessed, individuals must attain a specific income and asset limit. Eligibility criteria differ from one state to another and ones desire to transfer assets to heirs may be meet with some restrictions as stated in the terms of use.
• Line of Credit is a financial resource designed for retirees. It is provided to pay for care while in expectation of the Veteran Aid and Attendance benefits or prior to the intervention of long-term care insurance firms (It is important that a source of funding is anticipated in the near future before applying for this option).
• Social Security Benefits can be used in addition with other options by the elderly to access funds. It should not be viewed as a bailout to pay for home care services because the fund provided will not suffice, the average check is $1,230 for retiree and $2,045 for a couple. 

This Post was Originally Posted at Elderly Connections Blog