by Shelley | Jul 2, 2024 | Healthy Aging
The Medicare program was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in the summer of 1965. It is designed to provide health insurance to adults aged 65 and over, as well as younger people with disabilities. But the program actually dates back to President Teddy Roosevelt and President Harry Truman.
Roosevelt included Medicare in his presidential campaign platform in 1912. In 1945, Truman unsuccessfully fought for a national health insurance program with a special focus on coverage for older adults and people with disabilities. It wasn’t until President Johnson’s term when Congress actually enacted the necessary legislation and the program kicked off in 1966. President Truman and his wife, Bess, were the first two people to enroll in Medicare.
Today, Medicare gives retirees greater financial security. But it can be confusing for those about to enroll in the program. Let’s take a look at some of the basics you’ll need to know to get started with Medicare.
Medicare 101 for New Enrollees
First, it helps to understand how the Medicare program is organized. There are four parts and each is assigned a different letter: A, B, C, and D. Here’s a quick overview of each:
- Medicare Part A: Often referred to as the “hospital benefit,” part A covers part or all of hospital stays, short-term rehabilitation at a skilled nursing center, hospice care, and skilled home health services.
- Medicare Part B: Medicare Part B is designed to cover two primary types of care: medically necessary services and preventative services. That could include doctor visits, outpatient therapy, mental health treatment, laboratory testing, cardiac rehab, mammograms, flu shots, and more.
- Medicare Part C: This part of Medicare is comprised of Medicare Advantage plans. Through these replacement plans, private insurance companies contract with Medicare to provide health care coverage to seniors. These plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs and may even include prescription drugs.
- Medicare Part D: If you opt for traditional Medicare instead of a Medicare Advantage plan, you can sign up for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. In most cases, you need to sign up for drug coverage at the time you enroll in Medicare. If you don’t, you’ll pay a penalty when you decide to sign on. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to explore drug plan options in your zip code.
Answering Commonly Asked Questions About Medicare
If you are like most adults preparing to sign up for Medicare, you have many questions. Here are the answers to two of the most common.
Q: How much does Medicare cost?
A: Because most seniors (or their spouse) pay into Medicare through their employer, Part A of the benefit is usually free. But there is a monthly premium for Part B coverage and, if you opt for it, Part D. In 2024, Medicare Part B is $174.70 per month. While Part D pricing varies, the average monthly cost for basic benefit coverage in 2024 is $34.50.
Q: Does Medicare pay 100% of an enrollee’s health care expenses?
A: Unfortunately, like all health care plans, Medicare has deductibles and limits. The exception may be if you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan that doesn’t have deductibles. Adults who select traditional Medicare might want to consider purchasing what is known as Medigap insurance. It helps pay for those expenses Medicare doesn’t. 2024 Choosing a Medigap Policy can help you learn more.
Finally, if you need more clarification between Medicare Parts A and B, this article might be of interest. It covers everything from coverage and costs to open enrollment.
by Shelley | Jul 2, 2024 | Caregiving, Dear Donna
Dear Donna:
My mom and I have both had a pretty tough year. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and battled it for six months before his death. The two of us are pretty worn out and in need of some fun and relaxation. I would like to take my mom on a real vacation, but she has some mobility challenges. She can walk only for short distances before she needs the assistance of a walker or wheelchair.
We are open to traveling by car, plane, or even a train. The key is to make our trip as easy as possible for my mom. Do you have any suggestions? We live in southeast Michigan but are open to going anywhere!
Sincerely,
Anna in Midland, MI
Vacation Destinations for Older Adults with Limited Mobility
Dear Anna:
My condolences on the loss of your father. Caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness can be mentally and physically exhausting. It seems like you and your mom could definitely use a vacation!
Since it sounds like your mom’s mobility issues are understandably a worry for you, I’m sure it’s tough to figure out how to plan your getaway. With that in mind, here are a few tips that might help you narrow your choices:
- Consider taking a cruise: While cruise ships can be large and require a considerable amount of walking, they also have accessible options for those who require it. Most have wheelchairs that can be rented for the duration of the trip, as well as accessible cabins and physical environment. Features often include wider doorways with no sills or lips, raised toilet seats, handrails along hallways, accessible balconies, lower rods in closets, and benches in the shower. On-board restaurants and theaters have designated seating for those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. This article ranking the best cruise lines for people with limited mobility might be a helpful read.
- Explore a national park: After the tough months that you and your mom experienced, connecting with nature might give your spirits a boost. Fortunately, America’s National Park Service has a variety of options for people who struggle with mobility. Many have accessible trails and scenic drives that are great for people of all ages who have limited mobility. Some of the parks also offer educational programs and tours led by park rangers so you can learn about the natural history and the diverse wildlife. A few senior-friendly parks include Acadia National Park in Maine, Yosemite National Park in California, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii.
- Travel by train: If busy airports, long car rides, national parks, or large cruise ships don’t appeal to you, maybe taking a train trip will. Among the many benefits of rail travel is that you can sign up for a trip that includes your own sleeping space. You’ll avoid having to unpack and repack your suitcase at multiple locations. Train travelers over the age of 65 often receive special discounted pricing, too. The Accessible Travel Services page on Amtrak’s website has some great information you’ll want to review if you decide to hit the rails for your vacation.
Finally, if you decide you’d like to include younger family members in your travel party, we have some information that might help you plan. “Intergenerational Summer Vacations” contains more helpful destination ideas.
Sending you and your mom best wishes for a great vacation!
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jul 2, 2024 | Dear Donna
Dear Donna:
I’m hoping you can help me determine what type of care might be most beneficial for my mother. My dad passed away last year after a long battle with cancer. During his final years, she was very busy caring for him and had little time for herself. Now that he is gone, she doesn’t seem interested in reconnecting with friends and family. She’s also lost weight and experienced a few falls.
Her primary care physician thinks it’s just part of the grieving process. As her daughter, I think there is more to it. She and I have discussed how lonely she feels, and I’m pretty sure she is willing to consider moving to a senior living community. I started doing some research. However, I can’t figure out the difference between independent and assisted living or which one might be the best fit for my mom.
Can you help clarify what these types of care entail?
Sincerely,
Beth in Saginaw, MI
Independent Living Versus Assisted Living
Dear Beth:
Great question! I can definitely help explain a few similarities and differences between these two popular types of senior living.
Let’s start with independent living. These communities are often a good fit for seniors seeking freedom from the burdens of homeownership and/or an opportunity to be more social. Because housekeeping tasks and maintenance chores are handled by staff, residents have more time to pursue their interests.
These communities often plan and host travel groups, life-enrichment activities, continuing education classes, and wellness programs. They also make it easy for residents to connect with volunteer opportunities on-campus or in the local area. Some additional benefits include:
- Healthy meals: Cooking for one can seem like too much work for many single seniors. It can lead to a reliance on unhealthy convenience foods or skipping meals entirely. In an independent living community, chef-inspired meals are usually included.
- Wellness: Staying active and engaged is easier for residents because a variety of physical activities are offered each day. These often include walking groups, yoga, Zumba, weight training, stretching classes, and workouts in an on-site fitness center.
- Friendships: As you mentioned, adults who live alone often feel isolated and lonely. With a move to an independent living community, a resident usually expands their circle of friends. Residents have a chance to meet new people through both formal and informal gatherings.
- Transportation: While these services vary by community, most have either on-site transportation staff or team members who can help coordinate transportation needs. That’s a helpful service for adults who’ve limited or given up driving.
The Benefits of Assisted Living
In addition to the benefits outlined above, assisted living communities offer residents a helping hand to live their most independent life. By providing support with the activities of daily living (e.g., grooming, bathing, and medication management), the staff at these communities helps protect resident health and safety.
Common services found in assisted living communities include:
- Support with personal care, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing
- Assistance with toileting and continence care needs
- Medication management
- Housekeeping, laundry, trash removal, and maintenance
It’s important to note that an assisted living community isn’t the same as a nursing home. Assisted living residents need help with personal care and daily tasks, while those in a nursing home usually have more complex medical needs. In a nursing home, skilled care is typically delivered by nurses, physical therapists, and other medical professionals.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the basics of independent and assisted living, Beth! Please call a Heritage community near you if you have any questions or would like to schedule a private tour for you and your mom.
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jun 1, 2024 | Caregiving
Dear Donna:
My mom moved in with my family a few months ago after my dad passed away. Whether it’s swimming outside or attending our kids’ sports events, we are always on the move. Because my mom really isn’t safe staying alone, we’d like to include her in as many activities as possible. We also want to make sure we do so safely.
While my mom doesn’t have any serious health conditions, she does struggle with a few minor medical issues. A big concern for us is that she doesn’t seem to handle the heat as well as she used to. I am particularly worried about keeping her hydrated, as I’ve heard that is an issue for older people.
Do you have any suggestions for me on seniors and hydration?
Sincerely,
Kim in Saginaw, MI
What Caregivers Should Know About Senior Hydration
Dear Kim:
First, my condolences on the loss of your father. I’m sure this has been a difficult time for your entire family. Adding a loved one to the house is likely an adjustment for everyone, too.
You are right to be concerned about hydration for your mom this summer. The hot, humid days can be tough on people of all ages, but especially older adults who can become dehydrated fairly quickly. The summer sun also places seniors at increased risk for additional heat-related illnesses, like sun poisoning and heat stroke. Learning how to spot the signs of dehydration, as well as what you can do to avoid it, is important.
Common Signs a Senior Is Experiencing Dehydration
Recognizing when a senior loved one is in the early stages of dehydration allows you to treat the condition before a more serious health crisis occurs. Here are some of the common symptoms to look out for this summer:
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- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Sunken eyes
- Trouble walking
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help prevent a senior loved one from experiencing dehydration.
How to Keep a Senior Loved One Hydrated This Summer
- Pump up fluid intake: Preventing dehydration during the hot, humid days of summer requires eating and drinking the right foods and beverages. Water is almost always the best choice. Ask your mom’s doctor for guidance on how much she should be consuming on a typical summer day, especially if she’ll be outdoors in the heat. If she doesn’t care for the taste of water, try adding lemon, lime, cucumber slices, or berries to enhance the flavor. When you are planning menus, incorporate more foods that have high water content. These include melons, pears, berries, cucumbers, leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, and popsicles.
- Limit caffeinated beverages: Drinks like iced coffee or frozen soda are popular during the summer because they taste so good, but the caffeine content can put a senior at increased risk for dehydration. While a single 8-ounce cup may not have much caffeine, super-sized cups or multiple caffeinated beverages in a day can create a problem. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it causes fluids to pass through your system faster. That fluid loss can contribute to dehydration.
- Skip the alcohol: From weddings to graduation parties, summer is a season for celebrations. Many of these include alcoholic beverages. Just like caffeine, alcohol can contribute to dehydration. Seniors who are spending more than a few minutes at a time outdoors in the heat should limit or avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Review medication side effects: Many people aren’t aware that some medications can increase sun sensitivity. That means they can put seniors at risk for dehydration or a serious sunburn. Most pharmacists can help you identify any of your mother’s prescriptions that might be problematic. This list of medications that cause dehydration can also help.
- Dress wisely: Another way to keep your mom cooler and hydrated in the heat is through her wardrobe. Be sure she has a few pairs of quality sunglasses and hats with brims that shield her face and neck. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, preferably made of cotton, can also help.
I hope these tips are useful to you and your mom, Kim. One additional suggestion you might find helpful now that your mother is living with you is to explore local respite care options. For example, Heritage Senior Communities welcome short-term guests whose family caregivers need a break or a vacation. We invite you to call one of our communities to schedule a private tour today!
Kind regards,
Donna
by Shelley | Jun 1, 2024 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Every July 4th, Americans pause to celebrate our nation’s birth with family, friends, and neighbors. Festivities traditionally include parades, barbecues, street fairs, and, of course, fireworks. Independence Day activities often include everything from lighting sparklers for the kids to shooting off loud firecrackers in the yard.
While these noisy gatherings are fun for many, others may find them stressful and even frightening. Among those who struggle on Independence Day are veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, people who grapple with anxiety, and adults living with Alzheimer’s.
For adults with Alzheimer’s disease, the flashing lights and loud bangs created by fireworks can cause agitation and fear. It could be severe enough that the senior might attempt to wander from home in search of a quieter, calmer place. For adults with a memory impairment, wandering poses a serious risk of injury or loss of life.
If a spouse or parent has Alzheimer’s or a similar form of dementia, it’s essential that you take steps to keep your loved one safe on July 4th and the days leading up to it. The following tips can help you plan a safer Independence Day holiday gathering.
Celebrating Safely on July 4th
- Keep the gathering small and invite familiar people.
While fireworks can create stress and agitation for adults with dementia, the crowd size can factor in too. Sometimes a sea of unfamiliar faces, even if it is people the senior should recognize, causes the most anxiety. That’s why our first tip for hosting a more dementia-friendly Independence Day celebration is to try to keep it small. Your loved one will likely find it less overwhelming. When they aren’t anxious and agitated, it will probably be easier for you to relax and enjoy the event.
- Plan around the senior’s best and worst times of day.
While July 4th celebrations often occur in the evening, that may not be a great time of day for a senior with dementia. As a family caregiver, you are likely familiar with your loved one’s daily patterns, specifically their best and worst times of day. Use that as a guide for when to have your party. For example, many people with Alzheimer’s experience sundowner’s syndrome. This puts them at risk for wandering and other struggles during late afternoon and early evening hours. In these situations, planning a lunchtime or early afternoon picnic might be a better choice.
- Arrange alternative activities.
If your loved one with dementia lives in your home, another idea is to plan indoor activities for them to enjoy during the party. It may be helpful to ask people your family member is familiar with to spend a little time engaging in these activities with the senior. For example, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia often find repetitive tasks calming, such as folding a basket of towels or sorting a deck of playing cards. You might also want to set out family photo albums or boxes of pictures for the senior and other family members to go through together. You could also provide a few simple craft projects. These all have the added benefit of giving family members a chance to make memories with the senior.
- Give guests a heads-up before the party.
Finally, remember that many people aren’t familiar with Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges and changes it causes. Send a quick explanation in email or text to guests who are unfamiliar with your family’s situation. You could also include a link to an article like “Helping Family and Friends Understand Alzheimer’s Disease” to make it easy for guests to learn more.
Specialized Dementia Care at Heritage Senior Communities
If a senior in your life has been diagnosed with some form of dementia, exploring the options for care in your community is always a good idea. Heritage is one of the leading providers of specialized dementia care in Michigan. We encourage you to contact a community near you to learn more!
