Month: March 2020

New Year’s Resolutions

How to Make Ones You Will Keep

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and everyone makes resolutions for the next year. But how many of us actually keep them? Not many! But why? It is typically because we put too much pressure on ourselves and set unrealistic goals. Here are some ideas for resolutions that you may actually keep!

1. Pick a small resolution, instead of saying you will lose 20 pounds, try saying you will sign up for a kickboxing or yoga class, see what exercise excites you. Half of the battle to exercise is finding something you will stick with!

2. Sign up for a class at the local community college. Everyone likes to learn something new, but who has the time or can afford to go back to school full time? Take one class in something that you have interest in, maybe a cooking class, a new language, or a computer class. Senior and Community centers also offer classes, and sometimes those are Free!

3. Find a hobby you enjoy and set a goal to complete a new project. Maybe you enjoy painting, try refinishing furniture. Or if you enjoy fashion, learn to sew.  Did you love your coloring books as a child? Well, you can now color as an adult and not have people stare at you! Adult coloring books come in all shapes and sizes and allow you to color anything from shapes and flowers, to words and animals.

4. Your resolution doesn’t have to be a physical thing; you can make a resolution to work on a relationship, whether personal or professional. A lot of us have a relationship that puts stress on us whenever we have to communicate with this person. This year, take the time to talk to this person and begin a dialogue discussing the area of opportunity in your relationship. 

5. Take a trip! It does not have to be across the globe, but to someplace you have always said, “I always say I want to see this place but never seem to have the time.” MAKE TIME! You will be happy you did! We tend to say “There is always tomorrow” however, that statement is not always true. We never know what life has in store for us, take the time to do the things you want to do before the time is gone!

Make sure you talk to people about your resolutions and they can help to keep you motivated, but do not be too hard on yourself if you do not keep your resolutions… there is always next year!

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

eart Healthy Meal Planning for Elderly

February is Heart Healthy Month and we thought a great way to get excited about getting your heart healthy was by finding some really great dishes to make during the cold winter months that are great for your heart and taste great too! Just because it needs to be good for you doesn’t mean it should taste bad! By focusing your daily meals on vegetables, fruits and whole grains and limits high-fat foods (such as red meat, cheese and baked goods) and high-sodium foods (such as canned or processed foods) you can help your heart and still eat foods that taste great.

Sofia’s Chicken Paprikash

From: EatingWell Magazine, March/April 2007

Brilliant red paprika, the main seasoning in Hungarian cooking, gives this light version of chicken paprikash its color. Vary the heat by using hot, sweet or a combination of paprikas. Serve over whole-wheat egg noodles with a side of steamed broccoli and a cool fruit salad for dessert.

Diabetic Appropriate, Gluten-Free, Healthy Aging, Healthy Immunity, Heart Healthy, High Blood Pressure, Low Added Sugars, Low-Calorie,

Ingredients/ 4 servings

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces

¼ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper1 tablespoon canola oil

2 large green bell peppers, thinly sliced

1 Green Pepper

1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced

2 teaspoons hot or sweet paprika

½ cup dry white wine

1½ cups canned crushed tomatoes

½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation:  Active 40 m Ready In 40 m

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add bell peppers and onion to the pan and cook, covered, over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add wine; increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, until mostly evaporated, about 1½ minutes. Add tomatoes, broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan; reduce heat to a lively simmer. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and the chicken is cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition information Serving size: about 1¼ cups

Per serving: 257 calories; 8 g fat(2 g sat); 4 g fiber; 15 g carbohydrates; 26 g protein; 35 mcg folate; 68 mg cholesterol; 8 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 1,329 IU vitamin A; 81 mg vitamin C; 78 mg calcium; 3 mg iron; 382 mg sodium; 720 mg potassium

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (135% daily value), Vitamin A (27% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 1

Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 3½ lean meat

Beef & Bean Chile Verde

From: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2008

Chile Verde, usually a slow-cooked stew of pork, jalapeños and tomatillos, becomes an easy weeknight meal with quick-cooking ground beef and store-bought green salsa. Make it a Meal: Serve with fresh cilantro, red onion and Monterey Jack. Add cornbread on the side and your favorite hot sauce.

Nutrition profile: Gluten-Free, Healthy Aging, Healthy Immunity, Low Added Sugars, Low-Calorie,

Ingredients/4 servings

1 pound 93%-lean ground beef

1 large red bell pepper, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

1 16-ounce jar green salsa, green enchilada sauce or taco sauce

1 ¼ cup water1 15-ounce can pinto or kidney beans, rinsed

Preparation Active 20 m Ready In 30 m

Cook beef, bell pepper and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Stir in salsa (or sauce) and water; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in beans and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat just before serving.

Nutrition information Serving size: 1½ cups

Per serving: 379 calories; 12 g fat(4 g sat); 6 g fiber; 29 g carbohydrates; 36 g protein; 75 mcg folate; 87 mg cholesterol; 8 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 1,936 IU vitamin A; 57 mg vitamin C; 80 mg calcium; 5 mg iron; 682 mg sodium; 774 mg potassium

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (95% daily value), Vitamin A (39% dv), Iron (28% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 1 starch, 2 vegetable, 3 lean meat

The Mayo Clinic also has a great seven (7) day meal plan to help you keep your eating habits in line!

With as busy as our lives can get, sometimes healthy eating can fall by the wayside. It is never more difficult to make healthy choices than when your mind is occupied with other things- you simply grab the most convenient food available, which is not always nutritious. But even if your schedule is fairly full, it is important to remember the importance of healthy eating, particularly as we age, and dedicate some time to meal planning. Read on to find out some simple, helpful meal planning tips!

Meal Planning Basics

1.)           What to Keep in Your Fridge

If you always keep certain foods on hand, then you will never have to worry about scraping together an unhealthy meal at the last minute. In your refrigerator, be sure to keep items such as apples (which stay good for weeks stored this way) and milk (or another calcium-rich dairy product), which are perfect for snacking or for incorporating into a larger meal.

2.)           What to Keep in Your Freezer

While you can purchase fresh vegetables as often as you’re able, you tend to have to use them up soon. Storing frozen vegetables will leave you with a ready-to-cook source of vitamins at any time: think frozen broccoli, spinach, peas, and baby carrots.

3.)           What to Keep in Your Pantry

Non-perishable foods are extremely helpful when it comes to maintaining healthy eating habits. In your pantry, you can stock things such as brown rice, quinoa, and barley (all excellent sources of whole grain goodness) to be used in many different types of meals.

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

April is Donate a Life Month

April is Donate a Life Month and we at A Senior Connection believe being a donor is not a choice it is a responsibility, and a responsibility everyone has to help save a life! One of our staff’s mothers was the recipient of three kidneys over the course of her life and without the wonderful people who made the easy, but life changing decision to become organ donors she would have not had the opportunity to live a full and happy life.

Here are some great stories from organdonor.gov of recipients and donors that will hopefully inspire you to register to become an organ donor.

Carlee

Two-Time Heart Recipient – Texas

Carlee has a unique distinction. She is the first person to be featured twice in organdonor.gov’s Life Stories. That’s because Carlee is the fortunate recipient of two heart transplants: the first when she was 1½ years old, the second when she was 13.

While Carlee doesn’t remember her first transplant, her parents certainly do. As a baby, she was having a hard time breathing, and doctors originally thought the problem might be allergies. Finally, a cardiologist discovered that her heart was so enlarged that it was pressing against her lungs and getting in the way of her breathing. She was placed on the transplant waiting list and received a heart. 

Carlee thrived with her new heart. As she grew, she studied all kinds of dance—from ballet to hip-hop—joined the drill team, and played tennis and baseball. But after years of doing well, Carlee’s new heart began to fail and her arteries began to close. At the age of 13, she was put on the waiting list again. As she got weaker, Carlee had to have someone with her all the time, even in school, in case her heart failed.

To Carlee, getting the call that they’d found a second matching heart seemed like a dream. One minute, she was looking forward to a movie night at home with her family. The next, she was at the hospital prepping for surgery. Recovery was a slow process, but she worked hard to rebuild her strength and get back to dancing.

“When I step out on stage I think that I’m communicating with people,” she says. “I want to say ‘Nothing’s impossible.’ Yes, you can have two heart transplants but you can do whatever you want to do, or be who you want to be.”

Carlee believes that coming close to death twice has given her a unique outlook. “I feel like people who haven’t experienced something like that…it’s hard for them to realize how important life is.”

Now that she’s 15, Carlee knows that soon she and her friends will be driving, and she’s going to make sure they all register as organ donors, as Carlee plans to do herself. “Those people who gave me another heart…they gave me a second chance. I’ve been saved twice by an organ donor. So who says I can’t save somebody else?”

Carlton

Organ Donor -Texas

Carlton, a retired teacher and devoted father, was a remarkable person who never stopped teaching his family about the many wonders of the world. Carlton himself was one of those wonders. Just nine days shy of his 93rd birthday, he became the nation’s oldest organ donor. Carlton’s wife and children made the decision to donate Carlton’s liver following his death from a brain hemorrhage.

Thanks to this gift, a 69-year-old woman suffering from end-stage liver disease is alive and progressing well. And in his final and perhaps most valuable lesson of all, Carlton illustrated that age is no barrier to sharing life.

Manuel

Tissue Recipient – Colorado

In just one instant, Manuel life was changed forever when a downed power line struck him. He was just 22 years old when 115,000 volts of electricity were sent through his body. Unable to help due to the risk of further electrical shock, his coworkers were forced to watch him suffer life-threatening burns. He was airlifted to Doctors Hospital, a leading burn clinic in Augusta, Georgia. It was a miracle he survived.

Manuel spent three months receiving skin grafts from AlloSource to heal his burns. However, he still lost both arms and legs. The physical and emotional struggle was overwhelming. “I didn’t understand why they had saved my life,” explains Manuel. “I didn’t think I could go on.”

Nonetheless, this courageous young man pressed on. After his stay in the burn unit, he was taken to The Denver Center for Extremities at Risk. While the extent of his amputations made him a difficult candidate for prosthetics, the team at the center used human bone from a donor to build Manuel a new shoulder that could be fitted with a prosthetic. With his new shoulder and prosthetic, Manuel could once again feed himself, brush his teeth and even scratch his head.

Manuel is looking forward to improvements to his legs as new techniques for fitting prosthetic legs over the amputation site become perfected. Yet today, because of the donated tissue and prosthetics, he drives, snow skis, water skis, and owns an auto body shop.

Manuel admits that the first two years after the accident were very hard. He experienced personal setbacks but was inspired by other amputees in his support groups. “Now I am just thankful to be alive,” he says. “I want to try new things. I see life in a whole new way.”

Please become an organ donor! There are two ways you can:

You can register online now in your state. Signing up is quick and easy. Find your state >

You can also sign up when you visit your state motor vehicle office.

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Stroke Awareness

When you think of a person having a stroke you probably picture someone older and possibly already has ailments. This is not true; it is a myth that only older adults have strokes. A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, including teenagers, children, newborns, and unborn babies. The risk of stroke in children is greatest in the first year of life and during the period of right before birth to right after birth. Stroke remains among the top ten causes of death in children.

So what is a stroke? According to stroke.org, simply put it is a “brain attack”. It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.

How a person is affected by their stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. For example, someone who had a small stroke may only have minor problems such as temporary weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be permanently paralyzed on one side of their body or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability.

What are the signs of a stroke? SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding, SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes, SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause. FAST is an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. Recognition of stroke and calling 9-1-1 will determine how quickly someone will receive help and treatment. Getting to a hospital rapidly will more likely lead to a better recovery.

F.A.S.T.

F – FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

T – TIME: THIS IS THE BIGGEST ONE!! If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY! The quicker the person seeks medical attention, the less damage that may be done.

What can you do? Can you prevent a stroke? Yes, in most cases a stroke can be prevented, however, if you have a family history of strokes, you could be prone to having a stroke. But knowing what you can do to help prevent a stroke could keep you from having one. First thing you need to do is identify and review the risk factors, then find ways to reduce those risks through lifestyle changes or medication if it is necessary. Some of the risk factors are; eating habits, physical activity, smoking and drinking. Lifestyle risk factors are habits or behaviors people choose to engage in. If changed, they can directly affect some medical risk factors by improving them.

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Preventing Slip and Falls in Your Home

According to the National Council on Aging, one in three older Americans falls every year. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65+.

Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries. And even falls without a major injury can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for them to stay active.

There are ways you can prevent most falls, knowing where to look is the key. Some common causes that can lead to a fall:

Steadiness and the way you walk: When we get older if we do not continue to be active, coordination is lost as well as flexibility and balance, making it easier to fall.

Vision: When the vision starts to go it may be hard to decipher depth and this can very easily lead to a fall

Medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall.

Environment: Living alone and in the same place for a long time can be dangerous due to basic wear and tear on the home and no modifications to make the home safer as we age.

Chronic conditions: More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple medications.

6 Steps to Reducing Falls

Here are six easy steps you can take today to help your older loved one reduce their risk of a fall:

1. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.

Ask your older loved one if they’re concerned about falling. Many older adults recognize that falling is a risk, but they believe it won’t happen to them or they won’t get hurt—even if they’ve already fallen in the past. A good place to start is by sharing NCOA’s Debunking the Myths of Older Adult Falls. If they’re concerned about falling, dizziness, or balance, suggest that they discuss it with their health care provider who can assess their risk and suggest programs or services that could help.

2. Discuss their current health conditions.

Find out if your older loved one is experiencing any problems with managing their own health. Are they having trouble remembering to take their medications—or are they experiencing side effects? Is it getting more difficult for them to do things they used to do easily?

Also make sure they’re taking advantage of all the preventive benefits now offered under Medicare, such as the Annual Wellness visit. Encourage them to speak openly with their health care provider about all of their concerns.

3. Ask about their last eye checkup.

If your older loved one wears glasses, make sure they have a current prescription and they’re using the glasses as advised by their eye doctor.

Remember that using tint-changing lenses can be hazardous when going from bright sun into darkened buildings and homes. A simple strategy is to change glasses upon entry or stop until their lenses adjust.

Bifocals also can be problematic on stairs, so it’s important to be cautious. For those already struggling with low vision, consult with a low-vision specialist for ways to make the most of their eyesight.

4. Notice if they’re holding onto walls, furniture, or someone else when walking or if they appear to have difficulty walking or arising from a chair.

These are all signs that it might be time to see a physical therapist. A trained physical therapist can help your older loved one improve their balance, strength, and gait through exercise. They might also suggest a cane or walker—and provide guidance on how to use these aids. Make sure to follow their advice. Poorly fit aids actually can increase the risk of falling.

5. Talk about their medications.

If your older loved one is having a hard time keeping track of medicines or is experiencing side effects, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor and pharmacist. Suggest that they have their medications reviewed each time they get a new prescription.

My mom had an elaborate spreadsheet to keep track of her medications and schedules. Adding a timed medication dispenser that my sister refilled each month promoted her peace of mind and allowed us to ensure her adherence to the prescribed regime.

Also, beware of non-prescription medications that contain sleep aids—including painkillers with “PM” in their names. These can lead to balance issues and dizziness. If your older loved one is having sleeping problems, encourage them to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives.

6. Do a walk-through safety assessment of their home.

There are many simple and inexpensive ways to make a home safer. For professional assistance, consult an Occupational Therapist. Here are some examples:

Lighting: Increase lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and bottom of stairs. Ensure that lighting is readily available when getting up in the middle of the night.

Stairs: Make sure there are two secure rails on all stairs.

Bathrooms: Install grab bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. Make sure they’re installed where your older loved one would actually use them. For even greater safety, consider using a shower chair and hand-held shower.

There are many ways to make your home safe from slip and falls! Take some time soon to check and make sure you are doing all you can to prevent accidents in your home.

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

What is Arthritis?

According to the Arthritis Foundation; Arthritis is very common but is not well understood. Actually, “arthritis” is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, sexes and races can and do have arthritis, and it is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.

Common arthritis joint symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may come and go. They can be mild, moderate or severe. They may stay about the same for years, but may progress or get worse over time. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs. Arthritis can cause permanent joint changes. These changes may be visible, such as knobby finger joints, but often the damage can only be seen on X-ray. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys and skin as well as the joints.

There are different types of arthritis:

Degenerative Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When the cartilage – the slick, cushioning surface on the ends of bones – wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. Over time, joints can lose strength and pain may become chronic. Risk factors include excess weight, family history, age and previous injury (an anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tear, for example).

When the joint symptoms of osteoarthritis are mild or moderate, they can be managed by: balancing activity with rest, using hot and cold therapies, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles around the joint for added support, using assistive devices, taking over-the- counter (OTC) pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines, avoiding excessive repetitive movements.

If joint symptoms are severe, causing limited mobility and affecting quality of life , some of the above management strategies may be helpful, but joint replacement may be necessary.

Osteoarthritis can prevented by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight , and avoiding injury and repetitive movements.

Inflammatory Arthritis

A healthy immune system is protective. It generates internal inflammation to get of infection and prevent disease. But the immune system can go awry, mistakenly attacking the joints with uncontrolled inflammation, potentially causing joint erosion and may damage internal organs, eyes and other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Researchers believe that a combination of genetics and environmental factors can trigger autoimmunity. Smoking is an example of an environmental risk factor that can trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people with certain genes.

With autoimmune and inflammatory types of arthritis, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is critical. Slowing disease activity can help minimize or even prevent permanent joint damage. Remission is the goal and may be achieved through the use of one or more medications known as disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage.

Infectious Arthritis

A bacterium, virus or fungus can enter the joint and trigger inflammation. Examples of organisms that can infect joints are salmonella and shigella (food poisoning or contamination), chlamydia and gonorrhea (sexually transmitted iseases) and hepatitis C (a blood-to-blood infection, often through shared needles or transfusions). In many cases, timely treatment with antibiotics may clear the joint infection, but sometimes the arthritis becomes chronic.

Metabolic Arthritis

Uric acid is formed as the body breaks down purines, a substance found in human cells and in many foods. Some people have high levels of uric acid because they naturally produce more than is needed or the body can’t get rid of the uric acid quickly enough. In some people the uric acid builds up and forms needle-like crystals in the joint, resulting in sudden spikes of extreme joint pain or a gout attack. Gout can come and go in episodes or, if uric acid levels aren’t reduced, it can become chronic, causing ongoing pain and disability.

Diagnosing Arthritis

Arthritis diagnosis often begins with a primary care physician, who performs a physical exam and may do blood tests and imaging scans to help determine the type of arthritis. An arthritis specialist, or rheumatologist, should be involved if the diagnosis is uncertain or if the arthritis may be inflammatory. Rheumatologists typically manage ongoing treatment for inflammatory arthritis, gout and other complicated cases. Orthopaedic surgeons do joint surgery, including joint replacements. When the arthritis affects other body systems or parts, other specialists, such as ophthalmologists, dermatologists or dentists, may also be included in the health care team.

What Can Be Done About Arthritis?

There are many things that can be done to preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life. Learning about the disease and treatment options, making time for physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are essential. Arthritis is a commonly misunderstood disease. The Arthritis Foundation is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to serving all people with arthritis. Its website, arthritis.org, has many resources for learning about arthritis, practical tips for daily living and more.

A Senior Connection

We are dedicated to helping you find the best possible care. Whether you are looking for yourself or for a loved one, we can help!

Our mission is to exceed the expectations of the families we help with compassion and empathy throughout their journey into the complex world of senior care. Our personal experiences and passion to help others drives us to achieve our mission with honesty, integrity and remaining professional in any situation. Thank you for allowing us to guide you through this process.

We are here to assist you find the right services the first time!  Let us care for you; follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

Today we will be discussing: Who is Eligible for a SNF:

People with Medicare are covered if they meet all the conditions listed:

1. You have Part A and have days left in your benefit period.

2. You have a qualifying hospital stay.

3. Your doctor has decided that you need daily skilled care given 
by, or under the direct supervision of, skilled nursing or therapy 
staff. If you’re in the SNF for skilled rehabilitation services only, 
your care is considered daily care even if these therapy services 
are offered just 5 or 6 days a week, as long as you need and get 
the therapy services each day they’re offered.

4. You get these skilled services in a SNF that’s certified by 
Medicare.

5.You need these skilled services for a medical condition that was 
either:
a. A hospital-related medical condition.
b. A condition that started while you were getting care in the 
skilled nursing facility for a hospital-related medical 
condition.

Your doctor may order observation services to help decide whether you need to be admitted to the hospital as an inpatient or can be discharged. During the time you’re getting observation services in the hospital, you’re considered an outpatient—you can’t count this time towards the 3- day inpatient hospital stay needed for Medicare to cover your SNF stay.

**Remember, any days you spend in a hospital as an outpatient (before you’re formally admitted as an inpatient based on the doctor’s order) aren’t counted as inpatient days. An inpatient stay begins on the day you’re formally admitted to a hospital with a doctor’s order. That’s your first inpatient day. The day of discharge doesn’t count as an inpatient day.

So how do you know if you’re an inpatient or an outpatient?

Your hospital status—whether you’re an inpatient or an outpatient—affects how much you pay for hospital services (like X-rays, drugs, and lab tests). Your hospital status may also affect whether Medicare will cover care you get in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) following your hospital stay.

1. You’re an inpatient starting when you’re formally admitted to the hospital with a doctor’s order. The day before you’re discharged is your last inpatient day.

2. You’re an outpatient if you’re getting emergency department services, observation services, outpatient surgery, lab tests, or X-rays, or any other hospital services, and the doctor hasn’t written an order to admit you to a hospital as an inpatient. In these cases, you’re an outpatient even if you spend the night in the hospital.

The decision for inpatient hospital admission is a complex medical decision based on your doctor’s judgment and your need for medically necessary hospital care. An inpatient admission is generally appropriate when you’re expected to need 2 or more midnights of medically necessary hospital care. But, your doctor must order such admission and the hospital must formally admit you in order for you to become an inpatient.

Information from:
https://www.medicare.gov/…/skilled-nursing-facility-care.ht…

Our Best Practices at A Senior Connection keep us grounded and accountable to our Core Values.

It ensure clients receive unbiased information and our partners can trust we will follow protocol and not add risk.

Over three years, our Transitional Care Program™ has provided a team with aniche expertise with effective and efficient processes for “complex patients” in an acute setting. We continue to grow and look to spread our services to the many people and organizations in need of support and accountability.