Amada Senior Care, Philadelphia, W. Suburbs and The Main Line

09/09/2021

How older people are mastering technology to stay connected after lockdown

It’s a well-worn stereotype: the image of an elderly person fiddling with technology that leaves them completely bamboozled. The media often depict older people struggling to use or manage digital technology. While this is often designed to be humorous, it can undermine them as users of technology. And that’s a problem if it turns older people off from trying to engage with digital devices, as it can affect their wellbeing.

Older adults are already at a digital disadvantage: 18% of over-65s do not have internet access. Propelled by enforced isolation, older people increasingly turned to technology during the pandemic, but not all were able to connect or communicate with friends and family via the internet.

Of course some older people have less experience of digital technology than others, and unsurprisingly describe mixed emotions regarding the use of everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, e-readers and tablets. They also report not having much confidence when it comes to using them. Lack of control, a sense of being overwhelmed, and poor product design can lead to feelings of being incompetent, alone and even trapped.

Yet for those who persevere, the rewards can be plentiful: completing tasks more easily, communicating more effectively, increased independence and a sense of achievement. These things are important if this growing part of the population is to experience ageing in a more positive and empowering way.

Through our research we wanted to examine these mixed emotions that older people have about using technology, and how they develop ways to combat the challenges they face. While digital technology has been shown to alleviate pressure on health and social care, until now there’s been a limited understanding of how using technology influences the way older adults live.

Attitudes towards technology

While many see digital technology as a challenge to be conquered, there are different ways of overcoming or confronting the obstacles. Some may view the challenge as a personal goal, using instruction manuals or simply trial and error to prevail over software updates, unwanted viruses or junk mail.

Others view digital technology as a collective endeavour, asking friends and family for help. Not only is this the most successful strategy, it also fosters important interaction with others. For example, during the pandemic many younger people acted as IT support for older friends and relatives.

Not all elderly people have this kind of network, but arguably they can benefit most from greater use of the internet to feel connected and keep loneliness at bay. In these situations, there are useful schemes run by charities such as Age UK, where digital champions can help older adults master technology.

Adopting strategies

Understandably frustrations emerge when learning a new skill, but some older people have shown how they overcome their exasperation by developing a relationship with their devices. Naming their tablet or their phone helps to bond older people to technology.

In our study different devices were often referred to as having a personality, gender, or even a mind of their own. This strategy brings a little levity to a situation that could otherwise be stressful.

Once these people become more used to digital technology, familiarity can encourage continued use. With a new device, software and apps they know and understand can be downloaded so that it feels less alien. Similarly, if a touchscreen is problematic, some older people might decide to use a keyboard and mouse instead.

An older black women on her laptop smiling and looking happy.
Being able to use technology keeps older people connected and reduce feelings of isolation. M2020/Shutterstock

Breeding confidence

Using technology at any age can have its pros and its cons, but our research reveals that older adults can offer a unique perspective. Using lifelong wisdom, they can take a step back and acknowledge that technology has its faults. If things go wrong, their judgement and experience is useful in helping to understand that the key to using technology is persistence. One participant, Christopher, 83, said:

There’s one sure thing: life will come to an end, and technology will always go wrong. My son’s partner sends me texts from their holiday in Tunis. When I try to reply I keep getting ‘no service’ and my message is refused … [but] I know they will be worried if they don’t get a reply. When I was a kid, Tunis was a distant desert war zone, with cinema newsreels a week later … and here’s me now, complaining about lack of instant contact.

These findings are significant for technology development, marketing and customer services. Designing technology for older people should be based on their experiences and offer continuity. Digital devices need to include familiar commands, buttons, screens, and add-ons to previous models. This will enhance the ability to get to grips with updates and developments. And in turn this will help foster social connections as well as boost independence and confidence.

Stereotyping of older people also needs to stop. Experience and perspective should be acknowledged, respected and reflected in marketing campaigns. Messaging should underscore the potential benefits of mastering technology, emphasizing the importance of being connected and socially involved to a person’s independence.

Finally, customer service should be easily accessible and well versed in issues older people face to provide the necessary support, building on schemes offered by Age UK’s digital champions. Clearly there is a crucial role for friends, family, and communities to ensure that older people remain socially active, engaged and connected through technology. Their wellbeing may depend on it.

04/18/2021

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month. More information is can be accessed at https://www.parkinsons.org

We have known about Parkinson’s disease since it was first documented in 1817 by physician James Parkinson, and yet there is still so much that is not known about this chronic and progressive condition. It seems the time has come to put Parkinson's at the forefront of public education and more res...

04/15/2021

Angela Wrolstad RN, RRT and co-owner at Amada Philadelphia

04/14/2021

How Do I Select the Right Home Care Provider?

Once you acquire the names of several providers, you will want to learn more about their services and reputations. Following is a checklist of questions to ask providers and other individuals who may know about the provider’s track record. Their insight will help you determine which provider is best for you or your loved one.

How long has this provider been serving the community?
Does this provider supply literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees, and funding sources? Many providers furnish patients with a detailed “Patient Bill of Rights” that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients, and caregivers alike. An annual report and other educational materials also can provide helpful information about the provider.

How does this provider select and train its employees? Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies, benefits packages, and malpractice insurance?

Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs? If so, what does this entail? Do they consult the patient’s physicians and family members?

Does this provider include the patient and his or her family members in developing the plan of care? Are they involved in making care plan changes?

Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver? Does the patient and his or her family receive a copy of this plan, and do the caregivers update it as changes occur? Does this provider take time to educate family members on the care being administered to the patient?

Does this provider assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? If so, how often do these individuals make visits? Who can the patient and his or her family members call with questions or complaints? How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems?

What are the financial procedures of this provider? Does the provider furnish written statements explaining all of the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?

What procedures does this provider have in place to handle emergencies? Are its caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

How does this provider ensure patient confidentiality?

In addition, ask the home care provider to supply you with a list of references, such as doctors, discharge planners, patients or their family members, and community leaders who are familiar with the provider’s quality of service.

Contact each reference and ask:

Do you frequently refer clients to this provider?

Do you have a contractual relationship with this provider? If so, do you require the provider to meet special standards for quality care?

What sort of feedback have you gotten from patients receiving care from this provider, either on an informal basis or through a formal satisfaction survey?

Do you know of any clients this provider has treated whose cases are similar to mine or my loved one’s? If so, can you put me in touch with these individuals?

For assistance with finding the right Senior Care provider in Delaware County and on the main line, please call Angela Wrolstad, RN, at 610-864-0564 or email angela.wrolstad7985@gmail.com

www.AmadaPhiladelphia.com

03/29/2021

Useful information on how to downsize.

After spending lifetimes in their homes and creating countless cherished memories, it’s no surprise that many seniors find the thought of having to relocate daunting. According to the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, aka the Stress Scale, only a spouse's death and divorce rank as more stressful t...

03/23/2021

What Does Informed Nutrition Mean for Seniors?
March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign that encourages Americans to make informed food choices and develop healthier habits for eating and physical activity. For seniors, this means learning about how personal food choices might be affecting their body. Older Americans are at a higher risk of their health being compromised from things like too much salt, fat or sugar in their diet – or from having too little calcium and other minerals and vitamins.

What is Informed Nutrition?

Seniors can start assessing their nutritional needs by taking the simple step of “knowing their numbers” for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index. Taking stock of what foods can help or hurt these numbers lets seniors make healthier choices that are based on “informed nutrition.”

“I learned to keep track of my blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI. I talked to my doctor about starting healthier eating habits that addressed the numbers I was concerned with. I also accounted for two things: health conditions that already affect me and ones that I’m at risk for,” said Amada Senior Care client Rose McDenton.

“By making a few small changes to my diet,” continued Rose, “I was able to bring my numbers into a healthier range, to manage the health challenges I already struggle with, and to reduce my chances of developing other chronic diseases.

These days, I’m so much more optimistic about my future and my health. It feels great to know I’ll be around to enjoy my family and friends for a long time.”

Informed Nutrition by the Numbers

Systolic Blood Pressure: This is the top number of your blood pressure reading. It refers to the amount of pressure in your arteries during the contraction of your heart muscle.

Diastolic Blood Pressure: This is the bottom number of your blood pressure reading. It refers to the amount of pressure in your arteries when the heart rests between beats.

LDL: Stands for “low-density lipoprotein.” Considered “bad” cholesterol, LDL contributes to fatty buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis). LDL increases the risk for heart attack, stroke or peripheral artery disease.

HDL: Stands for “high-density lipoprotein.” Called “good” cholesterol, HDL carries LDL away from the arteries and to the liver where it can be broken down and passed from the body. Healthy HDL levels may protect against heart attack and stroke.

Blood Sugar (Glucose) Level: This is the amount of sugar (glucose) found in your blood. Glucose comes from the food you eat and provides energy to all the cells in your body. However, a blood sugar level that is too high can lead to diabetes.

BMI: Stands for “body mass index.” This is the numerical value of your weight in relation to your height. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain cancers, and other health conditions.

Informed Nutrition by Health Conditions

CHF: Stands for “Congestive Heart Failure.” This is a chronic progressive condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood and oxygen to the body’s tissues to keep up with its demands. The symptoms and progression of CHF can be managed or improved with dietary changes (for example, reducing sodium intake).

Diabetes: This is a disease that occurs when your body struggles to manage glucose (blood sugar) levels in the bloodstream. The body either cannot produce insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces. The resulting high blood sugar levels can damage organs, blood vessels and nerves. A diet high in fiber (replacing simple carbohydrates with complex carbs) and low in saturated and trans fats can significantly improve the symptoms of diabetes.

Hypertension: This is another name for high blood pressure (HBP). Hypertension puts an extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Uncontrolled hypertension leads to heart disease and stroke. You can have HBP for years without any symptoms, but damage to your heart and blood vessels continues. A diet low in sodium but high in potassium, magnesium and fiber can help control or improve hypertension.

Stroke: A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain. It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake and reducing the consumption of red meat and bad fats/cholesterol have been shown to reduce risk factors for stroke.

Involve Your Health Provider

Health professionals recommend that seniors consult first with their doctor before starting a new diet or fitness program. Taking this step will help to ensure that you don’t have a health condition that could make a diet or activity dangerous for you.

If you’d like to learn more about the importance of having trained, knowledgeable caregivers to support a healthier lifestyle, please contact Angela Wrolstad, RN, RRT at Amada Senior Care Philadelphia. Cell phone number 610-864-0564.

“What Does Informed Nutrition Mean for Seniors?” was written by Jeremy Brooker and Michelle Flores, Amada Blog contributors. Quote and photo used with permission. The contents of this blog are not meant to be used as medical advice. Before implementing any dietary changes or beginning a nutritional plan, consult with your doctor.

03/23/2021

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02/15/2021

If you think you or someone you know may be eligible for veterans benefits to pay for home care, visit this locations list to contact an Amada Senior Care advisor near you. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the total number of Americans over the age of 65 was about 54 million as of July

09/16/2020

REVERSE MORTGAGE DECEMBER 16, 2019 BY MICHAEL G. BRANSON
A reverse mortgage is a loan on a partial value of a home. Some of the pros and cons associated with reverse mortgages for those qualifying individuals who are age 62 or older are addressed below. The reverse mortgage is a home loan that allows qualifying borrowers to borrow against their home equity. Most reverse mortgages are of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage type, which means they are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and and come with certain requirements. Some borrowers use their reverse mortgage proceeds to pay for in-home care costs or to help reduce the caregiver burden shouldered by children or other family members. Others simply use the proceeds for a rainy day or an unforeseen health event.
HECM borrowers must pay insurance premiums associated with the loan, and as a result, FHA insurance provides some important borrower protections:
• Protections for some spouses of reverse mortgage borrowers
• The guarantee that a borrower and his or her heirs will never owe more to repay the loan than the home is worth at the time of sale
• That loan payments will be received as agreed upon under the terms of the loan
Reverse Mortgage Requirements:
• A borrower must have an age minimum of 62 years old
• Home equity must be sufficient to qualify (generally 50% or moe)
• The borrower must maintain homeowner’s insurance and property tax payments as well as maintain the home to FHA standards
• The lender must conduct a financial assessment of the borrower to determine he or she can meet the loan obligations
Like any mortgage, a reverse mortgage carries some fixed costs such as closing costs and other fees. Reverse mortgages also require an upfront insurance premium and an ongoing insurance cost. Some critics of reverse mortgages consider the costs to be a downside, but it’s important to compare those costs with the alternatives, such as those that come with insurance products and other types of loans that may be available.

Weighing the downsides:
• Fees — a reverse mortgage closing carries fees, like any mortgage
• Insurance premiums — FHA insurance is paid upfront and annually. It may help to compare the costs of reverse mortgage insurance versus other insurance products or other options you might be considering.
• Projected equity over time and inheritance for heirs — a reverse mortgage draws down on equity over time
• Ability or possible need to move in the short team — reverse mortgages are designed for people to remain in their homes. If you are planning to move in the near term, this could be a downside for a reverse mortgage in your situation.
Another downside is potentially drawing down home equity. If you intend to leave to your heirs a home that is paid off in full, then a reverse mortgage may not be the best course of action. All remaining equity (after the loan is paid off) will be returned to the borrower or his or her heirs. For those prospective borrowers who plan to move within several years, there may be a worthwhile alternative as reverse mortgages are designed for those planning to remain in their homes.
What is the downside of a reverse mortgage?
Like any mortgage or financial products there are upsides and downsides. The downside to a reverse mortgage loan is that you are using your home’s equity while you are alive. After you pass, your heirs will receive less of an inheritance. Another possible downside would be regrets by taking a reverse mortgage too early in your retirement years. As you grow older your needs may also change and eventually a downsize may be of interest. Make sure that you weigh all pros and cons and consult with your trusted advisor on whether a reverse mortgage is right for your circumstances.
When is a reverse mortgage ever a good idea?
A reverse mortgage loan can be a good idea for those looking to tap equity rather than pull from liquid assets in retirement. When utilized correctly a reverse mortgage can also add a great deal of peace of mind adding additional income for a secure retirement. Many are using available proceeds to fund long-term care and age in place home improvements.
Can you lose your house with a reverse mortgage?
As with any mortgage there is a loan agreement You must adhere to. Reverse mortgages underwriting guidelines require that the borrower maintain property charges and occupy their home as a primary residence. If you fail to do so the loan servicer must call the loan do in payable and force the borrower to either refinance or sell the home. If your loan balance exceeds the current property value at a time of a default you may end up losing your home to foreclosure and have no equity remaining. As with any financial product you should seek counsel from your trusted advisor and careful consideration and suitability should be discussed.
What happens to a reverse mortgage when you die?
Death of the last surviving borrower is a maturity event on a reverse mortgage loan which means the loan becomes due in payable. Your heirs have 6 months to refinance the loan or up to 12 months by filing an extension to sell. Any remaining equity after the loan is repaid belongs to your heirs. If there is a shortfall in the loan amount to the current appraised value, you may rest assured reverse mortgages are non-recourse in nature and cannot transfer debt to your heirs or estate.
Is a reverse mortgage a scam?
Reverse mortgages are not a scam. Anyone who believes a national government insured mortgage program such as the HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) is a scam needs to educate themselves or come real with their audiences.
Summary:
• Reverse mortgages allow borrowers to tap into their home in the form of a non-recourse loan
• These loans can offer financial benefits to senior borrowers
• Reverse mortgages carry some risks and potential downsides, and therefore upfront research can help determine whether a reverse mortgage is the right fit for your situation

05/29/2020

Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance for Your Parent

When you first noticed that your parent’s age was limiting them, what questions came to mind? Did you struggle to accept the reality of their aging or worry about their wellbeing? Did you wonder what preparations were in place for their needs?

Besides the questions you may have asked yourself, there is one question you must ask your aging parent: “Do you have a long-term care insurance policy?”

After a health crisis, anyone may find they need long-term care. But since senior citizens especially are at a higher risk for debilitating health problems, they are more likely to need it.

Long-term care provides assistance with activities of daily living, or ADLs. These include bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication reminders, housekeeping, shopping, toileting and other non-medical assistance. In the future, forecasts say that 70% of people over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lifetime. According to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, 30%, or 1.5 million people of the older population already have substantial long-term care needs.

The cost of long-term care is rising. Imagine what you believe your parent would pay for a room in a nursing home. In a 2015 survey, Genworth reported that a private nursing home room, which is the priciest option for care, now costs $92,378 annually. This is a 19% increase since 2011.

How should your elderly parent pay for the monumental cost of long-term care? If you are fortunate, your parent may already have the answer to that question. He or she might have a long-term care insurance policy. Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is a valuable tool to protect assets and finance long-term care. If your loved one has purchased a policy, you may be reading this article to find out how to navigate it with them. If they do not have a policy yet, this article will help you navigate LTCI for your parent nevertheless.

Preparation

Long-term care insurance is an investment to consider before it is needed. Without LTCI, long-term care’s costly expenses are paid using either Medicaid (if you qualify for it) or out-of-pocket savings (if you can afford it). The middle class is in limbo between having too much wealth to qualify for Medicaid and too little to afford long-term care on their own. Long-term care insurance is meant to be a solution for them.

If your parent is in good health, between the ages of 50 and 65, and able to make decisions about paying for long-term care before they actually need it, it is time to shop for an LTCI policy. Some children of adults this age may be too young to take the lead in their parent’s financial matters. Yet at this time, your parent is in good shape to secure their policy because insurers will base costs on:

Type of benefits desired

Health

Family History

Age

Gender

If your parent is in poor health, around or above the age of 65 and in need of long-term care, their situation can fork into two directions.

If your parent does not have long-term care insurance, they may deplete their personal savings or depend on family to pay for or provide care. For seniors who have exhausted these options whose needs still aren’t met, they may have to resort to Medicaid; a health insurance option for low-income seniors.

If your parent has a long-term care insurance policy, funding for care is within reach. Your parent may not remember that they have LTCI. So ask them the crucial question, “Do you have a long-term care insurance policy?” This is an important starting point for the process ahead.

The Health Crisis

The unfortunate turn of events that typically prompts people to need long-term care is a health crisis. A health crisis can occur at any age and to a person in any state of health. Accidents and terminal illnesses are just a few health crises that handicap healthy people for the rest of their lives. Senior citizens are at risk for these crises in addition to common debilitating ailments, such as cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, falls, influenza, pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease.

In the midst of fretting over the health status of your parent while they are treated in the hospital for these common health problems, it may be impossible for you to even consider thinking about what lies ahead after discharge. But following successful treatment of a serious health problem, senior citizens undergo dramatic changes in their lifestyles when they go home. They may have a sudden need for constant, dependable care. To continue the progress of your parent’s health, there must be a way to pay for it.

Families hope to feel relief after their elderly loved one’s discharge from a hospital. However, if they suddenly find themselves short of the resources to provide care for the senior’s needs at home, stress compounds on top of the health crisis. If your parent has an LTCI policy, this is where it brings you a solution.

After the health crisis, a senior with an LTCI policy can only activate their policy as soon as they qualify for care. Observe your parent to determine whether they are:

Incontinent

Cognitively impaired

Unable to bathe, dress or eat

Unable to move on their own

Unable to toilet independently

These are just a few signs for your parent to activate their LTCI policy, with your help.

Activating the Policy

There are several things for you and your parent to know when activating their LTCI policy. Know how long the elimination period is for the policy. The elimination period is essentially a time-based deductible where you are responsible for paying the full portion until coverage begins. Elimination periods can range from 0-100 days. If you were preoccupied with your parent’s health treatment, this detail may have escaped you. It is frustrating to suddenly need immediate long-term care after a health crisis, only to find that you have to wait for your LTCI policy to kick in its coverage. Knowing the elimination period ahead of time not only informs your parent of what policies to choose in the first place, it also cues you to prepare out-of-pocket resources for care during its time span.

Know the policy’s maximum daily benefit and maximum lifetime benefit. The maximum daily benefit is the amount a policy will reimburse for each day of long-term care. Look out for inflation riders on the maximum daily benefit, which can significantly increase it over time.

The maximum lifetime benefit is the total amount of time or money up to which benefits will be paid. Policies can state the maximum lifetime benefit in either days or dollars. Know which one your parent’s plan uses. Also look out for a Restoration of Benefit, which allows your parent to restore benefits if they are not fully maximized.

Although your parent has already chosen what benefits to receive if they’ve already purchased a long-term care insurance policy, it helps you to know what specific benefits their plan covers. The Genworth 2015 Cost of Care Survey outlines all types of long-term care that seniors can get, as well as their costs. Research the types of care covered by your parent’s plan and be assertive in commissioning the best companies to provide them. If your parent is like most American senior citizens today, they may prefer long-term care at home. Securing this care entails knowing the coverage the LTCI policy will afford, what services to go to for the care and monitoring the professionals who come to your parent’s aid.

Knowing all of this, you are ready to initiate the activation of your parent’s LTCI policy. These are things for you to do:

Call your parent’s insurer and request a claim packet.

Fill out the claim form and send it in.

Make sure to list the information of the company providing care and their tax ID.

Check to see if the policy requires a doctor to fill out a form documenting your need for care.

Check to see if your parent needs an assessment from a registered nurse (RN).

Maximizing Benefits

Once the claim is approved, you want your parent’s benefits to be maximized under the reimbursement they receive. Achieving this takes constant attention to detail and monitoring invoices and notes your insurer needs to keep the claim active. Ensure that each invoice you receive from providers, like caregiver agencies, is submitted to the insurer. Each invoice must have notes documenting that assistance with your parent’s ADLs is provided each day.

Aside from all the work that goes into purchasing and activating it, long-term care insurance is sometimes disappointing when the grant of coverage is unpredictable. What if your parent never qualifies? What if the claim is not approved? What if it is, but the insurer decides your parent no longer qualifies later on and cancels it?

Your Trusted LTCI Partner

You and the rest of the children who try to navigate long-term care insurance for their aging parents are not alone. Amada Senior Care is the one-stop shop for long-term care insurance advocacy. Amada Senior Care locations across the U.S. provide a Concierge LTC Resource Center of experts who help policyholders understand and verify their long-term care insurance benefits. Our senior care advisors will guide you through the process of reviewing and filing a claim so that you can start receiving your benefits as soon as possible. Our advocates will:

Identify and analyze the requirements of your policy, including elimination periods, daily maximum, lifetime benefits and coverage.

Assist policyholders in completing the necessary forms to file a claim.

Bill the LTCI carrier directly at policyholder’s request.

Aid in the responsibilities of payroll taxes, benefits, scheduling, bonding, workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance.

Amada Senior Care has established relationships with multiple LTCI carriers and third-party administrators to make the claims process easier. The Concierge LTC Resource Center will not only assist you or your loved one with the details of your policy but will also coordinate and deliver care – providing you with the peace of mind and the time to share happy, healthy wellbeing with your elderly parent.

Click here to file a long-term care insurance claim now.

“Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance for Your Parent,” by Michelle Mendoza, Amada contributor.