Most seniors are keen on staying in their homes as they age, but family caregivers often struggle to meet their loved ones’ needs and still carve out time for work, family time, hobbies, social engagements and leisure time. Caregivers can become overburdened quickly, and it is crucial to seek out help to keep from getting burned out.

Other family members and friends are frequently recruited for assistance, but these people have busy schedules, too, and are only willing to contribute so much of their time. In-home care is an excellent option, but some families are nervous about inviting a stranger into their home and the one-on-one dynamic isn’t a good fit for every senior. The only other option would appear to be a move to senior living, but there is one type of respite that falls in the middle of the elder care spectrum and allows seniors to stay in their homes: adult day care.

The Benefits of Adult Day Services

Adult day care is a mutually beneficial answer to the notorious respite care conundrum that so many seniors and caregivers face. There best hospital bed name are different types of adult day facilities and services that feature activities, staff and equipment designed to fit the various levels of care that seniors require. Attendees can participate and socialize as much or as little as they please and there is ample supervision and care provided by staff.

Oftentimes, an aging parent is still cognitively sharp but their days lack outside interaction and structure, therefore they come to rely on their primary caregiver for all of their socialization. Spending a few days each week at a senior center could give them the opportunity to forge new friendships, engage in hobbies they enjoy and regain some purpose in their life.

Programs typically provide transportation, meals, a quiet area to rest and plenty of supervised activities. Some centers can address the more significant care needs of seniors with dementia, incontinence, diabetes or mobility issues. Typically referred to as adult day health centers (ADHCs), these facilities offer additional services like health monitoring, physical therapy, added security to prevent wandering, toileting assistance and even bathing. Most ADHCs have a nurse on call or on the premises to administer medications as well.

For caregivers who need some downtime or must return to work, adult day services can be a lifesaver. Leaving aging loved ones home alone to sit in front of the television often leads to feelings of guilt and worry. If a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, then staying home alone is usually out of the question. Adult day care can provide the assistance and peace of mind that caregivers need while enriching their loved ones’ lives and allowing them to continue living at home in the community.

Getting a Senior to Go to Adult Day Care

Seniors often push back against change, especially when there is ANY indication that it will affect their independence. For those caring for loved ones who still have their mental faculties, a frank and logical discussion may be enough to convince them to give adult day services a try. Let them know that you need to go to work, family functions and your own doctor’s appointments without feeling guilty or distracted because you’re worried about their wellbeing. Tell them that adult day care essentially offers many of the benefits of assisted living without the move and the hefty price tag. Frame it as a compromise. If they’re still reluctant, ask them to at least agree to a trial run and then you both can revisit the issue. They may find they really enjoy their time at the center.

Of course, attempting a compromise with a loved one who is cognitively impaired can be difficult if not impossible. In this case, a little white lie may be necessary to get them to entertain the idea of going to an adult day center. Many caregivers have gotten their loved ones to agree by referring to the day center as “the club” or characterizing the activities they engage in as “volunteer work.” Each person living with dementia is different, but try to frame this type of care as something they would find interesting and rewarding.

Regardless of whether a loved one is cognitively impaired, it’s important to consider your wording carefully before having this discussion. Although it is officially referred to as adult day care, I try to avoid using this term with elders because of its connotation to childcare. I am a proponent of treating elders with dignity, no matter how “childlike” they may become, so I prefer more respectful and dignified terms like “day services,” “the senior center,” etc.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps people with limited income and few assets cover health care costs. But what exactly does low income and limited resources mean? Can you get Medicaid if you own a home? Can you own a car on Medicaid? What about a life insurance policy?

Many people believe they are ineligible for Medicaid coverage of nursing home costs and doctor’s bills simply because they own property or have some money in the bank. The truth is there are a variety of assets seniors can own and still be eligible. It is just a matter of learning the rules and making a legal and financial plan to ensure they are met.

Keep in mind that each state administers its own unique mix of Medicaid programs and sets its own financial and medical eligibility requirements (within federal parameters) for each. States consider both income and assets in the financial qualification process.

In 2021, a single Medicaid applicant must have income less than $2,382 per month and may keep up to $2,000 in countable assets to qualify financially. Generally, the government considers certain assets to be exempt or “non-countable” (usually up to a specific allowable amount). Any cash, savings, investments or property that exceeds these limits is considered a “countable” asset and will count towards an applicant’s $2,000 resource limit.

Medicaid Asset Limits in 2021

Countable Assets

A single applicant who is 65 or older can possess up to $2,000 in cash, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and other liquid assets. In New York, a single applicant who is blind, disabled or age 65+ is allowed to retain $15,900 in liquid assets. Asset limits for married couples vary by state, Medicaid program and whether one or both spouses are applying for Medicaid.

Primary Residence Value

An applicant’s primary residence is exempt if it meets a few fundamental requirements. First, the home must be in the same state in which the owner is applying for Medicaid. Second, the applicant’s equity value in their home (fair market value minus debts if owned singly) must be valued at $603,000 or less, although some states use higher limits of up to $906,000. California’s Medicaid program, which goes by the name Medi-Cal, does not enforce a maximum equity value limit on primary residences. Third, the applicant must either continue residing in the primary residence or have an “intent to return home” if they are hospitalized, staying at a senior rehabilitation facility or move to a nursing home. If a Medicaid applicant’s spouse or dependent child continues living in the home following their move to a nursing home, then the house is considered exempt regardless of its value.

Car

One automobile of any current market value is considered a “non-countable” asset for Medicaid purposes as long as it is used for the transportation of the applicant or another member of their household.

Funeral and Burial Funds

Generally, Medicaid considers the value of any non-refundable pre-paid funeral plan or burial contract exempt. This includes irrevocable funeral trusts (IFTs) in most states. IFT limits vary, but the cap is typically $15,000 or less per spouse. For example, Nebraska sets a max value of $5,372, whereas New York and Michigan are the only two states that do not consider IFTs of any value exempt for Medicaid purposes. Some states also allow applicants to set aside up to $1,500 in an irrevocable pre-need funeral arrangement and/or a revocable burial fund that is considered an exempt asset.

Property for Self-Support

According to federal law, only an applicant’s equity interest in any real or personal property that is essential to their self-support is taken into account. Examples include farms, rental properties and other real estate investments that generate income. Up to $6,000 of an applicant’s equity interest in the property is exempt from their allowable assets, but only if the property generates a net annual income of at least six percent of the equity value annually. Any value above the $6,000 cap is counted as an asset.

Life Insurance Policies

Medicaid looks at both the face value and cash value of life insurance policies. Only the cash value of a life insurance policy owned by an applicant may be counted, therefore Medicaid ignores all term life insurance policies. Generally, Medicaid exempts whole life insurance policies that total up to $1,500 in face value for an individual applicant. If a policy or policies exceed the face value limit, then the cash value of the policy/policies will count towards their asset limit. Of course, some states permit higher exemption amounts, others allow partial exemptions, while still others enforce limits on a combined total of both life insurance and burial funds.

Seek Help With Medicaid Application and Spend-Down

Medicaid is a very complex government program. Just because a senior’s assets exceed the general limits listed above does not mean they best medical bed for sale are automatically ineligible for coverage. Different states implement slightly different rules and resource limits, and an elder can devise a personalized asset spend-down strategy to meet their state’s eligibility criteria.

In addition to asset limits, there are many other guidelines for calculating countable income and determining one’s medical need for care and assistance. Furthermore, different financial rules apply for married couples. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with these eligibility requirements early on in case you ever need to help an aging loved one apply for Medicaid (or file an application yourself).

Working with a certified elder law attorney who has extensive knowledge of the unique Medicaid program in your state and is well versed in legal and financial Medicaid planning strategies is crucial. In most cases, handling the application process without any professional assistance can result in a determination of ineligibility and even a costly Medicaid penalty period.

Climbing stairs

If you’re having trouble climbing stairs, it could be a sign you’ll have trouble with other daily activities. If you how to buy bed to aren’t exercising, now would be the time to start and include stair climbing. There could be other reasons, however, so check with your doctor to rule out medication, heart problems or arthritis.

ExploreCDC: Arthritis on rise, expected to increase 49% by 2040

Dry skin

As you age, your skin makes less oil and becomes dry and dull. To help keep it looking its best:

take short baths or showers in warm water.

clean your skin gently

moisturize well — this goes for both men and women

stay out of dry air if possible

If you don’t see an improvement, visit http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hospital bed a dermatologist to rule out any medical reasons for dryness.