Presidents Day is a time to celebrate our nation’s presidents and the legacies they have left behind.

The United States celebrates its presidents with a day of festivities.

What better way to celebrate than by getting out and doing something fun?

Seniors are one of the fastest-growing demographics in America, so it’s important that they have activities available to them when they want to get active outside their homes or assisted living facilities.

In honor of Presidents Day, we’ve put together a list of fun activities seniors can enjoy to celebrate.

From watching historical documentaries to taking a scenic drive, these activities will get you in the patriotic spirit! Plus, they’re all great ways to connect with your loved ones and create some lasting memories.

So gather your friends and family and get ready to have some fun!

We hope you enjoy these activities and have a wonderful Presidents Day!

1. Watch documentaries about American presidents: Watching documentaries about America’s past presidents is a great way to learn more about their lives and legacies. You can find many different titles at your local library or online.
2. Visit presidential landmarks: If you live near a presidential landmark, be sure to visit it on Presidents Day! These locations are often open to the public and offer guided tours.
3. Make patriotic crafts: There are many fun patriotic crafts that you can make with your elderly loved ones. Some ideas include making paper flags, creating USA-themed collages, or assembling puzzle maps of the United States.
4. Play trivia games about the presidents: Presidents Day is a great opportunity to test your knowledge of America’s leaders with some fun trivia games. You can find printable quizzes online or make your own questions.
5. Have a picnic lunch: A patriotic picnic lunch is a perfect way to celebrate Presidents Day! Serve foods that are traditionally associated with the holiday, such as hot dogs and apple pie.
6. Go on a nature walk: Take a nature walk and look for things that are red, white, and blue. This is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.
7. Listen to patriotic music: Patriotic music is a great way to get in the Presidents Day spirit! You can find many different albums of Americana music online or at your local library.
8. Read books about America’s presidents: Reading books about our nation’s leaders is a great way to learn more about their lives and accomplishments. There are many different titles available, so be sure to check out your local library or bookstore.
9. Create an art project inspired by one of our presidents: Presidents Day is a perfect time to create an art project that pays tribute to one of America’s leaders. You can make a collage, painting, or sculpture, depending on your artistic abilities.
10. Enjoy a delicious feast: What’s Presidents Day without a big, festive meal? Be sure to cook up your favorite patriotic dishes and enjoy them with your loved ones.

We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating Presidents Day with these 10 activities! From watching documentaries to playing trivia games, there is something for everyone.

We hope you enjoy these fun activities and have a great holiday!

​​​​​We hope you enjoyed this blog post! Be sure to check back soon for more content like this. Happy Presidents Day!​​​​​

We’re a trusted coalition of Arizona companies committed to providing your senior loved ones with the best care resources in Arizona, at any age or stage. You can reach out to us for help directly, or submit an application to become part of our trusted coalition.

We offer the best education, information, and all of the local resources needed to navigate the emotionally stressful challenges that occur when dealing with our aging population in Arizona. This includes adult children that are responsible for their senior parents.

Our mission is to provide seniors and their families easy access to the most trusted and professional resources for senior care. Our services will always be free.

Listen to our Podcast on the reason behind creating the coalition that is Senior Resource Connectors.

Are you looking for information on Phoenix senior living?

You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about where to live.

We’ll discuss topics such as cost, location, amenities, and more.

So whether you are just starting your search or you have already narrowed it down to a few options, read on for everything you need to know about Phoenix senior living!

What is the cost of living in a Phoenix senior living community?

The cost of living in a Phoenix senior living community varies depending on the type of community you choose.

Independent living communities typically have lower monthly fees than assisted living or memory care communities.

However, the overall cost of care will be more expensive if you need to move into a higher level of care later on.

It’s important to note that most Phoenix senior living communities offer all-inclusive pricing, which includes utilities, meals, and other amenities.

What are some common amenities offered in Phoenix senior living Communities?

Phoenix senior living communities offer a wide variety of amenities, including:

• Fitness centers
• Swimming pools
• Movie theaters
• On-site pharmacies
• Bistros and cafes
• Hair salons
• Library services

It’s important to note that amenities can vary from community to community, so be sure to ask about the specific amenities offered at each one.

What is the climate like in Phoenix?

The climate in Phoenix is hot and dry.

The average temperature year-round is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can get as high as 115 degrees in the summer.

However, there are also many days during the winter when temperatures reach into the 70s.

So overall, Phoenix is a very mild climate for seniors who are used to colder winters.

What are the best neighborhoods to live in Phoenix?

There is no one “best” neighborhood to live in Phoenix.

It really depends on what you are looking for in a community.

Some of the most popular neighborhoods include Camelback East, North Central Phoenix, and Scottsdale.

These neighborhoods offer a mix of urban and suburban living, as well as a wide variety of amenities and activities.

For more information on the different neighborhoods in Phoenix, Senior Resource Connectors can assist with this decision.

What should be considered when choosing a senior living facility?

When choosing a senior living facility, there are several factors to consider:

• Cost: the cost of each senior living facility will depend on the level of care required.
• Location: you will want to consider location so that you can visit your loved one on a regular basis.
• Size of community: you or your loved one may prefer a smaller or larger community depending on personal preference or individual care needs.
• Level of care offered: the level of care will depend on the care requirements of you or your loved one.
• Amenities offered: when looking at amenities offered, consider the level of activity and independence required.
• Climate: depending on personal preference you or your loved one may prefer a warmer climate.
• Neighborhoods: It may be important to stay in a neighborhood that is familiar to you or your loved one to avoid the upset of a major change in the environment. It’s comforting to reside near the usual hairdresser or a doctor that you come to know over the years.

It’s important to weigh all of these factors and find the right community for your individual needs.

If you need assistance with this decision, our team at Senior Resource Connectors can help! We offer free consultation services and can connect you with the best communities in Phoenix.

How do I know if Phoenix Senior Living is right for me?

The best way to decide if Phoenix Senior Living is right for you is to schedule a tour of a few communities.

This will give you the opportunity to meet the staff, see the facilities, and ask questions.

It’s also important to talk to your family and friends about their experiences with Phoenix senior living communities. Ultimately, you need to make the decision that is best for you and your loved ones.

If you have any other questions about Phoenix senior living, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We would be happy to help. Thank you for reading!

For more information on senior living in Phoenix, visit our website: https://seniorresourceconnectors.com/

Are you a senior who is looking for information on Phoenix Senior Living? You’ve come to the right place.

We’re a trusted coalition of Arizona companies committed to providing your senior loved ones with the best care resources in Arizona, at any age or stage. You can reach out to us for help directly, or submit an application to become part of our trusted coalition.

Our coalition of trusted Arizona companies answers critical care questions and provides the appropriate services, plans, and products for seniors and their families in need of guidance. Whether families need financial services, legal advice, moving assistance, or in-home help, Senior Resource Connectors is here to help.

Home health vs home care? Have you heard these two terms and just assumed they meant the same thing? Or have you been confused about what the difference was? Don’t worry; you are not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things in our industry.

Home With Help® , a coalition member of ours is a home care agency. So, we get asked a lot of questions about what services they offer, because most people don’t know the difference between the two types of companies. We totally get it as our family didn’t know how they were different before we got into this line of work.

Hopefully, this will help…

In-Home Care Agencies

Home care is a term people use to describe non-medical care provided by a caregiver in someone’s home. If a company says they are an in-home care (or home care) agency, then they have caregivers that will provide non-clinical services for people who need help with activities of daily living.

Below is a list of services that Home With Help® and most other companies offer as a home care agency. We pride ourselves in being able to offer a concierge approach to in-home care. So, this is not a comprehensive list of our services, but will hopefully give you a better understanding of what home care companies offer.

1. Personal Care Services such as bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming, hygiene assistance, and transportation.
2. Companionship for clients can be anything from medication reminders to playing games to monitoring diet and eating. This service can be for the senior who lives alone or for the family member who lives with the sick or elderly person and cannot leave the home.
3. Homemaking for the elderly, permanently or temporarily disabled, or senior suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia. These services include laundry, dishes, light housekeeping, meal prep, transportation to doctor’s visits or grocery store, and more.

Why should you should hire a home care agency?

Most seniors think if they hire a home care company, it takes away their independence. But, it is actually the opposite. It is a great preventative tool to allow them to stay in their homes as long as possible.

Home care services are perfect for anyone who needs a little extra help with activities pertaining to daily living. Hiring a caregiver is a great idea for someone who has had a recent surgery or hospital stay and cannot perform all of the normal tasks at home. If you have an elderly loved one in another state, you could hire a home care agency to check on them and help around the house.

Home Health Care

Home health is defined as in-home medical care and/or skilled services. Companies that offer in-home health care have licensed professionals on staff to help with acute or chronic health conditions.

This is a general list of services offered by home health care agencies…

1. Occupational therapy
2. Physical therapy
3. Nursing
4. Wound care
5. Doctor visits

Reasons to hire a home health care company

If you or a loved one has recently been released from the hospital, rehab center, or skilled nursing facility and still need clinical help, you would hire a home health care company. Or, if an elderly loved one has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, home health care may be ordered by a doctor.

By Laura Wayman from The Dementia Whisperer

A diagnosis of any cause of dementia symptoms, while life-changing, marks the start of a new chapter and transition. It does not, however, indicate the beginning of an end. Individuals living with dementia symptoms continue to engage in daily life, interactions, relationships, tasks, goals and more. In life’s intricate mosaic, dementia symptoms do not diminish one’s humanity, either.

This fresh chapter is not devoid of transformation. The nuanced interplay of physical, mental and emotional shifts reshapes how individuals navigate life, especially as the disease progresses over time. To navigate this unique chapter with resilience and embrace the evolving narrative is to be “dementia aware.” A passage of notes or musical melody can induce a range of physical and emotional reactions. Being dementia aware is like acknowledging that one can’t change the melody, but you can learn to harmonize with the tune.

Addressing the multifaceted challenges of caring for someone with dementia involves overcoming the communication barriers that arise – to find a semblance of harmony when no one thought it was possible. Being dementia aware requires caregivers to adopt a nuanced mindset, filtering their interactions through a lens attuned to the everyday experiences of the person with memory impairment.

Here are five harmonious approaches to dementia awareness that enable caregivers to navigate challenges and foster positive connections with their loved ones and the people in their care.

1. The power of empathy

Establishing trust with those in your care involves stepping into their perspective and consistently expressing understanding. When you imagine and validate their feelings—whether frustration, fear or misunderstanding—you can magnify their emotional experience. This is not always ideal though. The next time around, soften the experience by connecting with them and acknowledging their internal experiences instead. Share in how they feel on both the surface and heart-string levels to make better connections.

2. Avoid information overload

Excessive details overstimulate and confuse individuals with memory impairment. Simple tasks many people don’t think twice about, like body movement and balance, are more challenging. That’s why it’s important prioritize and limit the information shared to preserve cognitive bandwidth. On some days, a simple cadence is all you need.

3. Lead with action

Prioritize positive action statements for effective communication. Questions can create a barrier whereas these statements act as answers, encouraging immediate engagement. This straightforward approach skips the process of answering questions, replacing it with clear and positive language. For example, instead of asking for help, say, “Let’s make lunch together,” proceeding with the action, followed by some hype.

4. Go with the flow

And avoid asking too many questions. Even seemingly simple inquiries can trigger challenging responses from individuals with cognitive impairment. They may find it difficult to process and responds appropriately, leading to increased frustration, anger and anxiety.

5. Help process information

Individuals experiencing dementia symptoms may face challenges in processing information that others handle routinely. By participating in the thinking process, you can fill these cognitive gaps, providing support that eases their frustration and fear often associated with challenges in grasping and processing information. Some hand holding can make the world of difference in so many ways.

By being Dementia Aware, we can foster cognitive, physical, spiritual and psychological well-being in a secure, supportive and loving environment.

To learn more about Laura, and what she does, click here.

If you’re an adult child in need of a trusted referral, advice or senior-centric resources of any kind, contact us at Senior Resource Connectors today. Our services come at NO COST to you.

By Laura Wayman, The Dementia Whisperer

Choosing a care facility for an aging loved one is an emotional decision, a delicate balance between love and practicality. Beginning the search for a top-notch facility signifies a commitment to ensuring that evolving needs are met with compassion and support. You seek a place where your loved one can experience dignity, comfort and the empowering opportunity to thrive and fully embrace the richness of life.

When navigating through different facilities, consider asking questions that delve into the level of personalized care, staff training in providing compassionate support, available amenities fosterin comfort and the programs in place to ensure residents can thrive and engage fully in their lives.

Here are some essential questions to ask during your exploration, so you and your family can land on a place that prioritizes compassionate care, comfort and the opportunity for your loved one to thrive.

What’s the facility’s overall approach to leadership, and how does it engage with families when considering memory care for a loved one with dementia?

When searching for a memory care community for a loved one with dementia symptoms, it’s imperative to pose vital questions so you know the priority is optimal care.

Gain insights into the community’s leadership, inquire about executive engagement and ask about measures for issue resolution, staff training, certifications and resident security to make an informed decision.

Next, learn details about the community’s size and amenities. Get informed about the capacity of resident rooms, whether they are private or companion rooms, and the availability of dining rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor activity spaces. This will give you insights into the living conditions and communal facilities that your loved one will experience.

How does the facility address medical care and staff interaction for residents with
dementia?

When evaluating a memory care community, inquire about the presence of 24/7 medical staff, especially registered nurses or licensed nurse practitioners.

Explore the training protocols for staff in dementia care and their approach to managing dementia-related behaviors, such as wandering. Additionally, seek clarity on the consistency in assigning caregivers to residents, which fosters a stable and comfortable living environment.

How are dietary and living conditions addressed within the community?

Look into the meal setting, cleanliness level and the approach to individual nutrition needs. If companion rooms are an option, ask about the compatibility assessment process and whether a resident can remain in the same room as their condition progresses.

What should I consider regarding regulatory compliance and financial aspects?

When finalizing your decision, learn about regulatory compliance by asking about the community’s oversight and the state entity responsible for ensuring compliance.

Explore financial considerations, including overall costs, potential Medicaid support and any consequences tied to financial decisions. These questions will serve as valuable guides. Opting for the right community offers relief. Once you know expert care is tailored to your loved one’s comfort and need, you can begin to refocus on relationship-building and spending valuable time once again.

To learn more about Laura and what she does, click here.

If you need resources, advice, or a trusted referral, then Senior Resource Connectors is your go-to. We can help get your senior the care or advice needed to offer you complete peace of mind, at no cost to your family. Contact us today.

Retiring can be a wonderful yet confusing time. Making sure you have your finances organized before taking this big step will alleviate undue stress, allowing you to take advantage of the time you have been looking forward to having. Let us take the guesswork out of what you will need to establish before taking this leap towards your future, with a 4-step retirement financial planning checklist to guide you.

Step 1: Inspect your retirement income sources

Knowing where your retirement financing comes from will allow you to establish how much income will come from each source and how long it will provide what you need. Your retirement savings and income sources can come from:

• Savings accounts
• Annuities
• Life insurance
• Pension
• Social security

For assistance in determining what sources of income you can expect to receive, contact us. Our clinical concierge will direct you to the most appropriate financial specialists for your needs. 

Step 2: Uncover how much tax you will pay on your retirement income  

Knowing how much tax you need to spend on your retirement income is imperative in establishing if you have saved enough for your financial retirement. Sources of income may be taxed differently, and therefore you will need to scrutinize the tax payable for each income source to navigate your retirement financial planning.

The trusted website for retiree finances, Kiplinger, has a great Arizona state tax guide for seniors. To access this, click here.  

Step 3: Calculating your expenses for retirement financial planning

The income a senior will need to have saved to retire largely depends on what expenses they carry. Living costs differ from person to person, but they can include things such as: 

• Loans and debt
• Health Care
• Taxes 
• Living and leisure expenses
• Housing expenses

Estimating your expenses is an integral step to ensure you have enough saved for retirement and if you need to make any adjustments to your retirement financial planning.

Step 4: Deciding on your retirement date

Once you have followed the above 3 steps on the checklist, setting this date should be a lot less daunting. These are some aspects to take into consideration:

• Are you ready to stop working?

If you have a close connection with colleagues and still enjoy working, you may want to cut back on your hours or work part-time instead of retiring. Working part-time will give you spare time in your day, allowing you to earn an income and retain your network of friends into your retirement.

• Time with your partner

 Create a cohesive plan with your partner. For example, perhaps they want to continue working, which means that you can assist with domestic responsibilities until they decide to retire, or you may want to keep working until your partner retires so that you can do activities together. You will both need to assess your expectations and personal goals. 

• Your retirement wish list

 This is a personal list of goals or dreams you have. Everyone has different things they would like to do when they retire. While one person would like to play golf for hours on end, another may want to tackle that novel they have always wanted to write or donate all their time to a charity close to their heart. Whatever your wish list is, having a clear plan for your retirement will help to guide you in selecting the retirement date.

Takeaway

Although retiring can seem daunting, if you set time aside to plan your financial retirement plan, you can build a secure course of action that allows you to do the things you love while mitigating financial stress.

We suggest starting your financial retirement planning well in advance, as examining your financial income sources will give you time to adjust your plans if necessary. 

This post was inspired by Aging in Place’s “Retirement Financial Planning Checklist.” To read the original, please click here. 

Sometimes it can be tricky to realize whether you are suffering from caregiver burnout, especially if you are so enveloped in your duties with little to no personal time. The below article sheds much-needed light on identifying and managing caregiver burnout. Keep scrolling to learn more.

Why is caregiver burnout so common?

Research conducted by the TransAmerica Institute (The Many Faces of Caregivers: A Close-Up Look at Caregiving and Its Impacts: 2020) notes the following:

• 1 in 5 caregivers report high physical and financial strain (burnout) due to caregiving duties, yet only 24% of employers recognize that caregiving directly impacts workers’ performance.
• 69% of caregivers surveyed have NO paid help in caring for their seniors. Despite the increasing complexity of the conditions they need to care for (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, etc.).
• In a nutshell, caregiving duties continue to be highly demanding, while help or resources to ease the burden are absent. Furthermore, one out of five caregivers of adults feels alone and unsupported.

These are only three reasons that illustrate the challenges faced when being a primary caregiver for a senior loved one or parent. For some families, the reasons are more complex. They can even be a mix of reasons such as lack of finances for professional in-home care, feelings of extreme guilt on the part of the family, and an unwillingness to recognize that professional help from trained professionals is needed.

What are some of the signs of caregiver burnout?

• Increased social isolation: If you make excuses to avoid seeing friends and family if you otherwise really enjoy socializing with them, it may be an early sign that you’re headed for burnout.
• Fluctuating appetite: If you start noticing that your appetite increases or decreases rapidly, it may be a telltale sign that burnout is inevitable. The same goes for using food as a pacifier when you feel stressed or overwhelmed, or completely losing your appetite for days on end could be an early warning sign.
• Severe exhaustion: Still feeling knackered after a whole night’s rest? Can’t seem to get your energy levels up or stay up all night without ever getting tired? Both these instances can be an early indicator that burnout is around the corner.
• No longer enjoying things that used to excite you: If you find yourself asking ‘what is the point?’ to something that used to bring you a lot of joy, you may be headed for burnout. Unfortunately, overwhelming negative thoughts can also be a sure way to tell whether burnout is on the horizon.

Top tips to avoid burnout

Block out time in your week to focus on yourself, whether this means being quiet and switching off your phone and other electronic devices, reading a book in the sunlight, or just going for a solo walk. Setting a calendar reminder can help to keep you accountable, even if you manage 30 minutes to yourself. Charity starts at home, and you can only serve others when your tank is full.

Accept help when it is offered to you. This can be in respite care services or another family member who offers to take over for a couple of hours. Remember, you don’t have to be a hero. Accepting help does not mean you have given up or cannot handle the task of being a caregiver. Instead, it means you know that balance is an integral part of life and care.

Get in the habit of forming healthier habits. Practicing discipline does not come naturally to a lot of us. This is why you have to try and be consistent when developing new habits that bring joy and balance to your life. Think of it as a tiny muscle that you need to get better at flexing. At first, it will be challenging, but after a while, it gets more manageable, and before you know it, a new habit has formed and become part of your routine.

Make an effort to learn about local resources in your area. This is where Senior Resource Connectors can help. Our trusted network of vetted companies can assist you in virtually any caregiving sector. So whether you need to help your senior loved one sort out some legal documents, allow them to arrange an upcoming move, or even provide them with options for financial advisors, we can help with a trusted local referral.

Join a local or online support group. Sometimes, knowing you are not alone can be exceptionally comforting for caregivers on the verge of burnout. Hearing the experiences of others can help to validate your own and make you feel understood on a different level. If in-person support groups aren’t your thing, there are tons of online resources and support forums you can join and anonymously speak your truth.

Be stress-free knowing your aging loved ones are being taken care of by our trusted coalition of senior living businesses in Arizona.

Our coalition of trusted Arizona companies answers critical care questions and provides the appropriate services, plans, and products for the elderly and their families in need of guidance. Whether families need financial services, legal advice, moving assistance, or in-home help, Senior Resource Connectors is here to help.

For more information on senior living professionals, please visit our website or give us a call today. We would be happy to help you find the right solution for your needs.

One of the most common causes of hospitalization among older people is elderly falling. Every year, there are as many as 2 million falls by seniors and as many as 1 in 5 seniors who suffer from an injury from a fall. Due to these statistics, it’s necessary that we underline the importance of incorporating fall prevention tips for seniors to reduce their risk of falling.

Elderly Falling prevention tips

To prevent falls, some seniors use a cane or devices to provide extra stability and balance.

However, these things don’t keep the elderly from falling. When you are trying to protect a loved one, you should take some simple measures to help keep their living space clear of things that could make them trip and fall. Here are some things you can do to help prevent elderly falling:

• Set up low light levels so they don’t have to turn on bright lights when they enter rooms. There are outlet covers that can be used to illuminate the way.
• Keep floors clear of clutter or objects such as electrical cords that could be tripped on. Be sure to tuck them away or always unplug things such as vacuum cleaners.
• Ensure their glasses are set up so they are easy to find. This way, they are less likely to try to get up without them.
• Ensure there is enough room for their walker or wheelchair throughout the house and clear any clutter in the way.
• Offer ways they can exercise regularly to ensure that they maintain a strong core. A strong core helps prevent falls. Weight lifting can also help build the core muscles.
• Always have them sit and get dressed. Many times they can get their feet caught in a pant leg and fall.
• Check medications to ensure they are not only anything that could make them dizzy or lose their balance.

More fall prevention tips for seniors

Of course, there are other tips, such as purchasing good shoes with a good sole. Also, ensure the shoe isn’t some slip-on that can slip off at an inappropriate time. Their vision should also be checked often and tack down any floor rugs that are in the home. Better yet, when possible, remove them!

Handrails are essential in preventing falls. Be sure that you have a railing on all the steps coming into the home and inside the house. Grab rails are also helpful around steps or other areas of difficulty. This can be most helpful in the bathroom. Install grab rails, so it is easier to get in and out of the bathtub and up and down on the toilet. You can also install toilet extenders or ensure that the toilet is high enough to ease getting on and off.

Falls in our seniors are no joke. Their aging bones and loss of muscle mass can take a beating during a fall.  Be sure that things are put up, and there isn’t clutter left for them to trip on after and during a visit.  Everyone must be mindful when visiting not to leave shoes and other items in the path of someone trying to get to the bathroom or walk around the home.  

Contact Senior Resource Connectors

Your roadmap when it comes to determining the best care plan for your senior loved one in Arizona – at any age or stage. Visit our resource center, view our business directory, or connect with us below.

If you or a loved one you know is nearing retirement, you may find yourself wondering more frequently about Medicare. In this blog article, we break down the three most important things every retiree needs to take note of with regards to Medicare – BEFORE making a final decision.

What are the minimum eligibility criteria to NOT have to pay excessive premiums for Medicare?

Generally speaking, Medicare is available for people age 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. 

Remember that Medicare has two parts, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medicare Insurance). 

Retirees are eligible for premium-free Part A if they are age 65 or older and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for a minimum of 10 years. You can get Part A at age 65 without having to pay premiums permitted you adhere to the following criteria:

• You are receiving retirement benefits from Social Security.
• You are receiving retirement benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board.
• You are eligible to receive Social Security or Railroad benefits but you have not yet filed for them.
• You or your spouse had Medicare-covered government employment.

2. What if I’m younger than 65 and took an earlier retirement package, do I still qualify?

In short, yes. If you are under age 65 and you opted for early retirement, you can get Part A (Hospital Insurance) without having to pay premiums if:

• You have been entitled to Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits for 24 months. (Note: If you have Lou Gehrig’s disease, your Medicare benefits begin the first month you get disability benefits.)
• You are a kidney dialysis or kidney transplant patient.

It’s important to note that while most people do not have to pay a premium for Part A, everyone must pay for Part B (Medicare Insurance) if they want it. This monthly premium is deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Civil Service Retirement check. If you do not get any of these payments, Medicare sends you a bill for your Part B premium every 3 months.

3. Will my prescription drugs be covered by Medicare in full?

Mostly. Since January 1, 2006, everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage has had access to prescription drug coverage.

Most Medicare drug plans (Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans with prescription drug coverage) have their own list of what drugs are covered, called a formulary. Plans include both brand-name prescription drugs and generic drug coverage. The formulary includes at least 2 drugs in the most commonly prescribed categories and classes.

The formulary might not include your specific drug. However, in most cases, a similar drug should be available. If you or your prescriber (your doctor or other health care provider who’s legally allowed to write prescriptions) believes none of the drugs on your plan’s formulary will work for your condition, you can ask for an exception.

It is also worth noting that your plan may raise the copayment or coinsurance you pay for a particular drug when the manufacturer raises their price, or when a plan starts to offer a generic form of a drug, but you keep taking the brand name drug.

If you would like to explore more about Medicare and senior insurance, you can reach out to Innovative Broker Partners. As part of our trusted coalition here at Senior Resource Connectors, they will be able to guide you on the next best steps for your new journey. Alternatively, get in touch with our clinical concierge at no cost to you for the best referral within our trusted network of companies.

Our mission at Senior Resource Connectors is to provide Arizona seniors and their loved ones easy access to the most trusted and highly professional resources for care as they encounter the many physical and emotional challenges that come with aging today.

Hello baby boomers!  This month’s blog is dedicated to you. Why? Because it could help make your life less stressful and much more peaceful by understanding the importance of an aging plan – for you and possibly the senior loved one you’re supporting in some way right now.

Its fascinating that most of our boomer peers have a retirement plan detailed down to the penny, along with a perfectly timed exit strategy.  Trust and estate plans are buttoned up and good to go too.

Medicare and long-term health insurance? They’re on it.  But when we ask our family and friends this question, “What’s your aging plan?” we get almost no response. Crickets. That deer in headlights kind of look.  Or we get this answer. A lot. 

“Well, I’m not going to live in an assisted living facility. That’s for sure!” Or, “I’ll just hire someone to take care of me. No problem.” 

But, as we know, life doesn’t always work out that way. A health crisis hits us out of the blue. An elderly person falls and breaks a hip. Dementia seeps in over time. Cancer comes back. These are scenarios we see play out every day. And that’s why you need an aging plan to be better prepared to navigate through these challenges.  It’s all about finding a network of trusted resources, people, and services seniors and those taking care of them need as they age. From medical care to downsizing a home and transitioning to an assisted living setting.  Finding an advocate to help you navigate the health care system.  Researching legal advice for insurance coverage and other changing medical needs.  It can be an overwhelming and stressful process.

That’s one of the reasons Senior Resource Connectors was created.  We’re a resource networking platform designed to provide the appropriate resources to help baby boomers on the cusp of your “next chapter” of aging. And we’re here to help adult children dealing with issues related to aging parents as well.

Senior Resource Connectors co-founder Kevin Craig experienced this firsthand.  

So, we want to share his story with all of you.  See if you can relate.  

“My sister and I didn’t plan on caring for our mother when she was in her late 80s. So, therein lies the problem – we didn’t have a plan. We’re your typical adult children caring for an elderly parent. If you also have an elderly parent, this story may sound very familiar. 

We were fortunate to be raised in a nuclear family by two loving parents. I clearly remember my mother speaking to me when I was about 10 years old and asking me to please have patience with her when she was old. Fifty-plus years ago I was very confused by this request. Why would I not have patience? Today, her request makes perfect sense and continually echoes in my head as we struggle to make decisions that affect her, and our own quality of life. 

Nine years ago, our mother successfully battled two forms of cancer at the same time. Our father was a great caregiver for Mom. He was, and always will be, my favorite superhero. Shortly after our mothers’ recovery from multiple surgeries and radiation therapy, our father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. My sister and I instantaneously became our mother’s care givers. 

Our father was a planner. He planned for their golden years with a solid financial strategy and left Mom financially secure. He had their affairs securely in a trust, and he even purchased his and her burial plots. The only detail he apparently didn’t consider was an aging plan. Our father was not negligent. An aging plan is clearly a contingency that is often overlooked. We never considered where Mom would live when she was no longer independent. Who will administer her medication when she can’t recall if she’s taken her meds or not? Who will take her to doctor’s appointments when she can no longer drive? Who will take notes at the doctor’s office when mom’s comprehension and memory are fading? Who will shop for her when she is no longer able to walk without assistance? And who will prepare her meals and take care of a myriad of other daily requests? 

We’ve learned that not having a plan for these things means that we figure things out as we go. This equates to a lot of complex scheduling and an extra helping of stress. Who needs more stress these days? I now think back to that conversation fifty years ago regarding patience and Mom’s words suddenly become prophetic. I also flashback to wise advice from my father who told me. “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail’. Please take some free advice from two typical adult children – establish an aging plan for your parents before it’s needed. Your parents will have a higher quality of life and so will the rest of the family.” – Kevin Craig Co- Founder Senior Resource Connectors.

Kevin’s story resonates with what so many baby boomers are experiencing today with their elderly parents. May his story inspire all of you to reflect on your next steps—designing your own aging plan.  And remember, Senior Resource Connectors is here for you every step of the way.