Medicare Watch Newsletter

Here is some interesting advise from the Medicare Watch Newsletter regarding a person's rights upon admission when a skilled nursing facility says that Original Medicare will not pay for your care will depend on whether the facility will agree to admit you anyway.

If the facility will NOT admit you because it believes that Medicare will NOT pay, you MUST find another facility.

If the facility will admit you but believes that you do not qualify for Medicare coverage, you do have the right to ask the facility to bill Medicare anyway. This is called DEMAND BILLING.

When the facility believes that Medicare will not cover your care because your health doesn't require the need for the skilled facility or you only need custodial care or non medical care, the facility must give you either a "Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice" or a form attached to a denial letter.

For more useful info go to
www.medicareinteractive.com

Medicare Counselor

The current Medicare Counselor is available at
http://www.medicarerights.org/pdf/thecounselor.pdf

This is a great newsletter filled with usable information. One of the issues discussed in this issue is regarding Home Health Care. The newsletter details what is covered and when.

Take a look!

Fall Prevention Tips

Tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

1. Make sure your home has good lighting and that light switches are easily accessible. Motion sensor lights are also a good idea.
2. Install grip bars. For example, put handrails in the bathtub and toilet areas.
3. Repair any loose carpet or boards in your home and secure any rugs.
4. Keep your furniture at a height that is not too low or too high. For example, make sure your bed is high enough so that you don’t have trouble getting in and out.
5. Always buy chairs and sofas that are easy to get up from.
6. Make sure your floors aren’t slippery. Use nonskid floor wax, slip-resistant rugs and nonskid adhesive textured strips. Clean up any spills right away.
7. Try to keep your home clutter-free

Foe more tips go to: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00123

Coping With Caregiving Radio Show

Please check out this internet radio show...Coping With Caregiving. Listen to the archived programs. It offers great advise and you can hear about some very interesting companies that are in business to help caregivers and seniors!
Of course, please listen to my archived interview from May 16th:

http://www.wsradio.com/internet-talk-radio.cfm/shows/Coping-with-Caregiving/archives/date/selected/05-16-2009.html

(You may need to copy and paste the above link)

Sleep Position To help Stiff Joints

Do you or your parents wake up with stiff and achy joints? Here are a couple of quick tips from RealAge.com to do before you fall asleep to help prevent that morning pain:

1. If you sleep on your back, place a small pillow under your knees.
2. If you sleep on your side, avoid tucking your neck and chin in the fetal position.
3. If you sleep on your stomach, put a pillow under one side of your body so your head and neck aren't strained.

Waiting List for Assisted Living

Do you know of a senior who can't move into the assisted living facility because they can't sell their house in these tough economic times? It can turn into an unsafe situation rather quickly but in home care can help. Home care agencies can come into their home for several hours a day or more if needed. The caregivers can do all of the tasks that the senior will get when they move into the assisted living facility.
Apple Care and Companion can come in and work on whatever schedule the senior needs until they can sell their house and move into the facility. Our caregivers will help with meal prep and cleanup, bathing and dressing, companionship, transportation, light housekeeping and more. Our caregivers can also help ease the transition of moving from their 30 year old home into the assisted living facility, which can be quite traumatic!
Don't wait to sell the house to get eldercare assistance...call us today!
www.AppleCareAndCompanion.com

Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Diet

10 Ways for Seniors to Improve Their Diet
10. Eat breakfast every day
9. Choose whole grains
8. Have 3 servings of calcium/Vit D daily
7. Grocery shop with a friend
6. Add herbs and spices
5. Remove skin from chicken and choose lean meats
4. Serve meals attractively
3. Have a variety of colors of veggies
2. Try new foods
AND
1. Eat meals with someone you enjoy!!!!

These are easy ways for seniors to improve their diet. If you are an adult child of a senior, encourage them to make a few changes. Eat healthy today, fell better tomorrow!