BEACON - Long-Term Care (August 2012)

Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Produced by the Beacon’s Advertising Team

New elder care technology helps seniors age in placepage 15

3 myths of senior livingpage 9

Are you responsible for Mom’s nursing

home costs?page 10

Photo courtesy of Hilltop

Your Guide to Senior Housing & Long Term Care

Long-Term Care

2 long-term care www.BeaconSeniorNews.com August 2012

Paonia Care and Rehabilitation Center, a Grace Healthcare Facil-

ity, is a licensed 60 bed skilled nurs-ing and rehabilitation center rurally located on the Western Slope of Colo-rado in the beautiful town of Paonia. We are a faith-based organization and believe that in every situation, we must choose to do the right thing for all of our stakeholders, residents and local community.

Being nestled in the North Fork Val-ley, a rural area, we are surrounded by the magnificent West Elk Moun-tains of the great Rocky Mountains. We are more than a mile high city, as our altitude is close to 5,700 feet above sea level. Our community of about 1,700 people is diversified with citizens who are in coal min-ing, ranching and fruit farms. We are also an area where many folks come to retire. We serve other rural com-munities such as Hotchkiss, Crawford and Somerset that are in close prox-imity to us.

Paonia Care and Rehabilitation Center serves our residents’ needs.

We are committed to the elderly and maintain their involvement in our community.

We provide services of skilled nursing, post acute rehabilitation, traditional long-term care, hospice, comfort care, and respite stays to the North Fork Valley and surround-ing areas. Our therapy services are available seven days a week. We have partnered with Genesis Rehab Services, who provide for multiple diagnoses, such as cardiac rehab, orthopedic rehab, stroke modalities, pain management, diathermy and ultrasound therapy.

We encourage our staff to memo-rize our mission statement and emu-late the culture of caring from the heart whenever they provide services to our residents. This statement is provided to all of our staff upon hire with the expectation that the pre-cept of graceful living is adopted into their skill set.

To contact Paonia Care and Rehabil-itation Center, call 527-4837, or visit www.paoniacareandrehab.com. ■

Graceful living at Paonia Care and Rehab

Tough DecisionsCaring Solutions

970-254-1233www.jeaseniorliving.com • 622 281/4 Road •Grand Junction, CO 81506

Aspen Ridge understandsand was designed to meetthe special needs of those

with memory loss.

“Mom was alwaysthere for me when Ineeded her and nowthat she needs more

care than I canmanage, I’m glad to

know Aspen Ridge isthere to help”

A Secured Assisted Living Home

By Gail Hansen, Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is a 56 bed secured

assisted living home offering special-ized programming and services for persons afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

At Aspen Ridge, we understand that caring for a loved one with Al-zheimer’s disease, or a related mem-ory loss is a difficult and challenging experience. We also understand that the decision to place a loved one in the care of others is perhaps the most difficult decision you will ever make.

Our special care center is designed, and our staff is selected and trained to help ease the minds of the families and friends of our residents.

Our philosophy of care is focused on the knowledge that to provide the care and support our residents need, we must know and understand de-mentia and the ever changing impact

it has on their ability to understand the world. We must also know each resident’s unique life story in order to create moments that are meaning-ful to them. We strive to provide a warm, caring and supportive envi-ronment where our residents can ex-perience daily routines and familiar faces. Our programs are designed to add meaning and value to their lives and to help them feel secure in their environment.

Our philosophy of care is simple: To care for each resident with dignity and respect and to join with you in honoring them.

As a community service, Aspen Ridge offers a support group at 1:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Anyone caring for a person with dementia at home or in another facility is welcome to attend.

For more information about Aspen Ridge or our support group, please call 254-1233. ■

Creating meaningful moments

August 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com long-term care 3

By Cloie Sandlin

Are you worried about living safely and independently at home? Do

you need to make modifications to your home, but can’t afford it? There may be help.

Housing Resources of Western Colorado’s Housing Rehabilitation program provides low and moderate-income homeown-ers the means to repair and up-grade their homes through a low to no interest loan program. Improve-ments and repairs can be made to plumbing, elec-trical, windows, roofing, handicap accessible modifi-cations, foundation and siding.

“The program usually has a wait-ing list,” Program Coordinator Jani Hunter said. “But we’re having a hard time finding eligi-ble people because we have to secure the deed of trust. To do that, they must have equity in their home.”

Annette Benoit is a senior that enlist-ed the program’s help last summer.

“It was hard for me to get around at home,” Benoit said. “I was concerned about safety and like many seniors, I want to stay in my home longer.”

Once approved for the program, Hunter came to inspect Benoit’s home for needed repairs and brought together a pool of contractors for her to choose from.

Help to stay in your homeHunter oversaw the entire process.

Doorways were widened and loose transition boards were replaced. They installed a sliding screen door leading to the patio, and a handicap accessible shower and grab bars in the bathroom. The patio in the back-yard was made of rickety wooden boards, which were replaced

with concrete. “When you get to

be my age, its hard to tell who’s trust-worthy,” Benoit said. “It’s nice to have someone see the whole process through.”

The loans taken out to pay for the project are secured by a promissory note and deed of trust. Loan interest rates range from 0-3 percent.

“They give you a reasonable price to pay each month,” Benoit said. “They really work with your budget.”

Payments are based on what the client can pay, not the amount of money they bor-row. Payments, interest rates and terms can be rene-gotiated if the in-come of the client changes. All loans must be paid in full when the property is sold, given away, or inherited.

“It’s an excellent program for seniors,” Benoit said. “There’s something special about staying at home.”

To see if you qualify for the Hous-ing Rehabilitation program, call Hunter at 773-9739. ■

Benoit couldn’t get in her tub without slip-ping, so Housing Resources installed a handicap accessible shower with grab bars.

The low to no interest loan program made Benoit’s home upgrades affordable.

www.housingresourceswc.org

Contact Jani Hunter for program details

773-9739524 30 Road, #3

GRand Junction, co 81504

As you age your needs change. Now we can help your house

change with you

Replace youR old Roof

install new windows

add handicap accessibility

Our Housing Rehabilitation program provides low and moderate income homeowners the means to repair and upgrade their homes through a low to no-interest loan program. Housing Resources makes the loans, secured by a promissory note and deed of trust. Our specialists will:

• Secure bids for your project.• Help you choose a qualified contractor.• Help with all inspections, and provide assistance with the paperwork.

Eligible home improvement activities include, but are not limited to:

• Remove old shingles and install new roofing materials.• Replace old leaky windows with high efficiency dual pane windows.• Handicap accessible modifications.


Sometimes, nursing facilitiesseem like the only options for care.Visiting Angels® non-medicalhomecare services allow yourloved ones to continue living at homewhile receiving personal quality care!

Care From Two Hours a Week up to 24-Hours-a-DayMeal Preparation - Errands/Shopping - Hygiene Assistance

Light Housekeeping - Respite Care for FamiliesRewarding Companionship

Select Your Caregiver

PET FRIENDLY!

WE CARE EVERY DAY…IN EVERY WAY

970-254-8888

By John Lichty, Western Interior Builders

Admit it, you’re getting older. We all are. If you’re like most people

of a certain age, you own your own home and you’ve been living in it for several years. The features that im-pressed you when you bought your home—fresh paint and carpeting, new appliances, a sparkling bath-room—are starting to look a little worn. Maybe you’ve reached the age when your bathroom is difficult or even dangerous for you to use. What do you do?

Western Interior Builders provides the solutions you need. Rich Heintz and his employees are Aging in Place (CAPS) and ADA Special Needs certified to create safe, comfortable bathrooms that will not only meet your needs, but also your dreams. They provide complete solutions, from consultation and design to fine finishes and follow-up, all to ensure

that you are completely satisfied.Using the concept of Universal

Design, Heintz and his designer give your new bathroom a state-of-the-art look, with features like curbless showers, nontransitional floors and wider doors, while accommodating your special needs. You get a bath-room design to be proud of, not an institutional one that looks like it came out of an assisted living facil-ity. You also get greater resale value when the time eventually comes to sell your home.

If you’re considering staying in your home well into your golden years, then you owe yourself the comfort and safety of a newly rede-signed bathroom. Give Heintz a call at 201-8059 or visit www.WesternIn-teriorBuilders.com. Coming soon, he will be launching the Western Slope’s only bathroom showroom. Look for announcements in upcoming issues of the BEACON. ■

Building better bathrooms

There are angels on earthAngel Marge’s client has outlived

her beloved pets, so Marge brings her own pets with her. The special trip home between clients is worth every drop of gasoline and moment of time to bring joy to her client.

Angel Joan’s clients live in a retire-ment apartment and miss creamy mashed potatoes, so Joan makes them at her home and brings them some.

Angel Debbie sat beside her client’s bed and read scripture to comfort her as the end neared.

Angel Shannon continued to visit her client at St. Mary’s (without pay) until she was released.

Angel Sandy’s client was a music teacher, so Sandy plays her clarinet for her.

In the fall, our angels take their clients to the Mesa to see the beauti-ful colors.

Director Tom visits all of our clients

who have been placed into a long-term care facility.

Director Debbie bakes homemade goodies and delivers them hot and fresh to her clients, providing a pleas-ant opportunity for management oversight.

These seem like small actions, but to our clients it really is the little things that make the difference. As a smaller company, we have the luxury of choosing one out of every 30 appli-cants interviewed.

All of our angels are experienced and able to provide for your needs, from simple housekeeping to end of life care so you won’t have to change angels as your needs change.

Visiting Angels is licensed, bonded and insured, and all angels have passed professional background checks and drug screenings.

Call Visiting Angels at 254-8888 for your free in-home assessment or even just for advice. ■

Don’t you deserve the bathroom of your dreams?


There are currently 43.5 million Americans caring for a relative

over the age of 50, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. Many of these caregiv-ers are over the age of 50 themselves. Approxi-mately 10,000 baby boom-ers hit the age of 65 each day, be-coming both caregivers and those in need of care. As people continue to live longer than ever, experts predict this could be the first generation that cares for its parents as long as it cared for its children.

The good news is that there are more senior care options available than ever before. However, navigat-ing these choices can be confus-ing, stressful and time consuming. A situation that is further complicated as families often wait until they are faced with a health crisis or other major change before seek-ing services or help. Hilltop’s Home Care recognized a need in the community for help navigating the aging process, both from the fam-ily’s and the senior’s perspective. Geriat-ric Care Managers have become an indispensible and critical first step in helping people face the complex issues of aging.

Geriatric Care Managers are experi-enced problem solvers. They provide in-depth assessments, home safety

evaluations, service coordination, and ongoing monitoring for seniors and their caregivers. Care Manag-ers are adept at building personal

relationships with clients, and finding solutions that meet the needs and desires of those they serve. Often the concerns of family members and caregivers may seem to contradict

the wishes of their loved ones, result-ing in emotional conflicts. In these cases, the Geriatric Care Manager has the ability to act as a neutral third party, circumventing the emotions involved to arrive at a solution that

works for everyone.Building trust

and relationships is key for Geriatric Care Managers. The relationship can be short-term or long-term, but the goal is always to meet the needs of the senior and their caregiv-ers. Care Managers will evaluate all available services in the community and make unbiased recommendations. These recommen-dations will also reflect the full range of senior life options, includ-ing independent,

home care, medical and senior living communities. Geriatric Care Manag-ers can also play a valuable role in monitoring the ongoing needs of seniors when their family members live outside the area.

Geriatric Care Managers provide critical assistance in navigating the aging process

Geriatric Care Managers often work with clients who are choosing to age at home or who are in the care of family members. This provides unique challenges and opportunities that affect both the seniors and their caregivers. To meet these needs, Hill-top Home Care has developed a full range of services that allow seniors to remain safe and independent in their own homes.

Companionship services can offer seniors the extra support they need while providing their caregivers with the flexibility and personal time they need. These services include provid-ing conversation, monitoring of diet and eating, playing games, going for walks and reading. For those needing personal care, services include as-sistance with grooming and bathing, incontinence care, transfer help, and medication reminders.

Hilltop Home Care also offers

L O C A L L Y O W N E D A N D O P E R A T E D B Y H I L L T O P

Our Geriatric Care Managers have become an indispensable and criticalfirst step in helping people face the complex issues of aging. They provide in-depth assessments, home safety evaluations, service coordination, and ongoing monitoring for seniors and their caregivers.Care Managers are adept at building personal relationships with clientsand can even serve as a neutral third party in situations where thewishes of the client seem to contradict the concerns of a family member.

Other unique non-medical home care services available including: Personal care. Companionship services. Downsizing and relocation.Handyman services. Housekeeping. Home electronics and computer. All caregivers are screened and insured.

We Can Help with the Hard Conversations

MEDICAL &

NON-MEDICAL

CARE

Helping you navigate the complex

issues of aging at home

(970) 208-1345 www.HilltopHomeCareGJ.org

a unique variety of home helper services, including downsizing and relocation assistance, escorts for shopping and errands, meal prepara-tion, laundry, housekeeping, pet care, handyman services, home electronics and computer assistance, and more. In addition, Hilltop Home Care offers traditional medical services including skilled care staff, wound care, post-hospitalization and post-surgical care, in-home therapies, chronic disease management, and medication management.

As the number of seniors and their caregivers grow, it is reassuring to know there is a wide range of quality care options available, and a Geriatric Care Manager can help you navigate your choices. For more information on Geriatric Care Managers and Hill-top Home Care, call 208-1345 or visit www.HilltopHomeCareGj.org. ■


By Cheryl Currier

Crossroads Senior Living of Delta and Rifle is assisted living with a

home-like, family atmosphere. Currently, 22 residents share their

lives with the caring staff at Cross-roads Senior Living of Rifle.

“We are so small that we have a family feel about [living here],” Cross-roads at Rifle’s Executive Director Sandra Coe said. “When we sit down at lunch, we all sit down together. We have families (of residents) come in and hang out. It’s a very comfort-able, easy and relaxed kind of atmo-sphere.”

About half of the families who choose Crossroads Senior Living find out about them through their web-site, www.crossroadsalc.org. These families are sometimes from out of town and are looking for a living option in western Colorado, where their older family members live. An-other third of the people know about Crossroads because they live or have

lived in the communities of Rifle, Silt and New Castle. Crossroads has been in Rifle for almost 13 years.

“If the family lives here, they will be looking for a place to move Mom or Dad that is close by,” Coe said. “We have a resident who just moved here from Sitka, Alaska. You can imagine what trying to deal with her care was like when they lived in Rifle and Mom lived in Alaska.”

Three main issues drive the deci-sion to seek assisted living. The first is medical management. Most elders are on medication of some kind, and family members will notice that they are not taking their medicine or might be overdosing. Many staff members at Crossroads are Qualified Medical Administrative Personnel, which is a professional designation received after training and testing. Staff members are trained to assist residents with taking their medica-tion. Residents also receive assistance with setting medical appointments

At Crossroads, you’re with family

S e n i o r L i v i n g

and transportation to and from doc-tor appointments.

The second issue is meals. Seniors might not be cooking at all, living on candy bars, or they might have a medical condition, such as diabetes, that requires dietary attention. At Crossroads Senior Living, three meals are served daily in a beautiful din-ing room. The food is planned and prepared with the needs of residents in mind. Each room also has a small refrigerator to keep favorite snacks and drinks.

The third issue is socialization. “Even if socialization might not

have been as important in their ear-lier lives, socialization is an impor-tant part of cognitive and emotional health as people age,” Coe said.

Crossroads provides a full slate of activi-ties including stretch-ing classes, outings into the community, movies, Wii bowling, regular musical enter-tainment and several options for spiritual involvement. An ex-

tremely popular activity is Bingo. “We play Bingo three times a

week,” Coe said. “We tried to cut it down to twice a week, but that only lasted a month.”

Crossroads of Delta is a spacious 49 bed facility. For seniors who do not require assistance, Crossroads at Delta offers 16 two bedroom inde-pendent living homes. Both Rifle and Delta facilities also offer senior daycare and respite services after an interview and assessment.

At Crossroads, elders receive the love and assistance they need in a friendly atmosphere. To find out more about Crossroads, visit www.crossroadsalc.org, or call Rifle at 625-4343 or Delta at 874-1421. ■

Irma Lee Shimpf


“At the rate that technology is growing in this industry, I feel

that someday the blind will be able to drive!” said Shelley Clennin, man-aging partner for Grand Junction’s Mobility Auto Center.

The facts are clearly on Clennin’s side. Scientists are working on just that and the technological advance-ments in patient mobility have been astounding in recent years.

If you have not seen the new rear entry, side entry or converted full size vans equipped with wheelchair lifts as of late, you owe it to yourself or your loved one to stop by Mobility Auto Center at 215 S. 15th St. There, you will be able to have their experienced staff show you the numerous mobility options available with today’s improved technology.

“We’re constantly being re-certified by the manufacturers on how to properly install and service the new equipment coming out,” Technician Manager Dennis Lopas said.

Of course, it’s one thing to have the technology available, but quite another to be able to afford it. There too, advancements have been made.

“I have taken this to heart and do everything that I can to find various funding resources that are available to help my clients get what they need,” Clennin said.

Recently, Clennin was able to get the McGranahan family a much needed wheelchair lift. This mobility van was provided with financial help from Mesa Developmental Services.

“Now we can travel in air condi-tioning,” a happy Lori McGranahan said. For years, Butch McGranahan has lifted his disabled son, Jared, in and out of their non-air conditioned truck and placed his son’s heavy

Don’t lose your auto independence and freedom due to age or injury

wheelchair into the truck’s bed, a process that was neither quick, nor easy. Not only is their new van air-conditioned, but more importantly, it’s wheelchair accessible.

“When I was 12 years old, I went to live with my grandparents,” Clennin said. “My grandpa had several strokes that left him increasingly unable to move around. It was such a struggle to get him in and out of the house, or to the doctor’s office. Even assisting him to bathe was a challenge. I know what it’s like to be a caregiver.”

The memory of that experi-ence serves Clennin well when meeting with her clients.

“Through the Mediquip side of our business, we’re able to help clients with a wide range of independent transportation

needs,” Clennin said. “We can install external or internal equipment lifts, hand controls, patient transfer seats, safety tie downs systems, wheelchair locking devices and many more options for your safe driving needs. If we can’t find a solution for the client’s challenges ourselves, then we know someone who can.”

Equipment periodically requires maintenance and sometimes repairs. That’s why it’s important to deal with a local company who knows you and your vehicle.

“Dennis (certified lead technician) has a sterling reputation with over 38 years of experience,” Clennin said. “Even if someone didn’t buy their equipment from us, we can help maintain or repair it.”

For more information, contact Mediquip at 243-9977 or contact Mobility Auto Center and speak to their vehicle sales team at 243-7552. You can also visit them on the web at www.yourmobilityfreedom.com. ■

MOBILITY AUTO CENTER, LLC MEDIQUIP, LLC 215 South 15th Street, Ste A 215 South 15th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 Grand Junction, CO 81501 970.243.7552 970.243.9977

Regain your freedom, come explore your options at

www.yourmobilityfreedom.com

When you want your freedom come see:

FREE prizes!FREE FOOD!

Bump ‘n Jump for

the kids!

1st annual celebration

Mobility SaturdayAugust 11th

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Enter to win a wheelchair van!215 S. 15th St.

Grand JunctionCall 243-7552 for more information

Enter to win a three wheeled scooter


By Tamara Vliek, St. Mary’s Senior Companion Program Coordinator

I have the pleasure of having a job where I can not only see, but also

experience the impact St. Mary’s Senior Companion Program has on people’s lives. One day, a new volun-teer, Richard, and I set out to meet with Bob and Joan, a couple well into their 80s. We were greeted at the door with smiles as we walked into their dining room to become better acquainted and complete paperwork for the volunteer assistance match.

Bob and Joan were farmers in Col-lbran for 45 plus years. They talked with delight about raising their chil-dren on the farm and what a wonder-ful life they had. But now, the aging process has caught up with them and neither of them drives any longer. Their two daughters, who live lo-cally, both have careers and families of their own, which makes it difficult for them to assist their parents during the week. Many of our clients have no family in town.

Joan is currently experiencing the blessing of having a Senior Compan-ion volunteer. She was matched with one several months ago. She thought her husband would benefit greatly from having someone to chat with and run errands together. Bob and the volunteer hit it off right away. The two began talking about Bob’s new woodworking hobby, as Bob got up from the table and returned with a beautiful wood stained step stool he made. He beamed with pride and even more so when the volunteer told Bob that perhaps it was some-thing they could do together. Bob grinned from ear to ear.

As our conversation continued, I looked over at Joan and saw her eyes tear up. I didn’t know if she had aller-gies, or perhaps a cold. As I got ready to leave and let the three continue their conversation over tea, Joan fol-lowed me and walked me to the door.

As I turned to offer her a gentle

touch on her shoulder, she embraced me and began to cry.

“Thank you so much for what you do,” she said. “I don’t know what Bob and I would do without people like you and Richard. We would just be stuck here in the house.”

As we hugged one another, I told her it was our pleasure to be able to serve her and Bob.

“It’s what we love doing,” I said. “You don’t know the impact of

someone coming over and saying ‘What would you like to do today?’ has on my life,” Joan said. “My daugh-ters are great, but they often take me places that they think I need to go, not where I want to go. My volunteer helps me fulfill that. She’s more than a companion to me, she’s my friend and I love her.”

I’ve always known this program was special. I have had several encounters with people who have utilized our services for the past six years. But for some reason, those simple words, “What would you like to do today?” were even more impactful on this day with Bob and Joan. Perhaps it’s because I know that I’m able to jump in my car and go anywhere at anytime, without even thinking about it. But I pause for a moment to realize how much we take for granted by being able to do such simple tasks. For someone with vision loss, Parkinson’s disease or for someone who is taking medications, it’s not so easy.

Or maybe it’s having aging parents of my own, who I know someday will have to give up driving. I hope and pray there is a program like ours in their community to offer them a chance to keep their independence, and make new friendships and connections.

If you are interested in becoming a Senior Companion, or you or some-one you know could benefit from having one, call Tamara at 263-9092. ■

151 East 3rd Street, Palisade, CO 81526(970) 464-7500

PalisadesLiving Center

Sub-acute care ▪ 24-hour skilled nursing ▪ rehabilitation ▪ Long-term care▪ Dementia care ▪ Hospice and Respite care ▪ Secured Alzheimer’s unit ▪

Senior Companion Program: What would you like to do today?


By Dwayne J. Clark

It’s difficult to overcome stereo-types of senior living communi-

ties. Despite the fact that the level of available care and amenities, and the choice and type of facilities, have evolved significantly over the past several decades, people still tend to think of senior housing as the “old folks’ homes” of the past: antiseptic, white-walled, linoleum-lined institu-tions with cold nurses, hot tempera-tures, and nasty food. It’s no wonder then that the majority of people con-tinue to buy into three myths about senior living institutions that are not only flat-out wrong, but can actually be detrimental to the well-being of their aging loved ones. The three myths of senior living communities are:

Myth #1: All senior housing options are the same. The reality is that today’s senior living industry is similar to the hotel industry, with a range of choices for every lifestyle, need and budget. You can find low-end chains that offer only the very basic in care and amenities, similar to a Motel 6. There are family-run opera-tions, set up in residential homes, not unlike bed and breakfasts, and then there are high-end luxury options, comparable to a Four Seasons ho-tel. Too often, family members and seniors avoid even considering senior living options out of fear of the unknown and a misunderstanding of what present-day senior communities are all about. They are, unfortunately, relying on outdated childhood memo-ries of when a grandparent or a great aunt went off to a nursing home and never came back.

Myth #2: Entering a senior living community actually hastens the end of someone’s life. Assuming that a senior is better off “aging at home” can result in unnecessary suf-fering and even tragedy. Many seniors who could benefit from just a little added care are often found living alone, far away from family, largely

Three myths of senior living communitiesisolated and devoid of much human interaction, and typically at high risk of physical falls, malnourishment, and depression. These seniors are perfect candidates for an assisted living community because once they are living in a place where they have access to medical care, personal assis-tance, medication management, good nutrition, opportunities for mental and physical activity, and a chance to make friends and socialize, they truly thrive. In fact, several new studies show that not only does a move to an assisted living community not hasten a resident’s demise, but it can actu-ally ensure a greater quantity and a better quality of life.

At many senior living communi-ties there are residents who have renewed their childhood hobbies, or taken up new ones like writ-ing, painting or billiards. There are residents who always have a dinner or coffee companion. They can enjoy on-site book groups and religious ser-vices. They can play checkers or Wii. Residents often enjoy unexpected romances and in some cases, marriag-es. Family members, freed from the worry and guilt of seeing their loved ones in less-than-ideal circumstances, tend to visit more often, strengthen-ing long-worn family ties through new opportunities for quality time and stress-free activities.

Myth #3: Only the very wealthy, and the very poor, can afford to live in a senior living community. The fact is that retirement and as-sisted living communities have been consciously created by senior hous-ing developers to be very affordable for middle-class consumers.

The cost of assisted living needs to be carefully compared with the total cost of living at home. Ongo-ing expenses of seniors staying in their houses might include rent or mortgage payments; property taxes and homeowners insurance; utili-ties, such as electricity, heating oil or propane, water, trash pickup, cable, phone and Internet service; home

970-249-2438

maintenance costs, including lawn care, snow removal, tree care; rou-tine and major repairs to the home (and appliances and other needed home equipment like an air condi-tioner or furnace); car maintenance; and food and cleaning supplies.

Additionally, as a parent or sibling ages, there are likely to be new costs including outside help with laundry, housekeeping, home upkeep and meal preparation; real-time monitor-ing devices and medical equipment; home health care; and transportation for medical appointments and other necessities. Those expenses, when taken in their entirety, are likely to be almost as much as or equal to the flat-fee monthly cost of an assisted living community. Most people are surprised when they realize that not only can their parents afford to live at one of these communities, but they actually have leftover funds.

Some seniors, of course, won’t have quite enough monthly income to pay the total or to pay for incidentals, and will have to begin to tap their financial assets, whether that means selling their home, pulling funds out of an IRA or 401K or beginning to pay down their life savings. In other cases, children or siblings will help pay for the difference. There are other options as well. Couples can

share a unit, making for a discounted overall rate. Many communities offer smaller studio apartments and two residents can share a two-bedroom suite, which helps cut the monthly cost.

What most aging seniors need is some oversight by professionals who understand their unique needs. They need to be treated with kindness and dignity like any other person, whether they’re still sharp or are prone to forgetfulness, and whether they remain physically strong or are in need of a walker. Seniors will find all of that in abundance at today’s retirement and assisted living com-munities. For new residents, living away from the life they’ve always known is an adjustment, but more often than not, they quickly realize that it’s a change for the better. Their family members and other loved ones soon realize that the three myths about senior living communities are just that.

Dwayne J. Clark is the founder and CEO of Aegis Living, currently with 28 senior living communities in Washington, California, and Nevada, and the author of “My Mother, My Son.” Visit him online at www.mymothermyson.com. ■


By Eileen Doherty, Colorado Gerontological Society

In May, a Pennsylvania court ruled that an adult son should pay HCR

ManorCare $93,000 for nursing home costs that were incurred while his mother was recovering from an auto accident. After a period of time follow-ing the accident, the mother left the nursing home and moved to Greece. The mother applied for Medicaid, which is still pending.

The Pennsylvania appeals court ruled in favor of HCR ManorCare under the state’s filial responsibility rule. While Colorado does not have such a rule, family members are often asked to guarantee payment when a loved one enters a nursing care or assisted living facility.

The average cost of care in a nursing care facility is about $200 per day and the cost of care in an assisted living fa-cility ranges from about $80 per day to more than $200 per day, depending on the level of care that is needed and the type of facility. Similarly, many individ-uals receive long-term care services in the home that are equally as expensive.

More than 50 percent of most state Medicaid budgets cover home care, as-sisted living, and nursing home care. As states consider the ever-increasing Med-icaid costs to pay for long-term care for seniors and disabled individuals, decisions are being made on new and creative ways to ensure payments.

As an adult child, how do you protect

yourself from being responsible for the high costs of long-term care? There are three possible alternatives.

First, if you are able to afford a long-term care insurance policy, you may want to consider buying a policy to supplement the amount of money that your parent can contribute to daily costs of home care, assisted living, and/or nursing home care. Your parent will have to meet underwriting criteria.

A second alternative is to exercise fiduciary responsibility in applying for Medicaid in a timely manner based on the parent’s health condition and financial resources. Colorado Medicaid applications can now be made online through the PEAK system and can take a shorter period of time to process than a paper application made to the county department of human services.

A third option is to sign all paper-work from the long-term care provid-ers with the name of the parent as the individual that is the guarantor of payments. Even if you are the power of attorney or the guardian, sign the legal documents with the ward as being the person responsible for their own bills. Spouses may find that under the mar-riage laws, they will still be responsible for costs incurred for long-term care.

While long-term care facilities are merely trying to protect their exposure and assure they will be paid for the care that is provided, Colorado does not have a filial law to force payments for the care of elders by family members. ■

Are you responsible for Mom’s nursing home costs?

If you need a walkerwe have many styles to

choose from!

Choices of color, size, seat, basket & accessoriesCome in and let us help you choose the right walker!-

Celebrating10 Years!


By Tait Trussell

At least 3.2 million people in this country will spend some time in

a nursing home this year.“Consumers must take a more ac-

tive role in pushing for higher quality care for family members and them-selves,” points out Mary Jane Koren, M.D., M.P.H. She is chair of Advanc-ing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes.

To help member nursing homes improve, the Advancing Excellence campaign through its website fur-nishes technical assistance, online resources and other materials for nursing home staff and consumers.

Half the nation’s nursing homes have joined Advancing Excellence. If interested, you can get a copy of the campaign’s new guide at www.nhqualitycampaign.org.

Here are key questions for a nursing home you may well want answered:1. What ongoing training is available to the staff? Continuing training helps staff learn new skills and meth-ods for improved care. It also can translate into increased job satisfac-tion. This creates stable staffing and higher quality care.2. How many caregivers should each patient have? A patient should have as few different caregivers as pos-sible. Strong bonds are often devel-oped between a patient and caregiver who consistently offer care for the resident. Consistent care assignments are important for all residents, but they are especially important for pa-tients with Alzheimer’s because they can easily become distressed when faced with someone unfamiliar.3. Is staff trained to handle special conditions, such as behavior of Alzheimer’s patients? They should understand that wandering and yell-ing are typical.4. What is your plan for pressure ul-cer (bedsore) prevention? The skin, as with other parts of the body, can fail over time. Residents who can’t move by themselves are likely to have pressure sores. Bedsores can develop on heels, hips, ankles,

elbows, shoulders, ears—wherever pressure is on the skin too long. Staff can prevent them when they inspect patients’ skin daily. Staff also should keep residents clean and dry from incontinence. Staff should make sure patients eat and drink nutritious food and fluids.5. How do you assess and treat residents’ pain? Pain can be difficult to measure. Staff should inquire about patients’ comfort and pain level daily. For someone with dementia, staff should watch for pain signs such as pacing or holding a body part, or grimacing.

6. How are medications handled? Residents often take several drugs. Some are prescribed. Some are over-the-counter, such as vitamins. The more medications, the more possibility of potentially dangerous interaction. Nursing home staff should continually assess the complications of these drugs. Addition of any new medication needs monitoring by the nursing staff. Staff should notice sleepiness or confusion that could be caused by medications.7. Are staff members familiar with your family member’s medical background as well as his or her preferences? Residents and family members should share as much information as possible with staff. If a resident likes to eat early or listen to the radio, staff should know this.8. How are suggestions from family members handled? Collaboration with staff should be sought. If issues continue to arise, alert the nursing home administration and attend the care-planning meetings to get more information.9. Does the nursing home have a long- range plan to improve care for every-one? How often are quality assurance meetings held? Does the nursing home have a specific plan to address potential problems? What issues are they currently working on?10. Does the facility have a consumer satisfaction survey? If so, ask to see it. A high satisfactory rating by residents and families often correlates with higher quality care. ■

Key questions to ask the nursing home


By Noël McDonnell, Professional Case Management

Buried in the south-west corner of the state is

a ghost town steeped richly in miner-als and memories. Uravan, Colorado was first estab-lished as a radium recovery plant, also known as the Joe Jr. Mill shortly after 1912. The mill was later converted for the purpose of vanadium extraction. Even the town’s name attests to its goals. Uravan comes from a mash up of the words uranium and vanadium.

As Colorado’s first uranium mine, Uravan played a major role in America’s defense dur-ing World War II, providing part of the uranium needed by the Manhattan Project for the first atomic bomb. The significance of this contribu-tion is often understated, but without uranium ore, which was mined and milled locally, America’s nuclear arsenal composition would likely be much different than it is today.

Uravan was established as a U.S. Vanadium Corporation company town in 1936 and most of the workers lived on site. Several key structures were added to expand the town including a post office, health clinic, schools, fire station, swimming pool, ten-nis courts and other ameni-ties for the residents, work-ers and families to enjoy. According to www.uravan.com, at one point, over 800 people lived in the immedi-ate vicinity. Uravan primly sat alongside the San Miguel River, and its waters were used to mill and process extracted ore.

The Uravan operation was even-tually shut down and a $70 million cleanup process began in 1986. Remediation included monumental undertakings such as disposing of radioactive tailings, filling in process-ing ponds, treating ground water,

Uravan celebrates historic milestonedismantling two mills and decon-structing all buildings, houses and signage. Everything that once was, is gone. Structures, materials and mine tailings were moved into a giant pit and then covered in cement and gravel. The area, though barren, still holds immense historic and emotion-al value for those in the region.

Since the town’s disassembly, former residents, workers and family members have gathered to celebrate the town’s history in an annual picnic. This year, people will honor Uravan’s 100th anniversary at the Uranium History Celebration and His-toric Picnic on Saturday, August 25. The picnic begins at 11 a.m. There will be historic displays, door prizes, food available for purchase, music and more at the old Uravan Ball Park, on Highway 141 at mile marker 74. The location is just 17 miles north-west on Highway 141 from Natu-rita. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Anyone who has an association with Uravan, or the uranium industry is encouraged to at-tend. In 2011, several hundred people came out to the picnic for the food, fun and festivities.

The 2012 celebration will be co-hosted by the Rimrockers Historical Society and Cold War Patriots. The Rimrockers, a local historical society, has hosted and organized the picnic for many years. People come from around and outside Colorado to attend.

Cold War Patriots is a nationwide nonprofit organization with over 6,500 members nationwide. Their mission is to connect former nuclear and uranium workers to information and resources they may need. They will provide information and give-aways at this year’s picnic.

The organizers are planning for several hundred attendees. The ven-ue is handicap accessible and there will be shade and seating provided under large tents. Door prizes will be given away hourly, freshly cooked barbecue and sides will be available

for purchase for $15 for adults and $5 for children. There is likely to be “yellow cake” served for dessert.

Attending the Uravan picnic is a surreal experience in a positive way. Although the town no longer exists, the memories and the role the town played in history will be recalled for generations. Come join the Rimrock-ers and Cold War Patriots to make some new memories of your own.

If you have any questions regard-ing the event, please contact the Rimrockers Historical Society at 865-2100. ■

COLOR A DODenver

Uravan

W yOm i ng

n e W m e x iC O

n e bR A sk A

Ok

utA

h

kA

ns

As

At one point, over 800 people lived in uravan’s vicinity.

hundreds attended the 2011 uravan picnic.

the town of uravan is buried under cement and gravel.

UraniUm History Celebration and Reunion

Picnic

Date: saturday, August 25 Time: starts at 11 a.m. Location: Old uravan ball Park, hwy 141, mile marker 74

Please RsVP to 865-2100 (Leave a message with number

attending)

Visit www.rimrockers.org for more information or prepay for your

meal via paypal.

become a member for fRee at www.coldwarpatriots.org


By Eva Veitch, Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America is commit-ted to providing the best pos-

sible care to the hundreds of people we serve every day. We are proud to announce that both of our long-term care facilities, Valley Manor Care Cen-ter and Horizons Care Center, now have nurse practitioners on staff. This program is another way to ensure that our long-term care residents and our rehabilitation patients receive the best possible care.

The nurse practitioners will review the plan of care for residents with their physician’s approval and get to know them. They will facilitate com-munication with the primary care physician and report any changes im-mediately. The addition of this level of care will enable us to expedite care in emergency situations and bet-ter manage acute and chronic illness in the facility. It is the same proac-tive approach to health care that has made Senior CommUnity Care, our PACE program, so successful. It is the next best thing to having a physician in the building and will greatly re-duce emergency room visits by being able to assess and manage medical is-sues in the environment the resident is comfortable with.

Another addition to our long-term care programs is WellAware. This

noninvasive monitoring system al-lows us to have an idea of what is going on with our residents without disturbing their sleep and individual routines. It is a motion monitoring system, only with no audio or visual. We have already had some wonderful “ahaa” moments that have greatly im-proved the quality of life for our resi-dents. The system helps us identify if a resident is restless and may be in pain, or in some cases, that they are able to reposition themselves during sleep and do not need to be wakened by staff for this purpose. It is another way to better individualize the care we provide and intervene quickly if things change. Our team is always searching for new technology and more effective ways to provide care. This, combined with a highly skilled compassionate staff, is what makes the difference to those we serve.

Another way we are improving care is the validation model of prac-tice for those who work with con-fused older adults. This model helps disoriented people reduce stress, enhance dignity and increase hap-piness. Volunteers of America is an Authorized Validation Organization.

If you have questions about these programs or any of our Volunteers of America services, contact Eva Veitch at 240-0139. ■

Committed to quality: Because it’s the right thing to do!

THE INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE.

L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D B Y H I L LT O P - M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E F O R P E O P L E O F A L L A G E S

ONEMONTHFREE RENT(See leasing agent for details)

Visit today for a tour and free lunch

(970) 434-2111TheCottagesGJ.org

INDEPENDENT LIVING Our single level patio homes offer privacy and luxury. The open living plans feature two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio and one car garage.

CAREFREE LIFESTYLE Enjoy the freedom of maintenance-freeliving with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawnmaintenance and a customized meal plan at our Commons or Fountainsdining rooms.

PEACE OF MIND Each residence includes a 24-hour emergency response system. Plus we offer a choice of flexible care options and services to meet your changing needs.

RETIREMENT LIVING

YOUR WAY


By Cheryl Currier

The phrase “age in place” refers to helping people stay in their

homes for as long as possible. This is far and above the most cost effec-tive and desired living situation for people as they age. However, con-cerns develop as capacities change. Several concerns that are addressed by new technology include health monitoring, communication and safety. There are both high tech and low tech solutions, and costs to some of the most common issues faced by families seeking the best possible aging in place scenarios for their loved ones.

We’ve all heard a story of some-one who had a health emergency, but was unable to get the help he or she needed, often with tragic results. There are several medical alert systems available that consist of a button transmitter and a moni-tor speaker. A person wears either a necklace or a bracelet with a button and pushes it if there is a medical emergency, initiating a call to a 24-hour phone service. The operator contacts the person over the monitor speaker to do an initial assessment. If the person does not respond, a call is immediately made to 911.

American Senior Safety Agency (www.seniorsafety.com) offers this service with no monthly contract and minimal equipment costs. Another service is offered by Lifeline (www.lifelinesys.com). Lifeline offers a more sophisticated device that moni-tors movement with multiple sensors and will automatically call 911, plus family members if the person is un-able to push the button transmitter as a result of a fall. Costs range from $25 to $60 per month.

Lower tech ideas include wearing a medical alert bracelet that has a phone number with 24-hour re-sponse. Emergency responders can call the number and get all of your

medical information, plus phone numbers for people whom you wish to be notified in case of a medical crisis. Contact www.medicalalert.org for more information. This service costs $45 a year.

An even lower tech option is the Vial of Life Program. The Grand Valley Fire District, located at 0124 Stone Quarry Road in Parachute, is

initiating this program in the Para-chute/Battlement Mesa

communities. A Vial of Life is a

4-by-9 inch clear plastic pouch that

attaches to your re-frigerator and contains

copies of your medi-cal information such as

primary care physician, allergies, previous surgeries, medica-tions and whom to notify in a medi-cal emergency. There are decals you post at the entrances of your home to notify emergency responders to look for the Vial of Life with your medical information on your refrigerator.

“This is a free service to the com-munity and we expect it will be extremely effective,” Anthony Rowe with the Grand Valley Fire District said. “It has great potential to save lives and help emergency personnel ensure people get the medical care they need as soon as possible. You can participate in the program by coming by the fire station and pick-ing up the materials.”

You can also go to www.vialoflife.com to learn more about the project or to print out a decal and medical form.

Communication is another area that is being heavily impacted by technology. Keeping the lines of communication open involves adjust-ing to changes in technology. The cell phone has certainly allowed a great deal of mobility in communicat-ing with friends and loved ones as well as generating certain levels of frustration with figuring out phone plans, features and purchasing a use-

Elder care technology helps seniors age in place

PEOPLE SUPPORTING PEOPLE

If you want more information,contact Sheri at 256-8612

MEANINGFUL & VALUABLEVOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

MDS is proud to offer licensed home care services.Certified staff who provide assistance with personal

care needs, household tasks and respite care.contact Sherry at 256-8680

TRUSTED CARE HOME SERVICES

Mesa Developmental Services950 Grand Ave. • Grand Junction

243-3702www.mesadev.org

LAWN & GARDEN SERVICES•Commercial Grounds Maintenance

• Residential Property• Landscaping

• Basic Lawn Service and Carecontact SPEC-TRA at 244-5530

ful telephone. There are cell phones available that are geared for seniors.

The Jitterbug (www.greatcall.com) has big buttons, a larger screen and a simplified menu as well as amplifica-tion that will make cell phone use much easier. Another area of com-munication is email. Presto makes an email machine for people who do not use a computer or the Internet. It al-lows a person to easily receive email (not send it) and color pictures. The machine costs $50, plus subscription to a monthly service, which costs $15 per month. The subscription opens a Presto email account and converts your messages into easy to read let-ters and automatically prints them.

Telekin (www.telekin.com) makes a personal computer geared toward seniors. Easy set-up, several avenues of tech support, and a touch screen take the intimidation factor out of using a personal computer. Telekin computers run on the Linux operat-

ing system, minimizing problems with viruses. Simplified email, web browsing, photo sharing and a video chat feature support social interac-tion without the frustration. Telekin computers start at $700.

Keeping the home as safe as possible is another concern. Several companies make automatic stove turn-off devices for electric stoves. These devices can increase cooking safety for people who still have good stove skills and judgment, but may forget occasionally. They come with a timer, a motion sensor and an automatic stove shut-off. These devices cost $300 to $400 and can be found at www.cookstop.com or www.homesensors.com.

Independent living is extremely important to seniors. Technology can help seniors stay in their homes longer and is helping people be pre-pared for medical emergencies, assist in communicating with loved ones, and ensure a safe and happy home. ■

We offer independent senior and family housing,home health services, in-patient and out-patient

rehabilitation, and assisted living.

Home Healthof Western Colorado

Skilled Nursing andTherapy Services(970) 240-0139

SeniorCommUnity MealsA community based

Meal Program(970) 835-8028

Senior CommUnityCare – PACE

A program for All-InclusiveCare for the Elderly

(970) 252-0522

The Homesteadat Montrose

Assisted Living, RespiteCare, Adult Day Program

(970) 252-9359

Meadowlark CourtMontrose, CO

970-252-8272

Centennial TowersMontrose, CO970-240-0110

Cimarron VillageMontrose, CO970-249-2010

Valley ManorCare Center

Skilled Nursing Care,Memory Care, Respite

Care(970) 249-9634

MontroseRehabilitation CenterInpatient/Outpatient

Rehabilitation(970) 249-9634

Horizons Healthcare& Retirement Community

Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care,Respite Care, Rehabilitation

(970) 835-3113

Grand ViewGrand Junction, CO

970-256-9904

Heavens ViewDelta, CO

970-874-5021

Family HousingPavilion Gardens

Montrose, CO970-249-1200

Senior Housing

BEACON - Long-Term Care (August 2012)

Documents

Transcript of BEACON - Long-Term Care (August 2012)