What Are The 7 Stages Of Frontotemporal Dementia
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

What Are The Final Stages Of FTD?

Frontotemporal dementia results from damage to neurons located in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Also referred to as frontotemporal disorders (FTD), symptoms of this disease include unusual behaviors, as well as emotional issues. Let’s look at the stages of this disease.

The 7 Stages Of Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia, like most forms of dementia, will ultimately progress slowly. According to NIA.NIH.gov, this disease often affects individuals aged 40-60.

Stage 1. No Symptoms

Stage one will see the individual exhibit no symptoms whatsoever.

  • During stage one, the disease has not progressed to the point where any changes are noticeable.
  • Individuals will present themselves as completely healthy and normal, at this time.

Stage 2. Mild Symptoms

Mild symptoms will pop up during the second stage of this disease. Most dementia patients will experience memory problems as the first sign of the disease. However, this is not the case with frontotemporal dementia.

  • Patients may experience some slight changes in both social interactions and overall personality.
  • Symptoms are still very subtle during this stage.
  • A diagnosis may even be missed during stage two.
  • Some symptoms could simply be classified as stress.

Stage 3. Some Cognitive Issues

This stage is where cognitive issues are generally noticed by friends and family.

  • Changes can include declining social skills and use of language.
  • Functional and working memory will also begin to decline.
  • Obsessive behaviors can occur at this stage of the disease.
  • Symptoms displayed during stage three typically alarm loved ones.

Stage 4. Visible Symptoms

There is clearly something wrong with the individual at this point in time. Previously unrecognized signs are now obvious.

  • The individual will have trouble with normal, everyday interactions.
  • Language skills continue to decline.
  • A diagnosis made at this point could still be considered an ‘early onset’ diagnosis.
  • It’s possible some treatments could be provided to the individual, which may not work during later stages.

Stage 5. Full-Time Care Needed

This stage is typically considered the disease’s mid-point. The individual will ultimately need round-the-clock care at this point.

  • Language will be on a severe decline.
  • Poor social skills.
  • The individual may not react appropriately to most situations.
  • The disease really starts to accelerate during stage five.

Stage 6. Severe Cognitive Problems

Loss of bodily control, cognitive issues, and a decline in judgement will all occur during this stage.

  • Poor impulse control is another symptom experienced, which calls for the 24/7 caretaking.
  • Pronunciations issues will persist.
  • Individuals may try to completely isolate themselves.

Stage 7. Final Stage

The final stage is, unfortunately, the most difficult stage for the individual and loved ones.

  • Individuals will become withdrawn and struggle to communicate.
  • Assistance will be needed for every task.
  • Motor and verbal abilities will disappear.
  • Refusal to cooperate is quite common at this point.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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Causes Of Vertigo In Elderly
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Written by Brian B

Causes Of Vertigo In Elderly

Dizziness is not only frustrating, but it can also be quite dangerous, especially for elderly citizens. From muscle changes to standard vertigo, there are several common causes of dizziness. Let’s look at these causes below and how to treat them.

What Causes Vertigo In The Elderly?

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness in elderly citizens today. This phenomenon also affects a portion of younger adults. BPPV is created when the tiny crystals in your inner ear become dislodged from their natural position.

This can ultimately result in a brief but intense vertigo sensation. Individuals may feel a spinning of their surroundings when moving their head or body. Spells of BPPV-induced dizziness are generally quite short, but they can be quite uncomfortable, to say the least.

Symptoms can include feeling lightheaded, nausea, or falling if standing up. Of course, these spells can be dangerous depending on the position an individual is in.

Dizziness From Spinal Degeneration

BPPV is undoubtedly the most common cause of dizziness in the elderly. A progressive degeneration of the spine is the second-most common cause of dizziness at an advanced age. Spinal degeneration is a fairly natural result of aging or age-related arthritis, resulting in limited mobility in the neck and head.

This sensation typically sends messages to the brain regarding the positioning of your head. These messages are oftentimes false, leading to a disoriented or dizzy sensation. Imbalance and falls can occur, at this time.

Other Causes Of Dizziness In The Elderly

There can be a few other causes of dizziness than BPPV or spinal degeneration. Abnormal blood pressure is quite common, which can lead to hypotension, postural, or orthostatic. Quick dizzy spells can happen when individuals are standing up. Unfortunately, even some medications can cause dizziness or interact with other medications and lead to dizziness.

Some unrelated mental health concerns have been linked to dizziness, as well. Anxiety has been known to cause elderly citizens to become dizzy.

Conclusion

Senior citizens should spend their time with family and friends; not worrying about vertigo or dizzy spells. While there are several different causes of dizziness, most are treatable. If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, it’s best to reach out to your doctor right away.

Retirement In Youngtown, Arizona

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!

Senior Living
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Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible?

Today, the IRS does acknowledge that assisted living expenses can be a serious financial burden for individuals and their loved ones. That’s why current tax laws do allow eligible individuals to deduct a portion of these costs on their taxes. Let’s take a detailed look at these tax deductions and who is eligible for the breaks.

What Is Assisted Loving?

Many see assisted living as being the best of both worlds. A resident is allowed to have as much independence as they want while also knowing that personal support and care services are there if they are needed. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with assistance with basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, grooming and much more.

There are some states that let assisted living provide medication reminders or assistance. These communities are much different from a nursing home because they do not provide any complex medical services.

These communities range from a single residence to be a single care level in a continuing care retirement community. The whole physical environment of assisted living is quite appealing to both the families and potential residents. These communities are able to offer a home like atmosphere with apartments that include either a one bedroom or studio model. The kitchenettes will normally have a microwave and small refrigerator.

Are Assisted Living Costs Tax Deductible?

Yes, some assisted living expenses are tax deductible, but it will depend on whether the provided services qualify as medical care outlined by IRS guidelines.

If the medical care expenses ultimately exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) and are itemized, the costs may be eligible for tax deductions. This means a senior with an AGI of $50,000 in the past year can claim a deduction for the amount of medical care costs that exceed $3,750.

Which Assisted Living Costs Qualify For Tax Deductions?

It’s important to note that only the portion of assisted living expenses that are directly related to medical care are eligible for deductions.

Costs related to room and board may not be eligible for deductions unless the individual is receiving substantial medical care as part of their assisted living residency. Typically, the IRS defines a qualifying dependent as either a parent, grandparent, mother or father in-law, or a stepparent.

Common Assisted Living Costs That May Be Written Off

Medical costs usually account for a portion of the monthly fees at both assisted living and memory care communities. In a few cases, seniors can deduct their entire monthly fee, while other residents may only qualify for a few specific deductions.

General health expenses, such as health club fees and vitamins, are not deductible. However, many professional medical costs will be eligible.

Here are some typical expenses that can be written off:

  • Health insurance premiums.
  • Prescription drugs, which includes insulin.
  • Travel expenses related to medical care.
  • Meals and lodging during a hospital stay.
  • Nursing services.
  • Dental costs.
  • Assisted living entrance fees when directly related to medical care.

Retirement In Youngtown, Arizona

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!

Assisted Living
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Retirement Bucket List
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

75 Retirement Bucket List Ideas

If you’re dreaming of retirement, it might be a good time to start jotting down some bucket list ideas. Think about everything you want to do when it comes to goals, travel and exploration. Use our examples below to begin building out your ultimate bucket list!

Retirement Bucket List Ideas

Lots of retirees choose to make a bucket list as they head into their golden years. Now is the time to think about what you want to accomplish over the course of your remaining years. Of course, there is no right or wrong way to create a bucket list, these are simply some common items that retirees write down.

Travel Bucket List

❒ Visit all seven wonders of the world.

❒ Take a long train or road trip.

❒ Go on an Alaskan cruise.

❒ Check out the northern lights.

❒ Visit your ancestors’ country.

❒ Take a European cruise.

❒ Visit the strip in Las Vegas.

❒ Go to the Grand Canyon.

❒ Take a safari in Africa.

❒ Visit every national park.

❒ Visit Machu Pichu.

❒ Take a ride on the London Eye.

❒ See the cherry blossoms in Japan.

❒ Go island hopping in Greece.

❒ See Niagara Falls.

❒ Revisit the location of your honeymoon.

❒ Travel to every state in the country.

Hobby Bucket List

❒ Golf on a regular basis.

❒ Learn a new language.

❒ Take dancing lessons.

❒ Take cooking classes.

❒ Start doing yoga or Tai Chi.

❒ Plant your own vegetable garden.

❒ Start playing pickle ball.

❒ Join a badminton league.

❒ Learn to play a musical instrument.

❒ Start some new family traditions.

❒ Choose a new creative passion.

❒ Get your pilots license.

❒ Buy an RV.

❒ Take up bird watching.

Fun Bucket List Ideas

❒ Learn to read fortunes.

❒ Try to set a goofy Guinness World Record.

❒ Go axe throwing.

❒ Travel to the Bermuda Triangle.

❒ Play paint ball.

❒ Audition for a reality TV show.

❒ Sing karaoke.

❒ Get on stage for an open mic night.

Bucket List Beach Date

Bucket List Adventures

❒ Fly in a helicopter.

❒ Run a marathon.

❒ Swim with the dolphins.

❒ Climb a mountain.

❒ Do a polar bear plunge.

❒ Ride a horse on the beach.

❒ Get a tattoo.

❒ Get hypnotized on stage.

❒ Try out white water rafting.

❒ Take an unplanned plane ride.

❒ Ride in a hot air balloon.

Luxury Bucket List Ideas

❒ Fly first class.

❒ Go on a luxury cruise.

❒ Get a penthouse suite in a big city.

❒ Get courtside tickets to an NBA game.

❒ Attend a film premiere.

❒ Stay at a luxurious island resort.

❒ Go to a fashion show.

Bucket List Foods

❒ Try sushi in Japan.

❒ Eat New York City pizza in the big apple.

❒ Explore Thailand’s street markets.

❒ Brew your own beer at home.

❒ Tour a vineyard in the French countryside.

❒ Try tapas in Barcelona.

❒ Cook your catch after fishing.

❒ Stomp grapes to make wine.

❒ Extract honey from a beehive.

❒ Eat the hottest pepper you can find.

Legacy Bucket List Ideas

❒ Write a book.

❒ Make your family tree.

❒ Make a retirement bucket list video.

❒ Update your will(s).

❒ Make scrapbooks of all family photos.

❒ Create a cookbook filled with family recipes.

❒ Renew your wedding vows.

❒ Host a yearly family reunion.

Seniors Doing Bucket List Activities

Retirement In Youngtown, Arizona

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!

Retirement
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Regular Post
Written by Brian B

40 Alzheimers Quotes

Alzheimers Quotes

As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “It’s not the years in life that count – it’s the life in the years.” Here are some of the best Alzheimer’s support quotes.

Positive And Emotional Alzheimer’s Quotes

1. “Never let the things you cannot do prevent you from doing the things you can.” – John Wooden

2. “The most precious memories are the ones we hold in our hearts.” – Sharon Griffin

3. “If you want to avoid Alzheimer’s disease, sleep eight hours a night.” – Deepak Chopra

4. “Alzheimer’s doesn’t erase the person you were; it just makes it harder to remember.” – Gerald Everette

5. “The best way to remember someone with Alzheimer’s is to never forget them.” – Rianne Lee

6. “Alzheimer’s may take away the past, but it can never touch the love that remains.” – Miranda Blake

7. “I have Alzheimer’s, but it doesn’t have my spirit.” – Vernice Johnson

8. “In the end, you tried and you cared and sometimes that is enough.” – Anthea Yang

9. “Caregiving is a constant learning experience.” – Vivian Frazier

10. “Be helpful. When you see someone without a smile, give them yours.” – Zig Ziglar

11. “Even though helpful medication exists, there’s still no cure and we have to keep fighting to find one.” – Sally Noelle

12. “Dementia does not rob someone of their dignity. It’s our reaction to them that does.” – Teepa Snow

13. “They may not be able to remember who we are, but they feel us just the same.” – Amanda Dillon

14. “Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” – Betty Friedan

15. “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – John Bunyan

16. “Though those with Alzheimer’s may forget us, we as a society must remember them.” – Scott Kirshenbaum

17. “The closest thing to being cared for is to care for someone else.” – Carson McCullers

18. “It’s not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing.” – Mother Teresa

19. “The capacity to care is the thing which gives life its deepest significance.” – Pablo Casals

20. “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” – Ollie Grace Moore

21. “Alzheimer’s is like a thief in the night, stealing memories and dreams one by one.” – Shane Boler

22. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

23. “Hope is being able to see there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu

24. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

25. “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” – Andy Rooney

26. “One person caring for another represents life’s greatest value.” – Jim Rohn

27. “Doctors diagnose, nurses heal and caregivers make sense of it all.” – Brett H. Lewis

28. “The measure of life isn’t its duration, but its donation.” – Peter Marshall

29. “At best we will be able to halt the disease. Prevention will be much more important.” – Michel Goedert

30. “Care is a state in which something does matter; it is the source of human tenderness.” – Rollo May

31. “Never give up hope. If you do, you’ll be dead already.” – Peggi Spears

32. “We have to start teaching ourselves to not be afraid.” – William Faulkner

33. “There’s just so much scientifically that we don’t know, and we can know.” – Miles D. White

34. “The soul of a person with Alzheimer’s may forget, but their spirit never will.” – Grace Noyes

35. “People with Alzheimer’s deserve to be seen, so that we can find a cure.” – Julianne Moore

36. “Alzheimer’s caregivers are heroes.” – Leeza Gibbons

37. “Struggle is a sign that you’re alive, that you’re human, and that you’re trying.” – Zander Blancher

38. “We do not have to be defined by our illness. We are much more than our symptoms.” – Dr. Brent Shaefer

39. “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

40. “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.” – Thomas Edison

More Aging Quotes:

Aging Gracefully

Aging Quotes

Support Quotes

Alzheimers Disease Quotes

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at (623) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

Senior Living
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Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Does Medicare Pay For Wheelchairs?

Does-Medicare-Cover-Wheelchairs

Medicare.gov states that Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover power-operated vehicles, which includes scooters and manual wheelchairs, when prescribed for at-home use by a doctor. However, you must meet face-to-face with a doctor or other treating provider and receive a prescription before Medicare will pay for the wheelchair.

Original Medicare Costs

If your supplier accepts the assignment, you will likely be responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount. The Part B deductible applies here, as Medicare will pay for different types of durable medical equipment (DME) in some different ways.

For example, buying or renting the equipment will undoubtedly impact how much coverage will be provided by Medicare. Medicare only covers medical equipment if both your doctor and medical supplier are currently enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers must always meet strict standards in order to stay enrolled in this program. No coverage will be provided if neither are currently enrolled.

Always make sure to know ahead of time if your doctor and supplier are enrolled in Medicare. Participating suppliers must meet assignment, which means they can only charge a patient for coinsurance and the Part B deductible for the exact amount that’s been approved by Medicare. This essentially means there is no limit on what suppliers are able to charge a patient when they are not enrolled in Medicare.

Medicare Approvals And Denials

In September of 2018, it was ruled that all patients must receive “prior authorization” for different kinds of power wheelchairs. Currently, there are 40 types of wheelchairs that require this approval – check out the full list right here. Prior authorization is needed before Medicare will approve covering the cost of the wheelchair.

DME suppliers need to do the following before receiving approval:

  • Request prior authorization ahead of time.
  • Submit said request and other required documentation to Medicare.

The patient generally does not have to do anything at this point of the process. The supplier is responsible for all the work detailed above. The specific DME supplier will need to send the request for authorization, including all documentation to Medicare on the patient’s behalf. Medicare will then review the request to ensure the patient is eligible for coverage.

Ultimately, coverage could be denied due to the following reasons:

  • Medicare says that you do not need a power wheelchair.
  • Medicare did not receive sufficient documentation.

Average Wheelchair Costs

Manual, transport, and electric are the three main types of wheelchairs. Costs for these wheelchairs can range all the way from $90-$9,000, depending on the type. Prices vary based on model, with the transport being the least expensive version.

Here are some average costs associated with wheelchairs today:

  • Average Transport Wheelchair Cost: $955.
  • Average Manual Wheelchair Cost: $1,400.
  • Average Electric Wheelchair Cost: $3,750.

*Please note these are cost estimates according to Braunability. 

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at (623) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

Senior Living
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Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Assisted Living Vs Skilled Nursing

Assisted Living Vs Skilled Nursing

Many people may be wondering what the differences are between skilled nursing and assisted living. Let’s take a closer look at these senior care levels below.

What Is Assisted Living?

Many see assisted living as being the best of both worlds. A resident is allowed to have as much independence as they want while also knowing that personal support and care services are there if they are needed. Assisted living communities have been designed in order to provide a person with assistance with basic daily living activities like dressing, bathing, grooming and much more.

There are some states that let assisted living provide medication reminders or assistance. These communities are much different from a nursing home because they do not provide any complex medical services.

These communities range from a single residence to be a single care level in a continuing care retirement community. The whole physical environment of assisted living is quite appealing to both the families and potential residents. These communities are able to offer a home like atmosphere with apartments that include either a one bedroom or studio model. The kitchenettes will normally have a microwave and small refrigerator.

Assisted Living Benefits

Below are a few of the many benefits associated with assisted living communities.

Lower Stress Levels For Your Loved One

Assisted living helps lover stress levels in your loved one and improves the quality of life for all involved. Seniors can enjoy their independence while receiving the care and help they require while the loved ones families no longer have concerns about fulfilling their loved one’s needs. One benefit to assisted living surroundings is that they permit seniors who may have physical issues or the early onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia to live a moderately independent way of life. The facility will usually have on-site medical care, but it will not be there 24/7. An assisted living facility will offer a care level that is suitable for seniors who do not need full-time care, but may require assistance with their meds, eating or food preparation, and other day to day activities.

Contentment And Your Loved Ones Protection

Members of the family will no longer will be concerned about their loved one getting used, falling down, getting lost because of wandering, not eating a healthy diet or taking the incorrect medication. The living facility will take every means they have to ensure your loved ones are continually safe and protected.

The Social Life Of Your Loved One

It’s not that surprising for seniors to start to become lonely as they get up in age. Loneliness in seniors may lead to a lot of complications, ranging from poor health or bouts of depression, problems being active and more. In the assisted living facility, the residents belong to a part of a supportive, loving, and caring community. Your loved one will surrounded by seniors their own age and have numerous opportunities to socialize and take joy in the company of other seniors.

Increased Activity For Your Loved One

It’s very important that we stay active as we age. Assisted living seniors are offered a bunch of indoor activities as well as outdoor activities from strolling in the courtyard, to gardening, or picnics. Some assisted living communities will offer their residents transportation, so they can go on excursions, go to the corner market or visit the doctor’s office.

Healthier Diet

Greatly cooked meals and nutrition are essential for today’s seniors. Award-winning chefs make appetizing meals that also fulfills your loved ones dietary needs and individual preferences of each of their seniors.

Assistance In Day-to-Day Duties

It’s very essential for seniors to have their independence, but also have the assistance they need. Assisted living communities provide their residents with help, only when needed, with daily living undertakings, such as dressing, preparing meals and eating or laundry duties.

What Is Skilled Nursing?

Skilled nursing facilities come with 24/7 nursing care for individuals who require specialized medical care or daily therapy sessions. While sometimes temporary, a skilled nursing community can be compared to a long-term stay at the hospital.

Skilled nursing care will often be provided for short-term stays that follow hospitalizations, surgery, injury, or other health-related issues. During temporary stays, the care will be focused on providing rehabilitative services to help individuals return to their previously independent lifestyles.

For some individuals, a skilled nursing community can become their long-term home. These residents will receive the necessary assistance and medical care they need. This medically-intensive care will be provided by professionally licensed individuals. Typically, residents have complex medical situations with many needs like respiratory therapy or wound care.

Differences Between Assisted Living And Skilled Nursing

Memory care or assisted living communities can feature specialized care for people suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Patients living at these facilities will have structured activities throughout the day to keep them on a routine, which often lessens stress levels. These activities will focus on cognitive stimulation, targeting memory difficulties.

When it is no longer possible for an individual to live at home safely, it’s important to consider the differences between these living situations. Here is a quick look at some comparisons between assisted living and skilled nursing arrangements:

Assisted Living Communities Skilled Nursing Communities 
Living accommodations can be compared to apartments, being either private or semiprivate. Living accommodations more closely resemble a hospital-like situation.
Housekeeping services are typically included at no extra cost.  Housekeeping and laundry services will be provided in these communities.
Caregivers are available around the clock or other care can be arranged through a third party. Caregivers are available around the clock or other care can be arranged through a third party.
Medical personnel will either be on-site or on call.  Physicians are on-site or on call 24/7.
Three meals are served per day or can be prepared by a resident in their own apartment.  Three meals are served per day in a communal dining area.
A schedule of daily activities will be provided.  Less strenuous activities are provided daily.
Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments and errands are provided. Typically, transportation is provided to and from doctor’s appointments.
Private pay is generally responsible for the majority of costs. Medicare and Medicaid may be covered. Medical services will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most long-term insurance policies.

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at (623) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

Assisted Living
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Life Expectancy After Fall In Elderly
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Life Expectancy After Fall In Elderly

More than 1 in 4 senior citizens fall each year, sometimes resulting in serious injuries. In the year 2018 alone, seniors reported almost 36 million falls, with 8.4 million resulting in injuries. Sadly, over 32,000 seniors pass away every year due to falling-related injuries.

At-home falls are one of leading causes of injury among senior citizens. At a certain point, it will be ideal to make some safety updates to your home. Many dangers can exist in the home like basement stairs, porch steps, and other obstacles that make it hard to navigate.

Aging adults who have lost a bit of balance may be at a higher risk of tripping and falling at home.

How Do Falls Cause Death In The Elderly?

Things like advanced age, pre-existing medical conditions, and frailty can contribute to long recovery processes after a fall. Ground-level falls, which seem quite innocent, can actually cause serious injuries for the elderly. One study concluded that older adults are three times more likely to die after a low-level fall than those individuals under the age of 70.

Another recent study collected by the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control concluded that nearly half of fall-related deaths among people aged 65 and above involved an injury to the head. Even with less severe injuries that do not involve the head, prognosis and treatment is still quite difficult with the elderly.

Hospitalizations always come with some risks. Even when an elderly adult survives a fall and receives medical care, longer recovery time at the hospital could result in discharge to a long-term care facility. Longer hospital stays can increase vulnerability to diseases like pneumonia, for example.

Consequences Of Elderly Falls

The seriousness of a fall will depend on the nature of the accident. For instance, the way an individual falls could be the difference between a broken hip or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The most common fall-related injuries are soft tissue injuries and fractured bones.

Unfortunately, even minor trauma can lead to a hospitalization for seniors. It’s possible seniors may never regain their level of functionality after the fall.

Retirement In Youngtown, Arizona

There isn’t a more appropriately named setting for this lively community than Youngtown! Monthly rent at Ventana Winds includes three well balanced meals plus snacks, 24-hour staff, and a daily tidying of your apartment. The offerings don’t end there! Personal laundry is done weekly, transportation is provided for appointments or shopping, a 24/7 emergency call system is in place, as well as a full slate of exciting activities. Check out all of Ventana Winds’ offerings today!

Senior Living
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Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

How Much Does Medicare Pay For Assisted Living Facility?

What financing options do Medicare, Medicaid, and others provide for assisted living residents? Let’s take a look below.

What Is Assisted Living?

An assisted living facility is one in which its residents largely lead their lives independently. They do get a little assistance for needs that differ from person to person, possibly with mobility, meal planning, transportation, hygiene or medication. You might be ready for assisted living if it is becoming hard or dangerous for you to go up and down the stairs at home or if driving is starting to get risky.

Assisted living can be in a residential-type neighborhood or large building. Some facilities allow pets and can also consist of laundry as part of the rent or for an extra fee.

Assisted Living Coverage Options

Cost is always one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing the right assisted living community for your loved one. Prices for assisted living care will depend on floorplans, services, amenities, accommodations, and location. As you carefully select the type of care you’d prefer, you must know how the expenses will be covered if Medicare helps with any of the costs.

Medicare Coverage For Assisted Living

Typically, Medicare will not extend coverage for long-term or assisted living care. There are certain situations where Medicare covers qualified healthcare costs at these communities. Medicare is generally used to cover the costs of home healthcare that’s provided by skilled nursing facilities.

Medicaid For Assisted Living

In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System pays for care-related services for state residents living in assisted living communities. The System, however, will not pay for room and board. Assisted living residents will be responsible for different basic living costs depending on their coverage and location.

Other Financing Options For Assisted Living

There are some assisted living communities in Arizona that offer private funding options for residents. If an individual happens to have long-term care insurance, this will cover a portion of the costs associated with assisted living.

In most cases, assisted living residents pay for care out-of-pocket. They fund these services by selling assets like homes or other valuable properties. There is a wide variety of resources and ways that seniors pay for assisted living care.

How To Pay For Assisted Living

Assisted living is paid using private funds but there are some exceptions. There may be insurance policies that will cover assisted living. Check the insurance policy to see if it will be covered.

If the resident is a military veteran or is the veteran’s spouse, they may qualify for veteran’s benefits which will pay for the community. In some states, Medicaid waivers and funds can be used to help cover assisted living.

About Ventana Winds

Ventana Winds Retirement Community is a member of SLS Communities and offers Assisted Living and Memory Care services In Youngtown, Arizona.

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Written by Brian B

Why Do Dementia Patients Sleep So Much?

Why Do Dementia Patients Sleep So Much

Oversleeping is quite common for individuals suffering from dementia. This is a direct result of brain damage that occurs during the late stages of this disease.

Why Do People With Dementia Sleep So Much?

Oversleeping is a quite common symptom found in the later stages of dementia. Healthy sleeping patterns are important for everyone, so try to keep track of how often your loved one may be sleeping.

As dementia progresses, brain damage can become excessive and undoubtedly take a toll on one’s health. Individuals with dementia will feel weak and frail as time goes on. Executive function will change in the frontal lobe of the brain. The result may appear to be a lack of motivation or overall sluggishness. Easy tasks, such as talking or standing up, can feel exhausting for someone with dementia.

Individuals with dementia may also experience some dramatic changes in their sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. This will ultimately work against sleep quality. Your brain’s internal clock will always notify you when to be alert and when to sleep. Individuals with dementia often have impaired brain cells when it comes to sleep cycles. This may result in sleeping excessively during day hours but less at night.

What Are The Stages Of Dementia?

Dementia is broken down into seven stages, including the following symptoms:

Stage 1 Symptoms:

  • There will be no noticeable symptoms during the earliest stage of dementia.

Stage 2 Symptoms:

  • Some difficulty finding the right words.
  • Normal functioning.
  • Ability to overcome memory issues.

Stage 3 Symptoms:

  • Forgetfulness.
  • Difficulty paying attention.
  • Trouble finding words and/or names.
  • Money management issues.
  • Problems at the workplace.

Stage 4 Symptoms:

  • Making mistakes while driving.
  • Problem solving issues.
  • Problems with routine tasks.
  • More money management problems.
  • Forgetting familiar names/items.
  • Forgetting where things have been placed.

Stage 5 Symptoms:

  • Mood swings.
  • Personality changes.
  • Gaps in memory.
  • Assistance needed when eating and using the bathroom.
  • Bladder problems.

Stage 6 Symptoms:

  • Changing eating habits.
  • Getting lost and confused.
  • Delusions.
  • Lack of awareness.
  • Bladder problems increasing.
  • Strong personality changes and mood swings.
  • Trouble speaking.

Stage 7 Symptoms:

  • No ability to eat, swallow or speak.
  • Loss of muscle control.
  • Constantly disoriented.
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control.
  • Cannot use bathroom without assistance.

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at (623) 624-4406 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.

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