How To Choose The Right Residential Care For Your Loved One With Alzheimer’s Disease
Navigating Alzheimer’s disease with a loved one is a difficult journey, especially when that loved one can no longer live on their own. The decision to move your loved one into a residential care facility is not easy, but it is often the best way to ensure they receive the level of care they need. When the time comes for residential care, Liberty Senior Living and Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services have options for your loved one.
Independent or Assisted Living:
Liberty Senior Living provides both independent and assisted living options. Independent living is better for someone with early Alzheimer’s who can still care for themselves and live alone safely, but may have a difficult time managing an entire house. When a little more support is needed, assisted living bridges the gap between living independently and in a nursing home. Our Liberty Senior Living communities provide meals, housekeeping, medication management and recreational and social programs, allowing your loved one to live as independently as possible while receiving additional support. Some of our Liberty Senior Living communities also have specialized Dementia Care Programs and Memory Support Units with staff trained in memory care who can facilitate meaningful engagement and activities based on an individual’s preferences and strengths.
Nursing Home:
During the later stages of Alzheimer’s, it is usually best to transition your loved one to a nursing home. Our Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services’ skilled nursing facilities provide around-the-clock care that includes long-term medical treatment, nutritional meals and social activities. The stages of Alzheimer’s disease affect everyone differently. Our team carefully reviews each resident’s medical history to make sure Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is the best fit for their specific needs.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. Through each stage, Liberty Healthcare’s ability to provide a continuum of care services allows your loved one to easily transition as their level of care changes. Our team of dedicated caregivers is on standby to help you and your loved one through the challenges of this disease. Creating a plan early on can help ease the physical, emotional and financial burdens of caregiving. Early planning may also allow your loved one with Alzheimer’s to express their personal preferences for the future. To start creating that plan now, you can request a free consultation here or give us a call at 1-800-999-9883.
Pisgah Manor Achieves Five-Star Quality Rating
Pisgah Manor recently achieved a highly sought after Five-Star Quality Rating – the highest rating possible on the scale dictated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help potential residents, their families and caregivers compare skilled nursing facilities.
The quality rating is determined by three sources of information: health inspections, staffing and quality measures.
- Health Inspections: The health inspection rating uses the three most recent health inspections and any investigations due to complaints. Trained, objective inspectors visit each facility to determine if the facility meets Medicaid and Medicare’s minimum quality requirements.
- Staffing: The staffing rating is determined by the average number of hours staff provide care to each resident each day.
- Quality Measures: The quality measure rating involves 15 different physical and clinical measures for residents, offering details about how well facilities care for their residents’ physical and clinical needs.
Pisgah Manor’s Five-Star Quality Rating was achieved by a team whose goal is to continuously evaluate potential areas of improvement and growth to provide the highest quality of care to our residents.
Pisgah Manor is located in Candler, North Carolina just outside of Ashville and offers skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation and assisted living.
National Handwashing Awareness Week Highlights Best Practices During COVID-19
National Handwashing Awareness Week, observed the first full week in December, is a great reminder to practice certain techniques to make handwashing as effective as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of proper handwashing – a trend Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services hopes will continue in order to curb the spread of germs and viruses in the communities we serve.
Washing your hands keeps you healthy and prevents the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following these five steps every time you wash your hands:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
The CDC outlines the following key times to wash your hands to avoid spreading germs:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before and after eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
To prevent the spread of germs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC emphasizes the importance of washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or to use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol before and after the following actions:
- Touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Touching your mask
- Entering and leaving a public place
- Touching an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts or electronic cashier registers/screens
The Henry the Hand Foundation started the first National Handwashing Awareness Week in 1999. The non-profit dedicated to improving community health and wellness teaches people the role their hands play in the spread of infectious diseases through the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness:
- Wash your hand when they are dirty and before eating.
- DO NOT cough into your hands.
- DO NOT sneeze into your hands.
- Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.
While visiting loved ones during the holidays, especially those who are older and more at risk of contracting COVID-19 or another virus, handwashing is a simple and easy precaution we can all take to protect our family, friends and community.
Visitors at all of our Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation facilities have access to hand sanitizer throughout the facility and bathrooms to wash their hands. To learn more about the extra precautions Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services is taking to protect our residents, visitors and team members from COVID-19, visit our website.
How To Help Seniors Sell Their Home
Selling a home can be a stressful time for any homeowner. For seniors looking to sell their home, the process comes with a unique set of challenges and things to keep in mind. Whether a senior person is selling their home due to retirement, looking to downsize for easier upkeep, or because they are ready to move into an assisted living or senior community, there are unique obstacles to selling a home for this demographic.
Seniors make-up a unique demographic in the real estate market. In most cases seniors have lived in their homes for many years and the property may need updates or repairs. When a senior is preparing to sell their home, it is usually connected to a large life change or is sometimes urgent due to a change in situation like needing assisted or medical care, which can make the process of selling the home especially emotional.
The key thing to remember is that selling a home can take time, so it is best to be prepared and have a plan of action for when that time comes. For seniors who are looking to get their homes sold as soon as possible so that plans can move forward, being prepared can make the process smooth for the senior person and their families.
When thinking about selling a home, open houses, showings, and offers usually come to mind first. However, the process of selling a home for a senior begins long before the for sale sign goes up in front of the house.
Declutter As Soon As Possible
Oftentimes, Seniors have lived in their homes for many years and in that time they have accumulated clutter. The fuller a home is, the harder it can be for potential buyers to get a feel for the bones and space of the house. Homes with minimalist decor have a better chance of getting sold and perform better at open houses.
Work with Seniors and their family members to decide which items will be going with seniors to their new homes and what is to be sold or handed down to the family. Marking items with colorful sticky notes can help keep things clear for the Senior, and give a visual sense of where items are destined. If possible hold estate sales or garage sales early in the home selling process, so that as much excess can be removed from the house as possible.
If the home needs to sell quickly, moving clutter into a storage unit works well as a temporary plan, and gives the family and Senior more time to decide what to do with items.
Get A Trusted Real Estate Agent
Seniors should consider working with a trusted real estate agent over selling the home themselves or working with a less reputable agent. Talk to a friend or family member who can give a good recommendation and work with a real estate agent who knows the area. Remember that seniors are a demographic that may be taken advantage of.
The process of selling a home for seniors can be more complex and it’s important to work with an agent who may understand these nuances. Consider working with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a special designation that real estate agents can receive through a certification course that helps them meet the unique challenges of selling homes for people over 55.
Make Small Repairs & Improve Curb Appeal
For older homes that buyers may view as “outdated” it may not be necessary to do big remodeling projects in order to sell that home. Indeed, old homes may be more marketable to a certain target market of home buyers who are interested in having a more vintage or home with some history.
What can help is making small repairs like fixing a leaking pipe or patching up drywall. These small repairs can make a home seem like less of a “fixer upper” to potential home buyers. Little repairs can also make the home more marketable to the target buyer.
Ask a friend or family member to help with small repairs or work with a reputable company to tackle repair jobs. While this might make the initial cost of selling the home higher, it could result in a faster sale of the home rather than it sitting on the market for months.
Curb appeal also matters as it is the first interaction a potential buyer may have with the property. Hire a professional company to trim bushes, trees, and clean up the landscape. A major overhaul may not be necessary, simply making the area around the home, and the exterior clean and tidy can make the biggest difference. What may seem like a small change can make the home more marketable to buyers.
Emotionally Prepare
Selling a home at any time can be emotional. A home is a place where memories are made and is an intimate part of life. For seniors and their families, selling a home can be even more emotional as it is often tied to a major life change, like the senior retiring, downsizing, or is sometimes care or health related.
For seniors selling their homes, it is not only an emotional time for them but also their families who may have grown up in the home.
During the sales process, it’s important that seniors and their families be transparent with each other about why the home sale is happening as it can help to ease tensions. It’s also a wonderful time to relive happy memories and focus the reason that seniors are selling the home and what the future holds for the next phase of life.
Seniors making the decision to sell their home can signify a big change in life. No matter what the reason, making preparations as early as possible can help make this step go smoothly. For seniors who are in need of short or long term care connected with the decision to sell their home, Liberty Healthcare & Rehabilitation Services can help meet seniors wherever they are in the journey.
How to Plan for Your Aging Parent's Future
Your parents spent a great deal of time planning for your future, more than likely. They went above and beyond to make sure you were cared for, and now, it’s your time to do the same for them. Liberty Healthcare and Rehab, serving various areas throughout NC, has some tips to assist in the process.
Evaluate Your Parent’s Situation
Before you have a game plan for your loved one, you should look at their current situation. Does your loved one live alone? How close are you in the event of an emergency? What are the dimensions of your parent’s home? Is it small enough that they can easily care for it?
By answering these questions, you can get a better idea of your parent’s situation and determine if you should begin the search for nursing care in North Carolina for them.
Look at Your Parent’s Health
As you’re planning for your aging parent’s future, you should consider your parent’s health. Assess their mobility. Think about if they’re able to walk and get around their house easily. Evaluate how many falls they’ve had recently.
Take some time to evaluate your loved one’s health condition, both physically and cognitively. Determine whether the conditions are worsening or remaining the same.
If you notice that your loved one is falling more or struggling to maneuver around their home, it may be time to look into care. Additionally, nursing care in North Carolina could be an option if your loved one has worsening health conditions that require monitoring.
Factor in Your Situation
When you’re considering their future, look into options for them to stay at home. If the option of them staying with you seems impossible and there’s no one else to step in, you may need to consider a nursing care facility.
Have the Talk
Talk to your parents about how they feel about their current living situation and how they feel about downsizing their home, going to a care facility, living with a family member, or whatever their situation is. You don’t want your loved one to be resentful of you if you make decisions without their consent.
Review Your Parent’s Finances
While you’re in the planning process, make sure you know your loved one’s finances to determine which nursing home in NC is right for them. Take into consideration that some locations take insurance while others require you to pay out of pocket only.
Know Their Level of Care Needed
Different care levels for the elderly exist, such as assisted living and skilled care.
Assisted living is for patients that can benefit from assistance with specific everyday activities in a safe residential setting. This allows seniors to maintain their independence in a safe, supportive residential community.
Skilled care is for patients who require a bit more care, often only that a nurse can provide. Additionally, a person who qualifies for nursing care may have a serious medical condition that nurses can better manage.
Ultimately, you should have a general idea of the level of care your loved one requires based on their health. If you’re paying with insurance, it’s important to contact the provider to determine what level of care they’ll cover for your loved one and what needs to happen for them to qualify.
Legal, Financial and Medical Considerations
Before your loved one goes to any facility, it is important to make legal, financial and medical decisions. Making these decisions early, gives you the advantage of being prepared for the future and not having to worry about them, when other life circumstances are at play.
As you plan for your parents future, you need to keep your loved one’s interests and health in mind. Eldercare attorneys and financial planners can help families determine which documents are needed and how they should be completed.
Find a care home for your loved one with Liberty Healthcare and Rehab, serving various cities in North Carolina.
Four More Liberty Healthcare and Rehab Facilities Receive National Recognition
The Pavilion Health Center at Brightmore, Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center of Matthews, The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge and Yadkin Nursing Center are the proud recipients of Silver and Bronze National Quality Awards from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). These facilities are joining a growing list of Liberty Healthcare and Rehab facilities that have achieved this honor that shows their commitment to quality care.
Our AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award recipients now include:
Capital Nursing and Rehabilitation – Silver Award
Shoreland Health Care and Retirement Center – Silver Award
The Pavilion Health Center at Brightmore – Silver Award
Bradley Creek Health Center at Carolina Bay – Bronze Award
Elizabethtown Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center – Bronze Award
Golden Years Nursing Home – Bronze Award
Liberty Commons Rehabilitation Center – Bronze Award
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Alamance County – Bronze Award
Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Halifax County – Bronze Award
Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center of Matthews – Bronze Award
Three Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center – Bronze Award
The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge – Bronze Award
Yadkin Nursing Center – Bronze Award
The prestigious awards are part of a rigorous process that evaluates long-term and post-acute care providers against nationally recognized standards. The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is one of the most comprehensive performance assessments for providers to know where they stand based on the Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence.
Bronze recipients must demonstrate a groundwork for excellence by completing a self-assessment that outlays their organizational priorities and goals.
Silver recipients must outline their systematic approaches and demonstrate sustainable results linked to their key customer requirements, success factors and challenges.
Trained experts spend more than 100 hours reviewing each application. Applicants then receive an objective written assessment detailing their strengths and opportunities for improvement. The application process itself provides an opportunity for internal assessment and team building.
Paula Crawford and Tanya Rocquemore, pictured above, represented our Liberty Healthcare and Rehab awardees at the 72nd AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo just outside Washington, D.C. on October 12. James Krob, Jeff Wilson and Paul Babinski were also in attendance to celebrate this exciting achievement for Liberty Healthcare and Rehab.
Top 5 Tips to Help Aging Parents Without Taking Over
As parents age, they may require assistance with certain daily tasks like cooking, taking their correct medications, and making health decisions. This can be a difficult reality to face, especially when older parents fear losing their independence. Adult children just want to help their parents and ensure that they stay healthy, happy, and safe. While this seems fairly simple, parents may resist the help, even when they need it. The last thing you want to do is make them feel like they have lost their independence. Keep reading to learn 5 top tips for helping your aging parents without making them feel like you are taking over.
Tips to Help Your Aging Parent Without Taking Over
1. Let Your Parent Take the Lead
By allowing your aging parent to make the decisions about receiving help, this will likely make it easier to help your parent. Your parent will still feel like they are independent, which will help them maintain their home and health for as long as possible. This is a much better option than trying to take over everything for your parent. After all, they will likely resist any attempts for you to take over their personal life, which will not help them. The main goal should be to offer your help, so they can maintain their independence.
2. Let Your Parent Decide How and When You Help Them
It’s important to talk with your parent about what type of help they need. When they ask you about assistance with specific tasks, it’s a good idea to only help with what they have requested help with. This will help your parent feel like they are still in control.
For parents that find it difficult to ask for help, it can be challenging to offer your assistance without upsetting them. In these situations, a gentle reminder about helping out is a casual way to bring up the offer in everyday conversations. Your parent will not feel like they have to accept the offer, but will be comforted knowing that someone cares about them and their health.
Perhaps your parent would like assistance, but from a professional that isn’t related to them. This is a great time to help your parent find a suitable caregiver that can provide the care and support they need to maintain their independence. Indeed, your parent may be more comfortable with this option because they don’t want to negatively affect their relationship with you.
3. Always Be Respectful
Remember to always be respectful and understanding of your parent’s needs. Just like how you expect others to ask you about your preferences, your parent is the same way. While it can be challenging to offer help, your older parent will likely respond well to offers that help maintain their respect and dignity. It’s a good idea to approach the subject to help in a careful way that will convey your love and respect for your parent. If you push them too often on the subject, they may resist receiving help from you even more.
4. Establish Safety Nets
A great tip to help your aging parent is to establish safety nets for them. This includes a variety of options designed to help your parent maintain their independence while also receiving some assistance from outside resources. A medical alert system is an effective way to keep your loved one safe while also giving them a way to easily get help if they have an emergency like falling down. Another option is to use assistive devices that make it easier for your loved one to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). This may include shower benches, grab bars, and non-slip flooring that will increase their safety and prevent falls.
Additionally, your older parent may also benefit from visiting an occupational therapist. An OT has the skills, expertise, and resources to recommend tips and exercises that will help your parent maintain their independence with minimal assistance. While parents may be slow to accept changes, they will likely be motivated to make the changes when it allows them to be independent for as long as possible.
5. Prioritize Their Health and Wellness
If your parent has developed Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, they may not be aware that trying to follow their normal routine on their own is no longer safe. This can be a difficult thing to understand, especially if they have memory loss and/or poor judgement skills. No matter what health conditions they have, you must prioritize their health and well-being. It’s recommended that you take charge of their health when they can no longer safely do daily tasks without help. Your loved one may resist, but try not to take it personally. This is a difficult change for them, especially when they have a health condition that hinders their ability to live on their own without help.
We hope this week’s article was helpful as it discussed a few tips to assist your parents. You love and care about your loved ones, so it can be tricky to offer help without upsetting them. When they can no longer live safely alone, you may be feeling overwhelmed about what to do. At Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services, we are dedicated to redefining healthcare to meet your loved one’s health needs. We offer a wide range of expert services, including short-term and long-term care, skilled nursing, outpatient therapy, and assisted living. We also have a team of therapists that offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy for patients.
Liberty Healthcare’s Commitment To Employee Wellness Earns Award
Liberty Healthcare Management is a proud winner of the Aetna Workplace Well-being Inspiring Change Award.
The Aetna Workplace Well-being Award program aims to create a healthier workplace for employees through innovative programs.
Liberty Healthcare received the award based on an evaluation of our Wellness Discount Program that incentivizes and encourages employees to get an annual physical and other preventative screenings depending on their age.
The requirements for the preventative screenings include:
- Mammogram for women ages 40 to 69 every 12-24 months
- Cervical Cancer Screening for women ages 21 to 64 every 36 months
- Colorectal Cancer Screening for adults ages 50 to 75
o Fecal Occult Blood Test every year
o Cologuard Test every 3 years
o Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or Colonoscopy every 10 years
By participating in the Wellness Discount Program, an employee can earn $20 extra per pay period or $40 if their spouse participates as well. That adds up to $520 annually for individuals and $1,040 for couples.
Our incredible employees made this esteemed award possible by making their well-being a priority and taking the measures necessary to stay healthy.
Liberty Healthcare’s Well-being Mission:
“Well at work creates and maintains a culture of health by encouraging employees and their families to lead healthier lifestyles, which fosters a more engaged, productive, and committed workforce, and ultimately a more positive work environment.”
The Most Common Health Concerns for Seniors
The CDC indicates that people today are living longer than ever before, specifically another 19.3 years on average. This is a promising sign, especially as our society continues to make advancements in medicine and technology. Of course, as people age, there are new health risks and challenges that they may face. There are several ways to maintain a healthy life, such as regularly exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, going to the doctor for checkups, and managing any chronic or serious health conditions. Let’s take a look at the most common health concerns for seniors and tips for how to better manage these concerns.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a leading health condition affecting people aged 65 or older. The CDC reports that 49.7 percent of older adults 65 or older suffer from arthritis. This condition can cause pain and discomfort, which lowers a person’s overall quality of life. It’s recommended for older adults to talk with their primary care doctor about the best treatment options for their unique health needs. This will likely include a personalized plan that includes various exercises, medications, and/or therapy to help patients better manage their health conditions.
2. Alzheimer’s Disease
Did you know one in nine adults 65 or older have Alzheimer’s disease? This equates to about 11.3 percent of the U.S. population. Seniors affected by this chronic health condition may have serious effects on a person’s overall health. This includes their mental health, safety, and ability to live independently.
3. Cancer
To no surprise, cancer is the top second leading cause of death among people over age 65. The CDC reports that about 28 percent of men and 21 percent of women of 65 are currently living with cancer. By receiving important screenings, several types of cancer are treatable. While cancer is not always preventable, there are still ways to improve one’s overall health and well-being. This includes receiving medical treatment and following healthy living practices based on the patient’s specific health condition.
4. Diabetes
Like other health concerns, diabetes is a serious health risk. Around 25 percent of older adults are living with diabetes, while thousands of people die from this condition every year. Luckily, diabetes can be identified and addressed with blood tests that check a person’s blood sugar levels. Once a senior finds out that they have or are at risk for diabetes, they can take the steps to better manage their disease and improve their long-term health.
5. Falls
The risk for falls increases with age. Around 2.5 million seniors are treated in the ER due to serious falls. This can increase a person’s risk for additional falls, as well as the likelihood that they may require care and assistance during their recovery period. For seniors, this is a big fear because it means giving up their independence, even if it’s just temporary. Since falls typically occur in the home, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to prevent seniors from falling.
6. Heart Disease
Heart disease is a serious health concern for people aged 65 and older. The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics indicates that heart disease is a chronic condition that affects 37 percent of men and 26 percent of women aged 65 and older. There are several factors that can increase a senior’s risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. To reduce the risk for this condition, seniors should talk with their primary doctor for suggestions. Their doctor will likely suggest eating healthy, exercising on a regular basis, and getting enough sleep.
7. Obesity
Obesity is another common health concern for older adults. If an older adult is obese, this can increase their risk for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. For adults between 65 and 74, an estimated 36.2 percent of men and 40.7 percent of women are obese. This can be due to a variety of causes, such as another health condition, lack of mobility, and/or current medications causing weight gain and an increased appetite.
8. Respiratory Diseases
Respiratory diseases are a serious health issue that significantly affects an older adult’s ability to live a healthy life. Common respiratory diseases include asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. These diseases also increase a senior’s risk for other health issues, such as respiratory infections and pneumonia. Seniors can better manage their respiratory diseases by visiting their doctor on a regular basis, getting lung function tests, taking their medications correctly, and/or using oxygen as needed. Indeed, this can help patients live a healthier life.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s article discussing several of the most common health concerns for older adults. There are countless more, but these are a few of the most prevalent issues for seniors in the U.S. If you are looking for high-quality care and support for your loved one, look no further than Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services. We have expert skilled nursing facilities across North Carolina to make it easier to receive the services your loved one needs and deserves.
What You Need to Know About Medicare and Medicaid
When considering affordable health insurance, you have likely heard of Medicare and Medicaid. These government-funded programs are frequently misunderstood. This is not ideal, especially when not knowing what they are or offer can prevent you from getting the care and support you need. Keep reading to learn the differences between Medicare and Medicaid.
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is a program that provides healthcare for Americans age 65 and older and people living with a disability. While Medicare assists with medical costs, it does not fully cover all care, such as long-term care. This program is the main health care insurance company for older Americans. Medicare consists of four parts, including Part A, B, C, and D. These parts cover different health expenses for those that qualify.
Medicare Eligibility Requirements
Check out the Medicare eligibility requirements below.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- You are 65 or older.
- You are living with a disability.
- You have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.
Medicare Enrollment Options
On average, around 10,000 U.S. citizens enroll in Medicare. There are specific enrollment time periods, which are important to be aware of.
- Initial Enrollment Period - People have a seventh month window around their 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. This enrollment window opens three months before their birthday and then ends three months after their birthday month. It’s recommended to enroll during this early period, so you can avoid any late enrollment penalties.
- General Enrollment Period - The general enrollment period is from January 1st to March 31st every year. If you sign up for Medicare during this period, coverage will start on July 1st of the same year. It’s possible that you may pay a higher Part A or B premium for not enrolling during the initial period.
- Special Enrollment Period - If you are 65 or older and still working, you can enroll at any time you’re still covered in a group health plan or eight months after your coverage ends. This enrollment period is also for seniors that are considering retirement.
Enroll in Medicare
If you do not receive Social Security benefits, but want to enroll in Medicare, visit the Social Security Administration’s Benefits. Or, you can enroll over the phone at 1-800-MEDICARE. After you are enrolled in this program, you will be mailed a red, white, and blue card and welcome packet.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare is broken up into four main sections. The federal government manages Part A and Part B, while private companies contracted through the government manage Part C and Part D. Let’s take a look at what each part covers next.
Medicare Part A
Medicare Part A covers hospital and hospice services. This includes inpatient, hospice, and home health care, as well as short-term care in skilled nursing facilities. Seniors qualify for premium free Part A if they are 65 or older and they worked (or their spouse worked) and paid Medicare taxes for at least a decade.
Typical Hospital Costs Part A Covers:
- Drugs for inpatient treatment
- General nursing care
- Meals
- Other hospital services and supplies as needed for inpatient treatment
- Semi Private rooms
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B covers preventative and medically necessary care. You will likely pay a premium for this coverage every month. This will be deducted from your check if you receive a Social Security check. For those not receiving Social Security, you will receive a bill in the mail for this care.
Services Covered By Part B
- Ambulance transportation
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
- Screenings
- Vaccinations
- Wellness visits every year
Medicare Part C (Advantage Plans)
These plans are offered through private companies that provide coverage to people through Medicare. Several plans provide dental, drug, hearing, and vision services for seniors. The con of this part C is that most plans require you to see doctors that are in network. This limits the number of options you have in your area, unless you can pay high costs for out of network care.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. Enrollment dates are April 1st to June 30th, which would start your coverage on July 1st. When signing up for other types of Medicare, ask about what services are offered. You may discover that some plans cover prescription drugs.
Medigap (Supplement Health Insurance)
Medigap helps cover copays for Medicare Part A and B, as well as any deductibles. While this supplement health insurance doesn’t cover dental, vision, or long-term care, it can help cover healthcare costs when you are out of the country. If you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot also enroll in Medigap.
What Is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a health care program offering coverage to low-income individuals. While there are federal guidelines to follow, Medicaid services and coverage are operated by individual states. It’s not uncommon for some seniors to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicaid Eligibility Requirements
Your eligibility for Medicaid is based on your family’s income, size, and your age. If you have a disability, this also is considered when applying for this program. Since Medicaid requirements change every year, it’s possible that you and your family may qualify after not meeting the requirements during a previous year.
How to Apply for Medicaid
To apply for Medicaid, there are two options. You can contact your state’s Medicaid agency or fill out an application at www.healthcare.gov. It’s recommended to fill out applications online
What Does Medicaid Cover?
While each state operates their own Medicaid program, there are still federal government guidelines that must be met. There may be additional benefits offered, but it depends on the state you live in. It’s recommended to contact your local Medicaid office to determine which benefits are offered in your specific state.
The Federal Government Requires State to Offer These Medicaid Benefits
- Birth center services
- Certified pediatric and family nurse practitioner services
- EPSDT (early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services)
- Family planning services
- Federally qualified health centers
- Home health services
- Inpatient hospital care
- Laboratory and x-ray services
- Nurse midwife services
- Nursing facility care
- Outpatient hospital care
- Physician care
- Rural health clinic services
- Tobacco cessation counseling for pregnant women
- Transportation services for medical appointments
As you can see, there are major differences in Medicare and Medicaid in terms of who receives benefits, qualifications, and what services are provided. If you are considering affordable health care, we encourage you to research your options to find the best care for your needs. Contact Liberty Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services to learn more about our services, including everything from short-term care to long-term care.