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Valentine's Day: A time to celebrate all kinds of love.
Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate all kinds of love. However, for seniors, it can also be a sad reminder about a love who has passed away.
If you know a senior who might be feeling lonely or sad on Valentine's Day, there are ways you can gently remind them of the others who love them. Think of ways that you can keep them occupied with an enjoyable activity as a way to beat the blues.
- Talk with your loved one and help them to fondly reminisce about the love of their life. Let them know it's OK to pull out those photos, love letters, and talk about their special memories.
- If they had a Valentine's Day tradition with their spouse, such as visiting a favorite place, ask if they would like to continue the tradition with other family members.
- Pick out movies featuring great love stories that you know your loved one would like, and have a movie marathon.
- Sign up for a class that will allow you to learn a new skill together, such as cooking or painting.
- Bring a group of family and friends together to make Valentine's Day cards.
- Valentine's Day and treats go hand in hand. Celebrate by making Valentine's cookies, easy desserts, or savory snacks together
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Did you know that February is
American Heart Month?
...So what are you laughing about???
While February 14th celebrates the emotional heart, the rest of the month is all about the heart's physical condition. Our friends at HomeWatch Caregivers shared this article about well-known steps to reduce the risk of heart disease -- one of which might include getting a daily dose of the giggles!
It doesn't just feel good to laugh; it is good to laugh. Researchers have found that laughing can be beneficial to the heart.
Before we get to the punchline, some facts: February is American Heart Month and Feb. 3, 2017 is National Wear Red Day to recognize women's risk of heart disease. The
American Heart Association notes that 1 in 3 deaths annually among women are caused by heart disease and stroke, but 80% of those deaths are preventable. During February's American Heart Month, everyone is encouraged to learn more about heart disease and stroke in order to be part of decreasing the numbers of people at risk.
Research shows that when we laugh, we decrease stress hormones, reduce artery inflammation and increase "good" cholesterol in our bodies. The benefits of a good laugh can last for 24 hours.
Read more.
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Is it time for the LGBTQ community to get their houses in order?
It's not a time to panic, but it is time for members of the LGBT community to get their houses in order.
Unfortunately, the LGBTQ community is bracing for the worst under the new Trump Administration, and so far things are troubling. While President Trump has stated that he will keep all of President Obama's protections in place, at the time this is being written he is poised to sign a "Religious Freedom" executive order that will give anyone violating the LGBTQ protections the ability to just say "I object to treating LGBTQ individuals and couples equally or fairly because my religion says so."
Not much protection, is it? But President Trump gets to technically say he never got rid of President Obama's executive orders on the issue.
Can it get any worse? Oh, you betcha. The executive order is probably a prelude to a law that would nullify or create exemptions to federal and state laws that ban workplace and marketplace discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and couples. So, once again, anyone can use the excuse that their religion compels them to shun members of the LGBTQ community and, presto!, they are exempt from following the law and can refuse to provide service.
(Read more)
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Medicare and Long-Term Care Reality Check
Be wary of "observation loopholes" currently trending in hospitals. It can cost you big bucks.
By Mike Brooks
with The Care Assistance Center
There are common misconceptions when it comes to Medicare and Long Term Care.
Medicare is specifically for acute care and what is medically- necessary rehabilitation care for an individual. Long Term Care is mostly custodial care, specifically for helping with activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and continence.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) will pay for skilled nursing care in a skilled nursing facility for a limited time under certain circumstances. Coverage with Medicare includes, but is not limited to: a semi-private room (room shared with another individual), meals, skilled nursing care (i.e. bandage changes), physical therapy, social services, medicines, medical supplies, transportation to other facilities, and dietary counseling. Cost sharing with Medicare is always a factor and it's important to consider supplementing with additional insurance to cover those expenses.
Medicare will pay for these services long as they are needed to meet your goal of obtaining better health. When a doctor deems your treatment no longer effective, it can trigger a change from rehabilitative to custodial care. Once care is custodial, Medicare will no longer pay.
Let's look at two scenarios and how Medicare covers both.
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Our Clients Say It Best...
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"The process is complex, but Jeff does a great job going step by step so that everything is done completely, with no holes." -- Timothy H.
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Because Everyone Loves Pictures!
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Our cat-dog Monty during a walk with Kathy and Jeff.
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The Law Offices of Jeffrey G. Marsocci, PLLC
8406 Six Forks Road Suite 102 | Raleigh, NC 27615
3400 Sweeten Creek Road, Suite A | Arden, NC 28768
(919) 844-7993 | (828) 423-0885
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