BEACON - Long-Term Care (August 2013)

Long-Term Care T o d ay’ s S e n i o r L ivi n g c o m mun iti e s ca n b e fun !

Where are your assets going?

Photo by Genevra Shal

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What is PACE? A unique approach to care

Nellie Bechtel residents Marilyn Schafer and Ulrike Metzner relax in their community center.

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Produced by the Beacon’s Beacon’s Advertising Team Team

Your Guide to Senior Housing & Long-Term Care

Now on the Web web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

2 Long-Term Care

P R E M I E R

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S E N I O R

L I V I N G

August 2013

C O M M U N I T I E S

The Independence we want and the Support we need.

Visit Hilltop’s independent and assisted living communities today and discover a world of gracious living, personalized care and unsurpassed amenities.

Now Renting Studio, 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments n Luxurious apartments featuring great views & spacious floorplans

n On-site physician visits and medical transportation

n Temporary assisted living stays

n 24-hour emergency response

n Social activities and trips

n Personal assistance, room service & pet walking

n Restaurant-style dining

The Commons (970) 243-3333 625 27 1/2 Road

www.TheCommonsGJ.org

The Fountains (970) 243-8800 3203 N. 15th Street

www.TheFountainsGJ.org

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

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

August 2013

Long-term care 3

Moving to a care facility? Don’t go unprepared. Here’s a checklist. plan. Are all of my assets titled in the name of my trust? You must coordinate the titles and beneficiary designations of retirement accounts and insurance policies with your trust.

• If I have a will estate plan, are my assets titled properly? If you are titling assets in joint tenancy, even if it is just to provide assistance in bill paying, you may defeat the terms of your will. Be careful!

• Have I consolidated my investment accounts, making it easier for my agent to manage them?

• Is my “stuff” in order? Use a personal property memorandum to identify the heir to receive specific items of personal property. Consider making lifetime gifts, so long as no one is unduly influencing you.

• Do I have a plan in place for getting my bills paid?

• Have I reviewed my plans with my attorney, accountant and investment advisors to make sure everything is coordinated and my wishes are reflected?

If you are able to answer the above questions with “yes,” then you may have covered most, if not all, of the legal questions to ask yourself to ensure your move is as worry-free as possible.

Every situation is different, so when in doubt, seek professional advice.

Clara is an attorney with the law firm of Brown & Brown, PC, and can be contacted at 243-8250 or by email at clara@brownandbrownpc. com ■

By Clara Brown Shaffer, The Law Office of Brown & Brown, PC

I

f you are planning to move to an assisted or skilled living facility, be prepared for a challenging task that requires extensive forethought. We know, because our law firm helps clients with their transition. Based on our experiences, we’ve developed a checklist of questions you need to make sure you have addressed before moving day. If you answer “no” to any of these questions, then you have some work to do before making your move. Seek professional advice if you need help with any of these items.

• Are my advance directives up to date? Make sure you have the correct person(s) named to assist you in your medical and financial powers of attorney.

• Does my will name the person I want to administer my estate after I die? If not, then you will need to make a change to your will.

• Have I determined how I will pay for this move? The average cost of skilled care for 2013 in Colorado is $7,023 per month.

• Is my will and/or trust up to date? Make sure the heirs set out in your will are the ones you want to inherit your estate.

• Have I carefully read through the admissions contract to make sure I understand it? The admissions contract is binding, so make sure you understand the terms.

• If I have a revocable trust estate

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Caring and compassionate legal assistance to help you transition from independent living to skilled or assisted care We are part of your community. Our law firm specializes in estate planning, long-term care planning and elder law.

Learn about options by attending our free educational workshops on estate planning.

Explore potential facilities through our free Colorado Western Slope Senior Living Directory.

Visit our website for special reports, workshop registration, and more.

We can help. Call us today.

- See our Checklist article within this insert. -

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4 Long-Term Care

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PACE: a holistic approach to care

We Can Help with the Hard Conversations

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Our Geriatric Care Managers have become an indispensable and critical first 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 clients and can even serve as a neutral third party in situations where the wishes 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.

(970) 208-1345 www.HilltopHomeCareGJ.org L

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health care delivery for seniors, utilizing an integrated team approach that ost, quality and access have long attempts to save everyone money and been the standards by which we pays close attention to cost and qualmeasure and judge care for the elderity. This interdisciplinary team (IDT) ly in the U.S. In Colorado, Programs is comprised of professionals from of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, across the health care continuum, or PACE, has successfully addressed including preventive, acute care, these three critical factors. and long-term care services.

In Denver, Total Long-Term Care, In collaboration with Medicare now called Innovage, has adminisand Medicaid, PACE programs are tered the PACE program for many granted capitation waivers to manyears. On the Western Slope, senior age the health care needs of elders in citizens receive care through PACE a defined, limited area for monthly programs administered by Senior payments. The monthly payment is CommUnity in Montrose. Rocky “capped,” so there’s a strong incenMountain PACE tive to keep the serves the customer Colorado Springs as healthy as area. The goal possible. of PACE is to PACE provides be very patientparticipants all focused and the care and manage well the services covered complex mediby Medicare cal, functional and Medicaid, and social needs as authorized by of the frail elderthe IDT. Care and ly, thus keeping services include people in their adult daycare that homes for as offers nursing; long as possible, physical, occupaavoiding more tional and recreexpensive and ational therapies; often less desirmeals and nutriable settings. tion counseling; The PACE Greenhouse gardening at the Valley Manor in social work and model of manag- Montrose, a PACE provider, allows residents Ann personal care; ing care for the Troudt and Sammy Sangosti to get their hands medical care dirty. elderly can be provided by a traced to the early 1970s when San PACE physician familiar with the hisFrancisco’s Chinatown/North Beach tory, needs and preferences of each community saw pressing need among participant; home health care and immigrant families whose elders had personal care; all necessary prescripcome to America from Europe, Asia tion drugs; social services; medical and the Middle East for long-term specialists such as audiology, dentistcare services. Community leaders ry, optometry, podiatry, and speech formed a nonprofit corporation, On therapy; respite care; and, finally, Lok Senior Health Services (On Lok hospital and nursing home care when is Cantonese for “peaceful, happy it becomes necessary. abode”), and created a communityThere are no limitations or condibased care system. The successful tions as to cost, duration or scope of results attracted a lot of government services and there are no deductibles, attention and today there are 92 co-payments, coinsurance, or other PACE programs in 31 states. cost sharing that would otherwise apPACE is an innovative model of ply under Medicare or Medicaid. The

By Robin Avery

AL & MEDICEDICAL M N NO ARE C

Helping you navigate the complex issues of aging at home

August 2013

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“Mom was always there for me when I needed her and now that she needs more care than I can manage, I’m glad to know Aspen Ridge is there to help”

Tough Decisions Caring Solutions Aspen Ridge understands and was designed to meet the special needs of those with memory loss.

A Secured Assisted Living Home 970-254-1233 www.jeaseniorliving.com • 622 281/4 Road •Grand Junction, CO 81506

August 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Long-term care 5

Personalized health care programs designed to improve quality of life: Rehabilitation  Short-term and outpatient  Physical, occupational

and speech therapies  3000 square foot gym and pool Skilled care  24-hour nursing  Secured dementia care  Assisted living

Volunteers of America PACE participants Frank Koenig and Ed Wertz enjoy a fun game of pool on an outing to the Museum of the Mountain West in Montrose..

IDT assesses the participant’s needs and develops a comprehensive care plan that meets the needs of participants across all care settings.

Can this be as good as it sounds?

The answer is yes. Research by independent and academic groups shows that as an innovative model of care serving older adults with longterm care needs, PACE is an effective use of taxpayer dollars and delivers better outcomes than other traditional care and service arrangements for seniors with chronic care needs.

In addition, the research shows PACE staff serving these individuals are more satisfied working in a PACE environment. The requirement to implement effective, data-driven quality assessment and performance improvement programs is a key reason for the success of PACE across the country. Data is collected from all participating PACE sites to compare services and participant characteristics. With over 28,000 individuals participating in the PACE program nationwide, the data collected is impressive and very effective in improving the care they deliver.

To enroll in a PACE program, people must be 55 years of age or older, be Medicaid eligible for coverage of nursing facility services, reside in a

PACE organization’s service area, and be able to live in a community setting at the time of enrollment without jeopardizing his or her health or safety. It is important to note that although all participants must certifiably need nursing home care to enroll in PACE, nationally, only about 7 percent of PACE participants reside in a nursing home. Enrollment includes a thorough and comprehensive assessment. Members of the PACE staff and the IDT make one or more visits to a potential participant’s residence.

In turn, the potential participant may make one or more visits to the PACE center. PACE staff assess the potential participant to ensure that he or she can be cared for appropriately in a community setting and that he or she meets all requirements for PACE eligibility. If the assessment finds that the applicant’s health might be jeopardized by living in a community setting, the application is denied.

Participants are free to delist at any time. They can also be delisted by PACE if they move out of the PACE territory, demonstrate bad behavior that threatens others, are seriously noncompliant with the IDT’s Care Plan, fail to pay, or simply grow well enough that services are no longer required. ■

970.963.1500

1200 Village Rd. Carbondale, CO 81623 www.LCCA.com Joint Commission accredited

for

Handy pull-out reference ● Planning for

long-term care

Are you age 50 or older? If so, then this is the perfect time to start thinking about long-term care. Ideally, one should start saving for retirement at birth. But who has that kind of foresight? Your projected retirement savings will have a great deal to do with your long-term care choices and now is a great time to sit down with a good attorney and a good financial planner.

• Attorneys Brown & Brown, PC......................241-1144 Our law firm specializes in estate planning and elder law. Our compassionate staff looks forward to assisting you. Visit www. brownandbrownpc.com to read special reports and sign up for our workshops.

Kain & Burke, PC......................... 241-2969 Law Office of Billie M. Castle....... 255-7488

• Elder Care Manager Elder Quest, Paula McCormick.... 985-5950 Elder Quest provides peace of mind through quality care management. This means from brief consultations to ongoing support, we can guide you and your family through the maze of care options.

• Financial Services Bankers Life and Casualty Company................................... 985-1774 Morris & Tonsfeldt, CPAs............. 241-8308 Genworth Financial, Montrose......765-5029 Security 1 Lending....................... 623-1387

● Medical Equipment As you age, you may need tools to help you walk, like a cane, walker, wheelchair, etc. First, check with your doctor, but don’t be afraid to pay a visit to one of the following stores and browse around.

Mesa County Grand Mesa Medical Supply.........241-0833 Mountain Aire Medical Supply......244-8983

United Seating & Mobility............. 242-3011

Caregiving/ Nonmedical Home Care

Delta-Montrose Counties

Mesa County

Hartman Brothers, Montrose........240-9556

Columbine Caregivers.................. 241-2698 At Columbine Caregivers, we respect our clients’ individual needs for privacy while assisting them to maintain a high quality of life at home. Trusted home care since 1989. See also Home Health Care - Skilled Medical Assistance.

● Home Remodeling Here’s a miracle! All the experts agree that the best place for you to live is in your own home. But in order to do so, you may need to change your house to fit your needs. It could be as simple as adding a grab bar in the shower or adding a wheelchair ramp to the front porch. You can even add an elevator if you’re having trouble getting up and down the stairs.

Accessibility Services.................. 985-1403 Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, LLC............................................243-2022 Haining Plumbing & Heating......... 243-1461 Housing Resources of Western Colorado..................773-9739 The Homeowner Rehabilitation program serves low- to moderate-income homeowners and provides a means to do necessary repairs or modifications to their home. This is a loan program with interest rates from 0 to 3 percent.

Morning Star Elevator..................384-2212 Mosaic/ Bethphage Handicapped Program..............245-0519 RSVP Handyman Project..............243-9839 Tile Meister................................. 244-8453

Comfort Keepers.......................... 241-8818 Cristina’s Quality Care Services.... 773-1493 FirstLight Home Care...................639-2048 Generation Care........................... 812-8751 Interim Homestyle Services......... 241-3166 Nightingale’s Home Care..............208-3985 Visiting Angels............................ 254-8888 At Visiting Angels we make it possible for seniors to remain comfortably and safely in their home, avoiding facility placement. Please contact us today to learn more. VisitingAngels.com/GrandJunction or dharrison@visitingangels.com.

Delta-Montrose Counties Comfort Keepers.......................... 240-4121 Delta County Memorial Hospital Home Health Services................ 874-2463 FirstLight Home Care....................417-4812 Home and Community Based Services..........................252-5000 Touch of Care.............................. 874-6155 Garfield County Comfort Keepers.......................... 241-8818

Home Health Care - Skilled Medical Assistance

● In-Home Care

Mesa County

You should live long enough that someday your kids will say to you, “Ew! I’m not doing that.” When that happens or when you need assistance around the house, consider calling someone to help you out. Remember, an “unskilled” (I hate that word, but it is the term used) caregiver is someone who will do stuff like walk with you, run a few errands, tidy up the living room and listen to your childhood stories. A skilled caregiver can do all that, plus give you a shot.

Columbine Caregivers.................. 241-2698 Comfort Keepers.......................... 241-8818 Critical Nurse Staffing....... 1-877-259-9001 Harden Home Health of Colorado.................................257-1275 Hilltop Home Care........................ 208-1345 Providing the care you need to remain safe and independent in your own home.

Geriatric Care Managers help you navigate the complex issues of aging with a unique range of medical and non-medical services. Visit www.HilltopHomeCareGJ.org.

Home Care of the Grand Valley.... 263-0202

Choose Home Care of the Grand Valley to maintain your independence in the home.

Our services ensure you or your loved one will have the highest quality care at home.

Visit www.homecareofthegrandvalley.org.

Interim Health Care...................... 241-3166 Professional Case Management...623-7500 Rocky Mountain Health Plans Home Health..............................244-7777 Delta-Montrose counties Comfort Keepers.......................... 240-4121 Critical Nurse Staffing....... 1-877-259-9001 Harden Home Health of Colorado................................240-8979 Home Health of Western Colorado..................240-0139 PASCO/SW.................................. 240-1771 Garfield County Harden Home Health of Colorado................................945-2838 Comfort Keepers.......................... 241-8818

● Time to move?

At some point you may decide that it’s time to move. These professional Realtors specialize in helping seniors.

Bonnie Walker, Sandstone Realty, LLC.................................201-4050 Bryan Crowe, United Country RealQuest Realty.......................778-7900 Carol Gerber, Bray Real Estate........................234-2037 Jan Garber & Associates with Metro Brokers....................261-0690 Kristie Gerber, Bray Real Estate... 216-2541 Rhonda Bever, Keller Williams Realty................. 201-2108 Vicki Chandler, RE/MAX 4000......270-3640

● Senior Living

Community

You’re ready to move but not yet into assisted living. Would you like to live in a place where other people your age live? A senior living community might just do the trick. Consider one of

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For a more complete list of resources please call the BEACON office at 243-8829 for our FREE 2013 Directory.

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these fine communities.

● Assisted Living

Mesa County

When you need a little assistance.

Cottages of Hilltop....................... 434-2111 Retirement living in an independent community that fits your lifestyle. Single-level patio homes offer privacy, luxury and maintenance-free living, plus 24-hour emergency response system. Visit www.

TheCottagesGJ.org.

Mesa County

Grand View................................. 256-9904 Independence Village................... 858-2174 Mesa View Retirement................. 241-0772 Midlands Village...........................434-8193 Monterey Park.............................242-6682 Nellie Bechtel Gardens................. 245-1712 Paradise Valley Mobile Home Park.................................242-0049 Picture Ranch Mobile Home Park................................ 434-6800 Ratekin Towers........................... 245-0388 The Atrium of Grand Valley.......... 256-0006 Walnut Park Apartments............. 245-0388 Delta-Montrose Counties Anciano Towers, Montrose.......... 249-8844 Cedar Square Apartments, Cedaredge.................................856-3173 Centennial Towers, Montrose....... 240-0110 Cimarron Village Apartments, Montrose................................... 249-2010 Colorow Care Apartments, Olathe........................................323-5504 Grand Manor, Delta...................... 874-7266 Heaven’s View, Delta....................874-5021 Homestead Estates, Cedaredge...856-7591 Horizons Health Care & Retirement Community, Eckert... 835-3113 Meadowlark Court Apartments, Montrose...................................252-8272 Pavilion Gardens, Montrose.......... 249-1200 Spring Creek Chalet, Montrose.....249-2438 Sunrise Creek Senior Living Community, Montrose............... 240-0600 Garfield County Manor, Glenwood Springs........... 945-9326 Manor Two, Glenwood Springs.... 945-8322 Rifle Senior Housing, Rifle............ 625-3974 Sunnyside Retirement Center, Glenwood Springs..................... 945-9234

Advantage Home Care.................245-2326 Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center................... 254-1233 Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is a beautiful, secured assisted living facility caring for persons with memory loss. We have licensed nurses on site 24/7 and our staff is committed to providing the best care for our residents.

Blossom View............................. 434-6707 Bookcliff Manor...........................245-0788 Comfort Care Homes...................243-4682 Family Health West, The Oaks...... 858-2178 The Oaks is home to people of all ages and walks of life. Assistance is available to those who need a little help to continue to function independently.

Family Health West, The Willows...............................858-2184 The Willows is Family Health West’s secured assisted living residence. The Willows has 24 studio apartments for individuals experiencing Alzheimer’s, dementia, confusion and related disorders.

Grand Villa................................... 241-9706 Grandview Care Lodge................. 241-8896 Hilltop, The Commons..................243-3333 Premier community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, permanent and short-term stays. Luxurious apartment homes complete with a long list of amenities and our caring staff. Visit www.TheCommonsGJ.org.

Hilltop, The Fountains..................243-8800 Premier community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, permanent and short-term stays. Luxurious apartment homes complete with a long list of amenities and our caring staff. Visit www.TheFountainsGJ.org.

Monument Assisted Living........... 241-6562 Peachtree Assisted Living............434-7062 Pilgrim House............................. 234-7700 Residence at Grand Mesa............ 241-8899 Delta-Montrose Counties

Crossroads Assisted Living, Delta...........................................874-1421 Delta House, Delta........................ 874-1117 Homestead at Montrose...............252-9359 Sunrise Creek Senior Living Community, Montrose............... 240-0600

Rifle........................................... 625-1514 Grace Health Care, Glenwood Springs......................945-5476 Heritage Park Care Center, Carbondale................................ 963-1500

Garfield County

● Hospice

Crossroads Assisted Living, Rifle.......................................... 625-4343 Harmony House, Glenwood Springs..................... 404-0551 Heritage Park Care Center, Carbondale................................ 963-1500 Mesa Vista, Battlement Mesa......285-1844 Open Gate Assisted Living, Glenwood Springs..................... 945-5855 Valley Senior Housing, Parachute..................................625-3589

● Nursing Homes When you need more assistance and some medical care.

Mesa County Community Living Center (VA Hospital).............................. 244-1337 Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley..........243-3381 Family Health West Nursing Home............................858-9871 La Villa Grande Care Center..........245-1211 Larchwood Inns.......................... 245-0022 Mantey Heights............................ 242-7356 Mesa Manor................................ 243-7211 Palisades Living Center................464-7500 Delta-Montrose Counties

Harden Hospice...........................245-0188 HopeWest.....................................241-2212

● Other More resources to help as you navigate the aging process.

Mesa County Adult Resources for Care and Help (ARCH)....................... 244-8400 Center for Independence.............. 241-0315 Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition....................................260-1804 Colorado Discover Ability............. 257-1222 Colorado Vocational Rehab Services.................................... 248-7103 Department of Human Services... 241-8480 Housing Authority....................... 245-0388 Senior Daybreak......................... 241-7798 A safe and stimulating day program for seniors affected by dementia, Alzheimer’s and other medical frailties. Program also provides caregivers the flexibility and respite needed as they care for loved ones.

Visit www.SeniorDaybreak.org.

Shift to Independence (driving rehab expert).................201-2264 Snyder Grand Valley Memorials....242-2020

Colorow Care Center, Olathe........323-5504 Horizons Health Care & Retirement Community, Eckert... 835-3113 Paonia Care and Rehab Center.....527-4837 San Juan Living Center, Montrose...................................249-9683 Valley Manor Care Center, Montrose...................................249-9634 Willow Tree Care Center, Delta.....874-9773

Department of Human Services, Delta.......................................... 874-2030 Department of Human Services, Montrose...................................252-5000 Housing Authority, Delta............... 874-7266 Housing Authority, Montrose....... 323-5445 Senior CommUnity Care (PACE)...252-0522

Garfield County

Garfield County

Colorado State Veterans Home, Rifle.......................................... 625-0842 E. Dene Moore Care Center,

Housing Authority, Glenwood Springs......................945-3072 Housing Authority, Rifle................625-3589

Delta-Montrose Counties

8 Long-Term Care

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Three myths of senior living communities

By Dwayne J. Clark

I

t’s difficult to overcome stereotypes of senior living communities.

Despite the fact that the level of care and amenities have evolved significantly over the past decade, people

What’s your plan when you have a long-term event?

Who will care for you and how will you pay for it?

Phyllis Hoffman, CLTC Long-Term-Care Specialist phoffman@genworthltc.com

970-765-5029 Colorado Western Slope Long Term Care Insurance

still tend to think of senior housing as the “old folks’ homes” of the past: antiseptic, white-walled, linoleumlined institutions with cold nurses, hot temperatures and nasty food. It’s no wonder then that people continue to buy into three myths about senior living institutions that are wrong.

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 lowend chains that offer only the very basics, similar to a Motel 6. There are family-run operations, set up in residential homes, not unlike bed and breakfasts, and then there are highend luxury options, comparable to a Four Seasons hotel.

Myth #2: Entering a senior living community actually hastens the end of someone’s life. Many seniors who could benefit from just a little added care are often found living alone, away from family, largely isolated and devoid of much human interaction. 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 assistance, medication management, good nutrition, opportunities for mental and

Senior Homecare by Angels

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 actually ensure a greater quantity and a better quality of life.

At many senior living communities there are residents who have renewed their childhood hobbies, or taken up new ones like writing, painting or billiards. There are residents who always have a dinner or coffee companion. They can enjoy on-site book groups and religious services. Residents often enjoy unexpected romances and in some cases, marriages. Family members, freed from the worry and guilt of seeing their loved ones in less than ideal circumstances, tend to visit more often, strengthening 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 most retirement and assisted living communities have been created to be affordable.

The cost of assisted living needs to be carefully compared with the total ongoing costs of living at home.

Additionally, as a parent or sibling

August 2013 ages, there are likely to be new costs, including outside help with laundry, housekeeping, home upkeep and meal preparation; real-time monitoring devices and medical equipment; home health care; and transportation for medical appointments and other necessities. These 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 funds leftover.

Some seniors, of course, won’t have quite enough monthly income to pay the total or to pay for incidentals, and will have to make use of their long-term care insurance or to begin to tap their financial assets. In other cases, children or siblings will help pay for the difference.

What most aging seniors need is some oversight by professionals who understand their unique needs. They need to be treated with kindness and dignity. Seniors will find all of that in abundance at today’s assisted living communities and nursing homes.

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. They soon realize that the three myths about senior living communities are just that. ■

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

August 2013

Foster a vet in your home

By Jan Weeks

W

hen you think of becoming a foster caregiver, do you picture tots, tykes and teens? What about taking in those who fought to defend our country? A program new to the Western Slope encourages people to take veterans, who are for the most part healthy, into their homes. These men and women don’t need the fulltime attention of a nursing facility but may have trouble remembering to cook nutritious meals or taking their medications. They need caring people willing to help them in a supervised setting.

Medical foster care is facilitated by the VA Hospital and allows veterans to live normal lives in homelike surroundings while the caregivers pick up some extra income (amount varies according to level of care given) by doing something that makes their hearts sing. While the program began in the late 1990s in other parts of the nation, it’s only been around our area for about a year and a half.

“The process begins with veterans applying through the VA,” Medical Foster Care Coordinator Melinda Roberts said. “They can either sign up or if they’ve been seen at the VA in the last 12 months, they’re eligible. Then I play matchmaker, connecting vets with homes that suit their lifestyles.

If the foster caregiver is a mover and shaker, always on the go, then I wouldn’t pair a person who needs a more serene environment with that household.”

The process to become a caregiver begins with calling Roberts.

“Then I do a background check on the applicant,” Roberts said. “We inspect the home and do a home interview. We want to make sure the place is safe and comfortable. We want to place our clients in the least restrictive environment possible. We don’t ‘sentence’ a vet to a home. Go-

ing into foster medical care is entirely the vet’s decision.”

The caregiver must be certified in CPR and first aid, but the program doesn’t provide training. Potential caregivers must take courses on their own and provide copies of their certification.

A primary care support team comes with the patient: a nurse practitioner, a nurse, an occupational therapist, a dietician, a social worker and a psychologist. And they’re just a phone call away at any time. The team helps both vet and caregiver deal with everyday stressors.

“We want a caregiver to be comfortable in taking care of a vet,” Roberts said. “The caregiver acts as eyes and ears for the oversight team.

We never want them to think that they have to deal with an unfamiliar event, emergency or problem on their own.”

There is also respite care available.

For instance, if a family wants to go on vacation, someone will step in to care for the vet in their absence. If they need a couple of hours to shop or go to an appointment, there’s help available.

What kinds of vets might a caregiver deal with? Someone with a physical difficulty that keeps him from living independently or someone with mild dementia. Those with serious medical problems aren’t candidates for the program.

So what kinds of people take in veterans?

“Some have worked in care facilities but are tired of the nine-to-five routine,” Roberts said. “Or they want to do something to support the vets who fought for them. The comment I hear most often is that they want to give back.”

The only restriction is that the caregiver can’t work a nine-to-five job away from home.

If you are a veteran who would like to apply for medical foster care, or if you would like to become a caregiver, call Roberts at 263-2854. ■

They need caring people willing to help them in a supervised setting.

Long-term care 9

10 Long-Term Care

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V O T E D D A I L Y S E N T I N E L’ S B E S T O F T H E W E S T 2 0 1 3

RETIREMENT LIVING

YOUR WAY

August 2013

COLOROW CARE CENTER Colorow: • 24 Hour Skilled Nursing • Wound Care Management • IV Therapy • Pain Management

Rehabilitation Inpatient and Outpatient • Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy • Restorative Therapy • We offer Long Term Care, Short Term Care, Respite, Hospice, PACE and now newly CERTIFIED URANIUM MINERS.

THE INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY THAT FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE. 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.

Colorow is “Eden Alternative Certified.”

Giving “Person Centered” Care.

Where Elders are given choices.

A Abo sk u Mov t Our Spe e-in cial s

CAREFREE LIFESTYLE Enjoy the freedom of maintenance-free

living with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance and a customized meal plan at our Commons or Fountains dining 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.

(970) 434-2111

TheCottagesGJ.org

Our “Expansion” and “Remodel” are progressing on.

Private Rooms for Private Pay are available.

The separate Medicare 14 Bed Private Room Rehab with a New Therapy Gym is being constructed at this time.

Stop by our Home to see us anytime.

Visit today for a tour and free lunch

Colorow Care Center 885 S. Hwy 50 Business Loop Olathe, Colorado 81425

970-323-5504

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

August 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Help to stay in your home Hunter oversaw the entire process.

Doorways were widened and loose re you worried about living safely transition boards were replaced. and independently at home? Do They installed a sliding screen door you need to make modifications to leading to the patio, and a handicap your home, but can’t afford it? There accessible shower and grab bars in may be help. the bathroom. The patio in the backHousing Resources of Western yard was made of rickety wooden Colorado’s Housing Rehabilitation boards, which were replaced program provides low and moderatewith concrete. income homeown“When you get to ers the means to be my age, it’s hard repair and upto tell who’s trustgrade their homes worthy,” Benoit through a low- to said. “It’s nice to no-interest loan have someone see program. Improvethe whole process ments and repairs through.” can be made to The loans taken plumbing, elecout to pay for the trical, windows, project are secured roofing, handicap by a promissory accessible modifinote and deed of cations, foundation trust. Loan interest and siding. rates range from “The program 0-3 percent. usually has a waitBenoit couldn’t get in her tub without slip“They give you a ing list,” Program ping, so Housing Resources installed a reasonable price to Coordinator Jani handicap accessible shower with grab bars. pay each month,” Hunter said. “But Benoit said. “They we’re having a hard really work with time finding eligiyour budget.” ble people because Payments are we have to secure based on what the deed of trust. the client can pay, To do that, they not the amount of must have equity money they borin their home.” row. Payments, Annette Benoit interest rates and is a senior who terms can be reneenlisted the progotiated if the ingram’s help two come of the client years ago. changes. All loans “It was hard for must be paid in full me to get around at when the property home,” Benoit said.

“I was concerned The low- to no-interest loan program made is sold, given away, or inherited. about safety, and Benoit’s home upgrades affordable.

“It’s an excellent like many seniors, I program for seniors,” Benoit said. want to stay in my home longer.”

“There’s something special about Once approved for the program, staying at home.”

Hunter came to inspect Benoit’s To see if you qualify for the Houshome for needed repairs and brought together a pool of contractors for her ing Rehabilitation program, call to choose from.

Hunter at 773-9739. ■

By Cloie Sandlin

A

Long-term care 11

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.

Contact Jani Hunter for program details

773-9739 524 30 Road, #3 GRand Junction, co 81504

www.housingresourceswc.org

We offer independent senior and family housing, home health services, meals programs, in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation, respite care, skilled nursing care, memory care,and assisted living.

Home Health of Western Colorado Skilled Nursing and Therapy Services (970) 240-0139

Senior CommUnity Meals A community based Meal Program (970) 835-8028

Senior CommUnity Care – PACE A program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (970) 252-0522

Senior Housing Grand View Meadowlark Court Grand Junction, CO Montrose, CO 970-256-9904 970-252-8272 Centennial Towers Montrose, CO 970-240-0110 Cimarron Village Montrose, CO 970-249-2010

The Homestead at Montrose Assisted Living, Respite Care, Adult Day Program (970) 252-9359

Valley Manor Care Center Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care, Respite Care (970) 249-9634

Montrose Rehabilitation Center Inpatient/Outpatient Rehabilitation (970) 249-9634

Heavens View Delta, CO 970-874-5021 Family Housing Pavilion Gardens Montrose, CO 970-249-1200

Horizons Healthcare & Retirement Community Skilled Nursing Care, Memory Care, Respite Care, Rehabilitation (970) 835-3113