Community Homes Available For Seniors

The concept of community homes for seniors have come a long way. Although the term "community homes" is generally associated convalescent homes, nursing homes or worse, it couldn't be further from the truth.

In today's fast paced world of jobs, commutes and childcare responsibilities, elderly parents and grandparents no longer have the option of living with family members. It used to be rare that an elderly family member lived outside the home unless care requirements could not be provided. That has changed.

Fortunately, today there are many options available for seniors that were not available or even considered just twenty-five years ago. There are specialized real estate companies that deal exclusively in the marketing of community homes for seniors. Some of these options include retirement communities, congregate housing, independent living facilities and assisted living options.

Each community type offers lifestyle choices attractive to a particular segment of the senior group, ranging from specialized medical care to catering to social beliefs. As senior citizen, when you decide to change your current situation, here are some pointers to keep in mind.

Congregate housing for seniors is subsidized by the government. Originally, congregant housing was considered another form of the assisted living facility concept. These apartment-like units can be found in most any moderately sized city. This type of senior housing option doesn't provide as much privacy as seniors may be used to if they've owned a home, but is considered the next best thing. Meals are served in a community setting, usually in a dining room setting. Qualified staffs on the premises, arrange activities, provide housekeeping and care for those living in the units.

Another form of community homes for seniors are the Independent Living Facilities. Although Independent Living Facilities are similar to congregate housing, they are more like individual apartments. They include kitchens and the normal amenities one would find in an apartment. Residents who choose not to cook have dining hall facilities available. The on sight staff provides activities, housekeeping, nurses and other services. Although these Independent Living Facilities stress independence, there's always someone available when needed.

Seniors a bit more independent financially, might consider community homes for seniors in "senior only communities". Some of these may be manufactured homes. Others are newer traditional homes that were built especially to accommodate specific senior life-style. Floor plans can range from 1400 square feet and larger. Many of these communities feature golf, tennis, swimming pools and a wide range of other activities depending on preferences. Many of these types of homes may have a specific area dedicated in the middle of a larger surrounding community.

Many retirement communities are advertised as resorts. How would you like to continue owning a home, but not have to mow the grass, fix things, sweep the floors or even make the beds? This is a good description of ideal community homes for seniors. Many of these communities are located in warmer climates, close to attractions or other interests that seniors might have.

Different attractions draw different types of residents. This further provides the feeling that retirement living is much like an extended resort vacation. Although, this type of living arrangement for seniors may be more expensive it certainly is an attractive option, just as any of the other options, depending on your preferences.

Warning Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

If you are responsible for administering care to a loved one who is growing older and increasingly dependent on the assistance of others, you may consider placing him or her in a nursing home. While assisted living facilities are a popular solution for many, you should be careful about the establishment that you choose. Sadly, many nursing homes are understaffed or fail to adequately train their staff members, resulting in gross negligence and mistreatment.

Warning Signs of Abuse

When searching for the nursing home that best suits your needs, you should be conscientious of the warning signs of abuse. While reading reviews online, visiting the establishment, and speaking with current residents can help you get a feel for the place, be on the look out for:

• Bed sores--Caused by lack of movement; lying in bed for too long without exercise


• Bruises or other wounds--Potentially a result of inadequate assistance; infected wounds should especially be cause for concern


• Weight loss--A classic warning sign of depression or neglect


• Unsanitary or unclean conditions--May be an indication that the facility is understaffed, and that their patients are not receiving the care they deserve


• Verbal abuse--Insults, harsh demands, or degrading comments should not be tolerated


• Malnutrition--An indication that patients are not being fed well or properly looked after; may result in weight loss or other medical conditions


• Excessive medications--Sometimes staff members over-medicate their patients to make work easier

If you have noticed one or more of the above warning signs of abuse, speak with your loved one in-depth about the care they are receiving. If you suspect abuse or neglect, you may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit.

How to Start a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Business

By now you must be aware of the many compelling reasons why a non-emergency medical transportation business offers entrepreneurs such a great business model. With the growth in the health care industry and the explosion of baby boomer retirees, this market is big and set to get even bigger still.

In this article we look at how to start a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) business. Learn about some of the steps that are involved and some of the aspects of this business that you will have to consider.

Franchise or Independent Operator?

There are now several players offering non-emergency medical transportation franchises. Entrepreneurs benefit with the franchise model as they can operate under an established brand and get advice and training to get started and run a business. However, with the franchise fees that must be paid initially and on an ongoing basis, the upside potential for profit is reduced. If you do your homework, you will find that this business is not that difficult and it is possible to start up and thrive independently.

Choosing the Right Area

Give some thought to the demographics of the area where you are setting up your business. Look for statistics that prove that there are a good number of elderly, disabled or Medicaid citizens living nearby. Compile a list of hospitals, dialysis centers, retirement homes, assisted living centers and other relevant operations. You could even make initial contact with some of these organizations and find out about the transportation solutions that they currently have in place.

Research the Competition

Identify all of the major competitors that you will have in your area and evaluate them in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. You may decide to incorporate parts of their business model into your own business and reject other parts. Learn as much as you can about them by reading their websites and calling their offices to ask questions. You can even spend some time following around some of their vans in order to understand how they work and to find out exactly who their customers are.

Getting Started - Licenses and Permits

Regulations and requirements for medical transportation businesses vary from state to state so you should make enquiries at the local level to find out what your obligations are.

As you are in the business of transporting paying customers from one place to another you will need some kind of permit, just as a taxi driver does. Your application for this kind of license will be handled by transportation authorities at the state or local level. Due to the nature of this work, some states will also require businesses in this industry to be registered with local health authorities.

There may also be other paperwork that needs to be done such as registering your business name, getting a business license (possibly more if you serve multiple counties) and zoning considerations if you run a home business.

Vehicles and Equipment

It is common for medical transportation services to purchase regular vans, either new or used, and then have them fitted out to suit special needs clients. Business owners typically start out with one vehicle and gradually add to their fleet as their business grows.

The best vans for an ambulette have a high raised roof and doorways. Access is usually on the side of the vehicle but can also be at the rear.

Some operators still use manual lifts to help them get wheelchair passengers into and out of their vans. However, you should be able to provide a faster, more professional service if you have a modern hydraulic lift installed.

Once inside the van, wheelchairs can be fastened to various securing devices so that they don't move around during transit. Vehicles also require customized seatbelts for wheelchair bound passengers. You can also improve the quality of your service if you have some comforts like TV and air conditioning.

A decent sized van that is properly kitted out should be able to transport four wheelchair bound passengers at a time as well as have extra seats available for caregivers. Depending on your clients, you may also need a space in your van that will allow you to fit in a passenger that is confined to a stretcher.

Insurance Policies

To protect yourself from unforeseen events you will need to purchase a variety of insurance policies. A general liability insurance policy will ensure that you are covered in situations where your customers are injured or suffer losses while they are in your care. You will also need regular automotive insurance to protect yourself in cases where your vehicles are damaged, stolen or involved in traffic accidents.

Payment Options

Decide on how you want to collect payment for your services. You may have to invoice medical institutions on a monthly basis or you may need to process credit card payments for individual clients. If you service large clients like Medicaid then it may be as simple as receiving a check in the mail each month. Talk to some prospective clients and look at what their needs are. Find out what payment options your competitors are offering.

Service Hours

Give some thought to your operating hours. The best ambulette services in the market usually offer weekday service from early morning to late at night with decent hours on Saturdays too. As a sole operator you will be limited in the hours that you can take on. As you expand into a multi-driver operation you will be able to offer more flexible scheduling to clients.

Staffing Requirements

If you start out doing all the driving while also managing your business you will quickly get burnt out. In order to grow you need to step back and hire some drivers so that you can move into a purely management and marketing orientated role.

Staff should have a drivers license that allows them to take passengers and they may also be subject to certain standards or requirements at the local level. No matter what you should make sure that your staff are trained on how to do the practical side of the job. They need to know how to assist passengers and their caregivers as they get in and out of vehicles. They should also be instructed to smile and make pleasant conversation if the opportunity arises so that they help your brand to gain a positive reputation.

Marketing

There are many different ways to market a non-emergency medical transportation business. For some ideas on markets that you can target read our article on Medical Transportation Business Opportunities.

Initially you will have to go out and meet prospective clients and possibly even bid to try and win contracts. However, if your team are doing a good job then you will find that eventually business will come directly to you through word of mouth and referrals.

You can of course improve your chances of getting calls from private paying clients if you do a little advertising. A website that comes up in the search results when people search for ambulette services in your area can really help. A small Yellow Pages listing will also almost certainly be worth the cost. You can pretty much try any method that other local service businesses are using to promote themselves. Vehicle advertising is great for exposure and flyers, postcards or door hangers may work as well.

Alzheimer's Whisperer - 5 Keys

The Alzheimer's Whisperer has the unique ability to communicate with, care for, and comfort a person with Alzheimer's while preserving her own well-being.

First there was The Horse Whisperer, then The Dog Whisperer, and The Ghost Whisperer. I wonder when will we see The Cat Whisperer? While waiting, I met a unique individual in the world of dementia-The Alzheimer's Whisperer. S/He provides guilt-free quality care without losing him/herself.

The Alzheimer's Whisperer demonstrates five keys to caregiving:

1. Know How

She learns as much as she can about Alzheimer's from organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Caring.com's Steps & Stages, and the National Family Caregivers Association. She draws wisdom from others through support groups, educational offerings, and online chats. If she is employed and can't make time for the above, she read books and informational materials in order to know what to expect.

2. Compassion

With knowledge, he is better able to accept the reality his loved one's condition. He exhibits greater compassion while coping with disruptive behaviors and anticipating needs.

5 KEYS to becoming The Alzheimer's Whisperer

1. KNOW HOW

2. COMPASSION

3. COMMITTED

4. EMPATHY

5. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

The Alzheimer's Whisperer recognizes that caregiving is a temporary, yet life-changing journey taken by very special people.

3. Committed

She is committed to providing quality care, despite her intermittent tears and joys. She takes advantage of the continuum of care--adult day care, in-home care, respite care, assisted living or skilled nursing care--and draws on others to help make her job easier. In the tradition of the great animal whisperers, she weighs the value of a pet to bring joy to her loved one.

4. Empathy

Each day, and sometimes every hour, he visualizes how he would want to be cared for if the roles were reversed. This enables him to enter fully into the world of his loved one while not losing himself.

5. Unconditional Love

Developing the first four keys, she experiences an open heart that elevates her own life purpose and meaning in ways she could never anticipate. Despite the challenges, she feels strength.

What better gift can a caregiver share with one with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia than practicing the five keys of The Alzheimer's Whisperer?

Music Activities for Seniors in Nursing Homes

Music Activities Help Seniors Emotional Health

Music activities for seniors in nursing homes and other care facilities can help their emotional and psychological needs. Music, songs, singing and playing instruments all contribute to creative expression and stimulation, as well as group participation. Seniors in geriatric and palliative care can benefit from a vibrant music program. Alzheimer's and other dementia are conditions with affects at least partially alleviated with music activities for seniors.

Music can be a good therapeutic tool. There comes a time when the physical needs of the elderly are not enough. They need to be kept entertained and stimulated. A program with music activities for seniors will enable them to be creative, expressive and more communicative. This contributes to a healthier sense of well being, thereby helping to dispel depression, loneliness and frustration. Music used for these purposes can and should include their preferences. But using their less preferred choices as experimental options to explore music, sound, vibration, and instruments can stir excitement and joy from the unexpected and previously unexplored. Provide a wide variety of music so that the residents can get a rich musical experience.

In some instances music activities for seniors has been able to reduce the fear of transitioning to a new home and surroundings. When people are first admitted to care facilities, there is a sense of fear and anxiety. Seniors fear losing control over aspects of their life and losing privacy, as well as other freedoms. Music and musical activities can enable them to adjust gradually to the realities of the situation. Music therapy sessions can remove the sense of isolation. When clients or residents are encouraged to participate in sing alongs and music making sessions they can feel like more a part of something pleasurable, relaxing, and even fun.

Singing old and familiar tunes from their youth or just many years ago, with others that remember them well too, can be an unexpected pleasure. Many elderly people haven't sung songs at all in many years. What fun they have to sing them again and remember all the lyrics.

Some people begin to really appreciate music when they are immobile. That is why the music activities for seniors in nursing homes and adult day facilities have been very successful. People can learn to play different instruments. Many elderly people haven't sung familiar songs like hymns in years, and would find this to be a thrill. If singing hymns in church is something they did regularly before entering a facility, it can help to give them peace to be able to continue this practice.

Music Activities Helps Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's patients can also be helped with music. In his speech during the Mini-Conference on Aging and Music Therapy, The AoA Grant Project Director of Colorado State University, Michael Thaut has said that "The results of this [music therapy] study impact neurological rehabilitation because they demonstrate that particular elements of music have a specific effect on motor systems. After three weeks, the patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrated longer stride length and improved gait velocity by an average of 25 per cent. These data validate the effectiveness of auditory rhythm to improve gait through the rhythmic coupling of auditory and motor systems."

In addition to playing instruments to create music other music activities for seniors in nursing homes should include singing along to songs, and some elderly people with good mobility may also enjoy dancing. This is another good music activity for seniors that allows for some creative self expression. The movement is good and healthy for exercise and can add another element to music enjoyment.

Signing a House Over To a Child? NOT a Good Idea!

I'm going to sign my house over to my eldest child. How many times have you heard someone make this statement? Every time it is said, it is said with great pride and joy. But it is far from being a clever thing to do. In fact it can have very serious consequences. Let me explain some of the potential threats. I am directing this article at those who believe that their home is their castle and their castle is their legacy to their children.

First of all, I would like to say that signing your house over to one of your children is a very kind and generous thing to do. However you may not be prepared for the Government's response. We must all agree that signing a house over to a child is done for a reason. I mean, you don't get out of bed one morning and announce to the world that you feel bit bored and so will sign your house over to one of your children because you have nothing better to do. NO! The Government takes the view that you have done this to evade taxation or to deny the Local Authority the ability to recover the costs of long-term care like the cost of nursing home fees. In fact they are so upset by you signing your house over to one of your children that they believe you may have committed a crime. They even give the crime a name: The Deliberate Deprivation of Assets. If you have done this within six months of going into care then your guilt is assumed. After that, the local authority must prove your guilt. This can be very upsetting particularly if you are of the opinion that the house is yours because you have paid off the mortgage. The house is not ring-fenced. It is your asset and thus subject to taxation and assessment. There are things you can do to protect your home from being used to pay nursing home fees etc. but advice on this is given on an individual basis.

Secondly, what if you sign your house over to a child and that child already has their own house. Now the child has two houses, one of which is their primary residence while the other (your former house) isn't. Should that child decide to sell the house at a later date then they could be subject to paying Capital Gains Tax (C.G.T.). In other words, you have taken a property on which there was no tax after sale, and placed it in an environment where there could be tax to pay. That is not much of a strategy.

Thirdly, by signing your house over to a child you are effectively homeless. That child can legally sell the house out from under you. The house that you spent so many years paying off is no longer yours.

So please don't be tempted to sign your house over to your child. Talk to someone before making any rash decisions.

Nursing Home Elder Abuse With a Spy Camera - The Best Prevention

Millions of Americans are experiencing the dilemma of what to do with their parents as they age. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of our population and as they get older the question of how they spend their final days looms large.

With more and more baby boomers reaching retirement age, the stress and strain put on assisted living facilities and long term care homes is growing every day. The supply of qualified people to staff these facilities is not keeping up. One of the reasons is because the healthcare industry is in such a shortfall of people that their wages are much much higher.

What happens then is assisted living facilities are almost forced to make compromises in hiring people. Is an unqualified and under trained employee in a nursing home good enough for your parents? I don't think so.

And that's only half the problem. Not everyone can afford a home like that. Home health care givers are even less qualified. Abuse and theft are very common. Kind of a scary thought!

One out of six nursing homes or assisted living facilities report some kind of elder abuse. That can come in many forms-physical, verbal or psychological. Nursing home elder abuse is particularly widespread in nursing homes or assisted living facilities that specialize in Alzheimer's disease.

How can you best prevent this elder abuse? The best way is with a spy camera.

The newest hidden cameras have a camera and DVR hidden inside the most common objects like alarm clocks and car key fobs. Some models even have a microphone-so called "body worn" models.

They are easy to use and install. Images are recorded to an 8 GB SD card. To playback just insert that card into your computer's SD card reader and see what you found.

When you suspect abuse of your folks in a assisted care facility don't delay find out today what is really going on with a spy camera.

When are you getting one?