Author Archives: Brian B

Here are some of the most common ways to pay for assisted living communities. From personal savings to Medicare, let’s explore all the payment options for seniors below.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

There are many costs associated with an assisted living facility, and these options tend to be more expensive than independent living communities. So, what costs can you plan for when choosing assisted living? Many assisted living communities across Arizona will require a move-in fee, which serves as a prorated monthly fee. This cost will run from $1,000 to $5,000, according to WhereYouLiveMatters.

Costs will usually be broken down into two categories: rent and services. Services will include meals and snacks throughout the day, as well as housekeeping, transportation and a variety of scheduled activities. Some communities will offer rent and services together as one package. Packages can often be tailored to a resident’s exact needs and requirements, ranging from activities to healthcare.

AssistedLiving shows that Arizona is currently the second most affordable state to retire in. Florida ranks as the cheapest state to retire in, with Ohio ranked third. California and Washington are two of the most expensive states for senior living.

Ways To Pay For Assisted Living

Figuring out how to handle the costs associated with assisted living can feel overwhelming at times. Thankfully, there are several resources and strategies used to cover these costs. Let’s take a look at the most common ways to pay for assisted living below.

1. Personal Savings

Oftentimes, personal savings are used to cover the expenses associated with assisted living. This can include anything from retirement funds to social security pay.

Some seniors will use their business investments to handle the costs. Careful financial planning is crucial prior to entering this transition in life.

2. Medicare

Oftentimes, Medicare will not extend coverage in order to handle long-term or assisted living care. However, there are situations where Medicare will cover qualified healthcare costs at certain facilities.

Medicare is typically used to cover the costs of home health care provided by skilled nursing facilities.

3. Medicaid

In Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) will pay for care-related services for residents of the state living in these facilities. However, the System will not pay for room and board.

Assisted living residents will pay different costs for basic living depending on their location and coverage.

4. Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance may be able to provide support for seniors looking to cover assisted living costs.

Of course, all policies vary so it’s crucial to review the terms before entering into an assisted living community.

5. Life Insurance Policies

Some of these policies feature a cash value that can be accessed in order to help with assisted living expenses.

You may also choose to explore other options like life settlements or accelerated death benefits.

6. Assisted Living Loans

Many organizations will offer specific loans designed to help individual handle living costs.

This is a great option especially if your income is quite low. A loan from a reliable organization can really help out.

7. Reverse Mortgages

Some seniors who own their home might consider reverse mortgages as a means to access equity for senior care costs.

Once again, it is essential to know the terms and implications of these reverse mortgages.

8. Bridge Loans

Bridge loans offer a temporary form of financial assistance. They are typically taken out when waiting to sell a property.

These loans can help cover expenses until a more permanent solution is found.

9. Family Assistance

Family members may also contribute to any short-term or long-term living options.

In some cases, adult children or other relatives may ultimately share the financial responsibilities.

10. Veteran’s Aid And Attendance Pension

Under some circumstances, the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Pension may be a source of help for paying for assisted living care. Those who qualify are required to have under $80,000 in assets.

This program can pay out a considerable sum per month to assist in covering these costs. Veterans programs – both state and federal level programs – aside from this may also be of assistance.

11. Multiple Funding Sources

Multiple sources are often utilized to cover senior care costs.

This can include anything from personal savings all the way to family contributions.

Conclusion

It’s always best to consider talking with a financial advisor to create a plan to cover assisted living expenses. They can help seniors navigate each payment option while understanding tax implications, at the same time.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Use the detailed, step-by-step instructions below to properly build a wheelchair ramp over stairs for your loved one.

Necessary Tools And Materials

Gather the following tools/materials before beginning this task:

• Measuring tape and level.
• Plywood or deck material for both the ramp and landing.
• Various lengths of screws.
• Carriage bolts.
• Lumber for posts, joists, and edges.
• Hammer.
• Drill.
• Concrete anchor screws.
• Wood glue.
• Cutting tools like a hand saw, table saw, circular saw, or jigsaw.

Building A Wheelchair Ramp Over Stairs

Now that you have all the necessary items for this process, make sure you check the current ADA recommendations and requirements for wheelchair ramps. Now, follow these steps carefully to complete your DIY project.

Step 1. Clear The Area Entirely

• Make sure to completely clear the surrounding area of any objects or obstructions.
• It’s very important to remove anything that could potentially hinder the building process.
• The ground you are building on must be level.
• Pour your concrete foundation for the ramp, at this time.

Step 2. Build The Frame

• Using the treated lumber you purchased for this construction, create a sturdy frame.
• This frame ultimately serves as the ramp’s surface foundation.
• Ensure the frame is level and securely anchored to the ground with the use of anchor footings.
• Cut wood joists of the ramp, with 2×6 the recommended length here.
• Cut an angle along the bottom of the joists at the point where they will eventually be set on the ground.
• Use sturdy screws or brackets to secure them to the threshold already in place.
• You must construct posts to secure the ramp and side railings.
• Do this by digging post holes or connecting the railings to your ramp for additional security and support.
• Your posts must be tall enough to support railings that are at least 34 inches above the ramp’s surface.
• Make sure to check local codes for safety regulations before moving on.
• Carriage bolts may be used to attach posts in order to support joists, if needed.

Step 3. Install Plywood

• Sturdy plywood should be attached to the top of the frame to create the surface of the ramp.
• Make sure your plywood is securely fastened and level, providing a smooth ride.
• A circular saw is ideal for cutting sheets of 3/4-inch plywood for the full length of the ramp.
• Glue and screw your sheets together for each and every segment of the ramp.
• Place the plywood over the base of the ramp and use the screws to secure it.

Step 4. Add The Handrails

• Depending on local building codes, you may have to install handrails to your ramp.
• You can top the side posts with the material you want.
• A guardrail or bumper can be constructed along the ramp’s bottom edge.

Step 5. Incorporate Landing Platforms

• Place landing platforms at both the top and bottom of the ramp.
• You can also place the platforms at any point where the ramp changes directions.
• The sheets of 3/4-inch plywood can be used in five-foot lengths to create the landings.
• The landings need to be at least 60 inches long to allow wheelchairs to turn around completely.

Step 6. Add A Non-Slip Surface

• A thorough inspection is needed once the construction is complete.
• Check the area for any loose screws or potential problems.
• You can add anti-slip tape or a thin rubber layer after the surface has been confirmed level.
• Any adjustments can be made, at this time.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

The sense of smell is typically the first sense affected by Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is important to note that every sense may become impaired as the disease progresses.

Smell

This is generally the first sense to be impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. At the early stages, individuals may become confused as to what they are smelling. This, of course, can be quite dangerous, especially if something is burning on the stove or in the oven.

Use these tips to ensure your loved one stays safe while at home:

• All cleaning supplies/equipment should be locked away.
• Ensure all smoke detectors are working properly.
• Inspect all food items to see if they are up to date.

Sight

While there may not appear to be any physical abnormalities, the individual’s brain could have trouble processing images. This ultimately creates confusion when tasked with identifying even familiar people, places, and objects. In some cases, shapes and colors could be difficult to process.

Hearing

Even if individuals test well for hearing issues, this sense can still be impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s can create difficulty processing certain sounds and words.

This can sometimes make a few specific sounds quite confusing for the individual. Try keeping your loved one in a calm and quiet environment as much as possible. Always speak slowly, using short statements.

Touch

Anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease could experience trouble feeling both hot and cold sensations.

Try to always take these precautions related to touch:

• Color code both hot and cold areas of the home.
• Put a warning sticker on the oven.
• Install anti-scold devices on your plumbing system.
• Install safety devices to make ovens and stovetops unusable.

Taste

The ability to taste is undoubtedly affected when your hearing ability is impacted. Most concerns related to smell also apply to taste.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

According to Medicare.gov, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) will cover power-operated vehicles, such as scooters and manual wheelchairs, when prescribed by a doctor for at-home use. Prior to Medicare paying for the power wheelchair, though, you must meet face-to-face with a doctor or other treating provider and receive a prescription.

Original Medicare Costs

If your supplier chooses to accept the assignment, you will then be responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount. The Part B deductible does happen to apply here. Medicare will pay for different kinds of durable medical equipment (DME) in a few different ways.

DME factors that could ultimately affect Medicare coverage include the following:

• Renting the equipment.
• Buying the equipment.

Medicare will only cover the medical equipment if your doctor and medical supplier are enrolled currently in Medicare. In order to stay enrolled in Medicare, suppliers and doctors must meet strict set standards. Medicare will not cover either if they are not enrolled.

Make sure to know ahead of time if both your doctor and supplier are enrolled before moving forward with the process. Participating suppliers need to meet assignment, which means they can only charge you for coinsurance and the Part B deductible for the amount that has been approved by Medicare. Essentially, there is no limit on what suppliers can charge a patient when they are not participating in Medicare.

Medicare Approvals And Denials

In September 2018, it was ruled that individuals must get “prior authorization” for different kinds of power wheelchairs. There are currently 40 kinds of wheelchairs that require this prior approval. Prior authorization is needed before Medicare will approve covering the cost of said wheelchair.

DME suppliers will need the following to receive approval:

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

Typically, the patient does not have to do anything in this scenario. The supplier will be responsible for all the work, at this point. Your specific DME supplier needs to send the request for authorization and all documentation to Medicare on your behalf. Medicare will review the request and documentation to ensure you are eligible for the coverage.

Authorization could potentially be denied due to the following:

• Medicare finds that you do not medically need a power wheelchair.
• Medicare did not receive sufficient documentation for the approval.

How Much Do Wheelchairs Cost On Average?

The three main types of wheelchairs are manual, transport, and electric. Costs can range all the way from $90-$9,000, depending on the type of chair needed. Prices will undoubtedly vary by model, with the transport version being the least expensive and electric being the most expensive, overall.

Let’s take a look at some average costs associated with these models.

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

*These are cost estimates according to Braunability. 

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Here are five quick ways to improve your memory following a stroke.

Ways To Improve Memory After A Stroke

Recovering from a stroke can be incredibly difficult, especially for senior citizens. Use these five ways to try to improve your memory as time goes on.

1. Regular Brain Stimulation

Try to do as many activities or play as many games as you can that stimulate your brain. The games can be as easy as checkers or as complex as chess. Nonetheless, engaging in any type of game like this can help sharpen your memory.

If you do not have any board games nearby, there are various apps you can utilize that focus on brain exercises. There are a few apps currently that specialize in improving cognitive function and memory for individuals recovering from strokes.

2. Leave Reminders For Yourself

Leaving notes in visible, often-visited areas of the home can be quite helpful. For instance, leaving reminders on the fridge or front door can trigger your brain. You can always use standard alarm clocks or smartphones for more helpful reminders.

3. Organization Is Key

Making it easy to find items needed for daily activities can help you remember what needs to be accomplished. Try keeping your keys and phone in the same spot each and every day. Always lay out your clothes the night before.

4. Stay Active

Move around as much as you possibly can each day. A recent randomized control study investigated the impact exercise had on 40 chronic stroke survivors. Researchers concluded that individuals who engaged in exercise saw significant improvement in cognitive function, memory, and recovery, in general.

5. Make Up Mnemonic Devices

Mnemonics are a great and unique way to ultimately remember specific things. Oftentimes, they will take the form of an acronym, such as RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Try to make up a few of your own unique mnemonic devices tailored to your daily routine.

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Selling a home at any stage of life can be complicated with several complex factors to consider. When is the right time for a senior to sell their home?

When Should Seniors Consider Selling Their Home?

Here are five considerations every senior should make when deciding whether or not to sell their home.

Are You Safe Inside Your Home?

One of the leading causes of senior citizen injuries is falling at home. At some point in time, it may be ideal to make some safety updates to your home. Basement stairs, porch steps, and other household items may make it tough to navigate.

Aging adults who have balance issues could be at a higher risk of tripping and falling inside their home. Safety should be a top priority for any senior, especially those who live alone.

Can You Handle All Home Maintenance Needs?

Some homeowners can simply pick up the phone and call a service to take care of their household maintenance needs like mowing their yard. However, this is not affordable for everyone.

Aging poses a serious threat to homeowners that want to keep up with all maintenance needs themselves. Properly maintaining a house can include such tasks as landscaping and gutter cleaning. Homes will undoubtedly become harder to maintain over time.

What Is The Cost Of Living At Home?

Even if you have completely paid off your home, the cost of remaining in the home may be a bit higher than expected. There are many large expenses that come with maintaining a home as time goes on, such as replacing the roof or an AC unit. Older homes tend to require more maintenance needs altogether.

Another important thing to keep in mind is property taxes. Even if you don’t have a mortgage payment, you will continue to pay property taxes.

Make sure to consider a few other costs, including:

• Heating
• Cooling
• Utilities
• Maintenance
• Trash

What Is The Current Housing Market?

It’s always wise to take into consideration the current housing market before listing your home. A hot market could ultimately lead to a massive return on your investment. A cold market, however, may lead you to wait on listing the property.

Could You Benefit From A Senior Living Community?

The time may be right for you to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle moving forward. Assisted living communities are ideal for seniors who need help with day-to-day activities.

These senior living communities will provide personalized care in a residential setting. Here are a few things most communities offer:

• Meal plans
• Housekeeping
• Medication needs
• Transportation
• Laundry services
• And more

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful, assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880

Author Suzette Haden Elgin once said, “A grandmother is a safe haven.” Let’s take a look at some of the best becoming grandparents quotes below.

Best Becoming Grandparents Quotes

• Now you can give your grandchild candy and toys that make a lot of noise. It’s payback time!
• Enjoy your new bundle of joy!
• You will be great grandparents.
• I know you’ll spend all your time spoiling your grandchildren.
• Every step of your life has been leading up to your most important role: being a grandparent.
• I’m wishing your new addition to the family much love and joy.
• You have a brand new bundle of joy in your life.
• May your new grandchild give you hugs, smiles, and love.
• Grandchildren are a blessing to grandparents just as grandparents are a blessing to grandchildren.
• Grandparents are just parents with more experience.
• Every moment with your grandchildren is a blessing.
• No one will spoil you like grandma!
• Grandparents are quite prone to being wrapped around tiny fingers.
• Grandmothers are the best types of mothers.

Famous First Time Grandparents Quotes

• “When it seems the world can’t understand, your grandmother’s there to hold your hand.” – Joyce K. Allen Logan
• “I don’t intentionally spoil my grandkids. It’s just that correcting them often takes more energy than I have left.” – Gene Perret
• “They say genes skip generations. Maybe that’s why grandparents find their grandchildren so likable.” – Joan McIntosh
• “Grandparents, like heroes, are as necessary to a child’s growth as vitamins.” – Joyce Allston
• “No spring, nor summer hath such grace. As I have seen in one autumnal face.” – John Donne
• “Few things are more delightful than grandchildren fighting over your lap.” – Doug Larson
• “To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age.” – Thomas Bailey Aldrich
• “Every house needs a grandmother in it.” – Louisa May Alcott
• “Sometimes our grandmas and grandpas are like grand-angels.” – Lexie Saige
• “Posterity is the patriotic name for grandchildren.” – Art Linkletter
• “A man’s maturity consists in having found again the seriousness one had as a child, at play.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
• “Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you’re just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric.” – Pam Brown
• “It is as grandmothers that our mothers come into the fullness of their grace.” – Christopher Morley
• “The only reason grandchildren and grandparents get along so well is that they have a common enemy.” – Sam Levenson
• “You are the sun, Grandma, you are the sun in my life.” – Kitty Tsui
• “The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.” – Sam Levenson
• “Never have children, only grandchildren.” – Gore Vidal                        
• “Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.” – Lois Wyse
• “Elephants and grandchildren never forget.” – Andy Rooney                
• “My grandmother is over eighty and still doesn’t need glasses. Drinks right out of the bottle.” – Henry Youngman
• “A baby has a way of making a man out of his father and a boy out of his grandfather.” – Angie Papadakis
• “Her grandmother, as she gets older, is not fading but rather becoming more concentrated.” – Paulette Bates Alden
• “Surely, two of the most satisfying experiences in life must be those of being a grandchild and/or a grandparent.” – Donald Norber
• “I would love to go back and travel the road not taken, if I knew at the end of it, I’d find the same set of grandkids.” – Robert Brault
• “Have children while your parents are still young enough to take care of them.” – Rita Rudner
• “If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I’d have had them first.” – Lois Wyse
• “My grandfather was a wonderful role model. Through him I got to know the gentle side of men.” – Sarah Long
• “Being grandparents sufficiently removes us from the responsibilities so that we can be friends.” – Allan Frome
• “A grandmother pretends she doesn’t know who you are on Halloween.” – Emma Bombeck
• “Grandparents are, without a doubt, some of the world’s best educators.” – Charles W. Shedd

More Grandparents Quotes:

New Grandparents

Retirement Community In Surprise, AZ

Chaparral Winds is a beautiful assisted living community near Sun City, AZ. Being able to socialize with other residents becomes an integral part of many peoples’ lives and Chaparral Winds Assisted Living offers common indoor space to support that need. If a resident requires assistance moving from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa, this facility has staff who can help.

Address: 16623 N W Point Pkwy, Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone: (623) 975-0880