This theme is designed to encourage older Americans to stay active, involved and engaged in their own lives and in their communities. Since 1963, communities across the nation have come together to celebrate Older Americans Month in May — a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to recognizing the contributions and achievements of older Americans.

How do you stay active, involved and engaged? Do you think that play is for children? Think beyond the definition of play that you might find in a dictionary. It is possible for people at any age to tap into a sense of wonder and the joy of play.

You know you are playing when you find pleasure in voluntarily doing something for its own sake. The sense of time passing seems to vanish, and you are left wanting more.

The activity does not have to be devoted solely to fun. Cooking and enjoying a meal can bring out a feel-good sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, while at the same time performing a necessary task. Hobbies such as woodworking, stamp collecting, and scrapbooking are ways to create something useful and meaningful while having fun.

Fishing, bowling, golfing and kayaking are popular physical activities among seniors. Age isn’t necessarily the limitation. Remember Paul Newman racing sports cars well into his older years?

What could be more fun than playing with your grandchildren? They have no judgment about how you should behave. You can be silly and spontaneous while playing with them. Everything doesn’t have to be a lesson. You can make up a playful activity as you go along.

Stuart Brown, a physician, psychiatrist and founder of the National Institute of Play, proposes that “Humans are designed by biology to play throughout their entire life cycle.”

Further, “The opposite of play is not work. The opposite of play is depression.”

Brown believes that those deprived of playing are constantly driven toward a rigidly defined sense of productivity. A life balanced between productivity and fun for its own sake is a better choice.

For some seniors, the sense of play comes from being active in the community rather than participating in sports or having hobbies. Seniors contribute to community events throughout the year and make it a better place to live for people of all ages. Seniors account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups.

Older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships help shape their values, goals and healthy life choices.

Spread the joy, no matter what your age — go out and play today.

Senior Living staff at AutumnGrove Cottage is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Alzheimer’s Care and Personal Care Services in a cottage-like setting. We specialize in Alzheimer’s care while providing Senior Living in Humble, TX.

At a Senior Living complex, located in Belle Plaine, Minn., nine sensors track one particular resident’s activity, dispatching data to the system’s developer, Healthsense of Mendota Heights, and allowing family members to remain aware of his status. 

For two years, it has helped keep him in his lower-cost apartment at the Senior Living complex and out of the adjacent assisted-living unit. That $900 annual service saves him $22,000 a year.

Across, thousands of elders are able to stay healthier, and delay or avoid institutional care, under the 24-hour-a-day attention of pressure sensors, motion detectors, pill dispensers, personal-alert pendants and other devices.

They pay the full cost: one-time fees of $1,500 to rent and $550 to install and program the system, and a monthly monitoring fee of $150.

“That sounds expensive, but it’s about the same as two weeks in a nursing home,” said Sharon Blume, director of family services and technology. “The savings start pretty quick.”

Some senior housing providers are eligible for grants to implement aged care technologies for low-income residents, according to the Star Tribune; the senior living facility just got a $250,000 state grant—for the second time—to expand its community, and is seeking federal money for subsidized senior housing.

The Healthsense Wi-Fi system can check residents’ blood pressure, blood sugar, and other vital signs, or track residents moving through the building, with the ability to send cellphone alerts to staff if it detects possible issues, or emails to family for routine updates, says the article. 

SeniorLiving staff at AutumnGrove Cottage is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Alzheimer’s Care in a Small Intimate Environment. We specialize in Alzheimer’s care while providing Senior Living in Houston.

Stress, however, is not always bad. We need the right kind of stress to be healthy and live fulfilling lives. There is a word for this type of good stress. It is called eustress (eu is a Greek root word for good.)

Stress can be fun. Why else would we want to ride a roller coaster or watch a thrilling movie? Excitement causes a rush of adrenaline that feels good.

Too much of a good thing can turn bad, so good stress can rapidly turn to bad stress. Adrenaline causes the heart rate to increase, blood vessels to constrict and air passages to dilate. We are not advocating this kind of stress.

The right amount of stress on the brain can help protect against cognitive decline. Stressing your brain to come up with words to fill out a crossword puzzle or keeping track of cards during a bridge game will provide the right kind of stimulation to keep your brain healthy. The brain, even in old age, works to adapt and rewire itself when stimulated.

Exercise, done correctly, stresses the body in a good way. Muscles need stress to grow strong. Lifting weights stresses and tears muscle fibers. Resting the muscles after a workout promotes a healing process that strengthens muscles.

Bones benefit from weight-bearing and impact exercises. Stress on the bones stimulates bone cells to deposit proteins that mineralize. This produces an increase in bone density. Aerobic exercise stresses the heart and lungs. The result is a stronger heart and cardiovascular system, and increased energy levels to do more activities without becoming short of breath. Stretching stresses muscles to become longer and more flexible. Flexibility decreases the risk of injury by helping joints move through their full range of motion.

Challenging yourself to learn or do something new can be stressful. There is the fear of failure or the frustration of not getting it right without a lot of tries. Successfully facing a challenge can bring a tremendous sense of satisfaction that is well worth the effort.

Making friends and developing relationships doesn’t come easy as you get older. It can stress your emotions to reach out to others, reveal personal strengths and frailties, and become vulnerable to rejection. The payoff is belonging to a community that supports you in good times and in bad.

It is ironic that the little stresses in life help to reduce harmful stress. Living a safe and sedentary life does not provide the stimulation and outlet to manage harmful stress. Experts who give advice on stress management emphasize making friends and developing a support base, learning ways to build satisfaction, exercising, playing games and finding ways to have fun. So go out and create a little eustress and we bet you will feel a whole lot better.

Senior Living staff at AutumnGrove Cottages is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Personal Care Services in a Small Intimate Environment. We specialize in Alzheimer’s Care while providing exceptional Senior Living in Pearland, TX.

Theresa Johnston, Manager of Outreach Services for AutumnGrove Cottage and Volunteer for the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association held its annual Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony at the Alley Theatre on Saturday, April 21

Theresa Johnston, Manager of Outreach Services for AutumnGrove Cottage and Volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association was presented the Alzheimer’s Association, Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter, 2012 Outstanding Community Outreach Partner in recognition of outstanding service and commitment.

“As an organization, we depend on the hard work of our volunteers to promote our programs, raise awareness and funds for research, plan events, lead support groups, and a variety of other duties. Only through volunteers can a small staff of 25 be an army of hundreds serving a community of thousands, ” Houston Alzheimer’s Association Website

The Alzheimer’s Association Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter consists of families, caregivers, scientists, health professionals, and concerned citizens who are committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and to easing the burden of Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders on patients and their families and loved ones. 

Their mission
To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Their  vision
A world without Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association-Houston & Southeast Texas Chapter is grateful for our tireless and hardworking volunteers. Thank you!!!

Learning to create a positive environment for those with Dementia can only come from attempting to walk in their shoes. This valuable experience is designed for individual and family use, both to identify with and understand your loved one’s behaviors and needs.

The VDT® offers hope to caregivers, providing tips and tools necessary to create an environment that supports the disease and lessens confusion.

Short presentations on “Understanding Dementia” will be held to coincide with the tour. Join us for this important experience.

• Saturday, May 19, 2012
• 12 to 3 PM
• Atascocita United Methodist Church

• 19325 Pinehurst Trail Drive
• Atascocita, TX 77346

Presented by:

The Virtual Dementia Tour® is a scientifically proven method designed to build sensitivity and awareness in individuals caring for those with Dementia. The Virtual Dementia Tour® is a Dementia simulation tool kit created for anyone seeking to understand the physical and mental challenges of those with Dementia.

Community First Choice provides incentive for states to expand Medicaid coverage of beneficiaries in noninstitutional settings where it’s effective from both a health standpoint for patients who want to receive care at home or in the community, and from a cost standpoint for the provider. States that choose to participate in the program are eligible for a 6% increase in their federal Medicaid matching funds.

The CFC rule is final, but the revised definition of ‘home- and community-based settings’ is not final, and CMS will issue another proposed rule seeking public comment on the revised setting definition. 

“While some serious issues remain to be addressed, the new proposed definition of HCBS settings is much more workable than what was previously proposed,” said Karl Polzer, NCAL’s senior director of policy, in a statement.

Many weighed in on the original proposed definition of HCBS settings, with most advocating for the inclusion of assisted living facilities. The comments shows an element of confusion and disagreement regarding the initial definition and what it encompassed. 

“The proposed provisions caused more confusion and disagreement than clarity, and we believe further discussion and consideration on this issue are necessary,” CMS said in the final rule. 

The agency now intends to issue new proposed regulation providing a ‘setting’ criteria for the CFC program, developed in light of all the comments that were received, and inviting additional comments on the revised proposal. 

“Over the past year, NCAL and many other organizations have expressed deep concerns that the definitions of HCBS settings in the proposed CFC rules, as well as proposed rules for the Medicaid 1915(c) program, would prevent most assisted living settings from participating in the Medicaid program, thereby eliminating an important long term care choice for seniors,” said Polzer.

CMS did clarify it intends to propose that HCBS don’t include nursing facilities, institutions for mental diseases, intermediate care facilities for people with mental retardation, long-term care hospitals, or any other locations with the qualities of an institutional setting as determined by the secretary. 

The CFC option is now in full effect; read the final rule here. 

Assisted Living staff at AutumnGrove Cottage is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Alzheimer’s Care in a Small Intimate Environment. We specialize in Alzheimer’s care while providing Assisted Living in Houston.

Both Morris and Brooks are members of Team Type 1, a professional bike team with riders who have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

“The mission of our team is that living with Type 1 diabetes shouldn’t limit you at any extent,” Morris said. “The message is that you can achieve great things despite whatever challenges life might throw at you

The two stopped by a senior living facility while in town for the Nobel Street Festival and encouraged residents to walk, exercise, and find activities that put smiles on their faces.

The team, founded in 2005, races all over the professional circuit in America and allows Morris and Brooks to speak to all different age groups about the challenges of diabetes and how to overcome them.

“When we can couple our message with our bike racing, it means the world to me,” Morris said. “And it means the world to me and Matt when we see the impact it has on younger diabetics, and older diabetics.”

With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces insulin, meaning that it has to be injected. Because of this, Morris and Brooks are presented with additional challenges when racing.

“We have to be constantly cognizant of our blood sugar levels,” Morris said. “If our blood sugar gets too low we start to lose consciousness and eventually pass out.”

In order to keep up with their blood sugar levels on the go, Morris and Brooks wear a continuous glucose monitor that sits underneath the skin and updates every minute.

“Normally we eat about every hour,” Brooks said. “We try to ingest so many calories depending on what the terrain is or what the race is.”

Brooks says occasionally they have to inject insulin in the middle of the race.

“Diabetes has closed a door to my pancreas,” Morris said. “But it has opened a door to my body. Being diabetic, you get to know your body very well, better than non-diabetics.

Despite challenges, Team Type 1 has been very successful in its seven years of existence.

In 2009 they took first place in Race Across America, a 3,020-mile race from coast to coast, and set the record by finishing in five days, nine hours, and three minutes.

Other than racing and giving motivational presentations, Morris and Brooks are involved with various charity organizations.

“We do a lot with the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation,” Brooks says.

Morris has done other charity work in his homeland of Australia, where he has done fundraising with the Australian Diabetes Council. Last year, he raised over 4,000 dollars for Huntington’s disease by completing a solo ride from Sydney to Brisbane.

For more information on Team Type 1, visit www.teamtype1.org.

Senior Living staff at AutumnGrove Cottages is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Personal Care Services in a Small Intimate Environment. We specialize in Alzheimer’s Care while providing exceptional Senior Living in Champions.

“One of the reasons I moved in was because I’m almost deaf and I was scared being alone,” said Baker. “I was a nervous wreck at home, because I had to take my hearing aids out at night and I couldn’t hear anything. I feel a lot safer, and I’m very glad I came here.”

Since relocating to the assisted-living facility, Baker has blossomed, filling the volunteer position of new resident greeter. She is working on her second baby quilt with other residents, and she plays dominoes and works on puzzles. Baker also helps another resident care for her dog.

“I love it here, and it’s an absolutely wonderful place for me,” said Baker. “I don’t have to worry about anything. I didn’t want to have to live with my family. I wanted to be independent.”

Baker is one of an increasing number of aging senior citizens opting for a retirement community offering a variety of personal care and social services. 

The increase comes from a growing number of people living longer; men and women reaching age 65 now have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.8 years. 

Senior population growing quickly

The nation’s 65- to 79-year-old population numbered 40 million in 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, and is expected to jump to 55 million in 2020. The 85-plus population is projected to rise from 5.5 million in 2010 to 6.6 million in 2020. 

A 2012 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey showed that nationally, assisted living is more affordable than skilled nursing care. The report found that the median cost of a room in an assisted-living community is less than half the median cost of a private room in a skilled nursing facility. 

The report noted the median annual rate nationally in 2012 for an assisted-living room is $39,600, compared to $73,000 for a semi-private room or $81,030 for a private room at a nursing home. 

In Texas, the annual cost in 2012 of an assisted-living room is $38,400, while a semi-private room in a nursing home costs $47,450 and a private room is $61,503.

Continue reading here

Assisted Living staff at AutumnGrove Cottages is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Personal Care Services in a Small Intimate Environment. We specialize in Alzheimer’s Care while providing exceptional Assisted Living in Copperfield Cy-Fair.

Veterans who were receiving in-home assistance or living in assisted-living centers could receive sometimes generous monthly pensions to help cover those expenses.

The catch was that to be eligible, veterans had to have limited assets and limited income.

The VA didn’t try to keep the benefit a secret, said George Jarboe, Allen County’s veterans’ service officer, but it didn’t promote it heavily, either.

“It was designed to help people who have no money survive,” Jarboe said.

For years, most veterans knew little of the program, but about five years ago word got out and spread rapidly. Depending on their age, most wartime veterans or their widows can have $80,000 in assets, including their home, and depending on how much they spent on aid or assistance, they could get a pension.

Since the program has become popular, financial advisers have been taking full advantage of it. They have been counseling veterans and their spouses or widows that they could get the benefit, even if they had far too much in assets to qualify. All they had to do was “eliminate” their assets and they could start getting monthly checks.

To a lot of people, that’s an appealing concept.

Kraig Bradtmiller and his 90-year-old mother are among those who bought into the plan. Someone came to the assisted-living center where his mother lived and made the pitch. For $4,000, Bradtmiller had an irrevocable trust established in his and a sibling’s name and most of his mother’s assets were placed in that.

Instantly, a big chunk of his mother’s assets disappeared, making his mother potentially eligible for the VA’s Aid and Assistance pension.

Then Bradtmiller called to have the people he had been working with fill out his mother’s application for the pension. He said he was told it would cost more than $900 for a consultation fee to have that done. Bradtmiller refused to pay.

That’s about the time Bradtmiller approached Jarboe about the issue.

He didn’t have to pay anyone to complete his mother’s application, Jarboe told him. That’s what Jarboe does as the veterans’ service officer, and he does it for free.

In fact, he said, according to the deputy assistant adjutant general for the Department of Veterans Affairs, only accredited individuals can help someone fill out these applications for assistance, and they’re not allowed to charge for preparing the applications.

Most of Bradtmiller’s mother’s assets are now locked up in an irrevocable trust, but there still is a possibility that, because of her advanced age, she could be denied the VA benefits. They won’t know for several months.

In Bradtmiller’s case, it could be a wash. If his mother were to go into a nursing home for a lengthy period, Bradtmiller could dip into the trust to pay her expenses, and once the money was exhausted, his mother could go on Medicaid.

What irks Bradtmiller is that he paid $4,000 to establish a trust he now feels wasn’t necessary.

The organizations that are offering the pension advice have nothing to do with the VA, and they have proliferated since the pension program became well known.

“They’re like weeds,” Jarboe said. “They’re everywhere.”

They promote their programs at nursing homes and assisted-living centers, but they’re not looking for destitute veterans, the kind of people the program was designed to help, Jarboe said.

“They look for people with money,” so they can make money setting up trusts or annuities, using the possibility of the pension as the lure.

Jarboe stresses that charging someone to complete an application for benefits is illegal. Generally, though, what these organizations are doing – charging people to set up trusts or annuities – is not illegal.

It has the potential to cause headaches down the line, though, particularly if veterans put their money in a blind trust and then end up in a nursing home and need Medicaid to pay the bills. Medicaid could declare them ineligible if they had distributed their assets to other people in the past five years.

Senior Living staff at AutumnGrove Cottage is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Alzheimer’s Care and Personal Care Services in a cottage-like setting. We specialize in Alzheimer’s care while providing Senior Living in Eagle Springs, TX.

Assisted living residents generally are from mid- to high-income households, and the majority can pay for care on their own, a survey released Friday reveals.

A survey of 2,617 older adults living in freestanding assisted and independent living facilities provides new insights into the economic and physical well-being of individuals living in private pay seniors housing communities.

The survey, conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, found that assisted living residents earn most of their income through annuitized forms, including Social Security, pensions, private annuities and investment income. The majority of residents, according to the survey, don’t need help from family members to pay for their care. Many residents report actively spending down their assets for their care.

Support for the research was provided through a grant from the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry, the Assisted Living Federation of America and the American Seniors Housing Association.

Click here to download a copy of the report.

Assisted Living staff at AutumnGrove Cottage is available to talk with you about your aging family member. We provide Alzheimer’s Care and Personal Care Services in a cottage-like setting. We specialize in Alzheimer’s care while providing Assisted Living in Humble, TX.