Alongside You, LLC

Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone who helped make our 3rd annual purse bingo night a success for the Parkinson Foundation last Thursday night and it was lots of fun!

What a great event to help find a cure and support those with Alzheimer’s disease at the Dallera Indy Car Factory. Plus, it’s always good to catch up with friends and colleagues!

Thanks to everyone who supported Graceful Season’s as we hosted our 2nd Annual Purse Bingo night to support the Parkinson’s Foundation. It was a blast and we doubled what we made for them last year!!

I'm so excited to be a part of Graceful Seasons, a group of women business owners, who work with Seniors to make their lives better. Join us for our 2nd Annual Purse Bingo on May 2nd where all proceeds go to the Parkinson's Foundation! We will sell out for this event so get your tickets now. Come have a blast, possibly win a designer purse, gift basket or other great prize and best of all, raise money to support people with Parkinson's Disease!

This video simply explains what a care manager is and what we do at Alongside You.

https://www.nyalca.org/about/what-is-aging-life-care/

What is Aging Life Care™? - ALCA® New York Chapter Aging Life Care Professionals® are care managers who are members of the Aging Life Care Association® (ALCA). They are educated and experienced in specialties such as gerontology, nursing, social work, counseling, and others. Aging Life Care™ managers specialize in helping older people navigate t...

I so appreciate the positive reviews from my clients and am thankful I'm able to do a job I love for people I'm passionate about.

"I would characterize Karen as a truly "compassionate, resourceful professional". She spent the time needed to get to know my 97 year-old mother as a person first, and to understand her priorities and needs. She then brought her deep and broad knowledge of nursing to learn about every detail of her medical situation. With this information, and her broad and deep understanding of health care delivery, she has been able to advocate for meeting the complex needs of a 97 year old who wants to continue living independently. I live more than 500 miles away from my mother and trust Karen to be the surrogate caring daughter with medical expertise who will always be there when I can't be, knowing she will respect her wishes. Her organization skills, attention to detail and truly professional abilities make her the ideal person to provide the services she offers. We can't recommend her more highly".
Craig Roth, MD

I highly recommend the book "Eightysomethings" to my clients and their families! As we age, the goal is to balance independence and self-reliance with isolation and lack of social contacts. As Katherine Etsy, PhD says in her book. Eightysomethings try desperately to not be dependent on anyone, but learning to be appropriately dependent and interdependent are perhaps better goals for eightysomethings to set." An eightsomething herself, Etsy provides readers with a guide to aging and adult children insight into their parents struggles and anxieties and offers thoughtful questions in order to have honest conversations. If I can help you or a family member struggling to figure out next steps, please reach out to me.

:https://www.katharineesty.com/eightysomethings

EIGHTYSOMETHINGS | Katharine Esty, PhD Katharine Esty's latest book, EIGHTYSOMETHINGS, A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness, is an exploration and guide for individuals and families navigate the twighlight years

I’m pleased I was able to advertise my care management business, Alongside You in the Carmel Towne Post with other women-owned businesses. Thanks to Sarah Kendrick of Rhea Services for telling me about this opportunity!

Many people have questions about what Medicare covers and what all of their options for coverage are. As your Aging Life Care Manager, let me help you answer those questions or put you in touch with someone who can help you explore other plans.

Together, we can help you see your options and decide if Traditional Medicare with a supplement and a part D presciption plan is best for you or if an Advantage plan might be right for you.

Below is a link to sign up for the bi-weekly email Medicare newsletter that has the answers to many Medicare questions. Here was this weeks question.

https://www.medicareinteractive.org/dear-marci

How should I use my Medicare & You handbook

I receive a Medicare & You handbook each year but am never sure what to do with it. How should I be using my Medicare & You handbook?
I’m glad you asked! The Medicare & You handbook can be very helpful. The Medicare & You handbook is mailed to all Medicare households each September and contains information on Medicare benefits.

Here are some helpful uses for your handbook:

Learn what’s new with Medicare. It’s important to know any updates about your Medicare coverage. For example, the 2021 Medicare & You book had updates on lower insulin costs, new acupuncture coverage for back pain, and virtual services. Remember that Medicare Advantage Plans must cover the same benefits that Medicare does; if you see an update to Medicare in your Medicare & You book, you should expect to have those same benefits with your Medicare Advantage Plan, although with possibly different costs or restrictions.

Understand how to enroll. If you are new to Medicare, the Medicare & You handbook can be helpful in explaining how to sign up. It explains who will be automatically enrolled, and who will need to actively sign up. The handbook lists instructions for signing up and offers resources to contact for assistance.

Compare private plans in your area. While there is a general version of the handbook available online, the version mailed to you or sent to you electronically will contain information specific to the area in which you live. It should contain a list of Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D plans, and supplemental Medigap plans available in your area for you to compare.

See if you qualify for any cost assistance programs. There are a variety of programs that help people save money on their Medicare. The Medicare & You handbook contains the eligibility guidelines (which are usually a person’s monthly or yearly income, and sometimes their assets) for these different programs. Use your handbook to see if you may be eligible for Extra Help, the Medicare Savings Program, or a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

Learn about your rights. If you are denied coverage for a health service or item that you believe should be covered, your Medicare & You handbook contains helpful information on filing appeals. It additionally provides tips on protecting yourself from Medicare fraud and medical identity theft.

Use as a reference guide throughout the year. It is tough (and likely impossible!) to memorize everything about how Medicare works. Instead, keep your Medicare & You handbook to use as a reference guide as you need care throughout the year. The book contains an index of topics, as well as a dedicated section to finding out if Medicare covers your test, item, or service.

As you can see, the Medicare & You handbook can be helpful to you throughout the year. I highly recommend keeping it handy!

If you don’t receive your Medicare & You handbook, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE and request that a copy with information for your area be sent to you. If you would like to receive your handbook electronically, you can log into (or create) your Medicare account to sign up for electronic handbooks. You can also download a general version of the handbook at Medicare.gov.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, or NIAM. This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. Take a look at this adult vaccination schedule from the CDC, or use this quick adult vaccine assessment tool. Remember that Medicare Part B covers seasonal flu shots, pneumonia shots, the COVID-19 vaccine, and Hepatitis B shots, and that Medicare Part D covers most other vaccines and immunizations. You have the power to protect yourself and your family against serious diseases through on-time vaccina

Dear Marci Archives - Medicare Interactive Dear Marci is a biweekly e-newsletter that helps consumers—people with Medicare, their families and caregivers—understand their Medicare benefits and options. Each issue features Medicare coverage advice, basic health tips and links to vital health care resources.

I'm so appreciative of the trust my clients put in me to care for their loved ones during difficult and stressful times. I get so much in return and am thankful to be able to do what I love!

"Karen has been a bright spot during a very sad and worrisome time for us. Not being from a medical background, Karen has helped us navigate through the very complex healthcare system. She accompanies our loved one to all the medical appointments and procedures and she can interpret the medical tests so much easier than we ever could. She keeps the lines of communication open between all of her doctor’s and the healthcare team at her facility and ensures medication changes and lab work are followed through on. She serves as a sounding board and consultant to us as well. She is so knowledgeable with Medicare and Long-Term Healthcare issues; a great asset to have on the team! Karen has been a wonderful addition to our 'family' and has been a source of comfort and stability to our loved one during a very difficult time. With our busy lives, we have been so pleased she is getting personalized care and attention while confident everything is under control. She has been a true blessing!"

Debbie T.

"Karen helped me get hospice on board for my husband at the end of his life. She was very meticuous and resourceful. She was there to support me for the initial meeting and came to visit after we got him home. She checked in often and was there for whatever I needed. She is very compassionate and continues to check on me...a real angel."

Marta B.

Lots of technology is available today to help seniors stay and be more independent. As an Aging Life Care Manager, I can help determine the kinds of assistance needed and what technology would be most beneficial for your loved ones.


https://www.care.com/c/stories/5440/technology-for-seniors

Top Technology For Seniors: Devices And Apps To Boost Wellness, Safety And Happiness Though seniors are becoming more technology savvy all the time, many are still skeptical about the latest devices. A 2019 study published in the journal Healthcare analyzed older adults’ perspectives on technology intended to allow them to age in place and&nb...

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Know the signs of a STROKE and don't delay in getting to the hospital if you or a loved one have these symptoms. Time=Brain cells!
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https://www.mymarinhealth.org/blog/2018/may/when-it-comes-to-recognizing-a-stroke-b-e-f-a-s-/

When it Comes to Recognizing a Stroke, B.E. F.A.S.T. When it Comes to Recognizing a Stroke, B.E. F.A.S.T.

This is an informative article explaining the types, causes, symptoms, stages, and treatments of heart failure.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17069-heart-failure-understanding-heart-failure

Heart Failure: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments What is Heart failure (HF), often referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF), the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options at the Nation's #1 Heart Center, Cleveland Clinic.

This is a great documentary that follows four families as they travel into their futures to take a proactive look at aging.

https://www.pbs.org/video/fast-forward-eldng
Fast Forward | Fast-Forward

Fast Forward | Fast-Forward Follow four Millennials and their parents as they simulate being 85 and explore aging.

There are many advantages to moving into an independent or assisted living community while you are still relatively healthy. Some of these are the ability to stay in control longer by not having to depend on family for help, having to move several times or when you are in a crisis situation. Also, there is no more worry about home maintenance or having to do all of the shopping, cooking, cleaning and the opportunity for socialization as desired. Lastly, if you or your spouse have any caregiving needs those can easily be addressed as needed.
https://www.seniorsmatter.com/decision-move-assisted-living-facility-looms-year-advantages-merit-due-weight/2492065

Look at the Positive Side: Moving a Loved One to Assisted Living If you are a caregiver considering moving your loved one into an assisted living community, approach this move with a positive outlook. Reaching this decision has not been easy but making and sticking with a plan will make this process smoother and more successful. Although there are drawbacks to li...

It takes open communication, listening, a focus on problem-solving, teamwork and a sense of humor in order for everyone to come together as our parents age. Otherwise, family disagreements can be a difficult challenge to overcome.

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/sibling-disputes-about-elderly-parents-care-134376.htm

What to Do When Siblings Can’t Agree on a Parent’s Care Needs When siblings can’t agree on an elderly parent’s care needs, it might be time to bring in an objective third party to help resolve differences.

Want to Age in Place? Here's a great article on things to consider in designing a new home or modifying an existing one.

https://udservices.org/blog/aging-in-place-design/

A Guide to Aging in Place Design | UDS Foundation Aging in place design is central to living in your own home for as long as possible. Our guide will help you create a home that can safely accommodate you.

A great article about the dangers of online dating scams and the warning signs. Even seniors many times fall victim.

https://www.pandasecurity.com/en/mediacenter/panda-security/catphishing/

Catphishing: How to Protect Yourself in the Online Dating World - Panda Security Mediacenter Online dating is a staple of modern romance, but so are the scams—learn more about catphishing and how to protect yourself online.

This article discusses housing options for seniors and some tips on how to know when it's the right time and finding the right place. Aging Life Care Managers® are uniquely qualified to help families explore different levels of care. https://www.caregiver.org/resource/residential-care-options-housing-options/

Residential Care Options: Housing Options - Family Caregiver Alliance Choosing the right place for a loved one to live, if not at home can be challenging. The options available depend on the kind of care that is needed, your loved one’s personal preferences, and finances. All facilities require a TB skin test and medical form completed by the doctor before admission...

Happy to be a part of the Walk to End Alzheimer's volunteer committee. I've also formed TEAM ALONGSIDE YOU! The plan is for an in-person walk this year and the tentative date is 10/2. I'd love to have you join my team! The link to sign up and to donate is below.
https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=14466&pg=team&team_id=669502

Team Alongside You's Walk to End Alzheimer's Team Page Team Alongside You has joined the fight to end Alzheimer's. Donate today and help us reach our goal.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, there are over 34 million unpaid caregivers who have provided care to an adult over the age of 50 in the last 12 months. Since today is National Caregiver's Day, hopefully this article can offer those of you providing care to a loved one some ideas on how to find balance in caregiving while allowing yourself a much needed break!

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2017/respite-care-plan.html

Create a Respite Plan to Give Family Caregivers a Break As a caregiver, it's important to avoid burnout. Learn to how to create a family respite care plan and what outside respite resources are available.

8 Reasons to hire an Aging Life Care Manager® if you or a loved one need help navigating care or you are worried about changes in a loved ones physical functioning.

Having a loved one in an inpatient rehabilitation facility can be overwhelming especially during a pandemic. First, find out who the social worker, director of nursing, director of therapy, medical director/nurse practitioner/physician assistant and executive director are and how to get in touch with them if you have any concerns. Email is often the best way to communicate. Also, find out how often the medical team will be seeing your loved one. Next, request a care plan phone conference within a week of your loved ones arrival and make a list of any questions you have. During the meeting each team member which includes physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy ( OT), speech therapy (ST), and nursing should give you an update on what they are working on and how your loved one is doing. The nurse can review the medications/ labs/ treatments, etc. Also, they should be able to give you a time frame of how long they estimate your loved one will need to be inpatient ( typically 2-4 weeks). The goal is for them to be safe enough for the next level of care and hopefully back to about 80% functioning level and continue home or outpatient therapy after discharge. Ask for regular updates and expect to have another formal discharge care plan meeting about 3-7 days before discharge. If you still have concerns or need an advocate, consider hiring an Aging Life Care Professional® like myself.