Results
- Q
- If I have no spouse can my home be protected or must it be sold and I lose the funds?
- A
- If no one resides in the home and you have no intent of returning home, then the property will have to be sold and roughly half of the proceeds will be protected. However there are 3 exceptions for having to sell the property: a) you can transfer to a disabled child and the property is fully protected, b) transfer to a caregiver child who has resided with you for the past two years, or c) transfer to a sibling who has resided with you for at least 1 year. Otherwise, if none of the above exceptions apply and you have never done any advanced planning, then the property will be a countable asset for Medicaid purposes.
- Q
- Is my spouse going to be forced to give up all his or her money for me to get care in a nursing home?
- A
- No, spouses can transfer all their assets to one another and get on Medicaid immediately. HOWEVER, Medicaid reserves the right in the future to ask the community/well spouse to contribute towards the care in the future.
- Q
- Medicare states I have 100 days of skilled nursing coverage - Am I entitled to all those days?
- A
- No - there is certain medical criteria you need to meet.
- Q
- My Doctor has recommended Vital Stim - what is this?
- A
- Vital Stim is a procedure used for patients with swallowing difficulties. Electrical impulses act to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing. Only therapists who are specifically credentialed in the use of Vital Stim are able to use this effective treatment.
- Q
- The discharge planner recommends I stay within that hospital system for rehab services, do I have to?
- A
- No - You have a choice. While a hospital is collecting federal and state funds it is a federal law that you know all of your options post hospital care.
- Q
- What are ADL's?
- A
- ADL's refer to activities of daily living. Whether you are recovering from an injury or learning to use alternate methods of doing things after a stroke; refining ADL's are vital to a successful rehab to home program. Activities for hygiene, toileting, dressing, bathing, kitchen skills and car transfers are considered activities of daily living.
- Q
- What are some common myths associated with Alzheimer’s?
- A
- - Myth: Memory loss is a natural part of aging. Reality: In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging, often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness. -Myth: Only older people can get Alzheimer's. Reality: Alzheimer's can strike people in their 30s, 40s and 50s. This is called early-onset Alzheimer's, and we estimate that 200,000 people under age 65 have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. -Myth: Aluminum, aspartame, Flu shots, and silver dental fillings either cause or increase an individual’s risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Reality: Studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat. As of May 2006, the FDA had not been presented with any scientific evidence that would lead to change its conclusions on the safety of aspartame for most people. The agency says its conclusions are based on more than 100 laboratory and clinical studies. A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease was proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health. According to the best available scientific support, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer's. The concern is that these fillings typically contain mercury, a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is known to be toxic to the brain and other organs.
- Q
- What are the benefits of a short term rehabilitation stay?
- A
- It is the transition between hospital and home. It will decrease your risk of being hospitalized for the same condition.
- Q
- What are the various stages of the disease?
- A
- Staging systems provide useful frames of reference for understanding how the disease may unfold and for making future plans. But it is important to note that not everyone will experience the same symptoms or progress at the same rate. People with Alzheimer’s die an average of four to six years after diagnosis, but the duration of the disease can vary from three to 20 years. Early Stage: Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice deficiencies. Problems with memory or concentration may be measurable in clinical testing or discernible during a detailed medical interview. Common difficulties include: • Word- or name-finding problems noticeable to family or close associates • Decreased ability to remember names when introduced to new people • Performance issues in social or work settings noticeable to family, friends or co-workers • Reading a passage and retaining little material • Losing or misplacing a valuable object • Decline in ability to plan or organize Middle Stage: Memory difficulties continue to worsen, significant personality changes may emerge and affected individuals need extensive help with customary daily activities. At this stage, individuals may • Decreased knowledge of recent occasions or current events • Decreased capacity to perform complex tasks, such as planning dinner for guests, paying bills and managing finances • Reduced memory of personal history • The affected individual may seem subdued and withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations • Need help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion Late Stage: This is the final stage of the disease when individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, the ability to speak and, ultimately, the ability to control movement. • Frequently individuals lose their capacity for recognizable speech, although words or phrases may occasionally be uttered • Individuals need help with eating and toileting and there is general incontinence of urine • Individuals lose the ability to walk without assistance, then the ability to sit without support, the ability to smile, and the ability to hold their head up. Reflexes become abnormal and muscles grow rigid. Swallowing is impaired.
- Q
- What are the warning signs that a person may have Alzheimer’s?
- A
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. If you notice one or more of the following signs, please see a doctor. 10 Warning Signs: 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood and personality
- Q
- What can people do to offset Alzheimer’s?
- A
- There is currently no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Research has shown a connection between several lifestyle factors and a reduced risk of dementia. These factors include socialization, exercise, life-long learning, and a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. A general rule of thumb: What’s good for your heart is good for your brain.
- Q
- What do we do if our loved one needs additional care and their insurance coverage is exhausted?
- A
- Not to worry, after completing an application our business office will be able to guide you. If insurance is not available, you can pay privately or you may qualify for Medicaid. We will help you answer those questions and apply if you qualify for Medicaid .
- Q
- What if I happen to have an Insurance Plan?
- A
- If you have a Medicare replacement product you can also have your stay at the Nursing Home paid for through the insurance as long as you have a skilled service and are making a functional improvement.
- Q
- What if I need equipment to go home?
- A
- Whether you need a walker, raised toilet seat, reacher, or wheelchair…your therapist will measure you and recommend the correct equipment for home. Prescriptions will be written by your doctor and we will facilitate ordering the equipment through the vendor of your choice.
- Q
- What if my family member needs assistance with their meal, will somebody help them?
- A
- Yes. The nursing staff is available at all meals to assist with cutting up meat, opening packages, etc.
- Q
- What is Alzheimer’s?
- A
- Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and fatal brain disease. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. As many as 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Q
- What is Bariatric Care?
- A
- Bariatric care is a team approach to management of the resident with obesity (individuals weighing over 350lb). Our residents receive a broad range of dietary services under the direction of a Registered Dietitian. Working with our dietary staff, residents develop a dietary plan that will assist him/her to safely and steadily lose weight. Individuals adopt a healthy lifestyle as they learn what types of foods to eat, portion control, preparation techniques, how to snack, and how to successfully navigate dining out and holiday meals. Upon discharge, the skills learned enable the individual to seamlessly transition to his/her home environment, allow them to continue to lose weight safely and independently maintain a healthy lifestyle. Our Social Services staff are specially trained to provide counseling services to individuals in our Bariatric Program. Often, residents with bariatric needs feel a sense of despair and hopelessness related to their physical condition. Working closely with individuals to identify their specific needs, our Social Work staff are able to provide guidance, suggestions and support as the resident adjusts to his/her new way of living. Our Physical and Occupational Therapy staff design an individualized therapy plan focused on improving a resident’s strength, mobility, endurance and independence. Individuals with bariatric needs may have lost their ability to safely ambulate or experience difficulty bearing weight. Therapy staff utilize various state of the art modalities (Anodyne therapy, electric stimulation, whirlpool/paraffin baths and ultrasound), as well as traditional therapeutic techniques to relieve pain, improve healing of complex wounds and soft tissue damage. A daily exercise program is implemented with the goal of losing weight and improving independence in order to safely return home. Our therapy staff can perform a home evaluation and recommend changes to the environment to assist in a smooth transition to independent living. Upon discharge, residents are provided with an exercise plan they can implement at home, or if necessary, referrals to appropriate home care or outpatient services. Residents with bariatric needs often require specialized nursing services related to complex wound care, medication and treatments and personal care services. Our trained Nursing staff are able to provide the resident with the care and emotional support needed to expedite healing. Our state of the art equipment specially designed for use with bariatric patients allows Nursing staff to provide care to residents safely and comfortably.
- Q
- What is the difference between custodial care and skilled care?
- A
- Custodial care is basic personal care, assistance in activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating and toileting. Skilled care is service provided by trained professionals such as a Registered Nurse, Physical, Occupational or Speech therapist. These services are required daily. The Registered Nurse evaluates wound care or administers intravenous medication or fluids and monitors acute medical changes.
- Q
- What is the mortality rate?
- A
- Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease and is currently the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.
- Q
- What is the role of a hospital discharge planner?
- A
- To assist in your post hospital needs and home care services like assisted living, long term placement or in patient rehabilitation. All services in the area should be provided to you in a packet given by the hospital.
« Previous | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next »
Disclaimer: The above questions are for informational purposes only. Absolut Care Facilities Management, LLC. (Absolut) has attempted to ensure that the above questions contain correct and accurate information; however Absolut assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information.