What are ADLs and IADLs?

As with any other industry, senior home health care services have certain jargon we use in our care programs, including the terms ADLs and IADLs. Here is some insight into what these terms mean, from our team.

First, ADLs are Activities for Daily Living – the basic self-care tasks that every adult needs to be able to handle during the course of a normal day. There are 6 ADLs, namely:

• Eating – Feeding yourself and getting adequate nutrition to stay healthy.

• Bathing – Getting in and out of the shower or tub safely, and cleaning yourself properly.

• Dressing – Putting clothes on easily and ensuring that those clothes are appropriate for the weather.

• Toileting – Recognizing urges to go to the bathroom and using the toilet without assistance.

• Mobility – The ability to walk, go up and down stairs, get up from seated positions and getting up out of bed.

• Grooming – Brushing your teeth and maintaining personal hygiene.

IADLs are more complex tasks that support adult independence, and include everything from managing finances, driving safely and managing medication properly to shopping, basic home maintenance and housework.

Why do ADLs and IADLs Matter?

These skills all revolve around being able to live an independent life and the loss of these skills can indicate that assistance is required for someone to live a safe and enjoyable quality of life.

IADLs and ADLs are evaluated by senior care specialists including doctors, social workers and other healthcare practitioners to ensure that seniors get the care they need when they need it, rather than waiting until an emergency situation to intervene. They are also used to evaluate if a senior meets certain criteria for particular services like Medicaid. If you are caring for a senior loved one, it’s important to know these IADLs and ADLs so that you get a clear picture of the kind of assistance they need, and to watch for any deterioration that could indicate health issues. For example, deterioration of IADLS and ADLS is common in early stages of dementia conditions.

Looking for Qualified Aides to Provide At Home Care for Elderly? Our Team Can Help 

At United Methodist Communities, we understand the challenges of providing expert medical care and companionship to seniors while encouraging a full and independent life, which is why we’ve developed one of the leading home health aide agencies and senior care programs in New Jersey.

Through our senior home health care services, trained and highly experienced staff can assist seniors and their families through comprehensive in home care. Each care plan is designed around the client’s exact needs, filling in with necessary assistance while allowing your loved one to remain in the comfort of their home.

For more information on our seniors home health care services, please contact us today or visit our website at https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/elderly-home-health-care-nj/

Original content posted on https://homeworks.umcommunities.org/blog/what-are-adls-and-iadls/

How to Finance Senior Care – We Answer Common Questions

One of the considerations of moving a loved one into an assisted living community is how to pay for these services or create a budget for them. Here are some insights from our assisted living team in Gloucester County, NJ.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost? 

This depends entirely on the institution, their location and the type of care your loved one needs, but the national average is between $2,000 and $5,000 per month. It’s best to look for an assisted living community that offers scalable services, so you aren’t paying for services your loved one doesn’t need.

Can You Rely on Medicare? 

Unfortunately, Medicare does not provide for any of the costs associated with assisted living, as this service is considered a medical service rather than a medical expense (like medication, for example).

Are There Other Financing Options? 

Banks and financing companies do offer short-term bridging loans to help families play for assisted living. It is important to speak to several qualified lenders to ensure you get the best possible rates and conditions on the loan. 

Usually, this option is used if a family decides to sell property (for example, their loved one’s home) to fund the assisted living move, and needs financing to cover expenses while the property is on the market.

Another option is to sell your loved one’s life insurance policy. Unfortunately, this will be a lower reimbursement than if the policy was left in place and it is recommended that you speak to an elder law attorney to ensure that this is the best path to take.

For veterans, it’s possible to apply for the Veterans Aid & Attendance benefit. Many veterans and their families are unaware of this benefit and it can be incredibly helpful in making assisted living expenses more affordable. In fact, married veteran who qualify can currently receive $2,127 per month, a spouse who needs care can receive $1,408 per month, a single unmarried veteran can receive $1,794 per month, and a surviving spouse with no dependents can receive $1153 per month.

Get to Know the Team at Our Assisted Living Community in Gloucester County, NJ 

Pitman is an assisted living community in Gloucester County, NJ, offering high quality, scalable assisted living services in a comfortable, well-supported and beautiful environment. As part of the United Methodist Communities network, we also offer rehabilitation, access to therapists, hospice care, respite care and memory care and support services. We welcome seniors from all faith backgrounds.

To find out more about our assisted living community, please visit our website or contact us today or book a personal tour.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/how-to-finance-senior-care-we-answer-common-questions/

6 Things You Need to Know About High Blood Pressure

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, so the team at our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey would like to share some facts about this health condition that can help save lives!

• High blood pressure is a primary or contributing cause to almost 1,000 deaths per day: This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who says that high blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, chronic heart failure and kidney disease.

• 1 in 5 American adults don’t know they have high blood pressure: 7 in 10 adults in the USA have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and use medication to manage it. An annual health checkup is essential to monitoring blood pressure.

• It may be linked to dementia: Recent studies have shown indications that high blood pressure could be a contributor to dementia conditions and loss of cognitive function, especially if high blood pressure develops between 45-65 years old.

• It’s not just a senior condition: Young people can get high blood pressure too, especially between the ages of 25-45 years old. This and the high obesity rates among young people are thought to be some of the reasons why strokes are on the rise in this age group.

• There aren’t usually any symptoms: It can be impossible to tell if you have high blood pressure, which is why it’s often called “the silent killer”. Even if you feel completely healthy, have your blood pressure checked by a doctor for your peace of mind – it’s painless! This is especially important if you are in a higher-risk group, which includes women and African American men.
  
  

• It is manageable: The most important fact is that having high blood pressure isn’t an automatic death sentence – if you manage it correctly. Getting diagnosed early is key, and your doctor can recommend a regimen that may include weight loss and dietary as well as lifestyle changes along with medication that can help you live a long, enjoyable and healthy life!

Become Part of a Community at Our CCRC in Sussex County, New Jersey

Bristol Glen is a CCRC and assisted living community based in Sussex County that aims to provide seniors with comfortable, serviced living arrangements that free up your time to enjoy life. Founded on a philosophy of ageing in place, our continuing care retirement community residents enjoy a less restrictive care model where they do not have to move from their residential apartment to access additional services as their needs change.

Contact us to find out more about our CCRC and our assisted living in Sussex County, New Jersey, please visit our website and book your visit today.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/6-things-you-need-to-know-about-high-blood-pressure/