What Rights Do Family Members Have?
When a resident moves into a long-term care facility, the family should take an active role in advocating for their loved one, ensuring the highest quality of life for them. In recent years, the focus of long-term care has changed from the medical model to a person-centered philosophy of care. This means that the resident... Read More
10 Warning Signs that Your Loved One May Need Help
For many people, it may be difficult to determine if a loved one needs help. Sometimes changes in individuals are very noticeable, while other times they are more subtle. The following list includes some of the more subtle warning signs that a senior may need help. Changes in eating habits, such as no appetite or... Read More
Understanding the Role of a Health Care or Medical Power of Attorney
For all of our estate and asset protection clients, we will ensure that they have a quality Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (in addition to one for financial matters, but that’s for a different post!). Many people don’t fully understand exactly how this document is intended to function when a medical emergency pops... Read More
Social Security Changes for 2016
By now, you may have heard that no cost of living (COLA) increase is expected for 2016. Many seniors rely on Social Security for a major portion of their monthly income, so not getting any additional funds for next year can really put a burden on them. We saw this same scenario in 2010... Read More
State Law verses Individual Facility Policy
In my 20 + years in the healthcare industry I have often had families tell me that the long-term care facility cannot resolve a concern because a State Law prohibited them from doing what the family requested. My advice to any family member who is told that is that they need to research the situation... Read More
Holiday Visits in Long-Term Care Facilities
Holidays are busy times of year for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your visit to see a loved one in a long-term care facility. Residents tire easily, so schedule your visits at times when they will be able to enjoy your visit. Don’t feel like you... Read More
How to Deal with Parents Aging
I am an aging professional in the healthcare field. I have an extensive background in long-term care. I have had family members in long-term care facilities, I have worked in long-term care and for 17 ½ years I was an advocate for residents residing in long-term care. I hold a Master’s Degree in Gerontology. With... Read More
Understanding Pathway to Safety
Anyone placing a loved one into a Residential Care Facility (RCF) or Assisted Living Facility Option I (ALF) needs to be aware of and understand the Pathway to Safety requirements. Let’s start by explaining what Pathway to Safety is. Simply put Pathway to Safety states that a resident in a RCF or ALF Option I... Read More
Common Nursing Home Questions
As the Elder Care Coordinator for Attorney Michael C. Weeks, I am often asked questions by clients, friends or other professionals. The following are my responses to some of those questions I am asked. What is the best nursing home? There are many good nursing homes. Unfortunately, the public usually just hears about bad events... Read More
The Weeks Group Gives Back – Timmy’s Mountain
I have been involved with Timmy’s Mountain for the last 6 years, as a donor and event attendee. Two years ago, I joined the Board, and have been sponsoring a child for the last two years, as well. One of the highlights of the trip was when our 7 year old sponsored child, Mirna, greeted... Read More