Assisted Living Rock Hill: Understanding the Differences Between Communities

By Phil Davidson

Assisted Living in Rock Hill is a specialty of the elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communitiesRock Hill, Tega Cay, Fort Mill, Lake Wylie, and Indian Land, as well as York, Clover, and Hickory Grove. We understand that senior living communities come in many varieties. In fact, there are three main categories of these facilities: independent living communities, assisted living communities, and nursing homes. We know that choosing the right facility for your loved one is not always easy—but you can better weigh your options by understanding the differences between these categories.

• Independent Living Communities: These neighborhoods are for residents over a certain age (most commonly 55) who do not need elder care assistance. People living in these communities are responsible for their homes and can benefit from the social events that are often planned by residents. This is a wonderful option for seniors who are looking to live near people who share their interests.
• Assisted Living Communities: In an assisted living community, residents benefit from non-medical care, such as assistance with personal hygiene, meal preparation, grooming, etc. Like independent living communities, assisted living facilities frequently provide an active social calendar that allows residents to participate in a variety of events. For instance, they may host fitness classes, book clubs, art classes, trips to local museums, etc.
• Nursing Homes: Also called skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes provide medical care to seniors who have health conditions that require special attention. Staff members are on call 24 hours per day to ensure that elderly individuals have access to the care that they need. Some social activities may be provided, but the focus of care in a nursing home is health, rather than social interaction. A nursing facility is a good option for seniors who can no longer take care of themselves at home or rely upon extensive in-home care provided by skilled professionals.

Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill, the safety and wellbeing of seniors are the top priorities. At a certain point, the professionals know that it is in your loved one's best interest to move into a community that affords a higher degree of care. By understanding the differences between independent, assisted, and skilled nursing facilities, you can help your senior choose the right community for their needs. 

Click here for our videos on Senior Care and a special one regarding Alzheimer's Care.

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson
803-329-0079

Senior Services Rock Hill: VA Aid and Attendance Pension - Does Your Senior Qualify?

The VA Aid and Attendance Pension (A&A Pension) was created to assist veterans and their surviving spouses in affording the services of elder care providers. Sometimes referred to as the "Secret Benefit," this particular form of financial aid is often difficult to secure. The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that, although approval can take between three and six months, the A & A Pension starts distributing aid during the first month after the application date. By turning to elder care professionals for guidance throughout the A&A Pension application process, individuals can determine if they qualify for the assistance and, if they do, gain approval faster.  

The services covered by the A&A Pension include those required to perform activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, etc. Additionally, the Pension can contribute to nursing home or assisted living facility expenses for individuals who are blind or mentally or physically incapacitated.

Elderly individuals applying for the A&A Pension must have documentation provided by their doctor confirming that they require daily care. Additionally, applicants must file the appropriate documents. For veterans, the Form 21-526 is required; for surviving spouses, the form 21-534 is required. Additionally, applicants may need a DD-214, separation papers, a medical evaluation, and information about medical conditions, net worth, net income, and current medical expenses.

The amount that the A&A Pension provides on a monthly basis is subject to change, so it is important to contact the VA to find out exactly how much is available. Currently, veterans may receive up to $1,704 per month and surviving spouses may receive up to $1,094 per month. Couples who file together are eligible for up to $2,020 per month. Additionally, a veteran who files with a sick spouse may receive up to $1,338 per month.

Many veterans and their spouses need financial aid to cover the medical and senior care expenses that they incur. Oftentimes, though, information pertaining to financial aid is not always readily available. Elder care professionals encourage seniors and their families to research the benefits and pensions for which they may be eligible. The A&A Pension is a great example of a benefit that is available to veterans and their spouses that many families are unaware of.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of RockHill understand that living on a restricted or fixed income, as many elderly individuals do, can interfere with their ability to access proper care. Individuals are encouraged to contact the professionals at Always Best Care for guidance throughout the application process—which can prove extremely difficult to navigate. By seeking the assistance of senior care professionals, individuals can be referred to a VA-approved attorney and enhance their chances of being approved for the Pension.

We have additional resources available to help you in caring for your senior here in Rock Hill - click to go to our resource page.

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson 

803-329-0079

Senior Services Rock Hill: What Is the Best Diet for Your Senior?

Maintaining a proper nutrition plan is important during every phase of life; however, it is essential to note that the needs of the body change as people grow older. For this reason, elderly individuals should pay close attention to the foods that they eat.  The home care professionals at Always Best Care Senior Services of RockHill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester Counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that meal planning and preparation is often the responsibility of caretakers. As such, it is important for you to know what kinds of foods your senior needs and which foods they should stay away from.

Of course, each body is unique. The dietary needs of individuals may vary, which is why it is important to consult with your elderly loved one's doctor before making any major changes in their nutritional intake. Despite this, there are some dietary standards that you will want to uphold.

·       Limit consumption of sodium and simple carbohydrates. Sodium often leads to water retention, as well as an increase in blood pressure. Simple carbohydrates, as opposed to complex carbohydrates, are more apt to cause weight gain. Additionally, simple carbohydrates can create a spike in blood sugar—which is particularly dangerous for seniors with diabetes.

·       Increase consumption of calcium and fiber. Fiber is a heart-healthy substance that reduces cholesterol and improves the efficiency of the digestive system. Calcium supports strong bones and protects against osteoporosis.

·       Do not vary caloric intake too drastically. Increasing or decreasing the consumption of calories can cause weight gain or loss and exacerbation or development of health conditions. If necessary, your senior's doctor will recommend a daily caloric intake that supports your elderly loved one's nutritional needs without interfering with their health.

·       Increase consumption of "good fats," including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are found in many delicious foods, such as salmon and avocadoes, and assist in reducing "bad" cholesterol and enhancing heart health.

Maintaining a high quality of life, as well as an active lifestyle, is important for seniors. To do so, they must consume the proper nutrition to keep their bodies and minds as strong as possible. The senior care providers at Always Best Care of Rock Hill (http://www.alwaysbestcarerockhill.com)know that, by following these guidelines, you can help your elderly loved one maintain the diet they need to get the most out of life!

We at Always Best Care Senior Services of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson 

803-329-0079