What's on Your Mind?

There are a number of reasons you might consider moving to a senior living community. And while this decision is deeply personal, there are some cues that can help you decide if a senior living community is right for you:

• Do you struggle with the tasks of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and preparing meals?
• Is keeping up on regular home maintenance and finances becoming more challenging?
• Is navigating stairs (e.g. to the basement laundry area) becoming more difficult?
• Are you ever concerned about your safety and security?
• Would you enjoy the regular companionship of a caring community?
• Do you wish you had more options for fun and engaging activities?
• Would you benefit from the assistance and expertise of senior-care professionals?

If you are nodding your head to any of the above, please contact us to talk through your thoughts and questions. We also invite you to schedule a tour of the Apple Blossom community, at your convenience, where you can see daily life unfold and get trusted answers to your questions. You can also visit our Decision Toolkit for information and advice on everything from paying for senior living, living options and assistance and managing change.

First, know that we will be very respectful and attentive during this time of transition. Moving can be one of life's biggest changes and challenges, especially when someone has lived in their current home for most of his or her life.

But it can also be a time of new beginnings and discovery, when new people come into our lives and we see things with a fresh perspective. Your loved one will now be enjoying home-cooked meals each and every day, in the company of friendly wait staff and new friends. There will be things to look forward to, good company, assistance whenever needed and still plenty of time to rest and have privacy.

We can help with laundry, housekeeping, medication and daily care and activities as much or as little as needed. And our nurses are here around the clock for added peace of mind.

Most importantly, we are guests in your loved one's home. We are here to make them more comfortable, to feel warm and welcome. We'll keep you posted on how they're doing and invite you to visit as often as you'd like.

It is important to consider all of your current living expenses as well as future costs in order to determine your budget, including:

• Rent or mortgage
• Property taxes
• Home owner's insurance
• HOA or neighborhood fees
• Housekeeping
• Lawn care & snow removal
• Trash removal
• Home repairs
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Gym membership, fitness & exercise classes
• Groceries & toiletries
• In-home emergency call systems
• In-home nurse or caregiver
• Any other needs that may arise in the new future

All of these things are included at Apple Blossom Senior Living. Use our worksheet to run the numbers and get a better feel for where you stand. Or get in touch with us and we can help you determine the best option for you.

If you are a wartime veteran or the surviving spouse of a wartime veteran, you may be entitled to a widow's pension. The U.S. Department of Affairs offers two different special pensions called 'Housebound' and 'Aid and Attendance' (A&A).

Eligibility

To be eligible, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active-duty military service, at least one day of which was served during a period of war. A longer time in service requirement may be required if discharged after September, 1980. The veteran need not have served in a combat area. The veteran's military discharge must be other than dishonorable. Since pension benefits are based on need, the VA determines if net-worth is sufficient to meet the claimant’s basic needs without assistance from the VA.

Housebound
To qualify under the VA’s housebound category, you need to show that due to your disability you are substantially confined to your dwelling and the immediate premises. Additionally, a VA 21-2680 exam from must be completed by a doctor and certify that the veteran or the surviving spouse is either housebound or needs the aid and attendance of some other person in order to perform daily functions.

Aid & Attendance (A&A)

To qualify under the Aid and Attendance, a veteran or surviving spouse must show one of the following:

• Requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting yourself from the hazards of your daily environment (minimum of two ADLs required), OR
• Is bedridden, in that your disability requires that you remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment, OR
• Is a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, OR
• Is blind, or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, and concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.

Countable Income

VA must consider income from all sources when reviewing the application. This includes Social Security income, income from investments (interest income), retirement pensions or 401K, income from rental property, etc. If the veteran is married, the income from both is considered.

Some ongoing medical expenses can be used to reduce countable income. This includes cost for Personal Care Home care, in-home care, and medical supplemental insurances. If you have been rated 'Housebound' or in need of 'Aid & Attendance,' and you are paying for in-home care, the provider does not have to be a licensed health care provider for you to claim this deduction.

It can cover home care and home health care services, Personal Care Home, adult day care, respite care, hospice care, nursing home and Alzheimer's facilities. Not all long-term care insurance policies cover all services, nor do they pay the same for similar services. This is something to investigate thoroughly before purchasing.

Personal Care Home

Knowing the type of features and services that are important to you determines the best type of policy and insurance company for you.

Remember that some long-term care insurance policies stipulate that payment for a Personal Care Home facility is determined by a person's ability to perform two or more "activities of daily living." Some insurers may require a physician evaluation, with a physician of their choice to determine if your condition qualifies for coverage.

A "facility-only" policy covers care received in a licensed Personal Care Home facility or skilled nursing facility, but not care in an unlicensed facility or your home. Integrated home care policies with 100% protection for care received either at a licensed Personal Care Home facility or skilled nursing facility or an unlicensed setting, like your home are always an option worth investigating.

Nursing Homes and Alzheimer's Care

Nursing home care and Memory Care is paid by long-term care insurance, but with stipulations. Policy terms may vary widely, so be aware of what is and isn't included and the terms of coverage.

Our Move-in Coordinator or a member of her team will begin the process by visiting with you and your family here and in your home if you like. Together, we will review our list of what is provided and what we recommend you bring with you. Based on your chosen apartment, we’ll help you see what works and how it will come together.

We will gladly refer you to trusted estate sale professionals and movers, as well as information on donation sites and pick-up services throughout your area. We even refer people to this great move checklist when it comes to selling your house.

Remind yourself that your goal is not to get rid of things you hold dear, but to simplify your life. If you can’t decide on an item, a family member or friend can always hold for safekeeping or you can put it into storage.

Prior to move in, our Wellness Director will meet with you to review your personal needs. This informal assessment may include a review of current medications and any advanced directives. We will also review our amenities, a list of local service providers, such as TV, phone and other services you choose, do additional tours, answer questions, introduce you to our staff and residents and arrange for a time to sign your lease.

• 3 restaurant-style meals per day
• All utilities
• Weekly housekeeping service for personal care home and memory care living
• Weekly laundry service for bed linens and towels
• 24-hour on-site nursing staff
• Emergency response system
• Social, religious, educational, recreational, and wellness programs and activities
• Scheduled transportation to medical appointments
• Scheduled transportation for group outings and events

We'd love to help you find the answers you need. At the bottom of your screen, you'll see icons with information on how to Call Us, Email Us or Schedule a Tour. We invite you to use our website to find out more any time of day and to get in touch with us for a more personal experience.