Thursday, October 9, 2014

Memory Center Sponsorship

Good morning all. As you may know AltaGolden has an adult day program called the Memory Center. We are starting a new program of sponsorships for those who are unable to afford the cost.  Would you like to donate money to assist those who are unable to afford the Menory Center?  Do you have a friend or loved one who could use this help?

Please let us know if you can assist. Currently two of our Memory Center clients can only afford to come to the program once or twice a month and even tho we discount their fees it's not enough for them to afford the attendance they desire.  Your sponsorship would be greatly valued. Your donation can be anonymous or, with the family's permission, we will give you a bio sheet. Please call if you can help. 858-779-9254

Thank you for considering!

Take care and have great day.

Laura Barish
www.altagolden.com

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Medicare Enrollment

Good morning everyone. If you have visited our website you will know that we have a Medicare enrollment seminar coming up this Saturday, October 11. Why is this an important seminar to attend? Why should you be concerned about Medicare enrollment?

October 1 of this year was the start of the Medicare enrollment period. Every year there are changes in insurance options and Medicare is no exception. I have spoken with several older adults about the seminar and I'm seeing a distressing trend of people saying, "This is too confusing for me. I'm just going to stay with what I've got because I don't understand the options."

I certainly understand the confusion as Medicare and our country's insurance system in general can make one's head spin.  It is important, however, that you look at your insurance plan and ensure that you have the type of coverage that will allow you access to the doctors and healthcare systems that best meet your needs.

For example, HMOs are a great way to make sure that all of your needs are met under the umbrella of a single carrier without having to worry about managing reporting and payments with both Medicare and a supplemental.  HMOs have their limitations however. Mobile doctors have become much more prevalent – at least here in San Diego – and I have several clients taking a vantage of this great system.  If you are an older adult who finds it difficult to get to the doctor because of a lack of transportation or you are disabled, you probably want to consider Medicare with a supplemental that will cover the cost of mobile doctors.  If you are fully mobile and in a healthcare system that you love, an HMO may be a great fit for you.

Are there doctors or specialists you want access to that are not in your HMO?  If so, an HMO may not be a good option. There is a lot to consider in making your selection.

Medicare part D is also another potential minefield. Each carrier has its own formulary of what is covered under the low cost option and what is not. Medications that are not covered can get quite pricey.  Whenever I am helping a client look at their Medicare part D options I take a list of their medications and check the formularies of the various Medicare part D plans to see who is going to provide the best coverage for the current list of meds.

I asked Rhonda Norton to come talk with us because I know Rhonda to be a wonderful advocate for older adults and their insurance needs. At this seminar she will discuss Medicare and the options (both HMONG and supplemental) available as well as how to determine what is best for you. There will be no sales at this seminar as we really want our community to have the opportunity to learn more about Medicare without worrying about a "sales job".

Seating is limited to 30 attendees so please call us to reserve your spot. Refreshments will be served and you'll have plenty of time to ask questions and socialize with your neighbors.

If you are not able to attend but would like to speak with Rhonda, just give us a call and we'll put you in touch with her.  858-779-9254

Take care and have a wonderful rest of the week.

Laura Barish
www.altagolden.com

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Exciting New Alzheimer's Research

Greetings all.  Today I received a link for an article in Neuroscience News discussing potential reversal of Alzheimer's Disease through a combination of diet, brain stimulation, exercise, optimization of sleep, specific pharmaceuticals and vitamins, and multiple additional steps that affect brain chemistry.

The positive results of this study are not surprising to me as similar results have been experienced by Dr. Terry Wahls in her quest to cure Multiple Sclerosis, a condition she reversed in herself.  The article accessible through the following link is worth the read. 

http://neurosciencenews.com/alzheimers-memory-loss-reversal-1377/

Have a wonderful and healing day!

Best always!

Laura Barish

Visit us online at www.altagolden.com or call me and AltaGolden's wonderful management staff at 858-779-9254.

A little 55+ humor for the day...

Good morning all.  We got an email from one of our caregivers and this one actually made me laugh out loud.  Enjoy!

SENIORS TEXTING CODE

ATD: At The Doctor's
BFF: Best Friend Fell
BTW: Bring The Wheelchair
BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth
FWIW: Forgot Where I Was
GGPBL: Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA: Got Heartburn Again
IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On
LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out
OMMR: On My Massage Recliner
OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas
ROFLACGU: Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can't Get Up
TTYL: Talk To You Louder

I hope I haven't offended anyone's sensibilities.  Aging isn't for the feint of heart!

Have a wonderful day!

Do you need just a little (or a lot) of help?  Give AltaGolden a call.  We customize all of our support plans to the individual needs of each client.  Call us to chat at 858-779-9254 or visit us online at www.altagolden.com.

Be well and have a joyous and blessed day.

Laura Barish