senior care

Hello Arizona!

CareAvailability expands into Arizona to help families navigate senior care options

CareAvailability is proud to announce its expansion into Arizona. CareAvailability remains a NEW industry standard as the first and only website that delivers real-time reporting of availability for senior care to the minute. The site first launched in Oregon during the COVID pandemic as an effort to help hospitals find care for patients needing to transition out of beds. Washington was added soon after the site went live, followed by California, Florida, and now Arizona. Unlike other sites, this online resource lists every provider for free, and each can update their current availability at no cost; this significantly increases Family and Patient Freedom of Choice like never before. Until now, there has not been a site that delivers a comprehensive list for families to search without having to give any personal details.

Senior advocates and health professionals rely on CareAvailability to put together comprehensive lists of care options, as well as allowing people to self-navigate searching for care providers. Instead of care providers needing to update multiple paid sites, CareAvailability is an easy one-stop resource, as they do not charge hospitals, physicians, health clinics, social workers or any health team for their services. Medicare Ratings are also included to support Patient Freedom of Choice.

CareAvailability continues to alleviate the search for senior care in an already trying time. Options can be overwhelming, especially when families don’t know where to start. The team at CareAvailability has taken extra steps to provide educational articles to help families better navigate the maze of Long Term Care and aging, by providing links to state agencies, as well as explaining local terminology and regulations.

“There are tons of website that offer senior care and housing listings, but CareAvailability.com is the only one that lists every agency at no cost to the providers to be included, and does not require families to share their personal information to view the search results,” CareAvailability’s CEO, Amy Schmidt, says. Ms. Schmidt further explains, “It is truly the first comprehensive resource site.”

Care Availability’s expansion to Arizona means an additional 2,758 providers are now listed in Care Availability’s database of resources, which includes more than 2,050 assisted living communities, 200 home health agencies, 170 skilled nursing facilities, and 237 hospice agencies.

Fun Facts about Arizona

Arizona, nicknamed The Grand Canyon State, is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, boasting more than 30 state parks and natural areas. Arizona is of course home to The Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven wonders of the world and the only one located inside the U.S.

In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state admitted to the Union. Arizona is derived from the Aztec Indian word “arizuma” meaning “silver bearing”.

About Care Availability

Care Availability is a website dedicated to helping seniors, their families, and healthcare professional
find care in real time. Specific questions can be directed to the Care Availability Team’s contact page or
connect with them on Facebook.

alzheimer's impact movement

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement Advocacy Forum

Alzheimer’s Impact Movement: The Fight to End Alzheimer’s

This past week, from May 16th-18th, the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Advocacy Forum was held in Washington D.C. CareAvailability’s very own Amy Schmidt was able to be there to represent and show support for the nations premier Alzheimer’s advocacy event. Advocates and Volunteers are hard at work meeting with members of Congress to build on the progress made in Alzheimer’s and other dementia research.

This year, volunteers from Oregon had 6 “asks” for our Government representatives to support.

  1. NAPA Reauthorization Act: Congress passed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) in 2011. NAPA created a national plan to address Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The goals of the plan are to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimers and other dementias by 2025, enhance quality of care, expand support for impacted individuals and families, and promote health aging and reduce risk factors. The NAPA Reauthorization Act would extend the authorization of NAPA to 2035 and adds requirements to address health disparities among underrepresented populations.
  2. Alzheimer’s Accountability Act of 2022: Congress passed the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act (AAA) in 2014. The Act requires the NIH to submit an annual Alzheimer’s budget directly to Congress and the President that specifies what resources the NIH needs to reach the goal of effectively treating and preventing Alzheimer’s and other dementias by 2025. The Alzheimer’s Accountability Act of 2022 would make permanent the requirement that NIH scientists tell Congress what resources they need each year.
  3. Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act: The Comprehensive Care for Alzheimers Act would directly effect those caring for an individual with Alzheimers/dementia by asking the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a better payment structure for dementia care management. The model is designed to reach as many Medicare beneficiaries as possible, especially rural, medically underserved and diverse communities.
  4. Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Act: Research has found that Alzheimer’s and other dementia disproportionately affect older Black and Hispanic Americans, yet many of the clinical trials have not included sufficient numbers of Black, Hispanic, Asian or Native Americans to accurately represent the U.S. population. This restricts our knowledge of how an approved therapy or diagnostic may affect the populations most likely to need the treatment. The ENACT Act would expand access and outreach to underrepresented populations, increase the diversity of clinical trial staff, and reduce the burden associated with participating in clinical trials.
  5. NIH Funding: Alzheimer’s is one of the most expensive diseases in America, costing more than heart disease and cancer. This year, caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the U.S. an estimated $321 billion, and two-thirds of this cost will be covered by the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In order to avoid these costs, more funding is needed for the researchers and scientists who work hard every day to identify new treatments and a cure for this disease.
  6. BOLD Act Funding: The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act establishes a public health infrastructure to address dementia. The law provides grants to local, state, and tribal public health departments to carry out various activities addressing Alzheimer’s and other dementia on the state level. The Northwest Portland area Indian Health Board received a BOLD grant and is establishing the first ever public health guide focused on Alzheimer’s and other dementia care for the Native American community.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that effects more than 6 million Americans. Read more about Alzheimer’s Disease and the Early Warning Signs, and join us in the fight to #ENDALZ

age my way

“Age My Way” this May

May 2022: Age My Way

For the month of May, we are celebrating Older Americans Month. Designated by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), this year’s theme is “Age My Way”. This is an opportunity for all of us to delve into the different options older adults have to remain in and be a part of their communities. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. A meeting in April 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to designating May as ‘Senior Citizens Month,’ the prelude to ‘Older Americans Month.’ There are many options for those wanting to age in place and remain independent as long as possible. Search CareAvailability.com for home care options near you!

Other notable observances recognized in May are…

  • Mental Health Awareness Month
  • Jewish American Heritage Month
  • Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Military Appreciation Month

“May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, a goddess of fertility and spring.”

Learn more about the history of previous months here.

What is Remote Patient Monitoring?

As we age we strive to keep our independence. Remote Patient Monitoring is a great way to help monitor chronic health conditions and prevent medical emergencies – helping you stay safe and healthy in the comfort of your home.

Remote Patient Monitoring is simple and easy to use. Depending on your own personal needs you can use at-home devices to track your oxygen levels, blood pressure, glucose, temperature, and weight. The consistent monitoring of these biometrics helps to create a baseline and monitor any changes that might indicate a medical emergency.

Your vitals get sent to a medical team in real-time. If your readings are outside of the normal range for you, a nurse will call you to triage your condition and coordinate any next steps like scheduling a visit with your doctor or reviewing your medication.

Remote Patient Monitoring is a great way to help manage chronic health conditions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Regular tracking of biometrics, symptoms, and medication adherence help to better manage chronic health conditions and prevent medical emergencies. What’s most important about all of this is that consistent monitoring increases your ability to stay home and empowers you to better self-manage your health conditions.

Remote Patient Monitoring is a proven, low-cost way to improve healthy living at home. That’s why many Medicare patients are eligible to receive this service at no cost, with no copay.

Remote Patient Monitoring can help you live a happier and healthier life at home.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement. It is not until approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged that the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear.

What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s?

The loss of dopamine production in the brain causes the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The key signs of Parkinson’s disease are tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, rigidity (stiffness), and difficulty with balance. Other signs of Parkinson’s disease may include small, cramped handwriting, stiff facial expression, shuffling walk, muffled speech, and depression.

Who gets Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease affects all genders, although more men than women are diagnosed. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or geographic boundaries. In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the 1 million Americans who currently have Parkinson’s disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

The process of making a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be difficult. There is no single test that can confirm Parkinson’s disease. A physician arrives at the diagnosis only after a thorough examination. Blood tests and brain scans are known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. People suspected of having Parkinson’s disease should consider seeking the care of a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s disease.

What is the treatment for Parkinson’s disease?

There are a number of effective medicines to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Most symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson’s disease. Several new medicines are being studied that may slow the progression. Currently, there is no cure that will prevent or reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As the disease progresses, treatment plans may need frequent review and adjustment to maintain functioning and quality of life.

Where can I find support?

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a local non-profit serving the Pacific Northwest. With support groups across the region, a toll-free helpline, and online and in-person education, you and your family can rely on PRO for personal support and encouragement.

Early warning signs of Parkinson’s Disease

Sometimes it is hard to tell that you might have Parkinson’s disease. The early symptoms are mild and could have other causes making it challenging even for experts to confirm an early diagnosis.

Some of the more common early signs of Parkinson’s disease are indicated below. If you are noticing these warning signs and have unexplained symptoms, tell your doctor and ask for an evaluation. Many of these symptoms are normal, caused by medications or other conditions. An expert will be able to evaluate and help you determine their cause.

  • Tremor or Shaking: Tremor or shaking of limbs is a common early sign of Parkinson’s.
    Small Handwriting: A sudden change in handwriting, such as smaller letter size, may be a sign of Parkinson’s.
  • Loss of Smell: Sense of smell can be changed by a cold, flu or stuffy nose, but ask your doctor if it persists.
  • Trouble Sleeping: Even in sleep, Parkinson’s signs can be detected with sudden movements and thrashing while deeply asleep.
  • Trouble Moving or Walking: Stiffness and rigidity that doesn’t go away when you move or walk.
    Constipation: If you do not have enough water or fiber in your body, it can cause problems in the bathroom. Also some medications cause constipation. Speak with your doctor if you are concerned.
  • A Soft Voice: While not always an early symptom, a very soft or hoarse sounding voice might be caused by Parkinson’s disease. Masked Face: If others comment that you have a serious, depressed or mad look on your face, even when you are not in a bad mood it could be related to PD.
  • Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling dizzy or fainting can be signs of low blood pressure and can also be linked to Parkinson’s disease.
  • Stooping Over: Many people with Parkinson’s experience stooping, leaning or slouching when standing.
  • No single one of these signs means that you should worry about Parkinson’s disease. If you have multiple indications or are concerned, you should make an appointment to talk to your doctor.

For more information about Parkinson’s disease and local services to help contact Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon at 800-426-6806.

Types of Senior Housing, Care Facilities & Licensing

Educating yourself on the types of options for yourself or a loved one starts with knowing what each setting provides. Also, using a local Senior Living Advisor will be most helpful in navigating which options are the best fit.

Independent Senior Living Communities: 1-3 Meals/day, housekeeping, transportation, activities

Assisted Living Communities (ALF): 3 Meals/day, housekeeping, transportation, and activities. 24/7 Care staff available to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) such as Bathing, Dressing, Toileting, Transferring, Grooming, Medication Administration, and Escorts to and from meals and/or activities.

Residential Care Facilities (RCF): 

Provide similar services as ALF in a smaller setting. Typically accommodate 2-person transfers, Hoyer lifts, catheters, and tube feeding.

Memory Care Communities:  

Licensed as RCF and provide the same basic services listed under ALFs. Staff is trained and experienced in working with those diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments. Activities are focused on improving cognition & memory.

Adult Foster Care Homes (AFH): 

Provides assistance with ADLs in a home-like setting with up to 5 Residents maximum. Typically 1 staff member provides care, cooks meals, and cleans. Minimal to zero activities are facilitated in an AFH although there are some that do provide routine activities.

Night-time care is not available in most AFHs unless they have an additional staff member on duty at night.

Respite Care: 

Short Term stay of 30 days or less in an ALF, RCF, or MCC in a furnished apartment or room.

Home Care: 

Caregiver assistance with ADLs, grocery shopping, transportation, and companionship in a private home or on-site in most Independent Living Communities. Paid out of pocket or through a Long Term Care Insurance Policy.

Home Health:

Provides services at home or in an ALF, RCF, or AFH. Assistance with bathing a few days a week, Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy, Wound Care, IV Therapy, Injections, Catheter Changes, Tube Feeding, and more. Services are ordered by a physician, are covered by Medical Insurance, and are typically provided following a hospital or skilled rehab stay.

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF): 

An ICF is a facility that provides, on a regular basis, health-related care and services to individuals who do not require the degree of care and treatment that a hospital or SNF is designed to provide but require more assistance than an AFH, ALF or RCF can provide.

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF): 

A nursing facility providing 24-hour non-acute nursing, medical, and rehabilitative care.

senior care florida

Hello Florida!

Hello Florida! CareAvailability expands provider database.

CareAvailability remains a NEW industry standard as the first and only website that delivers real-time reporting of availability for senior care to the minute. The site first launched in Oregon during the COVID pandemic as an effort to help hospitals find care for patients needing to transition out of beds. Washington was added soon after the site went live, followed by California, Texas, and now Florida.

Unlike other sites, this online resource lists every provider for free, and each can update their current availability at no cost; this significantly increases Family and Patient Freedom of Choice like never before. Until now, there has not been a site that delivers a comprehensive list for families to search without having to give any personal details. Senior advocates and health professionals rely on Care Availability to put together comprehensive lists of care options, as well as allowing people to self-navigate searching for care providers. Instead of care providers needing to update multiple paid sites, Care Availability is an easy one-stop resource, as they do not charge hospitals, physicians, health clinics, social workers or any health team for their services. Medicare Ratings are also included to support Patient Freedom of Choice.

CareAvailability continues to alleviate the search for senior care in an already trying time. Options can
be overwhelming, especially when families don’t know where to start. In Florida, there are 4,500 new providers now listed in our database of resources. This includes more than: 2,417 assisted living communities, 1,477 home care providers, and 641 skilled nursing facilities. To assist in the terminology for specific states’ levels of care, the team at CareAvailability has taken extra steps to provide educational articles to help families better navigate the maze of Long Term Care and aging, by providing links to state agencies, as well as explaining local terminology and regulations.

“There are tons of website that offer senior care and housing listings, but CareAvailability.com is the only one that lists every agency at no cost to the providers to be included, and does not require families to share their personal information to view the search results. CareAvailability’s CEO, Amy Schmidt, says. Ms. Schmidt further explains, “It is truly the first comprehensive resource site.”

CareAvailability’s expansion to Florida means an additional 4,500 providers are now listed in CareAvailability’s database of resources, which includes more than 2,417 assisted living communities, 1,477 home care providers, and 641 skilled nursing facilities.

Fun Facts about Florida

Florida is nicknamed The Sunshine State, as its beaches draw thousands of tourists every year due to the humid subtropical climate. Florida has the longest coastline, over 1,197 miles! It is the southernmost state in the continental U.S.

The state motto of Florida is “In God We Trust.”

About Care Availability

Care Availability is a website dedicated to helping seniors, their families, and healthcare professional find care in real time. Specific questions can be directed to the Care Availability Team’s contact page or connect with them on Facebook.