A picture speaks a thousand words, they say.
We agree!
Our families agree too!
Here is what one of them had to say about us this week.
This was for Regency Gardens Post-Acute, Nursing and Rehabilitation, in Wayne, NJ on Hamburg Turnpike.
Author: Judah
Regency Nursing Centers has a well deserved reputation for excellence in healthcare and I'm extremely proud of our achievements!
Thanks for reading our Regency Blog!
Regency Jewish Heritage Achieves Milestone Recognition for Excellence in Healthcare!
In August, NJBIZ will shine a light on the heroes around us when they celebrate the 2021 Healthcare Heroes Awards.
Based off independent submissions from across the healthcare spectrum and chosen by a panel of independent and impartial healthcare experts and judges, the program recognizes individuals and organizations across 12 categories for their significant impacts on the health care industry and landscape in New Jersey.
Regency Jewish Heritage has made it on that list and we couldn’t be more proud!!
The prestigious Healthcare Association of New Jersey (HCANJ) has also picked this up in their recent news coverage!
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO READ THE COVERAGE:
Elder Attorney or Medicaid Specialist to Secure Long-Term Nursing Eligibility?
As part of the transition of our patients from short term to long term care, the families will typically apply for Medicaid on behalf of the resident (acting as their proxy) in order to secure a long-term payor source for 24 hour skilled nursing care.
Inevitably, Medicare is synonymous with short term rehab only.
Traditional Medicare is finite and only allocates up to 100 days of in-patient skilled rehab and based upon specific conditions and criteria.
However, Medicaid is the go-to long term payor source for all residents living in a nursing home, because they cover (long term) custodial care.
In securing Medicaid there are financial and clinical criteria to determine eligibility which sometimes requires a private pay ‘spend-down’ period. Thereafter, the patient must be considered ‘Medicaid Pending,’ which is the period during which the Medicaid application has been successfully submitted to the State, but not yet fully executed by the State.
In successfully submitting the application and in order for the application to be considered ‘pending,’ it must be correctly done and without any anticipated difficulties and/or penalties which would preclude the applicant from qualifying once the state takes a close look at the documents.
To this end, families will often require help from a specialist who is versed in the minutiae and tedious nuances of various State mandates and ‘look backs’ and information gathering etc.
There are two types of facilitators in the field of Medicaid applications; there are Elder Attorneys and Medicaid Specialists and families have the ability to choose one over the other.
What is the difference between the two?
Let us first understand the definition of Elder Law and what it encompasses.
What is Elder Law?
The practice of Elder Law is a specialty practice that encompasses a broad understanding of aging and the law, and the interaction between the varied issues which may affect the elderly.
Elder Law addresses a multitude of needs and issues, including:
- Guardianships
- Durable Powers of Attorney
- Health Care Surrogate Designations
- Planning for Long Term Care and Medicaid
- Residential Alternatives
- Special Needs Trusts for Disabled Individuals
- Trusts – Revocable and Irrevocable
- Preventing and Correcting Abuse, Exploitation or Neglect of an Elderly Person
What is a “Medicaid Specialist?”
Conversely, a Medicaid Specialist is usually a firm that specializes in the emerging niche market of facilitating Medicaid eligibility for elderly people by coordinating the entire effort to procure the appropriate and requisite documentation which the State requires and actually applying for Medicaid on behalf of the resident.
The Medicaid specialist is typically not an elder attorney and will therefore not specialize in (or otherwise pursue) estates, trusts and other such matters concerning the elderly.
Instead, they focus exclusively on applying for Medicaid on behalf of their clients and on following up with the often time consuming process of seeing the application through to its successful conclusion.
Who to use?
There are benefits inherent in using or preferring each of these two different business models and much of it will be subjective and personal.
I will enumerate and highlight but a few of the differences for your considerations:
- Elder Lawyers offer a robust array of services including Medicaid applications, in the event that you wish to use one vendor for all of your senior planning.
- Medicaid specialists are often more competitively priced than attorneys and will also offer varied payment options and packages, including a flat fee per application and an hourly fee for consultation and implementation. Therefore, depending on the severity of the case, folks will do better financially by choosing one over the other.
In all instances, however, it is vital that you conduct proper research and do your due diligence before making an important decision of this magnitude.
Good luck!
Using Senior-Friendly Tech to Stay in Touch With Loved Ones
This is a continuation of THIS ARTICLE we published back in 2020.
This topic is more relevant in a post-pandemic world than ever before.
Staying in touch with friends and family is difficult when you are stuck at home, yet that is a situation that an increasing number of older adults find themselves in. Prolonged isolation can result in severe consequences for emotional and physical health, particularly for seniors. Fortunately, even when you cannot physically engage with loved ones, modern technology makes it possible to stay connected.
Take a look at our website at Regency Nursing Centers for authoritative content on this and other related healthcare topics.
Explore Senior-Friendly Hardware Options
The right hardware choice depends on how (and how much) you plan to use your new device. Occasional users may be fine merely sticking with a smartphone and downloading a specific app, say for a favorite game, for social media or for video chatting. However, if you are planning to engage in lifelong learning classes in addition to occasional interaction with your friends and family, then you may want to invest in a more robust product. Familiarizing yourself with current hardware options will facilitate a decision.
Desktop computers are an excellent solution for anyone who uses their device in a set location. If you add a webcam and microphone, you can easily use a traditional desktop or all-in-one system for everything from email to video calls. They tend to offer more features for a lower price than more portable options, making them a reliable choice if you want a robust system that won’t break the bank.
A laptop can be slightly more expensive than a comparably equipped desktop but offers the advantage of portability. Shopping online opens the door to many great deals on laptops, especially if you are willing to forgo the newest advances for a more basic machine.
You don’t need to have a traditional computer to stay connected through technology. Tablets are incredibly lightweight and portable, and they offer a simple, intuitive user experience. Prices and features can vary. Thinking about how you will use it (for gaming, video chat, email, e-reading, etc.) will help you find the right model for your needs. Some models can be added to a cellular data plan, so you don’t have to worry about a separate internet connection if you don’t already have one.
Seniors who aren’t tech savvy and aren’t interested in learning have other options, too; there are monitor-type devices that are exclusively for video calls, or they can verbally command their automated assistant to place audio calls.
Play Games
The internet makes it possible to play games with your loved ones, even if they live far away. For instance, if you’re a wordsmith, why not invite a family member to hop online and play a round of online Scrabble? Or you could jump on the bandwagon of senior gamers and play a console game that’s designed to play with friends. Whether you play on the computer, your smartphone, or a device like a PlayStation or Xbox, make sure your internet connection is up to par so you have a smooth experience and play without interruption. 5G has become the standard for game play, so check with your local provider to find out if it’s available.
Try New Software Choices
As there are numerous programs offering video conferencing and video calls, a few software upgrades may be all you need to enjoy this no-longer-futuristic option. In fact, if you already have a smartphone, you might be surprised to learn that you also already have video calling capabilities. Downloading a video call app like Skype or Portal to your phone makes communication feel more personal. Business Insider notes video calls can be made between iPhones and Androids, too, thanks to several apps that cross the brand divide.
Seek Out Accessibility Features
Aging brings about physical changes that, while perfectly normal, can make using some technology difficult. While there is no denying that barriers keeping seniors from embracing technology do exist, you are probably already overcoming them in other aspects of daily life. For example, you may have adapted to presbyopia with reading glasses or a magnifier or rely on a jar opener to overcome arthritis-weakened hands. The same adaptability can help you find technology that accommodates any physical limitations while helping you meet emotional and social needs.
Manufacturers and developers have increased accessibility features in recent years, and you should look for them as you search for the right device. Choosing a senior-friendly font in a size, style, and color that is easy to read improves the user experience—Fonts.com suggests at least 12 point text—and voice recognition makes accessing programs and information virtually effortless.
Technology can help you stay in touch with family and friends, even when you are confined to home. Choosing the right hardware for what you want to do and then looking for compatible software that accommodates any barriers you face will help you stay connected and minimize some of the complications of isolation.
Regency Nursing Centers NJ Leads The Way During COVID-19
Dear Friends,
With the Regency vaccinations now (successfully) in the rearview mirror (we were in fact, from the first skilled nursing organizations in the state of NJ to vaccinate our residents) it is tough to believe that we are finally starting to turn the corner with the pandemic – and we are so very grateful!
From the very beginning of the pandemic, Regency was at the forefront of the effort to keep our residents safe. Our heroic caregivers stepped up to the plate in a big way to heal our patients amidst this global crisis.
We succeeded.
And we were recognized.
Our Founder and President, David Gross, demonstrated tremendous leadership with his constant email outreach and updates to keep our families informed and empowered.
The grateful letters we received were well received and resonate even 1 year later.
I’d like to remind you of this positively stunning letter we received last year on June 23, 2020.
I actually have it bookmarked because it is a source of constant inspiration for me and for my colleagues.
What inspires you?
Have a great weekend!
Judah
Tips For a Safe Discharge from The Hospital to The Rehab Facility
3/23/2021
There is exciting news out today from the halls of NJ government!
Nursing Homes in NJ are being allowed to open up (officially) to visitors with relaxed guidelines, in large part due to the amazing progress nursing homes have made with inoculating their residents against COVID-19.
In short, it is completely safe once again to be admitted to a nursing and rehab facility for post-acute rehabilitation, just as it is safe to visit.
With this in mind, I wanted to put together this helpful guide to empower you with pertinent information related to a proper discharge from the hospital to the rehab facility for post-acute care.
What happens when your loved one is ready to leave the hospital? Until now you’ve been juggling your career and home responsibilities, visits to your loved one, and meetings with doctors. You haven’t really given any thought to what comes after.
But experts say you need to start planning your loved one’s discharge almost as soon as they enter the hospital.
When your elderly mom or dad has a stroke, heart attack, or other emergency event, they’re rushed to the hospital for acute care. Once the patient has been stabilized and no longer needs hospital-level care, it’s time for discharge—even though they haven’t fully recovered yet.
A medical crisis and hospitalization throws the spouse or adult children of the patient into a whirlwind of decisions, confusing medical jargon, and labyrinth insurance rules.
What You Need to Know
In most cases, a stroke or fall victim will need rehabilitation at a sub-acute rehab facility. The first thing you will need to do is decide which facility is best for Mom or Dad. How to choose a rehab facility is beyond the scope of this article, but here’s a good place to start: Selecting Long Term Senior Care.
The hospital should give you a written discharge plan with instructions for post-hospital care. This is especially important if you’re bringing Mom or Dad home. The plan should include:
- Overall care instructions
- Where the patient is going—i.e. skilled nursing care, sub-acute rehab, home
- Medication instructions, along with possible side effects
- Symptoms to watch out for
- What to do if these symptoms occur
- Any necessary follow-up appointments
Make sure to go over the discharge plan with the patient’s doctor or nurse. If you don’t understand something, speak up and ask for clarification. The day before discharge can be a frenzied experience, especially if the hospital only informed you about the discharge that day. Take a few deep breaths to keep calm, and don’t worry about being assertive in making sure you understand the doctor’s instructions.
For more information about planning your discharge, check out this article from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
When discharge day comes, make sure you are well-rested and have eaten well. Bring along nutritious snacks and an extra drink or two for you and the patient. Getting discharged from the hospital can be a long process with a lot of waiting, so make sure you’re prepared.
With some advance planning, you can help your parent or loved one have a seamless transition from the hospital to a rehab facility.
Wishing you complete health and recovery!
Yours,
Judah @ RegencyNursingCenters
Regency Nursing Centers NJ: COVID-19 Vaccination Message
On behalf of our Founder and President, David Gross, the extended Gross family, and the entire Regency family, we are excited to have commenced with vaccinating our residents at each of our Regency facilities this month!
To our local politicians and dignitaries who were in attendance at each event:
We were especially privileged to share our vaccination launch with all of you.
With all our heart, we thank you for celebrating this milestone with us. We have always cherished our friendship and remain deeply grateful for your continued partnership and support of our work and our efforts.
It is through your own local leadership and efforts that events like these are made possible.
We are ready for a new year!
We find ourselves at the dawn of a new year; a year that is already full of hope and promise for brighter days ahead.
2020 has been a year like no other in recent memory.
The worldwide pandemic known as the coronavirus, has tested our planet to the extreme. Collectively, we have lost hundreds of thousands to this deadly disease. Personally, we all know somebody close to us who succumbed to Covid-19.
The pain of such loss is indescribable, especially when too many have perished alone and afraid, without the comfort of their loved ones to surround them in their final moments.
But nowhere has the pandemic been more impactful and more acutely felt than in the skilled nursing industry where we care for the most vulnerable of our population, our senior citizens.
From the very onset of the pandemic, nursing homes and their residents suffered the full brunt of an unforgiving disease, misguided directives from top levels of government and an unrelenting media more invested in salacious soundbites than truth and fairness in reporting.
Our healthcare heroes step up!
Through it all, our heroic healthcare workers stepped up to the challenge to care for their patients and residents with singular dedication and compassion. When everyone else was self-isolating, these ‘heroes in hazmats’ were placing themselves in the eye of the storm to do God’s work.
When fingers were being unfairly pointed in their direction to castigate and scapegoat, they remained focused and driven to heal the sick without regard for themselves.
At Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers, we stand in awe of our own heroic staff for their incredible acts of self-sacrifice.
You all embody the spirit and resilience of the human spirit. Your selflessness, compassion and dedication to our residents is a source of endless inspiration to us and to our grateful families.
It is through your efforts that we remain the only 5-star healthcare system in the entire state, even during a global pandemic!
To our partner pharmacies:
We would like to take this moment to thank our local designated partner pharmacies, for working with us in the days and weeks ahead to vaccinate our residents and the members of our community.
We look forward to collaborating with you on this ‘miracle’ project!
To our local communities:
We would like to thank the members of our communities, beginning with our local enforcement agencies right on down to each of our friends and neighbors.
The late Coretta Scott King once famously said; “the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
Indeed, truer words were never spoken.
We are truly proud to be part of the Dover, Somerset and Wayne NJ communities.
The members of our communities contributed to our efforts in the most creative and heartfelt ways.
From your homemade masks, to face-shields rendered on 3-d printers, to your food contributions for our staff and local agencies, to custom ski-masks for our staff, you all stepped up to show tremendous compassion and friendship.
Each gift was, and is, incredibly meaningful and deeply touching.
We are humbled by your generosity and thank you for your friendship.
May God bless you all and here is to a fantastic 2021!
Warmest,
Your Regency Nursing Family
2021 Winter Safety For Seniors
Well my friends, it is snowing today in the tri-state area and it truly is beginning to feel like the holiday season is upon us!
SO LET’S TALK ABOUTR WINTER SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLY!
The Regency Alliance on Senior Healthcare previously published an incredible pamphlet regarding winter safety for seniors, which we hand out gratis (and we’ve given away thousands of these pamphlets to various libraries, hospitals, Dr. offices and other healthcare institutions).
I encourage you all to read this!
Click on this link
My friend and a superb and true healthcare professional, Denise Graab of Caring.com, also wrote an incredible and empowering article on this topic back in 2017 and it is as relevant today as it was then.
I encourage you to read her piece as well.
Click on this link to be directed to her article.
Stay Safe!