BLOG

Regency Jewish Heritage Achieves Milestone Recognition for Excellence in Healthcare!

Posted on by Judah

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?

Posted on by Judah

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

Posted on by Judah

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

Posted on by Judah

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.

TAKE A LOOK

What inspires you?

Have a great weekend!

Judah

Tips For a Safe Discharge from The Hospital to The Rehab Facility

Posted on by Judah

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

Apply for a Career In Nursing With 5-Star Regency Nursing Centers, NJ!

Posted on by Regency
Apply for a job at Regency Gardens Nursing Center, in Wayne, NJ: CLICK HERE
Apply for a job at Regency Grande Nursing Center, in Dover, NJ: CLICK HERE
Apply for a job at Regency Jewish Heritage Nursing Center, in Somerset, NJ: CLICK HERE

 

A Career In Nursing is Just What The Doctor Ordered

As working adults with responsibilities, we often get lulled into the belief that we have to drive between the lines of our current career path. Fortunately, this is not the case, and, thanks to the availability of online education, remote work, and plenty of open jobs in the healthcare industry, now is the best time in history to become a nurse. Regency Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers discusses how to get started.

 Career Transitions

The decision to make a career transition isn’t always easy. If you are burned out and feel anything other than fulfilled, moving into a career you can feel good about can help you earn an income while improving your quality of life. And when your chosen field is nursing, you put yourself in a unique position to also save lives.

Education

Most nursing jobs require a degree. Lower-paying positions may require only an associate’s, while advanced roles will necessitate a master’s. This can be time-consuming, however, unless you plan to go to school online. Earning your degree virtually lets you work, take care of your family, and complete your education all within your own schedule. A master’s degree in nursing can help you get a career in health leadership, nursing education, nurse management, or the informatics disciplines.

Options Abound

Once you obtain your education, your next step is your license. After that, the sky’s the limit. Just a few potential positions you may find yourself in as a nurse are:

  • Bariatrics nurse. This is a relatively new specialty, but one that allows you to work treating people who are desperately trying to beat the beast of obesity.
  • Critical care nurse. A critical care nurse works in high-stress environments, such as the emergency room or ICU.
  • Health policy nursing. In this role, you will work with health and public safety to help enact new healthcare policies that impact your community.
  • Pediatric nurse practitioner. A pediatric nurse practitioner is one of the highest paying nursing jobs. You will work with young children to help diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and ensure their overall wellness.

Finding Your Dream Job

When it comes to nursing, there’s more than one way to land your dream role. Nursing job boards, referrals, and even a good old-fashioned Google search will all point you in the right direction. The tricky part is acing the interview for your first nursing job.

Keep in mind that your interview is truly the first impression you make. Present yourself as professionally as possible. Women may fare best in a skirt or pants suit accented with modest jewelry. If possible, bring a neutral handbag and avoid strong perfumes. For men, a suit, tie, and well-polished dress shoes always present well.

Men and women alike must mentally prepare themselves to answer tough questions. These may include everything from how you feel about touching bodily fluids to why you believe you are a good candidate. Arrive early to your interview, whether it’s in person or virtual, and make eye contact, which shows respect and confidence.

A career in nursing may be just what the doctor ordered if you’re looking to find a fulfilling job that will allow you to provide for your family. Nurses are always in high demand, and, once you become a member of this elite group, you’ll have your pick of positions. Remember, it all starts with an education and an interview.

Regency Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers can provide compassionate and patient-centered care for your senior loved one. Schedule a tour today!

Online Activities for Seniors – Especially During Rehabilitation and Recovery!

Posted on by Regency

This article was written exclusively for our Regency readers by our friend Claire Wentz of Caring From Afar.

It feels as if we are just beginning to learn one new technology gadget when the next version comes out. This world is one of constant updates, new versions, endless software options, and new apps. All of this can seem daunting to anyone, but especially seniors to whom all of it is an entirely new way of connecting to the world.

And yet technology can open many doors and bring new experiences to people’s lives. Online and computer activities can be used for brain stimulation, memory, entertainment, and even health reasons. According to the National Institute of Health, digital action games can even have cognitive benefits for older adults. This includes possible benefits to memory and engagement.

If you’re looking for wellness-boosting activities that you can easily access online, the Regency Nursing & Post-Acute Rehabilitation Blog has you covered.

Classic Games

There are many games to be played online that are digital versions of a person’s childhood games.

  • Chess: If you are a fan of playing chess, try playing chess
  • Puzzles: If you were a fan of puzzles as a kid and even growing up, considering doing digital jigsaw puzzles.
  • Solitaire: This is a classic card game to play and it’s quite easy to do on a computer.

Social Media

Social media is a great way to engage with friends and family on an everyday basis and keep in touch in a variety of ways. Through social media you can share photographs, use instant messenger, and even do face to face chat using a video cam.

  • Facebook: This is a good way to keep communicating with your friends by sharing articles, games, and even videos.
  • Instagram: A site where you can view endless photographs and keep in touch with grandkids and friends.
  • Skype: Do you have friends nearby that you can’t visit as much as you like? Using Skype allows you to do conference calls and keep in touch with your loved ones in a whole new way without having to travel long distances.

Mind Games

Computer games can do their fair share in helping your brain get a workout. They can help various areas of cognitive function and might also have psychological and emotional benefits.

  • Lumosity offers a variety of fun brain training exercises.
  • Computer Backgammon can also be a free and relaxing game.

Learn a New Skill

The internet has also proven great in getting people to learn new skills. With millions of online tutorials and classes, people can get online and learn anything from simple car maintenance, to basic home repair, art, photography, music, and even full degrees. One of these fun skills available online is learning to play a new musical instrument, from piano, to ukulele, to guitar.

  • Painting Lessons: If you have always wanted to paint, whether it’s a landscape, a portrait, or other types of art, taking online painting courses might be a good way to go.
  • Learn a New Language: There are a variety of free language-learning websites that can take you on that new lingual adventure.
  • Crafts: If you have always been a crafty person, sites like Pinterest or other DIY sites can give you some great craft ideas to keep your artistic spirit alive.

Taking Things Up a Notch

If your new hobby truly becomes your passion project, you might just decide to turn it into a moneymaker. If you do, make sure you do things properly and register your business. While part of this is for tax and income purposes, if you choose a business structure like an LLC, you reap important benefits. For instance, an LLC offers tax perks and protects your personal assets in the event your business is sued. Plus, it’s easy to get registered, since you can use an online service to walk you through the steps quickly and easily. You’ll be legal in a heartbeat so you can get right back to your personal and professional pursuits.

Online courses, games and activities for seniors have proven to be very beneficial for helping reduce stress and even anxiety. Just because one gets older doesn’t mean one is out of touch — there is always something new to learn and see in the world. Keeping up with all the new technology can prove to be a new friend, while connecting you with old ones.

If you’re having trouble living life to the fullest due to a recent injury, hospitalization, or other medical issue, The Regency Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers Alliance is here to help. Learn more about our services here or give us a call at 732-730-9280.

A Seniors Guide to Using Habits and Tech to Improve Health

Posted on by Regency

 

Looking for some simple ways to boost your health and preserve your well-being in retirement? Then you’ve got the right guide. We’ve outlined some of the easiest ways that older adults can take control of their physical and mental health, which include healthy lifestyle choices and useful technology. Keep reading to find out more.

Make Practical Changes for Aging Well

 Healthy aging starts with healthy choices. So before you invest in any new tech, make sure you are taking these basic steps to improve your physical health and emotional well-being:

Review Your Current Medicare Options

 Although many seniors count on Medicare for their healthcare needs, they tend to take their own Medicare coverage for granted. If you are one of these seniors, you may need to research all of your Medicare plan options before the next open enrollment dates, which are October 15 – December 7 each year. Be sure to look into Medicare Advantage plans as well to see if the added coverage is more suitable for your needs. You may end up spending more on your monthly premiums with these plans, but doing so may provide you with access to prescription drug coverage and care for vision and dental. Since preventative care can lower healthcare costs, adding more coverage to your Medicare plan could save you money, in addition to improving your health.

 Assess Your Daily Lifestyle Habits and Choices

 If you want to live a longer life, you don’t necessarily need miracles or drastic measures. In fact,  there are five key areas of your daily routine that matter the most for your longevity and quality of life. Making healthier choices when it comes to your diet and exercise habits tops the list of life-extending daily habits, so look for simple recipes and easy workouts that will help preserve your well-being. If you’re living on a limited retirement income, search for budget-friendly meals that can help you stick to your budget and health goals at the same time. These simple daily habits can help preserve your body, but you may need other routines in order to preserve your brain. Getting enough sleep, participating in social activities, and even completing puzzles can all be simple, yet highly effective, ways for seniors to boost and preserve cognitive health.

 

Make Technology Choices to Boost Healthy Aging

 

Healthy daily choices can lead to better senior health, but it never hurts to have some handy tools that make sticking to those new habits a little easier. That’s why the latest tech can help you lead a healthier life, and these are just some of the top tech choices to achieve your goals:

 Track Your Health With Smartphone Apps

 If you are not using health-tracking smartphone apps by now, you are missing out on a simple way to manage your overall health and well-being. Easy-to-use fitness apps like Couch to 5K and Fooducate are completely free and can provide you with additional motivation for sticking to your healthier diet and exercise goals. There are apps available to help you get better sleep, stay hydrated, and track just about any other health or wellness goal you have. So your smartphone may be the only health and wellness gadget you need.

 Boost Your Wellness With a New Smartphone

You need a powerful smartphone to run the latest health apps. If it has been a while since your last upgrade, consider shopping for something with more power and capability. For instance, the latest iPhone 12 Pro Max, or even the more affordable iPhone SE, offers more battery power and a powerful processor to run apps without any issues. If you’re not a fan of Apple, you can also opt for a newer Android phone like the Google Pixel 3A, which comes with a great camera and durable shell. No matter which brand of smartphone you choose, just be sure to add unlimited data to your phone plan to power those helpful apps.

 By partnering basic lifestyle choices with powerful tech, you will have all you need to stay in control of your health and wellness. So keep the tips above handy to make the most of your golden years and make healthy aging feel effortless.

This article was written exclusively for our Regency Nursing Centers readership by our friend C. Wentz, from Caring From Afar.