Montana's State Plan for Alzheimer's & Dementia Announced

After nearly two years, the Montana State Plan for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia is announced! It has been a wonderful experience working with stakeholders from around the state of Montana to make this happen. The challenges are many but we can do great things if we all work together!
Learn more about the Montana State Plan for Alzheimer's Dementia by clicking HERE

Fifty Thousand Dollar Dilemma

The real "saving for retirement" plan needs to include strategies for downsizing, liquidating the multiple assets build up along the way, and allocating funds for long-term care. There is no other way to prepare for the unexpected need for help in the home or a short stay in a facility. Witness to many who have lost everything due to their rising medical costs and insufficient funds, I can only encourage those who haven't experienced this to always be prepared. There are long waits for public assistance and other grant-driven programs, with tedious paperwork and strict parameters for qualification. The cost of long-term care is high, exceeding $50,000 a year for part-time help in the home. Home is where everyone wants to be as they age but continues to be the most costly setting for long-term care. The dilemma involves deciding on a less expensive option for reasons of financial sustainability versus getting what you want at a higher price. In the end, it all comes down to money and how much is allocated for long-term care.

Long Term Care Costs 2016 | Genworth: Discover the average cost of long term care in your area with the Genworth Cost of Care Map and Survey. Learn more.

Sing a Song or Two to Improve Parkinson's, Dementia, and Autism

Moving to the beat of a song and singing develops early on in infancy. Most of us have images of toddlers sweetly bouncing and bopping to music without any prior teachings. Music follows us through life, being exposed through entertainment and in every day life-think of all those times waiting on hold. It may be assumed with certain conditions, such as with neurological disorders, music would be inappropriate or aggravating. Science continues to prove contrary. Music-singing or playing of an instrument-has been found to enhance the quality of life and improve areas of function for those with Parkinson's, Dementia, and Autism.
One innovative tech company, SingFit out of LA, has developed a music program which can be used anywhere, providing music therapy for individuals or groups looking to stimulate their brain and reduce stress hormones. Beyond the basic benefits of improved happiness, music therapy has been found to be highly beneficial with neurological disorders, helping stimulate areas of breathing, regulating heart rate, increasing awareness and more.
Personally, I have witnessed the positive effect of music in many individuals afflicted with Dementia. The elderly gentleman who could no longer speak in comprehensible sentences but could sing a song in its entirety; the non-engaged older female with a blank stare who stood up to dance when music was turned on; the agitated and combative elderly female who smiled and was soothed by music for hours after it stopped playing. Locally,  a singing group was formed for those with Parkinson's Disease because of the known benefits. So, sing a song or two and don't be afraid to introduce this beneficial activity to someone you know regardless of their ability to speak or move.

Learn more about SingFit's innovative music therapy programs by clicking here

Check out more stories about the benefits of singing:

Singing Changes Your Brain

Boost Immunity with Singing

Music and Alzheimer's Disease

Plan now for care later | Latest News & Events | Kalispell Regional Healthcare

Plan now for care later | Latest News & Events | Kalispell Regional Healthcare

Making it simple thru 7 Steps

Join me February 22, 2016 &/or February 23, 2016 for Free, live, interactive seminar:
"7 Steps to Long-Term Care Planning"
Live, Interactive Sessions at The Summit Medical Fitness Center

Communities can remain robust and thrive in today's aging world.

Northwest Montana continues to see an increase in demand for services in the long term care and aging industry. Like many communities across the nation, the ability to meet the demand for services while simultaneously focusing on preventative wellness and healthy aging is difficult. The challenges for businesses working in the senior care sector may include constraints due to weak budgets,tight regulations, more complex situations, and a decreasing geriatric workforce. Communities will continue to rely on the grass-roots efforts by many to help provide meals, socialization, and assistance with daily living tasks to the growing older adult population. Activity hubs, which also happen to provide nourishment, help keep communities connected with the hidden agenda of improving wellness and promoting healthy aging. Many areas in Montana populated by a large percentage of older adults are difficult to access due to mountainous terrain or remote locations, further constraining efforts made by agencies to reach everyone and provide the same level of services. Communities need to support the efforts of volunteers and encourage kindness and an occasional helping hand in order to remain robust and thrive in today's aging world.
It can happen here just minutes from Glacier National Park