2014 caregiver's resource guide

NOVEMBER 2014 CAREGIVER’S RESOURCE GUIDE: An Advertising Supplement to the Ocala StarBanner

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19 Free Services for Seniors or their Caregivers

Benefit CounselingHow many times have you,

either as a senior or as a caregiver, wrestled with trying to figure out what type of help was available to you? There is free counseling available through your local Office for the Aging that can provide this type of assistance and point you in the right direction to receiving the help

you need.You can get answers regarding

health insurance, food stamps and other services through these counselors.

Adult Day CareAdult day care centers can be

run by a government entity, or through a local charity or house of worship. The purpose of these

senior centers is to provide a safe place to socialize and have a hot meal in a protected setting. These adult day care centers are ideal for seniors who cannot remain alone, but are not in need of the care that a nursing home provides.

As for the fees associated with these facilities, if the facility does in fact charge a fee they are normally quite nominal and are just there to help the center cover its own costs for meals and operating costs like utilities.

When initially contacting the Office for the Aging or the local charity, give them as much information upfront regarding both the fees (if you are only looking for a free facility) and the physical condition of the applicant. This way they can act as a filter to point you in the right direction.

Low Cost Prescription Drugs Despite the advent of Medicare

Part D, and certain state run assistance programs, there are still many seniors that cannot afford their medications.

A cost saving strategy is to make the switch to generic drugs. As the Food and Drug Administration says: “Generic drugs are important options that allow greater access to health care for all Americans. They are copies of brand-name drugs and are the same as those brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.”

Generic drugs cost about 50%-80% less than their brand name equivalents, so it makes all the sense in the world to speak with your doctor about making the switch.

Family Caregiver Support Programs

These programs are often offered through the government, or volunteer organizations. Either way, as a caregiver, you can be provided with respite care by volunteers, as well as counseling and support groups to ensure your physical and emotional wellbeing. These services are designed to supplement, not replace, the efforts of the family in caring for a loved one.

Free Cell Phones orDiscounted Phone Service

LifeLine is a federal government program for qualifying low-income consumers designed “to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services.”

LifeLine assistance provides one free or discounted phone (either landline or wireless cell phone) per household. To qualify, seniors will likely have to be on some form of government assistance, such as:

• Medicaid• Food Stamps• Supplemental Social Security• Temporary Assistance for

Needy Families• Low Income Home Energy

Assistance Program

Free Medical Alert System Free Medical Alert System

We have all seen the television commercial with the elderly woman in the bathroom saying, “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” That’s what a medic alert system is for. It is a waterproof pendant that is worn around the neck or wrist, that works in

conjunction with a wireless phone attachment. In an emergency, the wearer presses the button to be connected with the monitoring service and speaks into the pendant.

The actual system is totally free, even the shipping. The monitoring service does have to be paid for, but that is normally around $30 a month.

One thing I would advise you to consider when choosing a medic alert company. Make sure that the company you choose does NOT outsource its central station monitoring service. When your loved one hits that button, you want a trained, competent professional who can calmly contact emergency services and stay on the line with your parent until help arrives.

There are many medical alert products out there, such as, LifeStation and Rescue Alert, that offer this type of service.

Free Phone for Hearing Impaired

A new service that is (at least temporarily) being funded by the FCC, called CaptionCall, provides free phones to those with medically recognized hearing loss.

The way that this phone works is simple. A screen on the phone instantly takes the words being spoken and puts them onto a screen on the phone so that hearing impaired individuals can read what is being said.

Tony Rovere became involved with seniors and caregiving after his mother’s heart attack forced him to navigate the government bureaucracy that comes with caregiving. His website, StuffSeniorsNeed.com, is a resource for seniors and caregivers who can benefit from his personal experience as a caregiver.

by Tony Rovere

Most seniors these days are living on limited incomes from sources that may include Social Security, a small

pension or maybe some other form of government assistance. With few resources at their disposal, finding services for free or discounted prices is vital.


During the worst years of my stepfather’s dementia, his wildly

paranoid rants terrified and stung my mother.

In a typical scene, she called me in a panic one afternoon while I was at work because he was screaming at her. When I arrived at their apartment, he was sitting on the living room couch, stabbing at the air in her direction with an accusatory finger and bellowing incoherently that she’d somehow ruined his life.

I quickly turned on the TV and put on the Golf Channel. As the bucolic sight of rolling fairways and putting greens drew his attention, he gradually relaxed. I had momentarily defused the situation but couldn’t stop it from happening again and again over the next few months. Nor could I ever convince my mother to not take his misplaced fury personally.

It has long been a truism in caregiver research that it is behavioral problems and personality changes — even more than physical disabilities — that are most troubling to family caregivers. For example, it may be difficult for family members to physically lift a loved one whose body has been half-paralyzed by a stroke. But if that loved one is, at the same time, trying to push away caregivers’ helping hands or blaming them for tormenting him, it makes caregiving infinitely harder.

All caregivers need a modicum of acknowledgement and appreciation to best sustain their efforts. But loved ones with cognitive and behavioral issues often don’t have the capacity to say thanks, let alone cease lashing out at the very people who are taking care of them.

These and other challenges are documented in a new report, “Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care to People With Cognitive and Behavioral

Health Conditions,” by Susan C. Reinhard of AARP and Sarah Samis and Carol Levine of the United Hospital Fund. Based on data from the Home Alone survey of nearly 1,700 caregivers, the authors found that family caregivers of people with challenging behaviors often have little training and support to help them with their difficult loved ones. They also have much higher rates of stress and depression than do caregivers of patients without challenging behaviors. Caregivers under this kind of ongoing duress, in my clinical experience, are often the ones most likely to burn out.

Here are some ideas for better managing these difficult behavioral challenges.

Learn your loved ones’ triggers and bring out their best

People with cognitive and behavioral problems are often highly sensitive to changes in their environment, including noise and light levels, the temperature and

the amount of social stimulation. They may also function better and be more cooperative at certain times of the day than at others. By noticing the specific conditions that affect your loved ones most, you could avoid stressing them more than necessary and thereby decrease the chances they’ll become agitated and resistant. In other words, take the path of least resistance and make demands upon them only under optimal circumstances.

Use calmness and clarity strategically

People with cognitive and behavioral problems are even more sensitive to caregivers’ anger. Even if you have reached your limit with frustration, it is still crucial to approach care recipients with serene aplomb. Your ability to stay calm will have a calming effect on them. Keep your requests clear and simple. When meeting resistance, cajole lightly. If that still doesn’t produce

the desired cooperation, then back off for the time being before reapproaching your loved ones later when they may be more cooperative.

Work closely with your loved ones’ physicians

People with dementia often experience greatly exacerbated cognitive deficits when they are suffering from some medical condition, such as an infection or metabolic change. People with depression often have bodily symptoms, such as increased pain, when suffering a worsening mood. Bring your loved one for medical evaluations regularly to treat all possible medical causes of behavioral changes. When physicians offer medications such as antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics to help control a care recipient’s behavior, consider those treatments prudently. While those medications have potentially serious side effects, they are also a proven means of decreasing agitation and fostering family peace.

Don’t always manthe front line

Because caring for loved ones with challenging behaviors is so stressful, it is even more imperative for you to find others who can step into your role at times so that you have regular respite. You may balk at this idea, arguing that no one else can do the job as well as you’re doing. But no one can face a loved one’s irrational anger day after day without either becoming angry herself or feeling numb. Neither is ideal for maintaining what should be the loving spirit of caring for a still-cherished, if addled, family member.

Barry J. Jacobs, a clinical psychologist and family therapist, is a member of the AARP Caregiving Advisory Panel.

When Angry Loved Ones Resist CaregiversOlder adults with dementia may lash out, compounding the challenges of caregiving and frustrating the caregiver by Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD., AARP, September 18, 2014


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eva Hodge smiles and her eyes light up

as she sits in a patio chair surrounded by blue flowering plumbago and talks about her life at Camelot Chateau. The assisted living facility became home to Geneva after her husband died nearly five

years ago.The apartment-style complex is in a natural setting close to many public conveniences. At 78, Geneva says her transfer into assisted living has given her much more freedom.“I’m pretty independent,” Geneva says. “I can do what I

want, I can go where I want, and I can go see my kids. I have a lot of friends here too. This feels like home and it is my home.”When Geneva isn’t dining in or playing Bingo, she sometimes goes on one of the facility’s planned field trips.“We have a wonderful activities director, Kathy Lolly,” Geneva says. “There’s exercise. We do crafts. The food is good. Occasionally, we go to a restaurant, or we go out to the theater. I’ve been on a river cruise, and we’re planning to go to the winery. On Fridays we have live entertainment and happy hour. Steve Robinson plays all kinds of musical instruments. He’s one of my favorites.” ◊


When disease strikes, the patient mayfeel much like a ship being tossed about ina storm and unable to navigate the roughwaters. But they don’t have to succumbto the tempest. There’s a lighthouse readyand able to guide the patient and his or hercaregiver to safe harbor.For the last fifteen years, Munroe Regional

Medical Center’s parish nursing/healthministry program has served as just sucha beacon for patients and their caregivers.The multi-faceted program and faith-basedsupport system offers preventive healthcareand patient/caregiver advocacy.There are readily available resources, says

Jessica McCune, parish nurse/health ministercoordinator.“Navigating access to today’s health care

resources can be difficult or confusingsometimes,” McCune says. “We are trainedto help patients and caregivers identify theseresources as well as minister to their spiritualneeds.”The program uses a three-prong approach

that addresses body, mind and spirit.

For example, the body becomes strongthrough good nutrition, exercise, and weightmanagement. Deep breathing and stressrelievers are also important tools, McCunesays. Next, a healthy mind results throughworking with a multi-disciplined healthcareteam. Communication is the biggestchallenge, says McCune.“We all know what we’re supposed to do,

but so few people apply that information,”she says. “We’re teaching people to beadvocates for their health. That is paramount.No one is going to take care of you as wellas yourself--not your brother, your sister noryour neighbor.”Then, there’s the third prong, the spirit.“That’s the hard stuff,” McCune says.

“It might involve contemplation, patience,prayer, meditation, a positive attitude, andhope.”Patients are encouraged to keep a

three-ring binder that they can take to theirdoctors’ offices. They should ask questionsand express their needs. They should writeeverything down so they can reference

what was said at the last visit. They alsoneed to keep track of vital informationsuch as lab work and medications. Suchtasks sometimes fall into the hands of thecaregiver, McCune says.“Often, the caregiver role is even more

stressful than that of the patient,” she says.“That’s especially true of caregivers oftransplant patients or cancer patients. Theyhave to do all the paperwork, make all thephone calls, manage the household andnegotiate transportation and meals. It’s aHerculean endeavor. No one plans on being acaregiver. You form these relationships, andall of a sudden, ‘Tag, you’re it.’ “McCune says it’s important for caregivers to

take care of themselves first. She relates theidea to the admonition given to passengersbefore a plane lifts off a runway. They’retold that they should put the oxygen maskon themselves before putting one on theirchildren. In the same way, caregivers musttake care of themselves so they can handlethe stress occurring when a loved one getssick, McCune says.

Parish nursing programs go back to 1984when a partnership was formed between aLutheran hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, andsix area congregations. The concept caughton and spread throughout the world. In 1999,Munroe Regional Medical Center started itsparish nurse ministry that today includes65 Marion County churches and 150 trainedregistered nurses and health professionalsin multiple faith communities. McCune saysmore than 300 people have come throughthe Munroe Regional three-day Parish Nursetraining program.Most of the participating congregations

utilize part-time volunteers. Two localchurches have hired full-time parish nurses.They are Ocala West United MethodistChurch, which came on board in 1999, andQueen of Peace Catholic Church, whichstarted its program in 1997 and latercollaborated with Munroe Regional.Diane Filiaggi, a registered nurse, has

served as full-time parish nurse at Queen ofPeace for 17 years. She says she connectedwith Jessica McCune when Munroe began its

program. Filiaggi described the program as“excellent.”“It’s different at every church, depending

on the demographics,” says Filiaggi. “It’slistening to people’s needs and filling inwhere the gaps are. If they go to a doctorand don’t understand what was said, I helpthem understand what is going on with theirhealth. I can be an advocate for them. I doreferrals and give recommendations as well.”As part of her position, Filiaggi visits

people who are homebound, in the hospitalor in nursing homes. Once a month, sheand a team of volunteers do blood pressurescreening after the services. She says asmany as 150 people stop by to be screened.The screening sessions also give people anopportunity to ask questions about otherissues, Filiaggi adds.“I had a gentleman come in who said he

was feeling a lot of pressure in his abdomen,”she recalls. “I sent him to a urologist. Itturned out he had bladder cancer. It was verytreatable at that point and he’s doing verywell. He thanks me every day.”

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We call it our Health Resource Line, but you can just call it convenient. Munroe RegionalMedical Center has been caring for our community since 1898, and we look forward to ahealthy future with you. For health information, referrals and more, call 352-867-8181.

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Alzheimer’s Associationwww.alz.org800-272-3900Information and support for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. Operates a 24/7 helpline and care navigator tools.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance for Education & Supportwww.adaesinc.org352-671-9600ADAES, Inc. is a non-profit corporation providing comprehensive education for caregivers and professionals on a variety of relevant subjects; communication, behaviors, activities, wandering, safety and others.

Alzheimers.govwww.alzheimers.govThe government’s free information resource about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

ARCH Respite Networkwww.archrespite.orgFind programs and services that allow caregivers to get a break from caring for a loved one.

Eldercare Locatorwww.eldercare.gov800-677-1116Connects caregivers to local services and resources for older adults and adults with disabilities across the United States.

Family Caregiver Alliancewww.caregiver.org 800-445-8106Information, education and services for family caregivers, including the Family Care Navigator, a state-by-state list of services and assistance.

Florida Department of Elder Affairswww.elderaffairs.org 800-96-ELDERThe Department offers caregiver assistance services through various programs. You may call the Elder

Helpline to find out if you or your loved ones are eligible to receive benefits and services from one or more of our programs.

Medicarewww.medicare.gov/caregivers800-MedicareProvides information about the parts of Medicare, what’s new and how to find Medicare plans, facilities or providers.

National Alliance for Caregivingwww.caregivingnetwork.orgA coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues.

National Family Caregivers Associationwww.caregiveraction.orgInformation and education for family caregivers; includes the Caregiver Community Action Network, a volunteer support network in over 40 states.

The National Clearinghouse for Long-term Care Informationwww.longtermcare.govInformation and tools to plan for future long-term care needs.

Social Security Administrationwww.socialsecurity.gov800-772-1213Information on retirement and disability benefits, including how to sign up.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programwww.shiptalk.orgA program that offers one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

Veterans Administrationwww.caregiver.va.gov855-260-3274Support and services for families caring for veterans. Maintains a VA caregiver support line.

Resources Every Caregiver Should Know AARP

Tax Tips for Family Caregivers

If you’re paying all or part of the cost of caring for a parent or another relative, you may qualify for some federal tax breaks. And who couldn’t use the extra money? As the tax season approaches, here are six ways family caregivers can save money on their taxes.

1. How does a relative qualify to become a dependent on your tax return?

Relatives are eligible to become a dependent on a caregiver’s tax return if they earned less than $3,900 a year in 2013, excluding nontaxable Social Security and disability payments, and if the caregiver provided more than 50 percent of the relative’s support. If that criteria is met, caregivers can take a $3,800 tax exemption for each dependent. By the way, your relative doesn’t have to live in your home to be considered your dependent.

2. When can a caregiver claim a tax benefit for a dependent’s medical costs?

If you claim a relative (a parent, spouse, step-parent, grandparent, sister, cousin, aunt or in-law, for example) as your dependent, you can claim medical deductions if you’re providing more than 50 percent of their support and if these costs represented more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income in 2012. You must meet the threshold on both counts. That 7.5 percent threshold rises to 10 percent in 2013 for caregivers under the age of 65. It will remain at 7.5 percent this year for those over 65.

3. Are caregiver tax deductions limited to just relatives?

No. Non-relatives could also qualify but only if they are part of the caregiver’s household for the entire tax year.

4. What other kinds of dependent expenses are deductible?

The cost for food, housing, medical care, clothing, transportation and even bathroom modifications all qualify for tax deductions. The IRS allows caregivers

to deduct the costs not covered by a health care plan for a relative’s hospitalization or for out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, dental care, copays, deductibles, ambulances, bandages, eyeglasses and certain long-term care services. Keep all your records to prove these expenses in the event of a tax audit.

5. What happens when more than one sibling wants to take the parent as a dependent on their tax form?

You can file a multiple support agreement on form 2120 with your tax return if more than one sibling is sharing the cost of the parent’s upkeep. As an alternative, experts say, you may want to consider creating a written agreement with your sibling that would allow each of you to take the dependent deduction every other year.

6. Can caregivers use their flexible spending accounts to pay for a relative’s eligible medical expenses?

Yes, a caregiver’s tax-free flex account may be used to cover expenses for both dependent and independent relatives — as long as you’re responsible for at least 50 percent of their support. The FSA is a tax-advantaged account that allows an employee to set aside a portion of earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses. A $2,500 federal cap was put into place for 2013.

As more boomers take on caregiving responsibilities for their aging relatives, it’s important to understand the tax ramifications — and benefits — of their financial support.

by Judi Hasson, AARP


Ruby is one of 42 million family caregivers across the country who provide an invaluable resource in caring for

an older loved one. Many are on call 24 hours a day – just like a superhero. They serve as accountant, cook, assistant, nurse, housekeeper and companion, among many other roles, to help their aging parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and friends live independently at home. Every day, these caregivers do remarkable things — but their labor of love is not without challenge. Family caregivers often put aside their own needs:

• skipping doctors’ appointments • not getting enough sleep • eating poorly

In fact, 1 in 6 family caregivers report that their own health worsened during the time they were caring for a loved one. While they do it willingly, caregiving is a big job, and once in a while, caregivers need a break.

Ruby isn’t the only family caregiver I’ve heard from about the stress and challenges they face. Jackie says, “Need to find help, need to have a break.” Mary shares, “Time for yourself — yeah, right.”

Having cared for my Mom and Pop for more than 15 years, I understand firsthand what Ruby, Jackie, Mary and so many family caregivers go through. While in the moment, it’s extremely difficult to think about putting ourselves first — and carving out “me time” can seem impossible. But as caregivers, if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to take care of our loved ones.

As Linda says, “Don’t try to be superwoman.” After all, even superheroes take a break. Just think about those moments after Bruce Wayne returned from the Batcave!

That’s why respite care — like adult day services or periodic visits in the home — is so important. These programs allow family caregivers to take a hard-earned and well-deserved break. For example, when my “Super” Pop was caring for Mom, his break was to take a trip to the grocery store. Others:

• get a cup of coffee with a friend• catch up on work• go to the doctor• get some sleep

The fact is: Respite care allows family caregivers to take a much-needed break to recharge, so they have the strength and energy to carry on.

Respite care programs are available, in some way, across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but they vary in type and availability. They might be:

• offered in the home or at a center

• an informal network of neighbors caring for neighbors

• a formal program of the state

• peer-based or multigenerational assistance

How to find these services also varies, depending on where you live. Your local Aging and Disability Resource Center is a good place to start.

Family Caregivers, Like Superheroes, Need a Break“I’m so tired, even my health has gone down due to stress. I love my mom … but with my health issues, all I do is cry alone. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning, can’t breathe … nothing seems OK.” —Ruby

10 Tips for Caregiversfrom Caregivers

As I cared for my parents, helping them to live independently at home as they aged, I learned to listen to the learnings of other family caregivers. Recently, I shared 5 Tips for Caregivers and asked others for their views. While I wish I could share them all, here are 10 tips from caregivers to caregivers:

1. Be patient.Nan: “Patience followed by more patience.” Rae: “Patience! Lots and lots of patience.”

2. Get organized.Joan: “Make a MEDICAL BINDER in event of an emergency. Include family phone numbers, name, address, Social Security number, all medications and time of day taken. Include any allergies or note that there are none. List any previous medical issues, such as stroke, etc., and date of such. Include the health insurance and Medicare or Medicaid cards and other identifying information.”

3. Make time for yourself.Peggy: “Don’t forget you in the process.” Brianna: “If you get burned out and can’t even meet your own needs, you won’t be of any use to yourself or others.”

4. Try to stay positive.Irene: “Stay positive!” I know sometimes this one can be hard, but a positive outlook makes the day-to-day a little easier.

5. Join a support group.Cathy: “The knowledge that you are not the only one going through this is valuable, and people learn from each other.” Karen: “You aren’t doing either of you any favors by struggling alone.”

6. Listen.Michael: “#1 Be a good listener.” Connie: “Listen to their stories. They are amazing.”


Did you know?More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.

20 hours per week is the average number of hours family caregivers spend caring for their loved ones while 13% of family caregivers are providing 40 hours of care a week or more.

23% of family caregivers caring for loved ones for 5 years or more report their health is fair or poor.

73% of family caregivers who care for someone over the age of 18 either work or have worked while providing care; 66% have had to make some adjustments to their work life, from reporting late to work to giving up work entirely; and 1 in 5 family caregivers have had to take a leave of absence.

36% of family caregivers care for a parent and 7 out of 10 caregivers are caring for loved ones over 50 years old.Caregiving in the United States;National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP

7. Trust your instincts.Sharon: “If something doesn’t feel right … check it out.” Trust your instincts and if something feels off, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

8. Keep the humor.Linda: “Humor goes a long way.” I know firsthand: Laughter does wonders to reduce stress and lighten the mood!

9. Show your love.Peggy: “Don’t forget to hug them and tell them you love them.” It’s easy to get caught up with all the things that need to be done, but make sure to remember why you took on this labor of

love in the first place.

10. Most important – care with dignity and respect.

Susan: “If you are taking care of someone elderly, don’t treat them like they are ‘overgrown’ children. They should be treated with dignity and respect.”

Caregivers Tips, (Continued)

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The Baby Boomer generation is one of the most influential

demographics in the world today. Boomers represent roughly 28 percent of the total population of the United States, according to “Baby Boomer” magazine, and this means they are the largest generational segment as well as the single largest economic group in the United States. They hold 70 percent of the U.S. wealth and are expected to inherit millions of dollars over the course of the next 20 years.

Baby boomers comprise a population of adults who were born between 1946 and 1954. That makes boomers people who are between 49 and 67 years old. Here are some additional facts and figures about baby boomers:

• Baby boomers have more discretionary income that any other age group.• Baby boomers own 80% of the money in savings and loan associations.• Baby boomers spend more money than other groups.• Baby boomers account for nearly half of all consumer demand.

Baby boomers have been known to have an unprecedented impact on American culture, society and the economy, and that influence is bound to continue for several more years.

Baby Boomer Facts


CANCER CAN DISRUPT YOUR LIFE,UNLESS YOU HAVE A PLAN FOR IT

Better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients,

that’s the result of our comprehensive cancer program.

Make sure that Moffitt and our physicians are part of your plan

during Medicare’s open enrollment period. We are helping

patients find the right diagnosis, treatment

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TO LEARN MORE, CALL1-888-MOFFITT

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DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENT | SUPPORT


On Top of the World Communities, Inc. (“OTOW”) is pleased to announce the selection of Tender Loving Care Management, LLC (“TLC”) to develop and operate an Aging-In-Place campus which will include Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living with Memory Care, and Independent Living facilities, medical and health care offices, and other ancillary, amenities, uses and services (“Campus”). This Campus will utilize a currently vacant 35-acre parcel located on the west side of S.W. 80th Avenue just off of S.R. 200 near On Top of the World in Marion County, Florida.

On Top of the World issued a Request for Proposal on March 31, 2014 (“RFP”) seeking a developer

and operator for the Campus, including the 120-bed skilled nursing facility. The RFP process generated numerous inquiries from qualified respondents.

TLC, one of Indiana’s premier senior living providers, is excited to develop and operate this Campus - Bridgewater Park – which will meet the growing healthcare needs of residents of Southwest Marion County. In addition to skilled nursing care, Bridgewater Park will also have the ability to help individuals’ age-in-place with multiple senior living options and ancillary services present on the Campus.

For those residents that require 24-hour skilled nursing care,

Bridgewater Park will offer 120 private suites. Each individual will be assigned a team of professional licensed specialists that tailor a customized care and therapy plan specifically for their unique needs. This plan is designed with a goal of achieving maximum results and outcomes. The team will be deeply involved in every aspect of each individual’s health, recovery, and active life-style to assure the highest standard of care and services.

Bridgewater Park will also provide individual assistance with daily activities in a luxurious 100-unit Assisted Living Center where residents will enjoy living a few steps from a health spa, theater, gym, in-door garden, snack shop

and town square. As part of the assisted living services offered on the Campus, a separate wing of 20 apartments will be specifically dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of age associated memory impairment.

Those seeking short-term rehabilitation will appreciate Florida’s newest state-of-the-art therapy center, which offers private suites while enrolled in the “return to home” program. This center boasts two gyms that will be equipped with the latest technology equipment designed for physical, speech and occupational therapy and features virtual reality workout programs.

A spacious Independent

Living Center will be available to seniors who wish to maintain full independence, yet desire to have access to meals and other services such as housekeeping, transportation, as well as social and recreational activities. The Independent Living Center will be located at the north end of the Campus and will be situated in a richly landscaped environment that includes a pond and walking paths.

TLC anticipates the first residents of Bridgewater Park will begin to move into the community in the summer of 2016. Upon completion, this new senior living community will assist in boosting employment within Marion County by creating over 400 new jobs.

NEW AGING-IN-PLACE CAMPUS WITH SKILLED NURSING AND ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS COMING NEAR ON TOP OF THE WORLD, MARION COUNTY FL

On Top of the World Communities8447 SW 99th Street Road | Ocala, FL 34481

800.836.6521 | 352.854.3600 • Info: [email protected]

What Type of Care is Best for Your Loved One?CUSTODIAL CARE Custodial care refers to non-skilled, personal

care, such as help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, eating, getting in or out of a bed or chair, moving around, and using the bathroom. It may also include care that most people can do themselves, like using eye drops. Medicare doesn’t cover custodial care.

HOME HEALTH CARE (Covered by Medicare) Home health care may encompass limited part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care and home health aide services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, medical social services, durable medical equipment (such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, oxygen, and walkers), medical supplies, and other services provided in the patient’s home. A doctor or other health care provider enrolled in Medicare must order the care for Medicare to cover it, and a Medicare-certified home health agency must provide it.

HOSPICE CARE (Covered by Medicare) Hospice care offers a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill, typically utilizing a team-oriented approach to address medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs. Hospice also provides support to the patient’s family or caregiver.

INPATIENT CARE (Covered by Medicare) Inpatient care refers to health care for those admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

LONG-TERM CARE Long-term care encompasses a variety of services that help people with health, personal needs, and activities of daily living over a period of time. This care can be provided at home, in

the community, or in various types of facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most long-term care is custodial care. Medicare doesn’t cover this type of care if this is the only kind of care a person needs.

LONG-TERM HOSPITAL CARE (Covered by Medicare) Long-term hospital care refers to acute care hospitals that provide treatment for patients who stay, on average, more than 25 days. Most patients are transferred from an intensive or critical care unit. Services provided include comprehensive rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, head trauma treatment, and pain management.

SKILLED NURSING CARE (Covered by Medicare) Skilled nursing care refers to a level of care that includes services that can only be performed safely and correctly by a licensed nurse (either a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse).

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY (Covered by Medicare) Skilled nursing facilities are those with the staff and equipment to give skilled nursing care and/or skilled rehabilitation services and other related health services.

Want to learn more?Go to www.medicare.gov/caregivers and click on “Caregiver Topics,” then “Paying for Care,” and “Which expenses are covered?” to learn more. A more extensive glossary of terms that are important to caregivers–including those related to the Medicare program, billing, and treatments for different health conditions–is offered through the “Help and Support” link at www.medicare.gov.

Several different types of care may be available for people who are aging, seriously ill, or living with a disability.


3Golf Courses

200Resident Clubs

2Fitness Centers

1Hobby Building

1Private Pub

8Tennis Courts

6Pools

3Gated Entries

14Acre R/C

Flying Field

2Restaurants

15Miles of Walking

Trails

1Learning Center

Enjoy Life now!

On Top of the World in Ocala offers amazing lifestyle AMENITIES READY NOW for your ultimate enjoyment.

Stay fit, play golf, meet new friends or sit back, relax and enjoy wide open green spaces nestled among majestic oaks and beautiful natural surroundings. Live a lifestyle beyond compare and it’s all right here ready for your enjoyment. Our innovative home designs feature award-winning kitchens, spa-like master retreats and covered screened lanais so you’ll enjoy entertaining indoors and out. Plus, with our maintenance-free living you will have the peace of mind and the freedom to do what you want when you want to do it. Tour our new and exciting fully furnished models and sample the amazing lifestyle at On Top of the World Communities for yourself. You deserve the world, and it’s waiting for you here.

®

Sales Center: 8447 SW 99th St. Rd. Ocala, Florida 34481

Maintenance-free homes and single-family golf course homes from the mid $100’s - $300’s

Call us at 1.800.421.4162 | www.OnTopOfTheWorld.com

2014 On Top of the World Communities Inc, Ocala, Florida, a 55+ community. Prices, features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Certain conditions may apply. Void where prohibited by law.C

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