The Intuitive Kindness of Certified Nursing Assistants

 

Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA – often referred to as “caregiver”) requires tremendous compassion, patience, and tenacity. At Edgewood, we witness these qualities in our caregivers every day and, like many roles, there’s more to it than the eye can see. We wanted to share more about the rewards and challenges of the profession from Tessa Wilson and Ashley Drumgold, CNAs at Edgewood Healthcare in Helena, MT, as well as the community’s Business Office Director, Demerry Yates.

CNAs: Putting the ‘Front’ in ‘Frontline’ of Senior Care

CNAs deserve our gratitude every day as they strive to improve our residents’ lives and truly make a difference. Caring for seniors is not a “9 to 5” job; it’s an around-the-clock responsibility that Ashley, Tessa, and their fellow CNAs and supervisors take seriously to ensure the 54 residents in their care receive the physical, mental, and emotional support they need to thrive.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

“Many of our residents can’t care for themselves, so I know I have to be here to keep them healthy and safe,” says Tessa, a lead CNA with 7 years of experience in the profession. “We form close bonds with our residents and are there to help them through challenges they face. We often have many inside jokes, know their favorite things, or even cry alongside them.”

Ashley, who has been a CNA at Edgewood Healthcare for four years, agrees that working with residents and learning each of their individual stories is the most rewarding part of the job.

“I enjoy coming in every day and being like a family member to a resident, since we are able to be there more than their families are able to,” Ashley says. “Our residents keep all of us going.”Caring for residents with varying degrees of mental and physical capacities, however, can take its toll on caregivers, especially when working with residents in memory care or hospice, Ashley adds. CNAs are typically the first to witness a resident’s health decline – whether it’s from dementia, illness, or simply old age – and caregivers are the first to offer post-mortem care upon their passing.

We’re with them up until they pass…this is the hardest part of our job,” she says. “I don’t think people realize that’s part of the care we provide.

Tessa agrees that being a CNA is full of ups and downs. People who become certified nursing assistants are often naturally empathetic and truly care about the residents, not just for them. However, Tessa says it’s important for caregivers to set emotional boundaries and be protective of their mental health on the job.

 “You have to come into it with the mindset that you are here for the residents, but you also need to create a balance of being compassionate while not so emotionally involved that it destroys you. It’s a very thin line to walk, but our residents are worth it,” Tessa says.

The Face of Caring

In each of our 64 communities across seven states, our residents rely on certified nursing assistants to help them maintain the best quality of life in their golden years. Caregivers are truly the backbone of nursing, as they provide the hands-on patient care duties and essential activities of daily living with the highest level of skills and confidence. Additionally, they often serve as the eyes and ears within the walls of our communities to family members, LPNs, RNs, and even physicians. In our Helena community, Business Office Director Demerry Yates has witnessed the lengths the team goes to in order to make sure every resident’s needs are met.

I definitely believe that our certified nursing assistants have the hardest job in the building,” Demerry shares. “They get here, and they don’t stop until they go home, especially during the pandemic. Our caregivers were their families, above and beyond the relationships they had with them previously. They deserve to be recognized for the work they do.

On many occasions, Demerry has witnessed nursing assistants coming in on their days off to bring goodies, treats, and other gifts for residents – especially if a resident is having a bad day – to cheer them up.

“That always touches my heart that it’s not just a job for them,” Demerry adds. “There’s a way you can draw those healthy boundaries and treat seniors as human beings that you love and care for, and that’s what I observe from my team. Our amazing caregivers could be doing a bunch of other jobs with their talents, but they’re here. We’re so grateful that they work with us at Edgewood.”

Career opportunities for CNAs

Choosing the career path of a certified nursing assistant offers many advancement opportunities. Some CNAs go to school to become licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, or doctors, depending on their career goals.

At Edgewood Healthcare, we support professional development for our CNAs and our staff by providing advancement opportunities to shift leads and other management positions. “There are many ways that our caregivers can continue their journey in healthcare, even if it’s not pursuing their education further,” Demerry says. Many Edgewood CNAs take pride in their advancement and become well-rounded, compassionate leaders.If you are interested in a rewarding career as a certified nursing assistant or similar position, Edgewood Healthcare is always looking for driven people to join our team. Visit our Careers page to learn more about employment opportunities with our company!

Why You Should Look At Senior Living Differently

 

Senior living has seen a complete transformation. Today, those looking at senior living don’t need to settle for the sterile, inactive lifestyle it once was. Instead, senior living communities encourage our residents to retain their independence to ensure they thrive socially, physically, and emotionally. Additionally, seniors are moving in because they want to, not because they have to. While Edgewood Healthcare has implemented these philosophies, we continue to adapt our services to fit the needs of residents and create a healthcare lifestyle all under one roof to provide the ultimate of continuum care. Senior living communities owe it to their residents to provide peace of mind that their physical, emotional, and mental well-being will be maintained and elevated through high-quality healthcare, no matter the health journey they may be on!

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

The Edgewood Health Network

Officially launched in 2020, our health network offers a holistic team of medical providers who partner with us to offer you the right care and support in the comfort of the resident’s home, wherever they call home. We offer a team of healthcare experts dedicated to not only specialized health services, but also providing education and hands-on training to residents, families, and the greater community.

This “continuum of care” network allows our residents to live their golden years to the fullest. The convenience and availability of these services are specially designed to help our residents maintain independence, allowing them to stay in their homes longer, minimizing the severity of illnesses that could result in hospital or emergency room visits, and overall, strengthening access to professionals that focus on what seniors want to do rather than what they can’t do.

A Personalized Solution to Fit Your Needs

Robert Ford, President of Edgewood Healthcare, shares that healthcare is all about having choices.

We believe that all of our residents deserve to have the flexibility and options to choose the services they require at the time they need them. While you will, of course, have access to practitioners with the local Edgewood Health Network, your healthcare story is in your hands.

Upon joining the community, you don’t have to leave your current doctor, and we encourage residents to retain their current Primary Care Providers. Our team of specialists will be able to communicate with them regularly and work together to understand the resident’s current care plan and needs.

Our network of healthcare is explained in this video about Ruby and her options, the stress-free process of moving into Edgewood, and the fact that Edgewood’s team will always be there to support Ruby while she’s under their care. We have an extensive range of healthcare services, all of which can be offered to your loved ones under one roof. If an emergency occurs, an In-Home Provider will step in straight away. This is a practice that’s well accepted by hospitals and healthcare groups today, who understand that during the winter months or late at night, it might be impossible for a senior to visit their Primary Care Provider.

Quality Care Every Day

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding senior living is that healthcare is only for when you are sick or injured. We also work to prevent injury or illness. Our compassionate nurses monitor residents daily to ensure they are healthy and thriving. By taking blood pressure readings and offering medication as needed, we can minimize the chance of illness further down the line. Residents are also encouraged to follow procedures that can reduce the likelihood of a fall, offering them an improved quality of life for years to come.

Our nurses take a very personal approach to caring for our residents, and our communication is top-notch when noticing changes. Upon a medical change, nurses will immediately notify our In-Home Provider so that colds, sinus infections, dehydration, or other chronic health conditions can be treated immediately. This proactive approach helps avoid any future or lasting issues and residents are often surprised by the attention to detail and personal approach they are treated with, as we believe that seniors deserve to be treated as individuals.

A Wide Variety of Services

The Edgewood Health Network offers a wide selection of services, including hospice care, home health, and outpatient therapy services through CaringEdge and other partnering providers. Our experienced team will care for you during every chapter of your personal health story. We’ve increased the availability of in-home physicians, outpatient therapy, home health, and hospice services and will work to expand these throughout other communities in the upcoming years.

Wherever you currently are in your healthcare journey, we’ll work to increase your quality of life and offer convenient healthcare to fit your needs. Our services will be delivered right to your door, so you can be supported through every stage of your golden years.

For more information about Edgewood Healthcare and the personalized services we can offer you or your family member, contact info@edgewoodhealthcare.com or find a community near you.

The Best Ways to Pay For Senior Living

Here at Edgewood Healthcare, we are often asked by families how they can pay for their senior living expenses. We understand this can be a very confusing and overwhelming topic, as multiple options are available to you. Today we’re going to break down the most common options that can be used for senior living expenses to ensure you feel financially secure in the future.

Private Pay Funds

One of the top options today for paying for senior living is using private funds. Interestingly, the cost of living and caregiving expenses are unlikely to be much higher than you are already paying. To calculate how much you’ll approximately be paying for senior living each month compared to your current living & caregiving expenses, use our affordability calculator. When considering your expenses, you’ll want to take into account what you are already paying for housing expenses, food, any care you receive, and transportation. Many individuals who speak with us are surprised by how affordable senior living can be compared to their current monthly expenses.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Medicaid

Medicaid is a government insurance program suitable for people of all ages who don’t have the income or resources to pay for health care, such as assisted living. It’s important not to confuse Medicaid with Medicare, which provides health coverage (such as skilled nursing care) for the elderly. It’s important to note that Medicare won’t cover Assisted Living if that’s a solution you are considering for the future.

As a company, Edgewood is proud to accept Medicaid in our communities. However, the availability of Medicaid apartments differs per community at any given time. Also, Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, and while the federal government does cover part of the costs, Medicaid is operated by states and is dependent on current availability. Each state’s program is slightly different, so ensure you check the coverage you’ll receive before relying on this option. For more information about registering for Medicaid, check out the official Medicaid government website. Contact your state for application information, and they’ll be able to guide you through the process from there.

Long-Term Care Insurance Policies

Today, financial advisors set individuals up for success, knowingly knowing that at some point, you’ll require a long-term care policy. We advise you to speak with your investor or financial planner about what plan would be best for you.

These policies help cover the cost of care when you have a medical condition or disability. Most providers today reimburse you for care in any given place, such as Edgewood Healthcare, or in your home while receiving our assistance. Insurance policies and the items they cover are very dependent on your provider and what your policy covers. When taking out a long-term care insurance policy, we always encourage you to check exactly what is covered to ensure it will look after you for many years to come.

At Edgewood Healthcare, we believe healthcare is something that everyone should have access to. By considering which of these solutions is best for covering your senior living expenses, you can prepare yourself for a comfortable future.

To learn more about senior living affordability, contact an Edgewood Healthcare community near you or inquire at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

6 Ways to Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe this Summer

Summer is fast approaching, and along with it comes the summer heat many of us dream of all winter long! Before you grab your beach towel and run out the door to soak up those rays, keep in mind seniors are more prone to the effects of heat, so it’s important to review some vital safety tips for this time of year.

According to the CDC, seniors are more at risk of heatstroke and dehydration because they do not adjust as well to temperature changes. Seniors are also more likely to have a chronic medical condition, resulting in their bodies reacting differently to this change in temperature.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

One of the most serious heat-related illnesses is heatstroke. This occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature. The body temperature rises rapidly, but as the body loses its ability to sweat, it’s unable to cool down quickly enough, with the body temperature rising to 106°F or higher within just 10 to 15 minutes. Heatstroke is an extremely dangerous condition, which can result in death or permanent disability if not treated with a sense of urgency.

This summer, look for the warning signs of heatstroke. These include a high body temperature, headache, dizziness, hot and dry skin, and nausea. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and move out of the sun immediately.

Beat the Heat This Summer

This summer, follow these top safety tips listed below to protect you and your loved ones from the heat:

While the summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for families to spend time together, protect your family members by following these tips listed above. Avoid spending time outdoors in the middle of the day, and ensure you call for immediate assistance if you or your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms of heatstroke this year.

CaringEdge Receives 2021 Customer Experience Award from Pinnacle Quality Insight

Minot & Bismarck, ND, Friday, June 11, 2021 – CaringEdge, a Grand Forks, ND based provider of Outpatient Therapy, Home Health and Hospice, is proud to announce that they are the recipient of Pinnacle Quality Insight’s 2021 Customer Experience AwardTM. Qualifying for the award with their hospice services, CaringEdge displays a continued dedication to providing Best in Class senior healthcare services.

“Winning this award in an amazing honor, but our greatest success is enhancing our customer experience to help individuals make the most of the time they have, in the way they choose.  We are truly moved to receive this feedback from our patients and their family members. Not only is this a great pat on the back for our staff, but it allows us to improve and serve in the best way possible, so we may continue to focus on providing guidance, compassion, and support for each individual and their family, bringing each person comfort and peace,” said Jennifer Davis, Executive Vice President of Health services for CaringEdge Division.

CaringEdge has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that the individual needs of every patient are met, and over the course of 2020, a sampling of CaringEdge clients and their families have participated in monthly telephone interviews that include open-ended questions, as well the opportunity to rate CaringEdge in specific categories. These real-time survey results are gathered by the CaringEdge team each month to gain a better understanding of the patient’s needs and make improvements if need be.

By qualifying for the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award™, CaringEdge has satisfied the rigorous demand of scoring in the top 15% of the nation across a 12-month average. Clients have the opportunity to achieve this Best-in-Class distinction on a monthly basis in many categories designed to accurately reflect each patient’s experience.

About Pinnacle Quality Insight

A customer satisfaction measurement firm with 25 years of experience in post-acute healthcare, Pinnacle conducts over 150,000 phone surveys each year and works with more than 2,500 care providers in all 50 US states, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

About CaringEdge

Edgewood Healthcare launched their CaringEdge health service division as an opportunity to offer a wider continuum of in-house care and services to their residents as well as to customers in the surrounding communities. As a company, CaringEdge offers home health services, to include skilled nursing and certified nursing assistant services, therapy services to include physical, occupational and speech, as well as home health and hospice services.

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the upper Midwest and since 1992, has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible. Currently, Edgewood operates over 60 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities with over 4,000 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho) and employs over 2,700 people. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are located at 322 Demers Avenue, Suite 500, Grand Forks, N.D. For questions or more information, contact info@edgewoodvista.com.

“Treated Like a Queen”: Edgewood Resident’s Daughter Shares Positive Experience with Nurses for Nurses Appreciation Month

For decades, May has been the designated time of year to celebrate nurses and their integral role in our nation’s healthcare system.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began last year, however, honoring our nation’s nurses has become profoundly more significant. 2020 was designated the Year of the Nurse to raise awareness of the contribution nurses make to the global workforce and to advocate for more support, better health, and greater gender equality in the profession, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

As a champion of these efforts, the American Nurses Association (ANA) officially recognizes May as Nurses Appreciation Month this year and onward and leads initiatives focused on self-care, recognition, professional development, and community engagement for registered nurses.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

In honor of Nurses Appreciation Month, we spoke to Georgeanne Spalding, the daughter of our Edgewood Spring Creek resident Marie Strode, who expressed the highest appreciation for the nurses at her mother’s community. We’re grateful to share her testimony and her story.

Treated ‘Like a Queen’

Before 102-year-old Marie Strode moved into Edgewood Spring Creek in Eagle, ID, three years ago, she had lived in the same home for 78 years in McCall, a lakeside resort town in the mountains about an hour from her current home.

Marie’s father was one of the town’s first settlers, establishing the first saloon, meat market, and hotel in the early 1900s. She had a good childhood and spent much of her life picking huckleberries to make into jam, pies, dumplings, and other delicious desserts – a pastime she passed on to Georgeanne and her brother once they came along.

Even into her late 90s, Marie planned to live out her life in McCall. But one day in the autumn of 2018, she decided to try out a short-term stay at Edgewood Spring Creek. She planned to stay for only two weeks, but the nurses “won her over real fast,” Georgeanne says.

“They treated her like a queen, and everyone was super nice to her,” she adds.

Over the years, two of our Edgewood Spring Creek (Eagle Island) nurses, Lynsie Sanchez and Crystal Grover, have become close friends with the family. Georgeanne has Lynsie’s personal phone number so she can get regular updates about her mom, and she has even invited her to Thanksgiving in the past. Before the pandemic, the Spalding family would invite the nurses out to their resort house in McCall to go waterskiing.

“It was kind of our way of paying them back for everything they’ve done for my mom,” says Georgeanne. “They’re good mothers and professional ladies.”

I can tell that for them, nursing is not a job, but a life.

When the pandemic began last year, it was a stressful time for Georgeanne—especially since her mother’s age was in the triple digits. However, communicating with the nurses and coordinating with them to FaceTime with Marie offered some comfort.

“Lynsie would let my mom FaceTime with me any time she wanted to,” Georgeanne says. “Mom had a cell phone, but didn’t have one with FaceTime, so she appreciated that the nurses would help her in that respect.”

To keep her mind and her hands busy during lockdown, Marie crocheted, embroidered, knitted, and read the newspaper every day – even the ads. Although it was an extremely difficult year of isolation, constant testing, and ongoing anxiety, Georgeanne understood that all the nurses in the community “did what they had to do” to keep residents as safe as they could.

Fortunately, Marie and the rest of the seniors on her floor at Edgewood Eagle Creek never contracted COVID-19.

“They kept (mom) alive and well, and that was the main thing,” Georgeanne says. “I have nothing but kudos for these two gals because I have had close communication and interaction with them since the beginning.”

Once everyone was vaccinated this spring, the nursing staff, Georgeanne, and a group of close friends celebrated Marie’s 102nd birthday on April 13. It was a triumphant celebration for many reasons, and Georgeanne continues to be grateful for everything the nurses have done to care for her mom.

“She never got sick,” she says. “I’m proud of the whole community and am thankful to come out of (the pandemic) with a 102-year-old mother.”

Nurses: The Frontline of Senior Care

Nurses working in all health environments have all been the boots-on-the-ground contingent throughout the pandemic, including the many nurses on our team at Edgewood Healthcare.

As a senior living company, Edgewood Healthcare knows our nursing staff has made many sacrifices to keep our senior residents as safe and healthy as possible over the last year, especially since seniors were the most vulnerable to severe complications from COVID-19 until the vaccine rollout began in January.

They showed up early to their shifts to gear up in head-to-toe personal protective equipment. They got tested regularly. They were quarantined when they were exposed or tested positive for COVID-19. They fielded questions and concerns from residents and family members. Before vaccinations began, many avoided going anywhere other than home and work, opting for curbside pick-up whenever possible.These are only a few of the sacrifices our nurses have made, but even before the pandemic, nurses have been on the frontlines of senior care, dedicating their lives to a profession that is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. They experience the high of connecting with our residents every day, and the low of holding their hands when it’s their time to transition to spiritual life.

As trained professionals, our nurses view caring for others as not just a job but a duty. This means they often put their own health and well-being on the back burner, which is why it’s more important than ever for all of us to express our gratitude and appreciation for the nurses in our lives as the outlook for the pandemic continues to improve in the United States.

Our company is proud of our nursing staff’s bravery, tenacity, and resilience over the last year and beyond. If you’d like to commemorate Nurses Appreciation Month with a message of gratitude for the nurses in your own or your loved one’s Edgewood community, contact us today, and we will pass the message on to our team!

Edgewood Healthcare Announces New Chief Nursing Officer for Senior Living

Edgewood logo on gray background

Edgewood Healthcare has promoted Brendan Weidler as the new Chief Nursing Officer of Senior Living.

“I’m pleased to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Rob Ford, President of Edgewood. “Brendan has been instrumental in the set up and delivery of health care services through our CaringEdge division for the past four years. He has shown the desire and commitment to providing our seniors the exceptional care and services they deserve,” continued Ford.Brendan started with Edgewood in 2017 as an Administrator of Home Health, Hospice and Outpatient Therapy in Minot. Most recently, he has been the Regional Vice President where he operated four successful Home Health, Hospice and Outpatient Therapy programs in Minot and Bismarck, ND as well as Hermantown and Virginia, MN. The platform has seen expansive growth and has yielded a multitude of positive outcomes for our residents. Brendan has an extensive background of experience, having started his career in nursing in the intensive care unit at a level II trauma center in central North Dakota. He was promoted to a hospital supervisor and eventually to a unit manager of their acute inpatient rehab. It was here that he recognized the benefit of a strong continuum of health care delivery on the post-acute side of a patient’s health care journey.

Brendan grew up in Velva, ND, where he was active in sports and Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Brendan went on to attend Minot State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing while also playing college football, serving as the team captain for two seasons. Brendan, his wife, and their three daughters call Bismarck, ND home.

About Edgewood Healthcare

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the upper Midwest. Since 1992, Edgewood has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with well-trained staff members in communities designed for residents to receive various living and care options. Currently, Edgewood operates over 60 independent living, assisted living and memory care communities with over 4,000 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming and Idaho) and employs over 2,900 people. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are located at 322 Demers Avenue, Suite 500, Grand Forks, N.D.

Edgewood Partners With Alzheimer’s Association for Virtual Dementia Education Series

Together, Edgewood Healthcare and the Alzheimer’s Association have teamed up to hold a virtual event series discussing signs, tips, and strategies on Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases. This virtual education series will be held via Zoom to hear from families and specially trained educators, in addition to opportunities for participation and live Q&A.

The series will take off on May 12, 2021, with 6 total virtual sessions to tune in to. The series will be held virtually every other Wednesday until July 21, 2021. A schedule with dates and topics is listed below.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

6 Million Reasons To Fight

The 6 Million Reasons education series was put together to inform our friends and families about resources for navigating this disease with their loved ones. The presentation will be held virtually over Zoom. Register to gain access here or by calling 701.330.2626.

Event Details: Wednesdays from 12-1 pm CST / 11-12 pm MST

May 12, 2021 – 10 Warning Signs

May 26, 2021 – Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia

June 9, 2021 – Healthy Living For Your Brain and Body

June 23, 2021 – Dementia Conversations

July 7, 2021 – Effective Communication Strategies

July 21, 2021 – Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease?

Dementia is an umbrella term for the loss of cognitive functions like memory, language skills, and visual perception, caused by damaged nerve cells in the brain. Memory loss can occur as a side effect of medication, stress, substance abuse, or head injury, but to be considered dementia, symptoms are typically chronic and worsen over time.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of cases and affecting more than 6 million people and their loved ones in the United States. To fully understand the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, it might help to think of it this way: everyone with Alzheimer’s disease has dementia, but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease.

Other Events

Edgewood Healthcare is an active participant and global sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association’s nationwide event, The Longest Day. Additionally, its 64 senior living communities actively participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held locally in participating cities.

Find more information about what your local Edgewood is doing for The Longest Day, or click here to make a donation in support of the Alzheimer’s Association in their research efforts.

For more information please contact your local Edgewood community or email us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com

Edgewood Healthcare Announces New Regional Vice President

Edgewood Healthcare recently named Heather Moechnig as their new Regional Vice President of Region 7, overseeing senior living communities in South Dakota, including Brookings, Flandreau, and Sisseton, three Sioux Falls locations, and two Mitchell locations

“I’m pleased to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Rob Ford, President of Edgewood. “Heather has proven she has the dedication, integrity and passion needed to ensure the success of Edgewood as a company, as well as the desire and commitment to providing our seniors the exceptional care and services they deserve,” continued Ford.

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Heather joined Edgewood Healthcare in May 2012 as an Executive Director in Brookings, SD and for the past three years served as South Dakota’s Senior Executive Director. She is well-connected in South Dakota, having served as the past President of the Bookings Area Coalition on Aging and the Chairman of the South Dakota Assisted Living Association. Her extensive background in quality assurance and public health, as well as being a licensed Nursing Home Administrator, has complimented her successful career path.

Heather graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls with a B.S. in Food Science and Engineering and the University of South Dakota with a graduate certificate in Long-Term Care Management. She resides in Toronto, SD, with her husband and two children. Heather will start in her new role on May 1st.

About Edgewood Healthcare

Edgewood Healthcare is the leading operator of senior living communities in the upper Midwest. Since 1992, Edgewood has been committed to helping seniors stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible, with well-trained staff members in communities designed for residents to receive various living and care options. Edgewood operates over 60 independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities with over 4,000 beds in seven states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Idaho) and employs over 2,700 people. Edgewood Healthcare’s corporate offices are located at 322 Demers Avenue, Suite 500, Grand Forks, N.D.

Home Health: More Affordable for Seniors Than You Think

We know talking about money isn’t easy, and sometimes feels a little taboo. However, when exploring options for senior care, the cost is understandably one of the top concerns for families. Many fear that receiving quality senior care for themselves or a loved one is financially out of the question.

The cost of senior living varies by company, type of care, and services provided. With so many options and figures to consider, we understand shopping for senior care can be overwhelming and frustrating. The economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of stress to the process.

Our team at Edgewood Healthcare wants to assure you that many options are available. We sat down with Ron Whetter, Executive Vice President of Finance for CaringEdge at Edgewood Healthcare, to learn about why calculating the cost of senior care can be stressful and how home health may be a good solution for seniors to ensure they receive the quality care they deserve during their golden years.

Calculating Costs of Senior Care

Paying for senior care can feel overwhelming for many older adults and their families. It often involves lots of planning, paperwork, and uncomfortable (but crucial) conversations with loved ones. The root of these concerns is mainly due to “the complexity of it all,” Whetter says.

“When families look at the cost for many senior living companies, it’s not always clear what they are going to be responsible for or what services are included,” he says. “Costs constantly change and depend on what kind of care a senior receives.”

In addition to private pay, standard payment options for senior care include Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and aid for veterans, among others. Each program has its own set of qualifications, and coverage varies by state.However, Whetter wants to assure families that they have many payment options to choose from, and that Edgewood Healthcare can be a resource for them as they navigate these complex systems. He says we can also help clear up any misconceptions people have about paying for senior living.

For example, many think living in an independent, assisted, or memory care community costs more than nursing homes, but this is not always the case. Many nursing homes follow an à la carte model that makes prices appear low, but costs quickly stack up – especially for skilled nursing care.

At Edgewood Healthcare, we have set price levels on every community page, which are determined by the amount of daily care a senior may need to thrive. We also offer an in-home health network to all residents, which is included in our cost structure, making healthcare more convenient for our residents – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Edgewood Healthcare officially launched our health network in January 2020, shortly before COVID-19 began spreading throughout the United States. At the time, our goal was to provide our residents access to quality care without leaving their homes to receive treatment for whatever twists and turns in their health journey.

Although it’s been a challenging year, the value of an in-home health network has only increased, as our residents and employees have been able to get tested regularly, maintain routine check-ups through Telehealth, receive prompt care for COVID-19 or other illnesses, and be prioritized for vaccination without worrying about hidden healthcare costs.

However, we understand that some seniors may not be emotionally or financially ready to move into a senior living community. Fortunately, Edgewood Healthcare offers home health services through CaringEdge, which can be a more cost-effective solution for seniors who qualify. Let’s dive into this service a little more.

Why Home Health May Be Best for You

Our home health service is an affordable option that brings our health practitioners right to your door – whether it’s a private residence or an apartment in one of our 64 Edgewood communities. One of the most common misconceptions about home health is that it is expensive, but cost is determined by the time and services provided. The best part, however, is that Medicare covers part of the cost of home health.

“Home health helps seniors maintain independence at home and relieves some of the responsibility for family members who normally care for their parents or grandparents,” Whetter says. “They have peace of mind that their senior loved one is cared for by trusted professionals.”Home health is different from home care, which involves services like grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, and housekeeping. Home health focuses on keeping you physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy during your senior years.

Here are some indicators that home health services may be right for you:Wherever you may be in your health journey, Edgewood Healthcare is here to help you find options – like home health – that give you good quality of life while staying within your budget.

“Seniors have worked hard all their lives,” Whether says. “They deserve to know which services they qualify for and to take advantage of them so they can keep dancing, playing softball, or doing other activities they enjoy once it is safe.”To learn more about our home health services or protocols during COVID-19, contact an Edgewood Healthcare community near you.