Author: optalishealdev

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Rehab

older lady using machinery for rehab with nurse guidance

Dear Jeremy: I have a question about inpatient rehab versus outpatient rehab. My husband recently came down with a bad case of pneumonia. He had to be hospitalized and while he’s making progress, he’s not yet back to his old strength. When he stands, I’m worried he’ll fall because he’s still a little shaky. His… Read more »

Managing Costs of Skilled Nursing

piggy bank and a stethoscope

Your patient requires skilled nursing care, but the family has no resources and is unsure how to cover the costs for it. What can you tell them? Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Care Your patient must meet the following criteria before Medicare will cover their care in a skilled nursing facility: They have Part A Medicare with… Read more »

Is it Time to Give Up Driving?

image of car keys

Dear Janet: My father suffered a stroke three months ago. While he is doing remarkably well, I’m not sure how safe he is driving. My mom won’t really talk about it, but I sense she is afraid of his driving since the stroke. I took a look at their car when I visited their Columbus… Read more »

Home Safety Checklist for Central Ohio Seniors

image of checkmarks and lines

If you chose to spend time visiting a senior loved one at their home over the holidays, you may find yourself wondering how safe they are living alone. Adult children often find themselves in the position of trying to evaluate an older family member’s home environment for safety. Do the stairs have strong handrails? Is… Read more »

Dealing with Emotional Loss

senior and nurse leaning on each other

Dear Kara, I am the primary caregiver for my aunt. She is my late-mother’s sister, and we have always been close to her. A few months ago, her husband of almost 50 years passed away unexpectedly, leaving her on her own for the first time. Within a few weeks of his funeral, we realized she… Read more »

A Day in the Life at an Optalis Community

nurse and patient looking at each other

Long-term care is becoming an increasingly common need for older adults. In fact, it’s estimated that about half (52%) of Americans 65 or above will need some type of long-term care service in the future. However, those are just numbers. Your parent isn’t a number. Your loved one isn’t a statistic. If they end up in the… Read more »

Could Mom Benefit from an Assisted Living Community?

older lady smiing at the camera

Dear Jana: We visited my mother in Columbus, Ohio, recently. For numerous reasons, we haven’t seen her since last Christmas. While she’s been telling us she is doing well, I’m not so sure that is true. At a minimum, she is lonely. She might even be depressed. Some of the other concerns I have are… Read more »

Transitioning Home After a Rehab Stay

daughter giving coffee to mom who is on the couch

Dear Janet: Our dad is just finishing up a stay in a rehab center and will be discharged home soon. It’s been a long road for him since he had his stroke, and we want to make sure we do everything we can to help him make a smooth transition back to his house. Do… Read more »

Medicare Advantage Plan: How It Works

blocks that have medical symbols on them

Dear Tracy: My husband and I are thinking of switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan. We’ve heard it is a great way to save money, but we are a little confused about a few details. Does signing up mean we are no longer part of Medicare? Can we sign up any time of year we… Read more »