Month: June 2020

2020-06-29T09:01:00

(BPT) – The threat of COVID-19 in nursing homes and assisted living facilities has led elderly individuals and people with disabilities or underlying health conditions to seek safer administration of their care. For some, the most desirable place to receive ongoing services is in their own homes. According to the CDC, in the age of COVID-19, your home is the safest place to be. Why then should care be any different?

The concept of ”aging in place” is not new, but for seniors — and people with disabilities or other long-term care needs — the idea of hiring and managing services to ensure you can remain at home, known as self-directed care, may seem too complex. It doesn’t need to be. Understanding your rights, caregiver options and resources can provide the freedom to live life on your terms.

Why choose in-home services?

Self-determination was first recognized in law nearly 30 years ago. Regardless of age or ability, you can choose how to receive, manage and pay for long-term services.

Giving individuals freedom to make care decisions has far-reaching positive impacts. In 1990, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched an 18-state pilot program, finding that individuals with long-term care needs or disabilities experienced better health outcomes with self-directed home or community-based care options. Moreover, one study showed self-direction generating cost savings of 12.4% to 15.5% compared to traditional service arrangements.

Proven health benefits have spurred support for self-directed programs nationwide, as self-directing participants are up to 90% more likely to be very satisfied with how they lead their lives.

Is in-home care safe?

Over a fifth of the deaths from COVID-19 in the United States are tied to nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, with families becoming increasingly reluctant about their elderly loved ones going to nursing facilities. Home-based care can provide safe, stable and accessible services.

When conducted using precautions advised by health authorities, receiving support that allows you to remain in your home is safer because it limits exposure that may otherwise occur in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Additionally, self-directed models have demonstrated little service disruption during state-mandated shutdowns while nursing homes and long-term care facilities are struggling to ensure adequate coverage.

Self-direction has also been shown to provide significant flexibility as individuals with disabilities can switch between agency-delivered and self-directed services at any time, while maintaining control of the budget to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE), a cellphone and an internet connection to facilitate telehealth.

Further, with self-direction, you control associations with people outside of your household. This includes the potential to hire a qualified household member to assume the support role to further limit external contact.

How do you hire a family member or friend?

Today, more than one million Medicaid beneficiaries choose self-directed in-home and community-based services.

If you or a loved one have a trusted friend or family member who is qualified to provide in-home or community-based care, start by contacting the local health department or Medicaid office to determine Medicaid eligibility and assess the services needed. Once an assessment is completed, you or your loved one can inquire about self-directing services and proceed with hiring.

When self-directing services, the person receiving the services becomes a caregiver’s direct employer. Enlisting a financial intermediary can help you ensure all administrative tasks, payroll and taxes are handled seamlessly. GT Independence, for instance, helps approximately 25,000 individuals in 11 states to manage in-home and community-based services through easy-to-use, accessible, online and mobile services that are 100% HIPAA compliant, allowing caregivers to focus on what really matters: the individual.

For valuable resources about integrating self-directed options into a personal care plan, visit Collaboration to Promote Self-Determination (CPSD) or National Gateway to Self-Determination (NGSD).

2020-06-29T11:05:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable, unavoidable impact on our world — from the way we conduct business, to how we shop for groceries. It has shifted our idea of what is important in life, and according to Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index, Americans say spending time with family is a top priority. In light of everything 2020 has brought so far, Americans are shifting gears with a renewed emphasis on things we may have previously taken for granted: from time spent with loved ones, to road trips to our favorite vacation destinations, and even surprisingly, our daily commute.

The rise of the road trip

Summer is normally synonymous with taking a break and making an escape to somewhere fun, and for many, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in those plans. But Hankook found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of Americans are still hopeful and excited about the idea of an upcoming vacation. And more than likely, that vacation will be a road trip.

As consumers remain skeptical of traveling by plane and other forms of public transit, they are finding a safe hygiene haven in their own vehicles. According to the Gauge, 60% of Americans expect to take more road trips as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many expect a rise in road trip plans enabling travelers to explore while still safely adhering to social distancing guidelines.

So, who are they going with? Even as restrictions lift, Americans remain uncertain about traveling with people outside their households. At the same time, they don’t necessarily want to travel with everyone in their household.

When Hankook asked who Americans would most like to travel with after the pandemic restrictions ease, the top choice was their significant other or spouse (40%), indicating a desire to spend some quality time together. Traveling with a spouse or significant other was more than twice as popular as the next most popular choice: traveling with your children (18%). Good time to check to make sure your babysitters are available!

Redefining the daily drive

Americans’ preference for wheels over wings doesn’t just stop when it comes to planning their next vacation. It will also have a significant impact on the daily commute. The Gauge found that Americans widely agree automotive travel will be the top form of transportation after the COVID-19 pandemic eventually subsides (62%). Only a small percentage of people expect to regularly use other forms of transportation — including public transit (9%), ride sharing (7%) and trains (6%) — with the same regularity.

Of course, nobody knows what that regular rush hour might look like, as offices across the country look for ways to safely stagger workforces and encourage working from home to allow for proper social distancing. Many will continue to avoid commutes altogether as companies encourage employees to keep working from home. When the time is right to resume your daily commute to work or school, make sure your vehicle is ready for the job as well by checking your tire pressure, any flat spots developed from prolonged parking and that A/C systems are ready to keep things cool this summer!

Overall, it’s clear that one of the many perspectives the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped is Americans’ attitudes toward driving. What may have once been a daily drag might now be a necessary change in routine, and a welcome opportunity to spend time with the people that matter most.

2020-06-29T09:39:01

(BPT) – Summer is here, which means fun outdoor activities for kids will fill the long, sunny days. While the season is typically marked by family vacations and trips to the beach, new memories can be created right in the backyard or driveway! When used to its fullest potential, your outdoor space can very well become one of your child’s favorite places to play, explore, create and spend time with the family.

Before heading outside for summertime fun, consider the following from board-certified dermatologist and mom of four, Dr. Nava Greenfield, who has partnered with Coppertone to provide tips to help keep the little ones and their skin protected as they head outside.

Create a safe space

To keep at-home outdoor activities safe, scan the area and remove any large items that can become a potential hazard and safely stow away any gardening or lawn tools before kids head out. The first few days outside are typically the ones that carry the highest risk of sunburn, so it’s also great to set up a fun umbrella or even pitch a tent to create a shaded space for breaks from the sun’s rays. During the strongest sun hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., make sure kids are taking frequent breaks to hydrate and go indoors so they can also avoid constant sun exposure.

Make sun protection fun

To protect kids’ skin, parents should look for a sunscreen that will keep them protected from the sun’s UV rays and that kids will actually want to wear, like new Coppertone Kids Clear or Kids Clear Sparkle. Available with either a blue tint or fun sparkles, the clear, cooling and mess-free formula provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 sun protection and is water resistant (80 minutes). Parents everywhere know how difficult sunscreen application can be, but Coppertone Kids Clear makes the experience easy and fun, and can even be an engaging game, like Simon Says, for parents and kids to apply their sunscreen together!

Keep the essentials close

From scrapes and bumps to bug bites and sunburn, nothing puts a damper on summer fun like a small injury or health hiccup. Keep a first aid kit easily accessible, either outside with you or right inside and make sure the entire family knows where to locate it. Fill the kit with adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes, tweezers, antibiotic ointments, gauze and gloves. Keep an insect repellent handy too. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen!

Establish a post-play routine

Throughout the day and immediately after outdoor play time concludes, make sure kids are washing their hands with soap. To help calm the skin from time spent outside, have them take a lukewarm shower or bath and use a gentle cleanser to help get rid of any caked-on layers of sweat and dirt. Pat the skin dry and follow up with a kid-friendly all-over moisturizer.

While making new memories this summer, having fun is the ultimate goal, but it’s just as important to keep kids and their skin protected. With these tips in mind, your backyard, patio, driveway or deck is bound to become both you and your child’s new favorite, and safest, play place. For more information on sun protection, visit coppertone.com.

2020-06-29T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you ready to hit the road?

Sooner or later, it’ll be time to load up the car and launch a new journey.

Many Americans have been thinking about where that next journey is going to be, and for many, the destination will be closer to home this year. But deciding where to go is only the start; it’s also important to know how to get there safely.

Here are some ideas for great American road trips and some tips for safely enjoying each adventure. To access great road trips for every U.S. state and many Canadian provinces, visit NokianTires.com/Journey. You can add your own favorites, too, and U.S. residents could potentially win a set of tires.

Climb the Rockies in Colorado

The scenic vistas of the Rocky Mountains humble and empower at the same time. From Boulder to Breckenridge and Grand Junction to Greeley, there’s much to experience — grueling hikes, adrenaline-fueling mountain biking, quaint shopping in the rustic villages nestled in shaded valleys, and more.

Start in Denver. The Mile High City is a mecca for Western culinary specialties, live entertainment and urban exploration. When you’ve had your fill, escape to the Rocky Mountain wilderness. The Front Range is about an hour from downtown and unlocks unlimited outdoor opportunity.

As you’re cruising down I-70, you never know what the next hairpin curve will reveal — a dramatic peak, a lush valley, or maybe even a sudden rain or snowstorm. If you plan to tame the Rockies, make sure your tires are as prepped as your backpack is.

For every 1,000-foot increase in altitude, tire pressure decreases by as much 0.5 psi — enough to create safety hazards if tires aren’t properly inflated beforehand. Underinflated tires increase the risk of blowouts and have decreased handling properties. Before heading for the hills, make sure your tires are inflated to your car’s recommended tire pressure. And consider installing a set of all-weather tires on your vehicle. Unlike all-season tires, they’re crafted to drive in the sudden snow that can fall any time of year at high elevation.

Cling to the Coast

Are you California dreamin’? The Pacific Coast Highway meanders along the cliffs on America’s western fringe, stopping for leisure breaks in iconic cities between the miles of craggy coastline.

Capture the sunset as it paints the Pacific horizon. Dig your toes into ocean-splashed sand. And be sure to bark back at the seals when they greet you.

The best way to explore the PCH is in a vehicle that can smoothly hug the narrow curves — and with a set of high-performance tires that were born to zig-zag. You might want to consider the Nokian zLine A/S, a high-performance all-season tire whose tread pattern provides precise handling and controlled comfort.

Unlock the Keys

Do you live closer to the East Coast? Perhaps the beaches of Florida are beckoning. Cruise down historic I-95, and once you cross the Florida state line, turn left anytime to access miles of shoreline. If you want to beeline to the southernmost point in the continental United States, put Miami in the rearview mirror and hit Highway 1.

The Overseas Highway snakes for 113 miles until it dead-ends at Key West. Along the way, you’ll leapfrog from key to key over more than three dozen bridges. At the end of the road, you’ll be closer to Havana than Miami.

But there’s one drawback to Florida adventure: rainstorms. If you aren’t used to the state’s tropical deluges, they can dampen your vacation plans. That means hydroplaning is an ever-present risk, so you’ll need tires that can carve their way through saturated highways. The first step: making sure your tires have adequate tread depth. The deeper a tire’s tread, the more easily it will grip the road and provide predictable performance. Once tires are down to 4/32 of an inch, they’re prone to hydroplane at lower speeds.

Just like our tires, we’re all eager to get rolling. Soon, it will be time for adventure — and time to make sure you’ve got healthy tires at the foundation of your new journey. To explore others’ road trip ideas and add your own top choices, visit NokianTires.com/Journey.

2020-06-26T14:15:01

(BPT) – –

2020-06-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – The past few months have been a challenging time for all of us. As difficult as COVID-19 has been for the general population, people serving in a caregiving role — whether in the long term for someone living with a disease or injury or short term for someone who has contracted COVID-19 — are likely experiencing additional stress and mental health issues during this time.

Roughly 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to adults with limitations, according to a 2015 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. These caregivers already face a distinctive set of challenges in their day-to-day lives, and the pandemic has only added new difficulty to their routines, activities and well-being, including:

1. Social isolation: This has long been a top challenge for those who provide long-term care to a family member. “We tell caregivers to go out, use community resources, get to know others in your situation and create social networks. But they can’t do that right now because they don’t want to risk putting themselves or their family member in danger,” says Meagan Beard, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Craig Hospital, a rehabilitation hospital in the Denver area for people who have sustained spinal cord and/or brain injuries.
2. Lack of backup help: The same NAC/AARP study found that 42% of caregivers report not having enough time for themselves. Caregivers can typically hire backup care to give them some free time and help with some of the more confining or physically demanding tasks that are part of their loved one’s routine, but this may not be an option during this pandemic. Caregivers’ concerns about themselves or their loved ones contracting the novel coronavirus may keep them from enlisting this support.
3. Increased worry and anxiety: Even under typical circumstances, caregiving can take a significant toll on mental health, with 37% of caregivers reporting emotional difficulty. In a Craig Hospital study of people who had been caring for a family member with quadriplegia for an average of more than seven years, 75% had higher stress levels than the general population. They worry their loved one’s condition will worsen, about their own health, that they will not be able to care for their loved one as they age or if they get sick, about their finances and more.

Lisa Payne, Ph.D., a rehabilitation psychologist at Craig Hospital, offers the following advice on how caregivers can support their own mental health needs while caring for a loved one in this situation.

1. Keep in touch with other caregivers who understand your situation. Often, advice from a friend or healthcare professional isn’t as easy to take as the advice from someone living in your situation. Many organizations are currently hosting support groups online, making it easier to make connections under current regulations. The National Alliance for Caregiving provides a comprehensive list of support organizations specific to each type of disease, injury or illness.
2. While taking time away may not be an option right now, focus on things you can control, like exercise and meditation. Take a break for these things after the most stressful parts of your caregiving are complete so you can decompress and focus on yourself. Making sure you are eating well will also help stave off depression symptoms.
3. Focus on the positive. Take time each day to write down three things that are going well. This is simple, and research has shown it to be helpful for improving mood and decreasing stress.
4. Above all, flexibility is key. Things seem to change on a daily, even hourly basis, and it’s important to be open to additional change. Breathing deeply, focusing on what you can control and practicing flexibility will go far in helping your mental health in uncertain times.

Caregiving can be one of the most difficult — and yet most rewarding — jobs a person can do. As Tia Walker, author of The Inspired Caregiver, stated, “Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” While this is true, self-care and well-being are critical as well, especially during these extraordinary times.

2020-06-26T12:49:00

(BPT) – As the nation considers a safe and socially-distant return to work and travel, states are loosening restrictions on stay-at-home orders. As your car may have sat relatively idle over the last few months, the following tips can help ensure your vehicle is ready when you are, while you, the driver, stay informed and safe.

Whether you’re headed back to work, road-tripping to a state park, or simply making a grocery store run, thoughtful preparation can help you successfully navigate a safe transition back to the roads.

Maintain and repair: Give your car a thorough basic inspection

If your vehicle hasn’t been in use for a few months, it’s important to conduct a few checks before driving again. Batteries can drain, tires can lose pressure and worse.

• Battery maintenance: Make sure your car battery is free of dirt and corrosion with a simple visual inspection. If it’s looking worse for the wear, check your driver’s manual for how to remove the battery and have a local auto parts store check its charge. Of all simple car repairs, a battery replacement is perhaps the easiest.

• Air pressure and tire tread: Consult your drivers manual, then ensure your tires are in the right PSI range (typically 30-35) by checking their inflation with a tire pressure gauge. While checking your tire pressure, you should also evaluate the tread on your tires. This is easy to do by sticking a penny in the tread gaps with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the head is fully visible, it’s safe to say that you need new tires.

• Motor oil: With minimal use of your car over the last few months, it’s a great time to consider changing your motor oil. It is a best practice to change your oil and oil filter as specified in your owner’s manual. If you’re still using conventional oil, strongly consider switching to a synthetic motor oil such as Mobil 1™ motor oil. Synthetic motor oil offers improved wear protection and low/high temperature performance over conventional motor oils, particularly in modern turbocharged engines.

Think about your first refuel: Try to reduce surface contact at the pump

For customers filling up their vehicles for the first time in a while, many service stations are sanitizing surfaces and pump handles more frequently and encouraging the use of contactless payment.

• Use mobile payment apps: Consider an option like the Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app to reduce contact with the pin pad, while also keeping your credit card information private and secure. A bonus for using Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ mobile app — you’ll also earn rewards points to redeem on gas and convenience store purchases.

• Gloves, paper towels and sanitizers: For actual pump handle contact, a disposable glove or even one of the paper towels next to the squeegee can be used when holding the pump nozzle. Beyond that, always carry hand sanitizer in your glove box.

As you return to the roads, conduct thorough vehicle checks and take proactive measures at the pump to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.