Introduction

· Jeff Mannel welcomes Maria Oren, Colorado Market Director of Strategy and Integration for PAM Health, to Optimal Insights.

· Maria introduces herself and her role as a helper in navigating patients to the right level of care for optimal outcomes.

Understanding Post-Acute Care

· Maria explains post-acute care as providing treatment and sustaining chronic illness, highlighting various levels of care such as inpatient LTAC, inpatient rehab, and outpatient services.

· The importance of matching patients with the appropriate level of care to avoid delays and ensure the best outcomes is emphasized.

Insights into Intensive Care at PAM Health

· Maria elaborates on the intensive care provided at PAM Health, where patients receive three hours of one-on-one therapy per day.

· The focus is on helping patients maintain independence through personalized care plans and comprehensive services.

Navigating Insurance Coverage

· Jeff and Maria discuss Medicare coverage for post-acute care, with Maria breaking down the coverage under Medicare A and B.

· Maria emphasizes the importance of understanding insurance plans and navigating their complexities to ensure patients receive necessary care.

Challenges with Medicare Advantage Plans

· Maria sheds light on challenges associated with Medicare Advantage plans, highlighting how they can dictate care and limit access to necessary services.

· The importance of informed decision-making during open enrollment is emphasized.

Collaborative Approach to Care

· Jeff and Maria discuss the collaborative approach between Optimal Home & Hospice Care and PAM Health, aiming to provide seamless care transitions and prevent gaps in care.

· The significance of teamwork and communication among healthcare providers to deliver quality care is highlighted.

Promoting Preventative Care

· Maria emphasizes the importance of early assessment and intervention to prevent health decline and hospital readmissions.

· The collaborative continuum of care ensures patients receive the right level of care at the right time, promoting independence and well-being.

Conclusion

· Jeff expresses gratitude to Maria for her insights and dedication to improving patient care.

· Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for future episodes of Optimal Insights.

PAM Health

https://pamhealth.com

In the latest episode of ‘Optimal Insights’, host Jeff Mannel sits down with Debbie Hutto, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Caley Ridge Assisted Living. The exchange between Jeff and Debbie immediately sets the tone for an engaging conversation about Debbie's 20-year journey in the senior care industry. From her accidental entry into non-medical home care to her current role at Caley Ridge, Debbie shares her passion for continuous learning and dedication to enhancing the lives of seniors.

The discussion takes an insightful turn as Debbie sheds light on Caley Ridge's unique position as a Medicaid community, emphasizing its commitment to providing affordable care for seniors. The conversation evolves to touch on the evolution of Caley Ridge over the years, highlighting its recent transformation into a premier Medicaid community. Debbie shares heartwarming stories of community engagement initiatives, such as music therapy and the thoughtful gesture of providing donated flowers to residents. The episode wraps up with valuable advice from Debbie, encouraging families to focus on the end game in financial planning for senior care and stressing the importance of proactive decision-making to ensure the well-being of their loved ones. The camaraderie between Jeff and Debbie and the wealth of insights shared make this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of Medicaid for senior care.

Caley Ridge Assisted Living
https://milestoneretirement.com/senior-living/co/englewood/caley-ridge-assisted-living/
303-721-8900

Welcome to Optimal Insights, the podcast spotlighting senior care with Colorado's industry leaders. In this episode, Cindy Leszczynski, Executive Director of Dementia Together, shares her journey into dementia care, inspired by her father's experience. 

Dementia Together, starting as a volunteer initiative in 2014, has grown into a thriving nonprofit with nine employees. With pillars of education, enrichment, and hope, the organization serves over 2,700 people yearly. Cindy emphasizes the commitment to providing services free of charge, relying on donations.

Looking ahead to 2024, Dementia Together plans continued growth to meet rising demands. Claire Richardson, Outreach and Resource Development Manager, encourages volunteers to join the cause. For more information, visit the show notes. Optimal Insights, where compassion meets expertise in senior care.

www.dementiatogether.org
Phone: 970-305-5271
Email: help@dementiatogether.org

In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jeff Mannel engages in a dynamic conversation with Katherine Wells, the visionary CEO of Serenity Connect (formerly Serenity Engage). Uncover the transformative power of technology in senior care as Katherine shares her personal journey and the inception of Serenity Connect. Delve into the challenges faced by industry insiders and family members when it comes to communication and coordination in senior care. Explore how Serenity Connect is not just a platform but a game-changer, addressing the fears and frustrations of families while revolutionizing workflows for caregivers. Gain exclusive insights into the forthcoming advancements in Serenity Connect, set to redefine the landscape of eldercare in 2024. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on how technology is reshaping the senior care industry, providing unprecedented support for both professionals and families alike.

https://serenityconnect.com/

Spotlight: Optimal Hospice Care

 In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff Mannel engages in a compelling conversation with Mike, a seasoned professional from Optimal Home & Hospice Care. The episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of the hospice industry, particularly during the transformative year of 2023.

 Jeff and Mike reflect on their shared experiences in the hospice industry and highlights the significant growth in census during the past year.

 Mike discusses the pivotal role of the team in achieving nearly 100% growth in census. He credits the success to a cohesive team of marketers, skilled clinicians, administrative staff and the visionary leadership of owners Edwyn Vergeire and Jason Laing. The conversation touches upon the challenges of recruiting the right team and the importance of a dedicated and compassionate workforce.

 As the episode unfolds, Mike shares insights into the dynamic partnership between Optimal Home Care and Optimal Hospice, emphasizing the seamless transition of patients from one service to the other. The importance of relationships built by Home Health lays a strong foundation for effective hospice care.

 Jeff and Mike also reflect on the personal and professional growth experienced during their time in the hospice industry. Mike, an RN by trade, talks about the impact of his clinical background on building trust with medical professionals and families alike. The conversation emphasizes the unique and compassionate care provided by Optimal Hospice, making it stand out in the community.

 The podcast concludes with a discussion on Optimal Hospice's partnerships with facilities and the commitment to true collaboration. Mike highlights the company's dedication to being more than just a service provider but a reliable partner that actively supports and advocates for patients and families.

 Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the world of hospice care, emphasizing the human touch, dedication, and unique approach that make Optimal Hospice a standout in the industry.

Optimal Hospice Care
303-488-9998
www.optimalhospice.com

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff Mannel welcomes Miekka Zanders, the Executive Director at Morningstar at Bear Creek, a standalone memory care facility in Colorado Springs. Miekka is also the author of "Being with Dementia, a Soulful Approach," a book aimed at helping caregivers and frontline workers navigate the challenges of interacting with individuals with dementia. The conversation delves into Miekka's background and passion for dementia care, discussing her book's genesis and the practical approach it offers.

Miekka emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique journey each individual with dementia undertakes and advises families to trust themselves in providing care while building a support network early on. The episode touches on the challenges faced during the holidays for both residents and families, offering insights into creating a supportive environment. The conversation also explores the significance of being present and embracing remaining strengths during the progression of dementia, highlighting the impact of quality interactions on individuals with cognitive impairments.

Additionally, Miekka shares her experiences at Morningstar, emphasizing the company's faith-based values and mission to enhance the quality of life for residents. The episode concludes with a discussion about the growth of Morningstar facilities across the country and the positive impact of a dedicated and passionate team in memory care. Overall, the episode offers valuable insights into dementia care, emphasizing empathy, support, and the significance of meaningful connections.

Miekka Zanders
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miekka-zanders-1746862b/

MorningStar at Bear Creek
719-298-9431
Website:  https://www.morningstarseniorliving.com/communities/memory-care-colorado-springs-bear-creek/

Book: Being With Dementia: A Soulful Approach
https://www.amazon.com/Being-Dementia-Soulful-Approach/dp/B081VZBT9R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22UGT6ZDJ40EB&keywords=miekka+Zanders&qid=1701889981&sprefix=miekka+zanders%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1

In E4, Jeff Mannel from Optimal Home & Hospice Care interviews Francis LeGasse Jr., the founder and partner of Assured Senior Living, now the largest residential care provider in Colorado. The conversation delves into Francis's extensive experience in aging services and senior living.

Francis shares the journey of Assured, starting from its humble beginnings with a single home in Lakewood to becoming the largest residential care provider in Colorado, now with 32 homes licensed for up to 293 residents. He emphasizes the importance of quality care, personal connections, and staffing ratios, debunking the notion that bigger communities always mean better care.

The discussion touches on the challenges and insights gained over the years, especially in dealing with dementia. Francis encourages families to give themselves grace, emphasizing that dementia is not the end but a change in the ending. He advocates for a shift in societal perspectives, urging communities to support those with brain changes and embrace differences.

Francis also discusses the Mavericks initiative, a podcast highlighting innovative solutions and thought leaders in the aging and senior living space. He stresses the need for open conversations and collaboration to improve the way the industry serves older adults.

The episode concludes with valuable advice for families navigating the complexities of placing a loved one in senior care, encouraging them to look beyond the superficial aspects of communities and ask essential questions about engagement, therapy, and resources.

https://www.assuredassistedliving.com
(303) 814-2688

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff Mannel welcomes Liz Simpson, the Regional Director of Business Development at Rocky Mountain Senior Care. Liz has 18 years of experience in the senior care industry, primarily in home health, and she shares her insights on the services provided by Rocky Mountain Senior Care. 

They discuss the importance of accountability in healthcare, the ACO (Accountable Care Organization) program, and the unique benefits of Rocky Mountain Senior Care, which offers primary care physician services in various senior living settings, prioritizing convenience and high-quality care for residents. 

The partnership between Rocky Mountain Senior Care and Optimal Home Care and Hospice is highlighted as a perfect synergy for comprehensive senior care. Liz also emphasizes the organization's commitment to swift response times and accessibility. If you're interested in learning more about the convenience and quality of care offered by Rocky Mountain Senior Care, visit their website or contact them directly.

Rocky Mountain Senior Care
https://www.rockymtnseniorcare.com/
(720) 434-4876