The cost of healthcare

Teri Sellers

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregivers Support Group is pleased to have Patricia Barraza present at our April 21 meeting.

Healthcare such as non-medical home care, an Assisted living facility for seniors, Memory Care and Group Homes can be very expensive but a necessity in most cases, especially for dementia and memory care. It’s crucial to know what options are available to you and your loved ones. You may not have the need but it’s good to be informed.

ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care Systems Arizona’s Medicaid) planning, completing the Medicaid application and qualification can be complicated and not an easy process to complete. Since the start of the new year (2018) ALTCS has made some changes and there are more ways of not qualifying. The only way to get approved on ALTCS is to have someone with experience and know how to get you through this application process.

Our speaker is Patricia Barraza. She is the president of Valley of the Sun Medicaid Planning and has helped many families navigate through the options for paying for care. Patricia is a dedicated professional with over 24 years of experience. She is well-versed in many specialized areas and an expert in all ALTCS planning needs. Patricia brings a diverse background to the table, allowing her to assist you with your application for ALTCS. Patricia is a member of the National Ethics Association and Maricopa Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance. Patricia’s passion is her three grandchildren; she also loves to read and travel.

Don’t miss this great topic from a wonderful lady!

Respite Care We may be able to provide free respite care for those with Alzheimer’s/Dementia during the caregiver meeting. This will allow the caregiver the opportunity and peace of mind to attend the meeting. Please call me no later than Tuesday, April 17.

Monthly Breakfast A more casual opportunity to meet and share with other caregivers is the first Saturday of each month. Joyce VanOrnam and I will arrange a table at Eagle’s Nest so we can share a meal and talk. Getting to know others in the ‘same boat’ can be very supportive and helpful as the journey of this disease can be challenging. RSVP is required for the April 7 breakfast by April 4.

For information or to RSVP, please call Teri Sellers at 602-793-0299 or email [email protected].