Understanding Thyroid Health for Seniors
Our thyroid health is a pivotal factor in our overall well-being. By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your doctor, you can support a healthy thyroid even as you age.
Our thyroid health is a pivotal factor in our overall well-being. By following these tips and maintaining regular communication with your doctor, you can support a healthy thyroid even as you age.
You may experience brain fog after quitting drinking. Learn more about what this means and what you can do by clicking here.
New center extends WelbeHealth’s collaboration with Sutter Health to underserved communities in San Jose and surrounding areas
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
SAN JOSE, California—The physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth, in partnership with Northern California-based health care system Sutter Health, announced the opening of a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in San Jose. The new center will provide essential health care and wrap-around services to diverse low-income older adults. WelbeHealth San Jose is now enrolling new participants, with services set to begin Jan. 1, 2024.
“We are excited to work with our Sutter Health partners to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion in the San Jose area,” said Si France, MD, CEO at WelbeHealth. “Through this expansion, we are ensuring that matriarchs and patriarchs can age in place and thrive in their communities.”
Sutter Health is one of the largest health systems serving Northern California’s Medi-Cal eligible population and has partnered with WelbeHealth to improve healthcare for underserved seniors.
“WelbeHealth provides nursing-home eligible seniors with the wrap-around services they need to remain safely at home in our communities,” said Kevin Cook, Greater Silicon Valley Market President at Sutter Health. “San Jose is home to a rapidly growing aging population that will benefit from greater access to PACE.”
More than 4,000 PACE-eligible seniors reside within 15 miles of the San Jose location, and the population of these seniors is anticipated to increase. The California Department of Aging forecasts that Santa Clara County’s senior population will surge by more than 200% by 2060, while Alameda County’s senior population is expected to increase by 150% by the same year.
“Many seniors in San Jose have been left out of the region’s broader economic growth,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth. “It’s difficult for low-income older adults to make ends meet and get the care they need amidst high rent, home care labor shortages and stretched family caregivers. WelbeHealth and Sutter Health are committed to delivering the PACE model, ensuring vulnerable seniors are not left behind.”
PACE is a proven, high-quality, cost-effective solution to address the care gaps left by the underfunded and patchwork system for long-term care in San Jose and across the United States by delivering comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors. The price for long-term care is expected to reach half a trillion dollars a year by 2030, yet the current infrastructure cannot support this growth and the United States lags behind most other wealthy countries in long-term care investment. PACE is one obvious solution because it delivers better health outcomes at a lower cost.
WelbeHealth is committed to addressing the long-term healthcare crisis for low-income seniors through PACE expansion. In addition to San Jose, WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, Pasadena, Long Beach, North Hollywood and Rosemead. All locations deliver fully integrated care, allowing frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, homecare aides and social workers. Wrap-around support like meals, social activities and transportation address social determinants of health.
The holidays can bring both joy and loneliness for seniors. WelbeHealth offers tips to help cope with feelings of sadness, loss, and health issues during this special time.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the need for integrated health services in Santa Clara County and southern Alameda County, a diverse community with thousands of PACE eligible seniors.
New center extends WelbeHealth’s collaboration with Sutter Health to underserved communities in San Jose and surrounding areas
See photos of WelbeHealth’s new San Jose PACE center here
Today, the physician-led senior health services provider WelbeHealth, in partnership with Northern California-based health care system Sutter Health, announced the opening of a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) center in San Jose. The new center will provide essential health care and wrap-around services to diverse low-income older adults. WelbeHealth San Jose is now enrolling new participants, with services set to begin January 1, 2024.
“We are excited to work with our Sutter Health partners to serve the most vulnerable seniors with better quality and compassion in the San Jose area,” said Si France, MD, CEO at WelbeHealth. “Through this expansion, we are ensuring that matriarchs and patriarchs can age in place and thrive in their communities.”
Sutter Health is one of the largest health systems serving Northern California’s Medi-Cal eligible population and has partnered with WelbeHealth to improve healthcare for underserved seniors.
“WelbeHealth provides nursing-home eligible seniors with the wrap-around services they need to remain safely at home in our communities,” said Kevin Cook, Greater Silicon Valley Market President at Sutter Health. “San Jose is home to a rapidly growing aging population that will benefit from greater access to PACE.”
Over 4,000 PACE eligible seniors reside within 15 miles of the San Jose location, and the population of these seniors is anticipated to increase. The California Department of Aging forecasts that Santa Clara County’s senior population will surge by over 200% by 2060, while Alameda County’s senior population is expected to increase by 150% by the same year.
“Many seniors in San Jose have been left out of the region’s broader economic growth. It’s difficult for low-income older adults to make ends meet and get the care they need amidst high rent, home care labor shortages and stretched family caregivers. WelbeHealth and Sutter Health are committed to delivering the PACE model, ensuring vulnerable seniors are not left behind,” said Vaneesh Soni, MD, Chief Growth Officer at WelbeHealth.
PACE is a proven, high-quality, cost-effective solution to address the care gaps left by the underfunded and patchwork system for long-term care in San Jose and across the United States by delivering comprehensive health and supportive services for seniors. The price for long-term care is expected to reach half a trillion dollars a year by 2030, yet the current infrastructure cannot support this growth and the United States lags behind most other wealthy countries in long-term care investment. PACE is one obvious solution because it delivers better health outcomes at a lower cost.
WelbeHealth is committed to addressing the long-term healthcare crisis for low-income seniors through PACE expansion. In addition to San Jose, WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Fresno, Pasadena, Long Beach, North Hollywood, and Rosemead. All locations deliver fully integrated care, allowing frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, home care aides, and social workers. Wrap-around support like meals, social activities, and transportation address social determinants of health.
About WelbeHealth
WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals, and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program.
About Sutter Health
Sutter Health’s integrated, not-for-profit system of associated clinicians, employees and volunteers supports more than 3 million patients in diverse communities across two dozen counties. Headquartered in Northern California, Sutter provides access to high-quality, affordable care through its hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services. As part of its commitment to improving community health, Sutter invested $899 million in the community in 2022 – this amount includes traditional charity, the unreimbursed costs of providing care to Medi-Cal patients and investments in community health programs.
For more information, please visit welbehealth.com and sutterhealth.org
CONTACT:
Nate Goehring, welbehealth@berlinrosen.com
Angharad Bhardwaj, Angharad.Bhardwaj@welbehealth.com
If you’ve heard about the overnight oats trend, you likely know how convenient it is for breakfast or a snack. But beyond the ease, numerous health benefits have made it a hit among many seniors.
There are variations to the recipe, including overnight oats with coconut milk. These alternatives are great for anyone who wants to avoid dairy. These are also easy to make but require a few tweaks to get it right.
This article covers some basic info on overnight oats with coconut milk and a step-by-step guide for making them.
Besides tasting great, overnight oats have a lot of health benefits. One of the main reasons people love this overnight oats recipe is convenience.
In terms of health benefits, oats have tons of beta-glucan, a soluble fiber. This can help lower blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and aid in digestion.
It is also chock full of antioxidants. These can stave off tissue damage and arterial inflammation, which are linked to heart disease and stroke.
Coconut milk is a great, dairy-free alternative to regular milk. It, too, is full of antioxidants and electrolytes, as well as protein, iron, and other important minerals.
Coconut milk also contains lauric acid, which has antiseptic properties. This can aid in fighting off bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Coconut milk also aids in digestion and has some anti-inflammatory properties.
First, the only overnight oats ingredients you will need are rolled oats and coconut milk. However, there are some other ingredients you may consider throwing in for added taste or health benefits. These include:
When purchasing, be sure to check the fat content of the coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk (or coconut cream) tastes great, but it is less healthy and will make the overnight oats’ consistency too thick.
In terms of oats, choose brands that have a reputation for using high-quality ingredients. They will taste better and retain more health benefits than lower-quality ones. You can also find gluten-free options.
To make a single serving of overnight oats with coconut milk, first add one-third cup of oats to an 8 or 12-ounce jar. Then, top with one-half cup of light coconut milk.
At this point, you can add in any extra ingredients, like honey, salt, or chia seeds. Gently stir to mix, close the lid, and place in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours.
Overnight oats are great chilled, right out of the refrigerator. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave. Also, if you do not eat them the next morning, they will keep for about three days.
Now that you understand the key steps to making overnight oats with coconut milk, you can add this delicious, healthy recipe to your menu. It is a great way to improve gut health and digestion and start your day with antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.
At WelbeHealth, we do well-being differently. Contact us today to learn more.
US Rep. Tony Cárdenas, CA Sen. Susan Rubio, CA State Asm. Luz Rivas and Asm. Mike Fong, Alzheimer’s Association and LeadingAge CA among local leaders who attended events marking the expansion of WelbeHealth’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in LA
New locations in North Hollywood and Rosemead provide community-based and at-home health care to thousands of underserved seniors
A diverse coalition of elected officials, advocates for vulnerable seniors, and local health care organizations joined WelbeHealth for the grand opening celebrations of WelbeHealth’s new Los Angeles locations in North Hollywood on October 6 and Rosemead on October 13.
Speakers at the events included US Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), CA Sen. Susan Rubio, CA State Assemblymembers Luz Rivas and Mike Fong, Rosemead City Council Member Sandra Armenta, Rosemead Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Clark, Alzheimer’s Association Regional Leader and Executive Director Meg Barron, and LeadingAge CA President & CEO Jeannee Parker Martin. WelbeHealth participants Ronald Timmermeyer and Huy Luong also gave testimonials about the positive impact WelbeHealth has made in their lives.
“We are honored to have the support of such esteemed elected officials and community leaders. Our team strives every day to serve the elders of our community like Mr. Timmermeyer and Mr. Luong with the highest quality and compassion, helping them feel connected and at home while caring for their clinical and social needs,” said WelbeHealth CEO Si France, MD.
California elected officials and health care advocates voiced their support for WelbeHealth’s leadership in expanding access to community-based senior health services across the Los Angeles area through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). The new locations are poised to help meet the needs of over 9,000 seniors eligible for PACE within a 20-minute drive of the two centers. WelbeHealth is committed to ensuring every qualified senior can benefit from comprehensive care.
WelbeHealth delivers fully integrated care that allows frail seniors to age in place with the support of interdisciplinary teams, including doctors and nurses, physical therapists, home care aides, and social workers. Wraparound support like meals, social activities, and transportation address social determinants of health.
Alzheimer’s Association Regional Leader and Executive Director Meg Barron emphasized the impact of WelbeHealth’s PACE services: “WelbeHealth is delivering critical services to vulnerable seniors and their family members like memory care rooms and transportation. I wish my grandmother had access to PACE services.”
Studies have demonstrated life expectancy is higher among PACE participants and depression is much lower than among comparable populations. Beyond improving participant lives, caregivers report high satisfaction.
“I will continue to support legislation for our seniors, and I am grateful that WelbeHealth is bringing their program to the San Fernando Valley where my constituents can benefit from their wrap-around services,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA 29th District). “PACE can help us deliver higher quality care to our community at a lower cost. I am proud to be here with WelbeHealth, who are helping bridge the gap providing opportunities for patients to have their health care needs met at home.”
With most participants, dual eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal, PACE offers a lifeline to lower-income seniors. California State Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D-43rd District) mentioned the struggle many seniors face paying for basic healthcare needs: “With WelbeHealth, everything is included for dual-eligible seniors. They don’t need to worry about paying for prescriptions or the dentist. It is really about lifting up the seniors in our community and ensuring they have the support and resources needed to thrive.”
PACE is also making strides in addressing the needs of historically underserved communities. “Through the PACE model, WelbeHealth ensures that older adults can see culturally appropriate providers,” noted California State Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-CA 49th District).
WelbeHealth breaks down health disparities in access to care. In Rosemead and North Hollywood, over 50% of seniors primarily speak a language other than English. “I value the fact that WelbeHealth employs multilingual staff members and offers activities to serve the needs of our diverse community in a beautiful setting,” said California State Senator Susan Rubio (D-CA 22nd District).
All speakers confirmed that access to PACE should continue to be a priority in California. LeadingAge California’s President & CEO Jeannee Parker Martin stated, “We know that PACE delivers transformative benefits for vulnerable older adults at a lower cost. We should ensure all eligible seniors have access to PACE.”
Both new locations began enrolling participants on July 1, 2023. WelbeHealth operates programs across California, including Modesto, Stockton, Pasadena, Long Beach, and Fresno.
For more information about WelbeHealth North Hollywood, visit here.
For more information about WelbeHealth Rosemead, visit here.
About WelbeHealth
WelbeHealth is a physician-led public benefit company founded in 2015 that provides comprehensive health care services for seniors through a fully integrated program that includes all medical and dental care, physical and occupational therapy, transportation to medical appointments, meals, and personal care services. WelbeHealth addresses social determinants of health to keep the most vulnerable seniors living safely in their own homes. Services are delivered through the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national Medicare and Medicaid program. WelbeHealth’s development partner for the beautiful Rosemead facility was Turner Impact Capital.
Media Contact:
Nate Goehring, welbehealth@berlinrosen.com
Angharad Bhardwaj, Angharad.Bhardwaj@welbehealth.com
There are several reasons why you may need a wheelchair, but how much does a wheelchair cost? These are the prices you can expect.
When it comes to purchasing a wheelchair, one of the first questions that may come to mind is, “How much does a wheelchair cost?” The price of a wheelchair can vary greatly, depending on several factors.
Buying a wheelchair can get expensive, but don’t worry. There’s a way to get a reduced price on it, which we’ll discuss later. With that said, let’s take a look at the average wheelchair costs and how you can potentially save money.
The cost of a manual wheelchair typically falls in the range of $100 to $500. These wheelchairs are often made of lightweight materials, like aluminum. They’re designed for individuals who have limited mobility but don’t require additional features.
Manual wheelchairs can be self-propelled or pushed by a caregiver. They typically have basic features, like adjustable footrests and armrests.
For those who require more advanced features, the cost of a manual wheelchair can increase significantly. Wheelchairs with specialized seats or custom modifications range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
These wheelchairs are often recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions or mobility needs. They may include features like tilt-in-space recline, power-assisted wheels, or specialized cushioning for pressure relief.
Electric wheelchairs, also known as power wheelchairs, are another option. They’re powered by batteries and maneuver using a joystick or other control system. The cost of an electric wheelchair varies depending on weight capacity, range, and additional features.
Basic electric wheelchairs start at around $1,500. However, the price can go up to $5,000 or more for higher-end models.
It’s important to note that these prices are just averages and can differ based on where the wheelchair is purchased. Prices may also be influenced by insurance coverage or discounts offered by certain providers.
Furthermore, extra costs may be required when buying a wheelchair. If ramps or lifts are needed, that’s usually a separate charge.
When considering the cost of a wheelchair, always factor in the ongoing maintenance and repair costs. Like any piece of durable medical equipment, wheelchairs require periodic maintenance or repairs.
It’s recommended to inquire about warranty options or service plans. These options will help to mitigate these potential costs.
Although wheelchairs are pricey, Medicare Part B may cover them as durable medical equipment. This means that seniors can save a significant amount of money.
Even without Medicare, most durable medical equipment companies offer payment plans to customers.
How much does a wheelchair cost? We hope this article answers that burning question for you. As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into the overall price of a wheelchair. Thankfully, Medicare may help with the financial load.
If you or your loved one needs assistance, we’re here for you. At WelbeHealth, our goal is to help the elderly thrive. We provide full-service care for seniors through in-home care, prescription delivery, and more.
To learn more about us, call 1 (888) 530-4415, or contact us on our website.