senior care
Meet Amanda DiGiovanni, OTD, BCPA
Amanda DiGiovanni, OTD, BCPA, is a patient advocate with Umbra Health Advocacy and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with more than 25 years of experience. She is also a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and holds an Executive Certification in Home Modifications, so she can set up a home to work for someone with disabilities…
Read MoreReal Help for Caregivers: Guide to state and federal programs
If you are a caregiver for your mom, dad, spouse or elderly loved one you are probably exhausted. You love your mom (or dad, or spouse). You want to take care of them. But it is a lot of work and you are drained and approaching burn out. Maybe you have kids or a job…
Read MoreHow Do I Get Paid to Take Care of Mom?
Are you caring for an aging parent while also working full time, raising kids and running your own household? Perhaps you have wondered “how can I get paid to take care of mom, dad, or an elderly loved one?” You are not alone. More than 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member.…
Read MoreMeet Barbara Gaynor, RN, LNC, BCPA
Barbara Gaynor, RN, LNC, BCPA, is a registered nurse and patient advocate with Umbra Health Advocacy. She has more than 25 years of nursing experience across hospitals, long-term care, home health, hospice, and case management. Barbara supports patients and families as they navigate the healthcare system and make confident, informed decisions. She is also a…
Read MoreState Guide to Medicaid Caregiver Payment Programs
Looking for Medicaid caregiver programs that pay family members to care for elderly loved ones? Every state has Medicaid programs that can pay you to provide care. Use the table below to find out what is available in your state. How to Use This Guide Payment Amount: Shows the hourly rate for consumer directed care…
Read MoreMedicaid Eligibility Guide by State for Long Term Care
If you or a loved one needs nursing home care or help at home, Medicaid may be able to cover the costs. Medicaid eligibility is not simple. Every state has different rules about how much money you can earn and how much you can own. The table below shows the 2026 eligibility requirements for all…
Read MoreHaving Important Conversations: Talking to Parents about Senior Care this Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Umbra Health Advocacy! As we gather with loved ones to share gratitude and good food, we also have a unique opportunity. When family comes together, it’s the perfect time to start important conversations about planning for your parents’ senior care as they age. These talks might feel uncomfortable…
Read MoreThe $100,000 Question: How Will You Pay for Long Term Care Costs?
Many families face a challenging reality when a loved one needs long term care. Most people haven’t saved for this expense, and they’re shocked to discover just how much assisted living or nursing homes cost. Even more surprising? Medicare doesn’t cover long term care. To help our clients better understand their options, we consulted with…
Read MoreMedicare Advantage vs Original Medicare 2026: Which Should You Choose?
Are you confused about Medicare? Don’t understand the difference between Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part A and Part B? You are not alone. Many of our clients and their caregivers come to us for help. Should you choose Original Medicare (Parts A and B)? Or should you choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C)?…
Read MoreMedicare Advantage Plan Canceled for 2026? Get Your Complete Action Plan
You opened your mailbox and found a letter you weren’t expecting. Your insurance company is no longer offering your plan. Your find your Medicare Advantage plan canceled. The plan you relied on won’t be available any more starting January 1, 2026. If this happened to you, you’re not alone. Hundreds of thousands of people are…
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