Month: October 2014

Randy Travis to Receive Long Term Care After Heart Failure

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Famous country singer Randy Travis has been through a rash of medical disasters this month, necessitating months of rehabilitation and long term care.

Hospitalization and Stroke

After suffering from viral cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure earlier this month, Randy Travis was hospitalized at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano in Plano, Texas. Just a couple days later, after being weaned off of life support, Travis suffered a stroke, requiring immediate brain surgery to relieve inter cranial pressure.

The congestive heart failure that Travis suffered was due to viral cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a condition that weakens the heart, causing it to fail without external support. The symptoms usually do not present themselves suddenly, but in a slow manner, over time. Although some cardiomyopathy can be attributed to lifestyle decisions, Travis’s was caused by a viral infection in the heart.

Dr. Michael Mack, the medical director of cardiovascular disease at Baylor Health Care System in Dallas, suggested that the specific condition was likely due to genetics and family history. Travis’s sister-in-law spoke to People magazine, saying, “Their mother passed away at an early age with her heart, so it is like these boys are following right in their footsteps.”

Chronic Condition

A doctor at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano confirmed that Travis is conscious, awake, and interacting with friends and family. He will remain at the hospital for a few more weeks until his heart is stabilized and doctors feel comfortable releasing him to an inpatient facility.

Although Travis has already begun the early stages of rehabilitation, including taking new medication and participating in physical therapy, his road to recovery is not a short one. His viral cardiomyopathy, although initially an isolated virus, is now a chronic condition that needs regular monitoring.

“We anticipate it will take months to recover from the stroke,”  said Dr. Gary Erwin, an intensivist at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano.

Preparing for the Worst

Like Travis, many Americans are often hit with a sudden illness or debilitating condition that leaves them unable to perform daily tasks on their own. Whether it is heart failure, a stroke, a bad fall, or a chronic illness, medical emergencies often catch us at the worst time.

If you end up needing care after you leave the hospital, it’s important that you have a financial plan ready. Inpatient facilities, like assisted living or nursing homes, cost anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the services and location. Outpatient care, like in-home health aides, are cheaper, but still costly.

Long Term Care Insurance provides a way to help cover the high cost of long term care, thereby safeguarding your assets from depletion in long term care situations. Affordable policies are available to help protect against the risk of needing care, so you receive quality care in a comfortable environment.

LTC Tree’s independent agents can help you compare different policies and weigh the options, finding you the best coverage for the lowest rate. Fill out the form to the right if you are interested in a quote today. Long Term Care Insurance provides a financial buffer in times of medical need, so you aren’t caught off guard by the high cost of care and you can focus on what really matters.

Cut Your Chances of Needing Long Term Care

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Planning for long-term care is something we should all be doing, whether you are in your 20s or your 60s, and it entails more than just saving money. While putting money towards retirement and your future health care is a great thing to do as soon as you possibly can, there are other ways to help plan for long term care and possibly even reduce your risk of needing care at all.

Make Health a Priority

Focusing on your health is important to helping reduce your risk of issues that often contribute to the need for long-term care. Chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other health incidents are some of the most common reasons that people need long-term care and putting effort towards your health can significantly cut the chances that you will develop those diseases later down the road.

When it comes to your health, most people know that healthy eating and dieting play key roles. Unfortunately, most people don’t actually follow the general recommendations for eating healthily and getting regular exercise, which is a large component of why chronic diseases continue to increase in prevalence across the United States.

High cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity are running rampant throughout the United States, and to help control these risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, consider following these steps to help you put more focus on your health and give your future self an advantage.

Steps to Better Health

1)    Eat more fresh foods – Recent studies have found that processed foods make up the large majority of the American diet. These foods are filled with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and all sorts of chemicals that don’t benefit the body in any way. Rather than choose foods that are in boxes or bags, opt for fresh foods instead. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, as those foods contain high amounts of antioxidants which help combat free radicals, the source of many diseases.

2)    Exercise regularly – Exercise doesn’t have to be a tough regimen at the gym, but rather it can involve some low-impact activities like walking daily or swimming a few times a week. Strength training is great for the body, too, so try to focus on both that and cardio. Exercise not only strengthens your body, but your mind, too, giving you better protection against the risk of mental diseases.

3)    Socialize – This is especially important for retirees, many of whom spend most of their time being idle at home. Not only is sitting for long periods of time detrimental to our health but so is going without mental stimulation. Join a local organization like a book club, a volunteer group, or a meet-up that aligns with your interests. It will help keep your brain sharp and your mood up.

Adding these important components of health into your lifestyle will help you improve your mental, physical, and emotional health and set you up for better health as you age. To learn more about ways that can help you improve your long term health, read this post.