Search Results for: budget

Tips for Finding a Nursing Home to Meet Your Budget

February 7, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Finding a nursing home to meet your budget can be a difficult process. However, it’s vital to ensure that the facility you choose is one that can meet your care needs, while also being affordable. Whether you or a loved one are in need of long-term care, here are some tips to help you find a nursing home that fits within your budget.

Research Your Options

According to data from the Payroll-Based Journal, nearly three in four nursing homes did not meet the expected registered nurse staffing levels recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2017 and 2018. Low staffing levels are just one factor to consider when researching nursing homes. You’ll also want to look for facilities that offer activities, recreational options, and other amenities that fit your needs. Research nursing homes in your area and compare their services, pricing, and quality ratings.

To make your research easier, consider using an online database such as the Medicare Nursing Home Compare tool to access information on quality ratings, staffing levels, and other data points.

Consider Veterans Benefits

For those who are eligible, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers several benefits for veterans and their spouses who require long-term care. The VA operates several nursing home facilities nationwide and provides financial assistance in the form of pension aid payments to cover some or all of a veteran’s nursing home costs. Eligibility requirements vary based on service history, disability rating, and income.

Compare Prices

Comparing prices for your budget is an important step in the process. Nursing homes can widely differ in costs, sometimes even for facilities that are fairly close to each other. Make sure to get quotes from several different nursing homes before making a decision.

Most nursing homes also have different payment plans and discounts available, so be sure to ask about any possible discounts or incentives you qualify for. For example, some nursing homes offer discounted rates for residents who need less care than other residents.

Check for Payment Assistance

You may be able to receive financial assistance from your state or local government, insurance companies, or other organizations to help pay for nursing home care. Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance are some of the most common options for payment. In addition, you might be able to receive Medicaid benefits even if you don’t meet the poverty guidelines. With one in nine men diagnosed with prostate cancer and some of those cases being terminal, you might want to check for any help that’s available when looking for long-term care.

Visit the Facility

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to visit the potential nursing homes and get a feel for the atmosphere. Speak with administrators and staff members to learn more about their policies and the quality of care they provide. Ask questions about staff qualifications, medical services, and other aspects of resident care.

Finally, put yourself in the shoes of your loved one. For instance, 26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay. If your loved one were to need dental care, how easy would it be to access that care? If the answer is not very easy, you may want to look at other options.

Check Out the Quality Ratings

Reviews, ratings, and feedback from other families are important indicators of quality. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provide a star rating system to help you easily compare facilities based on their overall performance. When looking at the ratings, make sure to pay attention to the staffing level scores as well as any complaints or citations that have been lodged against the home.

By taking your time and researching all of your options, you can find a nursing home that fits both your needs and your budget. Knowing what services each facility provides and how much they cost will help ensure that you find the right place for yourself or a loved one. Ultimately, finding an affordable yet quality nursing home is possible with some diligent research and patience. If you need help finding a nursing home that fits your budget, call us today!

How to Revamp Your Living Room on a Budget

February 6, 2023 By Erin H Leave a Comment

Revamping your living room at home can be a daunting task, especially if you are on a tight budget. Whether you want to give the space an entirely new look or just change a few key elements, these tips can help you make a big impact without breaking the bank.

Find Used Furniture

Used furniture is often a great option for budget-friendly living room makeovers. Check websites such as Craigslist, OfferUp, and eBay for gently used furniture that could be incorporated into your new look. If you plan to paint the piece, look for solid wood items with minimal damage that can be easily transformed with a coat of paint and some sanding. In addition to used furniture, you can also shop for hand-crafted furniture, like 100% of Amish furniture is hand-crafted. Shopping at local antique stores, flea markets, or consignment shops is also a good option for finding furniture that fits your aesthetic and budget.

Do DIY Projects

DIY projects are another great way to revamp your living room on a budget. There are many tutorials available online to help you give old furniture, or even everyday items, a new look. You can also customize furniture with stencils or fabric to make a unique piece that fits in perfectly with your decor. Additionally, many projects are inexpensive enough that you can do them yourself without breaking the bank.

For instance, something as simple as covering one wall with a mirror will instantly make the room appear twice as deep. In addition, adding new accessories such as lamps, throw pillows, and rugs can also bring a room together and add character.

Update Lighting

Lighting is an important element in any living room, and it can often be overlooked. Installing dimmers or adding light fixtures can drastically change the mood of your space. You don’t have to invest in expensive fixtures; look for options at thrift stores or yard sales. If you’re feeling creative, create your own light fixture with items such as mason jars, branches, and twine.

Don’t forget to consider natural lighting in the room as well. Open up curtains and blinds to let more light into the room, and use sheer curtains to diffuse the sunlight.

Invest in Home Automation

While many people think adding home automation is expensive and only for the wealthy, that’s not necessarily true. There are many affordable home automation systems that can help you control your lighting, security, temperature, and more with just a few taps of your smartphone. Investing in a home automation system can save you money on electricity bills in the long run and give your living room a modern touch.

Look for modern automated devices such as automated blinds or switches that can be controlled from your smartphone or voice-activated speakers. You can also invest in Alexa, Google Home, or a similar device to automate tasks like adjusting the thermostat and controlling your lights. Home automation not only adds a layer of luxury to your home and living room but also adds convenience and functionality.

Consider New Accents

New accents can give your living room a facelift without draining your wallet. Swap out old pillows, blankets, and throws to incorporate new colors or textures into the space. Additionally, you can add artwork or wall decals to brighten up the walls and make them feel more inviting.

Keep in mind more modern accents to help decorate your home and, possibly, improve its resale value! Around half of the homes listed in the DC Metro market did not sell the first time they were listed, so it’s best to take your time to stage your home and create a unique living room that prospective buyers will be drawn to.

By following these tips, you can revamp your living room on a budget and create a space you love. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your living room into an area that reflects your personal style.

How to Decorate for the Holidays on a Budget

November 28, 2022 By MelissaB Leave a Comment

My husband and I were married at the beginning of December. Unfortunately, we were broke college students. He was in graduate school full-time, and I had just started my first full-time job as a teacher. As you would expect for a novice teacher, the pay was low, and we were living in a high-cost-of-living area. Despite this, I wanted to make our new (apartment) home cozy, so I quickly learned how to decorate for the holidays on a budget.

Get Married During the Holidays

Okay, not everyone will do this, but because our wedding was so close to Christmas, many guests bought us holiday décor. We got a snowman Christmas cookie jar, some keepsake ornaments, and holiday plates and towels. Those items weren’t on our registry, but we loved them because they gave us things to decorate the apartment.

Shop Garage Sales

Shopping garage sales is the best way to decorate for the holidays on a budget. People are ALWAYS selling their used holiday items. I bought many of my Halloween and Christmas decorations this way, each costing me less than $1.

Shop Black Friday Sales

For big-ticket items like holiday comforters, Christmas trees, and outdoor lights, research the list price. Then, wait for Black Friday sales, and you may find items up to 50 percent off or more. These items usually sell out, so if you get them at 40 or 50 percent off, you’re getting a good deal.

Shop Clearance AFTER the Holidays

This tip won’t help you with decorating this year, but if you have patience, you can get holiday decorations for 70 to 80 percent off if you shop AFTER the holidays. You will see the steepest discounts the first five days after Christmas. Then, next year, you’ll have decorations for your home, and you’ll know that you got them at rock-bottom prices.

Shop Michael’s

If you sign up for Michael’s email list, the company will regularly send you coupons, often for 40 percent off the price of one full-price item or 20 percent off all items, including items on sale. You can use these coupons to buy holiday decorations or supplies needed to make your holiday decorations, which is what I did.

Make Your Own Holiday Decorations

I made some of my holiday decorations using the supplies I bought at Michael’s for a discount. For instance, I made a garland wreath to hang on our front door at a fraction of the price of a pre-made wreath.

Final Thoughts

With patience, you can easily decorate for the holidays on a budget. Finding all the decorations you want, whether large or small, may take you a few years. However, waiting is worthwhile, especially when your budget is tight and you need to save money. My husband and I have accumulated our decorations through the years, and we’ve spent very little money doing so.

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