Medicare and Home Health Care

Donna Nichols • March 2, 2022

There seems to be a lot of confusion about how Medicare and home health care works, so let’s try to clear it up for you.

Most people say, Well, I’m on Medicare, so I’m all good.

Not necessarily, it doesn’t work like that.

Medicare is just like regular health insurance plans as Medicare insurance plans differ as well. You MUST choose your plan during the open enrollment period .

What are the 4 types of Medicare?

You may not even know there are four parts to Medicare, Part A, B, C and D and a brief explanation of each is below:

  • Part A hospital
  • Part B medical
  • Part C Medicare Advantage plan aka Medicare replacement plan
  • Part D prescription coverage
    Okay, you say, everyone knows there are four parts, but what do they mean?

Part A

Part A covers inpatient hospital care , for generally ninety days a year. A skilled nursing facility for one hundred days a year, home health care for one hundred days (with stipulations), and hospice care.

Part B

Part B covers doctor services, medical equipment which can include walkers, wheelchairs and oxygen concentrators every five years. This also covers homebound services, ambulance services, preventive services, therapy services and mental health services .

Part C

Part C is known as a Medicare advantage plan which may be referred to as HMOs or PPOs. This is managed care .

Part D

Finally, part D is your prescription drug coverage and almost all drugs are covered by part D.

Yes, this is very confusing, after all, Medicare is run by the government!

Remember, Medicare and Medicaid are two totally different programs and one has nothing to do with the other.

Should you find yourself in a skilled nursing facility and on Medicare, it pays one hundred days a year for rehab. If you stay in the facility for twenty days and move to an assisted living community or go home, the rehab does not automatically follow you for the remaining eighty days.

This means you will need a new order for physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy at home or in an assisted living community through a home health agency.

As I stated earlier, all plans vary and you need to find the Medicare plan that’s right for you; they are NOT all the same.

Shop around, we cannot stress this enough!

Find someone knowledgeable about the Medicare insurance plans, make an appointment with them and take the time to discuss the options available.

Make sure you do your homework to have the best options available when it comes to your health care. You may have to pay a little more, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Don’t know a good Medicare agent, call us at 386-847-2322 and we will help you. Our services are FREE to you!

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.