when should you call acentra health?

• If you are not ready to be discharged from the hospital.
• If your Medicare skilled services are ending too soon. Examples of skilled services include things like physical therapy and nursing services.
• If you have a concern about the quality of care you received.
• If you have a concern about your medical care that needs to be taken care of right away.

To learn more about our free services, you can watch a video or read more on our Overview of Services for People who Have Medicare page on our website.

Click on the button below for the phone number for your state. These services are free for people who have Medicare. 

Telephone Numbers

coping with depression during the holidays

The holiday season is often thought of as a joyful time. However, many people have feelings of sadness, stress, and loneliness instead. These feelings can sometimes lead to depression. The pressure to feel cheerful, financial stress, missing loved ones, and busy schedules are just a few reasons why the holidays can be difficult. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and there are ways to find support.

Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Your holiday doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on what matters most to you.
2. Make Time for Yourself: Take breaks when you feel stressed. Even 10 minutes of quiet time can help.
3. Stick to a Budget: Plan how much you can afford to spend and avoid overspending.
4. Stay Active: Exercise, even a short walk, can boost your mood.
5. Reach Out: Spend time with people you trust or connect with a support group. Talking to others can help you feel less alone.
6. Get Professional Help: If your feelings of sadness don’t go away, talk to a doctor or counselor.
7. Please call 911 if you're in immediate medical crisis.

stay healthy this flu season: tips to avoid getting the flu

Every year, millions of people catch the flu, which can make you feel miserable. Sometimes, it can even lead to serious health problems. Therefore, with flu season in full swing, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. December is a great time to focus on this issue, as this month includes Immunization Awareness Week! It highlights how vaccines play a key role in keeping us healthy.

Anyone can catch the flu, but it spreads more easily in places where people are close together. Germs spread faster in places like schools, work, or occasions when people get together such as holiday dinners. Flu usually spreads through tiny droplets when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. Touching surfaces like doorknobs or phones that have the virus on them and then touching your face can also spread the flu.

Luckily, there are many simple ways to prevent the flu and stay healthy:

1. Get a Flu Shot: The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself. It helps your body fight the flu virus. Talk with your doctor about what vaccines would be good for you to get.
2. Wash Your Hands Often: Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, and after you’ve been out shopping. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
3. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Always use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. This keeps germs from spreading to others.
4. Avoid Close Contact with Sick People: If someone you know is sick, try to stay at least six feet away from them. Also, if you’re sick or feeling under the weather, stay home to avoid spreading germs to others, even if it means not being able to attend your family’s holiday dinner.
5. Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face: Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth, so avoid touching your face.
6. Clean Frequently Touched Surfaces: This includes such things as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs.
7. Stay Healthy: Eating healthy foods, exercising, drinking water, and getting enough sleep can help your immune system stay strong and fight off illnesses like the flu.

By taking simple steps to prevent the flu, you can keep yourself and others safe. Stay healthy this flu season!

thinking about living in a rural (country) area?
what you should know

Many people dream of moving to the countryside when they retire. Rural areas are peaceful and beautiful, and they can offer a slower way of life. Perhaps it is your ideal place to relax and enjoy retirement. However, living in a rural area can also bring challenges, especially when it comes to health care.

Here are some key things to think about when deciding to live in a rural area:

One of the most important things to consider is access to health care. Rural areas often have fewer hospitals, clinics, and doctors. Some small towns may only have a general practitioner or no doctor at all. If you have a chronic condition or require regular medical checkups, you’ll need to find the locations of the nearest healthcare services.

Consider:

• Travel Distance: How far is the nearest doctor, pharmacy, or hospital?
• Emergency Care: Can ambulances quickly reach your area in an emergency? If you want to live in a very remote area, you may want to consider purchasing helicopter (air ambulance) insurance. You can get more details from the local police or emergency medical service (EMS) staff.
• Telehealth Options: Many rural areas now offer online consultations with doctors, saving you a trip into town. (Read more about telehealth in this article from our July issue: How to Go to the Doctor Without Leaving Your Home.)
• Medicare Coverage: Medicare Advantage plans are designed based on where you live. When you move out of state, you will need to choose a new Medicare Advantage Plan. Visit www.medicare.gov to read more about your options.

Think about how you’ll get around. Getting around in rural areas often means driving, as public transportation, such as buses, may be limited. If you’re unable to drive or think you might stop driving in the future, you’ll need a plan! How will you get to doctor visits or the pharmacy?

Think about:

• Is there a senior transportation service in your area?
• Are friends, family, or neighbors available to help?
• Are roads maintained during bad weather, like snow or heavy rain? Do you feel comfortable driving in these conditions? Will you need to upgrade the vehicle you drive?

To get started with finding options for getting around:

• Ask your doctor’s office or local health department: Many healthcare providers are aware of transportation resources and can recommend programs.
• Contact your local senior services office: They often have information about rides and support available for older adults.
• Search online for local services: Using terms like “rural transportation services near me” can help locate nearby options.

Living in a rural area can mean fewer stores and services that are located nearby. You’ll need to plan ahead to make sure you always have what you need. Ensure you have a supply of any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. These may include pain relievers, allergy medicines, or first-aid items.

Ask yourself:

• How will I get groceries and supplies?
• Do I have enough storage space, so I don’t have to go out shopping as often?
• Are delivery services, like grocery and pharmacy delivery, available in the area?
• Are there local farms or farmers’ markets for fresh produce and meats?

Consider how you will stay connected with family, friends, and emergency services. Some rural areas have limited access to high-speed internet or reliable phone service. Look into the availability of these services before moving.

With the right preparation, rural living can offer a happy and healthy chapter in your life. Enjoy your journey with peace of mind!

Publication No. R146810-108-12/2024. This material was prepared by Acentra Health, a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.