Flipping Houses Ethics: Ethical Rehabbing

In wrapping up my article series on the ethics of flipping houses and real estate investing in general, I?d like to share a word on rehabbing houses ethically.

First, for those who may be unfamiliar with the term, ?rehabbing? a house is simply the act of making repairs and/or renovations to put the house into ?fair market condition? ? or, as I prefer it, ?like new? or ?better than new? condition.

The purpose is typically to build value into the property where value currently lacks ? either for the sake of equity or profit at resale.

When I rehab a house, I tend to go over and above, spend more and do more than your average real estate jockey.

When I rehab homes, I like to do them ?right.? I don?t cut corners or hide things that should really be fixed, and if you strive to be an ethical investor, neither should you.

If I encounter something that could be costly, I always explore all of my options as long as the final result will provide my customer, the ultimate homeowner, with a quality product. Though I?m not opposed to finding the cheapest way to get things done, I want the job done properly rather than just covering up defects which should really be fixed. And whenever I'm helping newer investors learn how to get started right in the house flipping business, that's exactly what I teach them.

Of course, just like settling all of your deals, rehabbing houses properly can be difficult at times ? especially if you find yourself working on a shoestring budget.

But in the end you have to sleep well at night. And you can sleep well knowing that you?ve virtually eliminated any risk of a lawsuit from an angry homeowner and created a good name for yourself in the community to boot by rehabbing something the right way. As with settling your deals, this type of reputation can go a long way, particularly if you are focused on rehabbing homes in a particular area. And shoddy work yields a shoddy reputation.

Lastly, I must caution those of you who know the types of rehabs that I do today not to get caught up in thinking that you must do full-blown gut rehabs to do them ?right.? This is just my preference, and I?ve told you in other articles why I personally prefer the ?gut rehab?.

You can do cosmetic ?paint and carpet? rehabs and still do them ethically as I?ve described. I still like to complete one of these myself every once in awhile, as it?s nice to get an easy deal here and there.

My main point is this. If you know there?s a leaky pipe in a wall that no one else can see, fix it! Don?t hide or gloss over necessary repairs, even if you think no one will find out for a long time. If you make this a business practice, it will catch up with you in one way or another.

Florida's Gay Population and a Florida Gay Alcohol Rehab

Florida's gay and lesbian population is growing daily and with it is a growing need for gay and lesbian services. For the purpose of this article we are concerned with gay drug rehab, gay dual diagnosis and gay alcohol rehab services. Regardless of where a person is from, they bring their personal history with them. In the case of the gay and lesbian, the personal histories of which I speak are related to prejudice, discrimination, internalized hompohobia and shame. Growing up gay and having to deal with the attitudes of the general public and family, have led many gay and lesbians to the world of drug addiction and alcoholism. Unfortunately, what happens is the attitudes of the heterosexual population become worse as the gay man or woman becomes drug dependent and their ability to cope with their feelings diminish even more.

Florida Gay Alcohol Rehab

Now imagine that we ask a gay or lesbian to check into an alcohol rehab run by a group of heterosexual men and women. It is like asking an anorexic to check into an addiction treatment program for compusive overeaters. This could be their worst nightmare. Don't misunderstand me, this doesn't mean that the alcohol rehab has to be run by all gay men and women. That is not the real world. The alcohol rehab must, as a minimum, have a gay alcohol rehab component, within the alcohol rehab itself. This will provide the gay or lesbian with a "safe space" in which to express their feelings and thoughts without thinking they are being judged. Their are many other clinical benefits derived from a gay alcohol rehab run in this fashion, such as being able to eal with internalized homophobia, but it also allow for the heterosexual to deal with their own homophobia. Everybody wins!

Jonathan Huttner is a partner in Lakeview Health Systems's a alcohol and drug rehab, which has its own gay friendly alcohol rehab component called Freedom Rings. Freedom rings provides alcohol and drug rehab for the GLBT population.

For additional information on an alcohol rehab program that has a gay alcohol rehab component call 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.gay-rehab.com. If you are not concerned with whether the alcohol rehab is gay focused, then go to www.steppingstonecenter.org.

 

Finding Money for Rehabbing Property

If you are just beginning in the real estate investment business, it may be hard to find money to fund your deals. Especially in the beginning, it's going to be hard for you to establish relationships with the right people with no experience. My suggestion is to polish up on your lingo so it seems like you have a little experience. When you approach all of your favorite doctors, lawyers, real estate investors, family and friends with retirement accounts you sound like you are an expert. Go in head strong like you own the place. Trust me you'll become and expert before you know it.

People love to make money and people really love to make money doing nothing and that's what you are going to allow them to do. You take the back ache off of them. When you meet them for the first time be sure you are very professional and decide what rate of interest you are willing to pay. Usually in cases like this you can expect to pay 10-16% to borrow their money. Don't forget it is risky for them and you want the to be able to win too. Create win wins for both of you. Always keep your word with potential investors in your business. If you say you are meeting them at 2:00 pm for a meeting, be there waiting on them at 1:45. Their time is valuable. Don't hold them hostage for 9 hours. Keep your meeting short and to the point.

Do your homework. Do not go into your meeting sounding like an idiot. It is your time to shine. If you really want it, they will know it. Do not cut yourself short by consistently reassuring them. Stay confident and close. Also - do not give up if the first person you approach doesn't work the way you intended it to. Stay focused and determined to go to the next. Keep your message simple and to the point. Make it look like you have a way for them to make a lot of money without lifting a finger. Most of the time, they will jump at the opportunity if it looks good.

Remember - In the real estate business, the most successful people make quick decisions. They do not sit around and ponder ideas. They take action and go with the flow.

Mandy Sheckles is the founder and President of The Wealth Corp. Her company offers Property Rehabbing Education to students around the country. In just eight years, she went from flat broke to being a real estate millionaire.

She is the author of "Renovate Your Success" and the creator of The Rehab Manager, a web-based software application designed to streamline your rehabbing business.

http://www.thewealthcorp.com

 

Seeking A Career In Rehabilitation Nursing - What Is The Job All About?

In the medical profession field, apart from being doctors, rehabilitation nursing is also a rewarding career. Nurses? main goal is to help patients recuperate and deal with extensive injuries or medical issues. Most of the patients have just convalesced from intensive care and need specialized care and undivided attention that only rehabilitation nurses can provide at long term comprehensive treatment facilities.

A broad range of medical services can be provided by rehabilitation nurses to their patients. Patients who have met with accidents, work related accidents, drug or alcohol abuse or even strokes can require the aid of a rehabilitation nurse. In general, they wish to help their patients begin the long process towards a hoped for full recovery. Nurses also try to help patients develop life skills that will aid them in their healing process. Work for such rehabilitation nurses can be found at rehabilitation centers, drug and alcohol recovery facilities, mental hospitals, senior citizen facilities, or even private homes.

The first thing that a rehabilitation nurse tries to do is to help stabilize the patient in the new facility. Establishing a sense of stability in the new environment will help to ensure that further complications develop. For many patients with long term illnesses, mobility is a problem that they face. This results in bed sores or respiratory problems due to having to stay in the same position the whole day long. Rehabilitation nurses would tend to these patients and ensure that such basic issues are avoided, by shifting the patients around to other comfortable positions.

Another goal of the rehabilitation nursing staff would be to help the patient develop the positive mindset to cope with their current medical condition. There is a close working relationship with doctors, psychologist and other staff in order to draft out plans that can help the patient cope with their medical condition.

Rehabilitation nurses also have to consider education under their job purview. There is a need to educate the patient and their family members on taking care of the patient. This is important as the nurses have to try to change the mindsets of some of the more stubborn patients while exerting a positive influence.

Daily care and health maintenance is an important aspect that cannot be neglected as it would affect the patient?s overall well being and chances of recovery. Some of the areas nurses need to educate family members and patients on are: dosage and administration of the medication, wound care, proper nutrition and prevention of bed sores. More technical aspects would also include the maintenance of the tracheal tube, bladder and bowel movements for those with kidney complications.

All rehabilitation nursing staff are registered and licensed before they can be allowed to practice in the state legally. A positive mindset is an important thing to have when tackling with the more challenging patients or when faced with patients with long term medical problems. The vocation has its rewarding moments as one cannot quantify the gratitude that patients sometimes shower their rehabilitation nurses with.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of Rehabilitation Program. You can find more useful information on Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Services on his website. You can reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders and Your Drug Rehab

What is the Purpose of a Drug Rehab Program?

We all know that the purpose of a drug rehab program or alcohol rehab program is to help those suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism to achieve long term sobriety. The initial step in drug rehab or alcohol rehab is to check into their alcohol detox or drug detox program. Afterwards, most people move into the addiction treatment level of drug rehab. After many years of research into drug rehab programs and alcohol rehab programs we have found that well over half of the patients admitted to drug rehab and alcohol rehab have a dual diagnosis.

What Is a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program?

In basic terms, a dual diagnosis is the co-existence of a drug addiction or alcohol addiction and a mental health disorder. As such, drug rehab programs and alcohol rehab programs had to adjust their addiction treatment services to treat both disorders simultaneously. But what about the person with an eating disorder as part of the dual diagnosis. Can the person with an eating disorder be treated in a drug rehab or alcohol rehab program?

Eating Disorder Treatment in a Drug Rehab Program

As with dual diagnosis treatment in a drug rehab program, addiction treatment services must be altered to meet the needs of the person with an eating disorder. Although the patient with an eating disorder has a dual diagnosis, their drug rehab needs are different. Before entering a drug rehab or alcohol rehab for treatment of an eating disorder, review their addiction treatment program and look into the drug rehab program?s ability to treat someone with a dual diagnosis.

For additional information on dual diagnosis treatment, call the national dual diagnosis helpline at 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.recoveryconnection.org.

Jonathan Huttner is a partner in Lakeview Health Systems which specializes in the treatment of dual diagnosis, drug addiction and alcoholism. lakeview also operates an addiction treatment program for the GLBT community called Freedom Rings.

Joe Crede Opts For Rehab Instead Of Surgery

<p><strong>Joe Crede, the White Sox third baseman, has opted for a six to eight week rehab program instead of surgery for the two herniated discs in his back. Till a few days ago, there was a lot of speculation that Crede might go for microsurgery. However, that has now been cleared. </strong></p><p>White Sox general manager Ken Williams informed through an email statement that Crede and his agent made the decision to go for the rehab program after consultations with doctors. Williams is pleased that Crede does not have to have a surgery.</p><p>Crede explained that the surgery involved making a small incision in the back and this out be done as an outpatient. In 1993, Sandy Alomar Jr had a similar procedure and was out of action for 3 months. Crede opted for the back stabilization program after talking to a specialist.</p><p>Ken Williams informed that more has been made out of Crede?s back than it was necessary. He says that Crede has always stated that his back was not giving him that much trouble to go for a surgery and Crede expects to play 150 games a year like he has always done. During the playing season Crede took an shorter version of rehab program since he was playing. Now he can do the actual program</p><p>Most injured players of White Sox are opting for rehab program to strengthen their bodies. In fact White Sox players do not have any surgeries slated nor do they have any serious physical problems. All kudos for this ought to go to Herm Schneider, the White Sox athletic trainer, and his staff.</p><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0"><tr><td valign="top"><div class="sig"><p><b>About the writer:</b> Nigel Kerry is an American free lance writer born in
Los Angeles, California. Kerry writes among others for <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sportus.com">Sportus.com
- Sportsbook reviews</a>, <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.usbookies.com">UsBookies.com -
Sports Betting Online</a> and <a target="_new" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.get-best-mortgage-loan.com">
Get-best-mortgage-loan.com - Mortgage lenders, get the best mortgage loan</a></p></div></td><td><div style="padding:0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: white; background-color: white;"></div></td></tr></table></div><!--UdmComment-->

Choosing a Drug Rehab Program in Maryland

Drug Rehab Programs in Maryland

There are hundreds upon hundreds of drug rehab programs in Maryland that claim they provide the most effective addiction treatment in the country. You can go on the internet and find drug rehab after drug rehab listed with a variety of ?recovery claims?. It appears that most of these drug rehab programs and alcohol rehab programs are properly licensed and do provide basic addiction treatment services. There are several challenges though and one, is that the Maryland drug rehab might be located close to your ?stomping grounds? and the second is the quality of Family recovery program it provides.

Choosing a Drug Rehab Outside of Maryland

While it is usually more comfortable to choose a drug rehab close to home, we are not looking for comfort, we are looking for recovery. The closer a person is to home, the closer they are to the neighborhood liquor store and drug dealer. In the early stages of drug rehab a person generally will go through alcohol detox or drug detox. This is a challenging time, where cravings are intense and the desire to leave drug rehab is at an all time high. People generally think twice about leaving drug rehab if they are not receiving addiction treatment services in their own back yard.

The Family Component in Drug Rehab

We all know the damage that has occurred within the family due to years of drug addiction and alcoholism. Most drug rehab programs will offer family therapy once weekly for two to three weeks to resolve issues that have taken years upon years to develop. Quality addiction treatment programs and drug rehab programs will have a family recovery component consisting of a minimum of four complete days for the family and patient to work together. These groups should be run by a licensed marriage and family therapist with a background in addiction treatment.

For a addiction treatment program, drug rehab, alcohol rehab or dual diagnosis treatment center in Maryland, you can call the national addiction treatment helpline at 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.recoveryconnection.org

Jonathan Huttner is a principal with Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment program specializing in the treatment of drug addiction, alcoholism and dual diagnosis. Lakeview also has an addiction treatment component called Freedom Rings, which specializes in the addiction treatment of the GLBT population

 

Florida's Gay Population and a Florida Gay Alcohol Rehab

Florida's gay and lesbian population is growing daily and with it is a growing need for gay and lesbian services. For the purpose of this article we are concerned with gay drug rehab, gay dual diagnosis and gay alcohol rehab services. Regardless of where a person is from, they bring their personal history with them. In the case of the gay and lesbian, the personal histories of which I speak are related to prejudice, discrimination, internalized hompohobia and shame. Growing up gay and having to deal with the attitudes of the general public and family, have led many gay and lesbians to the world of drug addiction and alcoholism. Unfortunately, what happens is the attitudes of the heterosexual population become worse as the gay man or woman becomes drug dependent and their ability to cope with their feelings diminish even more.

Florida Gay Alcohol Rehab

Now imagine that we ask a gay or lesbian to check into an alcohol rehab run by a group of heterosexual men and women. It is like asking an anorexic to check into an addiction treatment program for compusive overeaters. This could be their worst nightmare. Don't misunderstand me, this doesn't mean that the alcohol rehab has to be run by all gay men and women. That is not the real world. The alcohol rehab must, as a minimum, have a gay alcohol rehab component, within the alcohol rehab itself. This will provide the gay or lesbian with a "safe space" in which to express their feelings and thoughts without thinking they are being judged. Their are many other clinical benefits derived from a gay alcohol rehab run in this fashion, such as being able to eal with internalized homophobia, but it also allow for the heterosexual to deal with their own homophobia. Everybody wins!

Jonathan Huttner is a partner in Lakeview Health Systems's a alcohol and drug rehab, which has its own gay friendly alcohol rehab component called Freedom Rings. Freedom rings provides alcohol and drug rehab for the GLBT population.

For additional information on an alcohol rehab program that has a gay alcohol rehab component call 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.gay-rehab.com. If you are not concerned with whether the alcohol rehab is gay focused, then go to www.steppingstonecenter.org.

Gay Drug Addiction and Rehab in Chicago

What attracts gay people to drug taking?

Poor self-esteem, alienation and homophobia among gay men and lesbians can increase their risk for drug addiction and alcohol abuse. At present drugs and alcohol are a central aspect of gay club and bar culture, joining in can foster a sense of belonging, and can help you stay up all night dancing. Sharing a line or a pill is seen as sophisticated and decadent. this can be the first step towards drug addiction or alcohol abuse.

Are some drugs gayer than others?

You name it, gay people take it. From the dope-smoking bohemians of the 1950s, to the cocaine freaks of the disco years, via ecstasy, crystal meth, amyl nitrate, ketamine, GHB and beyond, drugs are part of gay life. More recently there have been studies linking gay people and abuse of anabolic steroids and also Viagra. It seems that some gay men's obsessions with having a buff hard body is spilling over into their drugs of choice.

What's being done to address the issue?

Some health promotion groups are calling for more social alternatives to the bar and club scene. They believe that gay people are less likely to want to take drugs if there are more places to meet. There is also a need for gay specific drug rehab programs. The feeling is that a gay man or lesbian will be more likely to go to drug rehab if the drug rehab is at a minimum a gay friendly drug rehab.

If you are looking for a gay drug rehab go to www.gay-rehab.com or call the national drug rehab helpline at 1-800-511-9225. To locate a gay friendly drug rehab in your area go to www.lakeviewhealth.com.

Jonathan Huttner is a partner in a gay friendly drug rehab and gay friendly alcohol rehab called Freedom Rings. Freedom Rings is an addiction treatment component within Lakeview Health Systems.

 

Choosing The Right Drug Rehab Program

Choosing a drug rehab program is a difficult decision. Nobody wants drug addiction to overtake their life to the point that drug rehab is the necessary step. However, the decision to go to drug rehab is something to look forward to, as it is the decision to rebuild a healthy life. Understanding what drug addiction entails and how it affects the user is important for healing substance abuse. As well as understanding drug addiction, knowing what drug rehab is will help the patient understand what he is going through and the purpose of drug rehab. Lastly, the type of drug rehab program is of vital importance for the patient. Understanding what a drug rehab program is and what a drug rehab program does, will make all the difference in the world. A drug rehab program, then, is the path that leads to an effective treatment of drug addiction. Research has shown that drug addiction is treatable. Research has not shown, and will not show, that addiction treatment is easy.

Which drug rehab program?

Educate yourself when choosing a drug rehab program. There are many different types of drug rehabs, varying in cost, length of stay and philosophy. Make sure that the drug rehab you choose makes sense to you. Look into the credentials of the drug rehab staff and the licenses of the drug rehab itself. Although a bit scary, entering drug rehab is an exciting time. It is the beginning of the end of your drug addiction and the beginning of a new life.

If you need help in locating an effective drug rehab program you can call the national drug rehab helpline at 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.recoveryconnection.org to locate a drug rehab program near you. Click here if you require help locating a drug rehab program that treats ==>dual diagnosis

Joanthan Huttner is a partner of Lakeview Health Systems, a nationally recognized drug rehab and alcohol rehab program. Lakeview specializes in the treatment of dual diagnosis and also operates freedom Rings, a gay drug rehab.

Gay Drug Rehab Programs in Illinois

Drug Rehab programs and alcohol rehab programs have been available for the heterosexual community in Illinois for the last 25 years. The drug rehabs in Illinois have been of high quality and both inpatient and outpatient drug addiction treatment. There has been drug rehab programs for almost any kind of drug addiction or alcohol addiction. You can find drug rehab programs for the elderly, adolescent, men or women, but the GLBT population (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) seems to have been forgotten. Where do the GLBT go where they can receive drug rehab treatment without being judged?

Gay Addiction Treatment History Historically, the GLBT community suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism, were expected to fit into primarily heterosexual drug rehab or alcohol rehab programs. Can you imagine being heterosexual and being asked to fit into a gay drug rehab program or gay alcohol rehab program. What do you think your drug rehab experience would be like?

Today, the approach to treating the GLBT population has changed greatly. You can find drug rehab or alcohol rehab programs such as Lakeview Freedom Rings that has designed drug rehab for the GLBT population within the structure of a state of the art addiciton treatment program. Drug rehab programs such as this, have begun to emerge, but on a limited basis.

What is the Clinical Structure Within the Drug Rehab Program The gay drug rehab component is almost a program within a program. While the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender certainly have their own set of specific issues, people are people and addicts are addicts. Any quality gay addiction treatment component will have its own addiction therapist trained in meeting the recovery needs of the GLBT population, the staff at the drug rehab center will receive sensitivity training and education to reduce and sometimes eliminate any homophobic attitudes and the GLBT patients will participate in clinical services with the rest of the population outside of their component.

Illinois Gay Drug Rehab Services

Unfortunately there are not many drug rehab centers in Illinois with "true" gay addiction treatment or gay alcohol treatment components within the confines of the drug rehab or alcohol rehab. When looking for a Illinois Gay Drug Rehab or Illinois Gay Alcohol Rehab you might want to call 1-800-511-9225, a gay friendly addiction treatment helpline or go to ................................... www.gay-rehab.com.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the founders of Lakeview Health Systems, which operates an addiction treatment program which is gay friendly and has a gay addiction treatment component within the drug rehab program called Freedom Rings.

Cardiac Rehab: Better Than Before

Did 25 minutes on the stationary bike,5 minutes on the mini trampoline and 20 minutes on the tread mill.

Wow !!! I didn't know I could do that much after my Heart Attack. I never did that before....

It shows you how motivated I am to get my body and heart back to a better fitness state than ever before.

I have to wear a monitor for the whole proceeding but it is good to know that I am being watched for any signs of trouble.

I can already feel my attitude is confident and the Panic Attacks partially from Stress are not coming or are less severe.

Getting out of the house and being with other people who have their own heart stories I believe is a large factor in the reduction of all those things I suffered with in the past.

When I get scared I can talk to one of them ,or the registered nurse and I feel connected to the group.

Isolation at a time when you are dealing with life altering experiences is the worst thing for us as humans.

I believe we are a social people and need to reach out to others. It is a skill really....

Most of us are givers and don't know how to be receivers.

Since my heart attack I have learned to accept help,I talk to my children more about meaningful topics and I ask their opinion.

I think the lesson in all this has been to open up our relationship, be more tolerant and certainly more grateful and reflective.

You get to think about things when your at rehab doing the work. So that's another benefit of going.

My mind is changing along with my body and "it is all good".

For 40 years, 7 months, 4 days and 3.9 hours I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, especially after my heart attack on Aug 12th,5:00amEST 2006. As a result of my suffering, I decided I would go on a crusade to reveal the most powerful,most effective and most successful system for living an Anxiety and Panic Free Life"- Lorraine Roach,Founder- AnxietyEnded.com Visit http://www.anxietyended.com

A Rehabilitation "Gotcha": When 100 Days Isn't 100 Days

When her mother had a stroke Sandy didn't know the first thing about how Medicare defines benefits and "Rehabilitation Days." Because she didn't know how the system works she may have made some costly mistakes when her mother was discharged from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation.

What Sandy discovered about how Medicare counts hospital days and benefit periods was important, because it had a direct impact on how much treatment her mother would be entitled to. The potential impact of Medicare rules needed to be taken into account when Sandy made plans for her mother's care.

Edith, Sandy's mother, spent a several days in the hospital after her stroke. The therapists then recommended that Edith move to a skilled nursing facility for more therapy. Edith was improving, but she needed more rehabilitation.

Edith had a good secondary insurance policy, so Sandy wasn't worried about her mother's rehabilitation being covered. She knew Medicare would cover up to a maximum of 100 days of inpatient therapy. When the rehab center said they were ready to send Edith home, Sandy advocated tirelessly for her mother to be allowed to continue therapy. Sandy ultimately convinced the center to keep Edith several more weeks.

A little more than nine weeks after what would have been her original rehabilitation discharge date Edith had a set-back when she fell at the rehab center. She suffered a hairline fracture of her hip and went back to the hospital for a few days.

Even though this second time in the hospital was for a brand new medical problem, Edith hadn't been out of the hospital and rehab for 60 consecutive days, so her re-hospitalization was considered to be a continuation of her first stay. After this second hospital stay Edith could probably have gone directly home, but Sandy again advocated strongly for what she thought her mother needed, and Edith returned to the rehab center for more physical therapy.

She is still unstable when she walks and needs to be watched closely so she doesn't fall again. She has now used up almost all of her 100 maximum allowable rehabilitation days under Medicare. She is still in her first Hospital Benefit Period because she has not been out of the hospital or rehabilitation facility for at least 60 consecutive days.

Now some hard decisions have to be made. Edith could stay on in the skilled nursing center for another week or two to take advantage of all the therapy she can get. That might make all the difference in preventing another fall. But that would also use up all of Edith's remaining Medicare-covered rehabilitation days. Or, she could go home and begin working on the 60 days she has to remain out of a medical facility. She could try to re-set her eligibility clock at home and keep those few remaining days available, just in case.

Whatever Sandy decides for her mother, they will be taking a gamble.

Not understanding how the Medicare system really works can have serious consequences for both the patient and the family.

How Medicare Benefit Periods Work

When it comes to the hospital (Medicare Part A), Medicare works by "Benefit Periods" rather than on an annual basis like most health insurance. After a hospitalization the patient must stay out of the hospital or other Medicare facility (like a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility) for at least 60 consecutive days in order to re-set the clock and earn eligibility for a new Medicare Benefit Period.

If the patient goes back to the hospital within 60 days of being discharged from a Medicare facility (hospital or skilled nursing/ rehabilitation), it is considered to be part of the first hospital period, even if it is for a new medical problem. This has serious consequences for allowable rehabilitation days, as we saw with Edith. The second time she came out of the hospital, rather than starting fresh with another 100 potential days, as Sandy thought, she picked up her Medicare rehabilitation days where she left off.

When she has used up all of her allotted days, any additional skilled care Edith needs outside of the hospital will have to be paid out of her own pocket until she has been out of the Medicare inpatient system for at least 60 days.

So when Sandy thought she was helping her mother by pushing to extend her stay in the rehab facility, she was using precious rehabilitation days that she could possibly have saved. Edith could have been out of the "system" for more than 60 days when she fell, and she could have had a new Benefit Period. I really fault the rehab staff for not making this clear to Sandy, but here we are.

About the Author: When she's not coaching families with elder care dilemmas Molly Shomer writes and teaches on the subject of aging parents and elder caregiving. To learn more about what you need to know before and during a crisis, and for a free planning guide, visit The Eldercare Team at www.eldercareteam.com

 

Real Estate Investing: Rehabs

For an experienced and clever investor, creative real estate investing is a technique that can bring in profits beyond our imagination. Many investors use rehabbing to build fortunes. These investors seek run down, neglected, ugly properties for very less, sometimes lot less than their market value because of their decrepit condition. They then fix the property keeping costs of repair as low as possible, repaint the property, giving them a face lift and manage to sell the property at an amazing price bringing them huge profits!

How to Rehab a Property: This field of investing in real estate is good for experienced and knowledgeable investors not recommended for novices. The investor seeking to rehab a property should study the location as well as the structural design of the house, paying attention to the kind of neighborhood it is located in, shopping facilities as well as transport facilities available in that locale. The investors should have a good idea of the local market, the current land value, must be experienced in rehabbing to judge what needs fixing, the ability to estimate the cost of rehabbing a property, should decide if he wants to rehab it himself or let a contractor do it for him. Consider all aspects to try and get the house at a greater profit and work things out that with minimum costs the property gets to look presentable and try and sell it for its current value or higher. The investor should have a good idea about the latest trends in color and interior decorations spending within a preplanned budget that will help make the rehabbed property more desirable to the buyers. It is better to do the rehabbing yourself as you can significantly lower costs cutting it buy nearly 50% than when a contractor is hired to do the job. It will be better if the investor is trained professionally to fix houses, as he will have a clear idea of the work that needs to be done and how to get it done at lowest costs possible.

Some investors make major money investing in and rehabbing commercial real estate, others are experts in rehabbing obsolete homes and make huge profits by selecting properties near a lake, yet others specialize in rehabbing condos in places, where there is significant demand for condos. Some investors rehab and sell their property at a good profit usually yet others rehab, refinance and rent the property to get better returns on investments. There are investors who acquire homes for say $100,000, rehab it for say $20,000 and sell it for $300,000! The sky is the limit for experienced real estate investors who invest in rehabs!

There are several firms available online to help you with rehabbing properties.

Alexander Gordon is a writer for www.smallbusinessconsulting.com - The Small Business Consulting Community. Sign-up for the free success steps newsletter and get our booklet valued at $24.95 for free as a special bonus. The newsletter provides daily strategies on starting and significantly growing a business.

Business Owners all across the country are joining "The Community of Small Business Owners? to receive and provide strategies, insight, tips, support and more on starting, managing, growing, and selling their businesses. As a member, you will have access to true Millionaire Business Owners who will provide strategies and tips from their real-life experiences.

Drug Rehab or Addiction Treatment - What Is the Difference?

Recently a topic of conversation centered on whether there is a difference between a drug rehab and an addiction treatment center. As surprised as people were at the question, it made all of us realize those individuals without knowledge of the addiction treatment business or who have not been in addiction treatment themselves, might be easily confused.

There really is no difference between the two as far as the terminology. When a person mentions drug rehab, they are really referring to a drug rehabilitation program, which is the same as an addiction treatment program, alcohol treatment program or chemical dependency program. All of the above are designed to treat drug addiction and alcoholism, with the only difference resting in the actual services provided, population treated and the philosophy of the program.

Differences in Addiction Treatment Services

While they all generally have residential treatment services in common, it does not mean that each has been licensed to provide detox (detoxification services), partial hospitalization or outpatient treatment. The type of services a drug rehab or addiction treatment center provides is strictly up to the owner and operator and each service must be licensed by the state where the center is located. It suffices to say that the greater the continuum of care, the more likely the center is to be able to meet the patient?s needs.

To ensure one receives quality care when joining an addiction treatment program, a person should contact a drug rehab facility accredited by JCAHO (The Joint Commission of Accreditation for Health Organizations), a standard-bearer in health-care facilities, which assures the consumer that the accredited facility has achieved and continually maintains clinical and professional practices which are superior in its specialized field of treatment.

There are numerous sites about drug rehab facilities on the web and you should evaluate their credentials carefully. RecoveryConnection.org refers people to addiction treatment centers accredited by JCAHO.

Jonathan Huttner is one of the the principals at Lakeview Health Systems, an addiction treatment, alcohol and drug rehab facility

Why You Need Drug Or Alcohol Rehab Centers

Drug or Alcoholic addiction is a serious problem among millions of Americans in particular and the world over. Whether you inherited it or just chose to go into it, alcohol addiction does more than good to many of its victims. Though the victim seems to be enjoying himself or herself oblivious of the many dangers he or she is exposed to. Much material and physical has been the lot of many alcohol addicts. Where can you get help? An alcohol rehab center is your sure bet. This is the last beacon of hope for you.

But the good news is that there are many alcohol rehab centers all over the world and the US in particular. These centers major aim is to assist addicts and their concerned families in getting off the bondage of addiction and begin to live a new life.

Many of the alcohol centers out there are unique in the type of services they offer. Some centers use the medical approach to help the addicts. Before coming into the center, the addict?s body is already conditioned into using the drugs and therefore needs to change its way of working after getting off addiction. This is more fatal when you do it on your own. Your body reacts violently if you don?t give it what it needs. But the medical doctor or professional will help your body adjust by giving you appropriate drugs that will bring your body back to its natural state.

Some other centers use the psychological approach using therapy and counselors to assist the addicts get off alcohol addiction. The counseling session might be done in private or group basis. The session also includes questions and answers time that will afford you to ask any question you want.

When a victim of addiction is told about entering into an alcohol or drug rehab centers, the news is not often received happily. This is borne out of the sense of shame and worthlessness that an addict often feels and therefore reject going into a rehab center.

But it needs to be stressed that you need to check into a rehab center fast. You can?t probably do it on your own. You need the help of professionals that you can only get from good and reliable centers. The center will not only help you get off addiction, it will also help you begin a new lease of productive life.

You won?t have problem finding a rehab center near you. Visit online directories where the list of reputable rehab centers are provided and type in your location. You?ll get the list of good centers. Contact them personally and see how they can help you achieve your goal. Good luck.

Ras Reed provides more detailed and free information on his website. Check it out at Drug Rehab Centers Zone

Rehab

Webster?s dictionary defines ?Rehabilitation? as ?to restore to a state of efficiency good management and solvency or to restore to a condition of health or useful and constructive activity.?

Rehabilitation or Rehab, in short, is a field of medicine and social work whereby an individual who has lost his normal capacity of physical or mental health is brought back to the mainstream and restored to a comfortable living state.

Rehabilitation medicine is a field of medicine that cooperates with social workers to restore people with disabilities and diseases to their normal, comfortable lifestyle. The areas covered under this discipline include Cardiac Rehabilitation, family education, home management, horticultural therapy, neuro-psychological and psychological treatment, occupational therapy, stroke Rehabilitation, speech language pathology, pediatric Rehabilitation, prosthetics and orthotics, physical therapy, vision therapy and women?s health programs.

The most common Rehab programs are for substance abuse, namely drug and alcohol addiction. Rehab programs for both these substances aim at detoxifying the individual, freeing him from substance addiction and Rehabilitating him into a clean and healthy state.

Drug Rehab aims at freeing individuals from drug abuse and reinstating them to a normal lifestyle. There are two major arenas of drug treatment, behavioral therapies and medical therapies. Behavioral therapy includes counselors and support groups. Medical therapies include treatment with prescription drugs, such as methadone, to suppress craving from opiates like heroin. Research shows that a combination of both therapies must be used to evolve a suitable program for the patient. Specific areas that must be addressed include: detoxification (coming off the drug if physically addicted) and preventing relapse for longer-term Rehab.

Alcoholism is also a form of substance abuse. It causes problems at work, while driving, at home and in legal matters. Mostly it causes severe health problems for the abuser. Alcoholism can be fatal. Treatment for alcoholism includes three steps: 1) medical stabilization 2) detoxification and 3) long-term abstinence and Rehabilitation.

Rehab centers are of three kinds- Outpatient treatment centers, long-term drug treatment centers and short-term inpatient centers. The kind of treatment depends on each individual case.

The treatment and Rehab of drug abusers should involve education and life-changing therapies. Through Rehab, the drug addicts can learn to rebuild their lives and live a normal healthy life. Like treatment for diabetes and heart disease, Rehab must bring about changes in behavior and lifestyle. Psychotherapy would be useful to bring about changes, and joining groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous may help to kick the habit and prevent relapse.


Rehab provides detailed information on rehab, alcohol rehab, cardiac rehab, drug rehab and more. Rehab is affliated with Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers.

How To Find A Drug Rehab In Florida?

When you're in need, the quickest way is the best: if you put drug rehab in Florida in your search engine, the first page it finds will be the right one. There you'll find all the information you need, including addresses, contact information as well as some number and explanations to how they are going to help drug addicts.

Just be warned that there are two kinds of treatments: inpatient and outpatient. Unlike you probably think, both of them should be attended for a long time (the longer the better), the difference is elsewhere. Inpatient one requires patients to move to a rehab center, while outpatient allows them onsite drug rehab. In Florida there are plenty of treatments of both kinds - as far as I know the first ones are used to cure more serious cases, while the second is usually just prophylactics.

Detox: a necessary step in drug rehab programs.

Whichever kind of treatment you choose, detox will be the first step in your drug rehab. Florida is no exception here: at all treatment centers patients have to go through the detox. There are three stages of it:

(1) Medical, when your body gets clear of narcotic. The process is supervised by doctors to ensure the safety of your health. When this stage ends, you may be sure that the most painful phase is behind you and you're ready to go to the next stage:

(2) Physical detox. When you're no longer poisoned, the time comes to build up your ruined body. In this stage of drug rehab the most important person is your nutritionist, who helps you to create the diet that will suit your needs. It ends at the moment when your body is healthy. The only remaining problem is your psyche.

(3) Emotional detox. Here comes the last, the least painful, but the most important part: curing your emotional addiction. Every drug rehab in Florida offers you some counseling in the process. It doesn't really matter what exactly they do. All of it works as long as you COMPLETE THE PROCESS. After three-four months of therapy your addiction is no more as long as you don't start it again - and that's why you need this stage. You have started to use drugs for some reasons, haven't you?

Jeff Lakie is the founder of http://www.alcohol-treatment-program.com a website providing information on drug and alcohol abuse treatments.