What’s the Difference between LifeStyle Solutions
and other long term care insurance policies?

• LifeStyle Solutions (LSS) offers the opportunity for proactive assessments through the Coventry Service Program for free from the first day of the policy.
• Wellness is at the heart of all that we do, based on our 7 dimension wellness model! We promote positive aging through a focus on collaborative planning and prevention.
• LSS long term care insurance offers a Select class of insurance for individuals with conditions that make it difficult for them to obtain coverage.
• Use of the Coventry Service Program does not affect the insurance policy or premium.

What is The Coventry Service Program?

Why Do We Have Such A Focus On Wellness?

• Our approach is holistic and multi-dimensional because so many things can contribute to the quality of an older adult’s life.
• We are committed to helping people “age how and where” they choose.
• Research consistently documents the link between well-being and higher activity levels.
• Social engagement, a sense of purpose and fall prevention all have protective benefits.

How does the service program work?

• Through a National Program Office in Maine, our team of MSW Wellness Specialists builds relationships nationwide by phone.
• Staff has deep and varied experience in aging.

• After the policy purchase, each policyholder gets a welcome letter from Bill Neugroschel, CEO, and Phyllis Bailey, National Director, Coventry Service Program.

• Wellness Specialists follow with a personal outreach call, inviting use of any Service Program component.
• Work evolves based on what we learn from policyholders and research.

The Vision of Our Founders, Bob and Gail Haldeman

Sadly, we lost our Founder and President, Mr. Bob Haldeman, in February of 2016 to his fight with cancer. He was a gentle visionary we miss sorely. Bob and Gail, his wife of 51 years, are the reason for the development of LifeStyle Solutions long term care insurance – this unique combination of insurance benefits to offer some financial security and a service program to help policyholders stay well and active at home, before a claim is ever made. “We know this is an unusual combination – that few other long term care insurance companies offer a pro-active program to help policy holders stay well and at home. But we believe this is essential to a vital older age”, Bob said. Gail continues her involvement as a Board member, and their long term colleague, Bill Neugroschel, continues at the helm of the company as CEO.

Bob’s Vision still inspires us: “We will make a positive difference in the lives of older adults in the United States, through our Program and Plan. We will achieve this goal by offering a plan for staying at home as long as possible, with secure living based on financial protection, enjoyment of good health and wellbeing, strong social and cultural interests, and sound advice when further care is necessary.”

How We Began

The Coventry Service Program grew out of Coventry CareLink’s 15+ years of experience developing, building and opening continuing care retirement communities which provided financial protection for long term care costs and a full continuum of services on-site. Many consumers Coventry encountered asked, “Is there a way to get the same financial protection and access to services supporting my independence at home instead of moving?”

Our LifeStyle Solutions Long Term Care Insurance Plans and the Coventry Service Program are an integrated response to that question, promoting overall well-being through a research based program of 1) assessments for conditions that can create threats to your independence (CCTI's); 2) consultation about resources needed to maximize independence at home; and 3) personalized wellness planning. It also offers, if needed, assistance to enable policyholders to make the best possible use of LTC insurance benefits if more intensive needs arise. All of this happens when our seasoned professional staff collaborates with policyholders to create customized responses to the challenges which may emerge as they age in the homes they love.

The LifeStyle Solutions long term care insurance plans are underwritten and issued by United Security Assurance Company of Pennsylvania, a licensed life and health insurance company, which is a sister company to Coventry CareLink.

Why Do We Have a Thistle in Our Logo?

A word about the logo. Thistles are weeds that grow almost anywhere. They thrive in the most adverse conditions and succeed where other plants wither. We believe the thistle represents a tenacity of spirit central to Coventry’s work!

Life Lessons

When we talk with our policyholders, we periodically ask them “what are Life Lessons you have learned that you would like to share with other people?” Here are some of the insights offered in the last 12 months.

“Don’t take yourself too seriously and be positive whenever you can. It’s important to live in the moment and forgive so you do not dwell on the past and can move forward. Look forward and leave everything negative behind you. Cherish your friendships because they are your lifeline. Always take care of your spiritual life because it's there for you at your lowest times, and take care of your physical body so it will function longer. In life remember to always do your best, always be truthful, and don't make assumptions.” P.A. Texas.

“Think before you act! Don’t let one moment of pleasure ruin your life forever. Don’t stand by while injustice is happening.” L.A. Texas

“Keep a good spiritual, emotional and physical balance in life. It is good to put others before yourself instead of “being all about yourself”. I wish my kids could find a better balance of priorities in their busy lives. I do not get “wrapped up” in technology and wish that the younger generation was not so “wrapped up” in technology as well”. R.B. Ohio

“Be good to others, don’t burn any bridges, value honesty and a work ethic, and care for each other.” G.B. Ohio

“Faith and Friends!” W.E. Indiana

“Don’t take anything for granted”. N.B. Ohio

“It is important to get good guidance in life. To get basic support early in life and to get mentoring that can make you aware of what’s ahead and help you prepare. You need someone to help guide you because life gets complicated.” J.B. Pennsylvania

“Don’t be afraid of following your dreams”. D.B. Maryland

“It is important to have a good sense of self, and to also let other people be who they want to be. It is also important to not compare yourself to other people. …And it was important to realize that although bad things may happen, I had to be able to move on and not let it devastate me or hold me back. It was also important to learn what makes me happy – to not apologize for it and not care so much about what others thought. I learned that I am a good person, and doing what was best for me is important too.” C.W. Texas.

“Be responsible for your own actions, don’t make excuses. Be a leader, set a good example, don’t lose your temper. Be fair, be a planner and save for the future.” M.F. Illinois “Choose your life’s work based on personal satisfaction and the ability to live out your dreams, rather than on the amount of money you earn.” L.F. Illinois

“Learning how to love and be loved is the essence of life. ….I try to live in the present and not in the past, and feel that learning to let go of anger and resentment has been very valuable. Everyone should live with gratitude and appreciation – respecting yourself is very important in learning to respect others. This all has helped me to connect with others and live without judgement.” J.F. Illinois

“Begin with a higher being to guide you. I have told my grandchildren not to let anything keep them from success, to feel satisfied and content in life.” K.G. Louisiana

“Treasure every day, and if there are things you want to do, then get up and do them!” G.H. Georgia “Young girls need to get a good education because you never know what will happen in life and when they will need to support themselves. And it’s important for them to make sure they are happy with whatever they do in life.” F.H. Texas

“Be the best you can be and think before you do things!” K.H. Illinois

“Be true to yourself. Show love and compassion for others. Give of yourself as much as you can. Think before you speak, don’t be hasty and avoid being selfish.” L.L. Louisiana

“Doing the right thing for the right reasons”. G.M. Texas

“It’s important for people to have hobbies and interests in their life to enjoy. It’s a valuable skill for people to know how to make things, which people do not always have anymore…” D.M. Texas

“1) Do what you like, 2) Let things go, and 3) Be around people you like.” E.M. Illinois

“Do the right thing. Enjoy life but prepare for the future. Save, because you are the only one you can depend on for certain.” C.N. Texas.

“I feel that you should decide what you want and go get it….It doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s where you want to go that matters. When I was in school, the guidance counselor told me that my sister and I should just be dishwashers. But my business teacher gave me the encouragement that I could do more and be a secretary or CPA. I overcame a lot of discrimination and poverty even though I was told that I could not do much in life. I always lived by the saying that ‘every tub sits on its own bottom’, which I took to mean that I was responsible for my own life. I am proud of my sons and others that I helped get started in the accounting field, and of my own accomplishments in my profession.” M. O. Texas

“Surround yourself with good people and good friends who support you.” J.P. Texas

“Try to keep things in perspective, stay in the present as much as possible and practice moderation.” R. R. Colorado

“Don’t worry about what you cannot change. Love life and be happy. Know when to speak and when not to speak.” C.R. Texas

“Find a joy in every day and live it. And know that there is good in every day. Be thankful for all that you have.” J.R. Illinois

“Realize how valuable you are in youself, you do not need a man to be worthwhile. Value yourself and take care of yourself. Be aware of others, and think of ways to help others.” D.R. Ohio.

“I try to practice doing unto others as I would want done to me – these positive values give me a clear conscience so I know that I can sleep well at night.” E.S. Texas

“I have tried to pass on the importance of a good education and doing the best at whatever you are doing.” J.T. Georgia.

“Life is there outside the door – and you must embrace it!” B.V. Texas

“It’s important to develop and maintain close relationships with your grandchildren: to be present in their lives, to participate in their activities and to let them know that you cherish and love them. Hopefully you will inspire and influence them the way that your grandmothers did you”. J.C. Ohio.

“Having my faith, being kind and loving to each other, and having a love of nature”. C.C. Pennsylvania.

“Probably honesty is one thing I have tried to share with my children as much as I can”. K.E. Texas

“I have learned the value of patience in relationships. I had to teach myself this and I have come to see the importance of taking time to improve relationships. Think twice, measure twice and cut once in terms of relationships”. J.B. Ohio

Research Updates

Click on the links below for information about emerging research!

• Here is an abstract for the research article on compressing the disabled period in older adults through a healthy lifestyle.Read More

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Compressing the Disabled Period

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2016 Oct; 64 (10): pages1952-1961.

Can a Healthy Lifestyle Compress the Disabled Period in Older Adults?

Authors: Jacob ME^1,2,3, Yee LM⁴, Diehr PH^4,5, Arnold AM⁴, Thielke SM^6,7, Chaves PH⁸, Gobbo LD⁹, Hirsch C¹⁰, Siscovick D¹¹, Newman AB¹².

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To determine whether lifestyle factors, measured late in life, could compress the disabled period toward the end of life.

DESIGN:

Community-based cohort study of older adults followed from 1989 to 2015.

SETTING:

Four U.S. communities.

PARTICIPANTS:

Community-living men and women aged 65 and older (N = 5,248, mean age 72.7 ± 5.5, 57% female, 15.2% minority) who were not wheelchair dependent and were able to give informed consent at baseline.

MEASUREMENTS:

Multiple lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet, body mass index (BMI), social networks, and social support, were measured at baseline. Activities of daily living (ADLs) were assessed at baseline and throughout follow-up. Years of life (YoL) was defined as years until death. Years of able life (YAL) was defined as years without any ADL difficulty. YAL/YoL%, the proportion of life lived able, was used to indicate the relative compression or expansion of the disabled period.

RESULTS:

The average duration of disabled years was 4.5 (out of 15.4 mean YoL) for women and 2.9 (out of 12.4 mean YoL) for men. In a multivariable model, obesity was associated with 7.3 percentage points (95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.4-9.2) lower YAL/YoL% than normal weight. Scores in the lowest quintile of the Alternate Healthy Eating Index were associated with a 3.7% (95% CI = 1.6-5.9) lower YAL/YoL% than scores in the highest quintile. Every 25 blocks walked in a week was associated with 0.5 percentage points (95% CI = 0.3-0.8) higher YAL/YoL%.

CONCLUSION:The effects of healthy lifestyle factors on the proportion of future life lived free of disability indicate that the disabled period can be compressed, given the right combination of these factors.

© 2016, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2016, The American Geriatrics Society.

• This research abstract summarizes the initial findings regarding the CAPABLE program, which offers home modification in addition to other supports.Read More

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Capable Program

Published in Health Affairs, September 2016. vol. 35 no. 9. pages 1558-1563.

Home-Based Care Program Reduces Disability And Promotes Aging In Place

+Author Affiliations

1. ¹Sarah L. Szanton (sszanto1@jhu.edu) is an associate professor of nursing and of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, Maryland.
2. ²Bruce Leff is an associate professor of medicine and nursing at Johns Hopkins University. 3. ³Jennifer L. Wolff is an associate professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University.
4. ⁴Laken Roberts is PhD student in nursing at Johns Hopkins University.
5. ⁵Laura N. Gitlin is a professor of nursing and medicine at Johns Hopkins University.


Abstract

The Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program, funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, aims to reduce the impact of disability among low-income older adults by addressing individual capacities and the home environment. The program, described in this innovation profile, uses an interprofessional team (an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a handyman) to help participants achieve goals they set. For example, it provides assistive devices and makes home repairs and modifications that enable participants to navigate their homes more easily and safely. In the period 2012–15, a demonstration project enrolled 281 adults ages sixty-five and older who were dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and who had difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs). After completing the five-month program, 75 percent of participants had improved their performance of ADLs. Participants had difficulty with an average of 3.9 out of 8.0 ADLs at baseline, compared to 2.0 after five months. Symptoms of depression and the ability to perform instrumental ADLs such as shopping and managing medications also improved. Health systems are testing CAPABLE on a larger scale. The program has the potential to improve older adults’ ability to age in place.

• This research abstract provides an overview of a key study about relationships between frailty and an individual’s relative fitness. Read More

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On Frailty

Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2011 May 17; 183(8): E487–E494.

Changes in relative fitness and frailty across the adult lifespan: evidence from the Canadian National Population Health Survey

Authors: Kenneth Rockwood, MD, Xiaowei Song, PhD, and Arnold Mitnitski, PhD

Background:

The prevalence of frailty increases with age in older adults, but frailty is largely unreported for younger adults, where its associated risk is less clear. Furthermore, less is known about how frailty changes over time among younger adults. We estimated the prevalence and outcomes of frailty, in relation to accumulation of deficits, across the adult lifespan.

Methods

We analyzed data for community-dwelling respondents (age 15–102 years at baseline) to the longitudinal component of the National Population Health Survey, with seven two-year cycles, beginning 1994–1995. The outcomes were death, use of health services and change in health status, measured in terms of a Frailty Index constructed from 42 self-reported health variables.

Results

The sample consisted of 14 713 respondents (54.2% women). Vital status was known for more than 99% of the respondents. The prevalence of frailty increased with age, from 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7%–2.4%) among those younger than 30 years to 22.4% (95% CI 19.0%–25.8%) for those older than age 65, including 43.7% (95% CI 37.1%–50.8%) for those 85 and older. At all ages, the 160-month mortality rate was lower among relatively fit people than among those who were frail (e.g., 2% v. 16% at age 40; 42% v. 83% at age 75 or older). These relatively fit people tended to remain relatively fit over time. Relative to all other groups, a greater proportion of the most frail people used health services at baseline (28.3%, 95% CI 21.5%–35.5%) and at each follow-up cycle (26.7%, 95% CI 15.4%–28.0%).

Interpretation

Deficits accumulated with age across the adult spectrum. At all ages, a higher Frailty Index was associated with higher mortality and greater use of health care services. At younger ages, recovery to the relatively fittest state was common, but the chance of complete recovery declined with age.