Education

Just got my Sept/Oct 08 edition of the AARP magazine. I immediately opened to page 93 where they have their 2008 AARP Voter's Guide. They concluded that Obama's policies were better suited to help seniors.Every night I have been watching the DNC. Never have I been this excited and motivated to vote for president. So I wanted to see which candidate was going stand up the most for seniors.I also went to each candidates site to try to find where they stood on seniors issues. On Obama's website it was easy to find and even included a version that you could download and pass out. On McCain's site (once I weeded through the first page of negativity and fear) I was hard pressed to find information specifically on seniors. I had to search under health care and the sanctity of life... no real big issues made toward seniors. Which is odd considering he is one. But then again he has 7 homes so I don't think he is worried about he and his wife are going to pay for long term care.(To be fair, I don't think the Obama's will either) - but the rest of us WILL! So lets educate ourselves! In all these speeches they talk about thinking about our children's future when making this vote. But I am thinking about my parents future and my future as well.(photo by Leo Henton)

According to a recent article in McKnights Long Term Care News & Assisted Living, the cost of care is going up... by leaps and bounds.The article is below:assisted living facilities are charging an average of 13% more than twoyears ago, while nursing home operators have hiked prices 7% over thesame time span, according to a new nationwide survey.The average daily cost for assisted living residents is $3,241 permonth, or about $108 per day, according to the 2008 Long-Term Care CostStudy, which was released by Prudential Financial on Monday. It was thelargest jump among long-term care providers surveyed.Average rates for a private nursing home bed, meanwhile, rose to$79,810 per year (or about $6,650 per month or $222 per day), thesurvey showed. Annual rates for semi-private rooms were about 11% lessthan private rooms. That equates to about $70,810 per year ($5,900 permonth, $197 per day).Geography played a familiar role in calculations, with Alaska($183,595), New York City ($160,965) and Stamford, CT ($148,920),ringing up the biggest bills for private nursing care, while Louisiana($48,180) Kansas ($53,655) and Missouri ($55,845) billed at the lowestrates.Prudential teamed up with LifeCare, an independent "adult care"services provider, to conduct the telephone survey of 1,613 long-termcare operators from November 2007 to January 2008.

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly to Host Oct. 4 Seminar on End-of-Life Issues...If you have questions about end-of-life planning, turn to Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) for help. “Are You Prepared? A Seminar on End-of-Life Issues,” will feature a panel of experts who will answer questions about legal issues, senior services, hospice and burial options.“Part of celebrating long life includes planning for that last chapter in your life,” said Simone Mitchell-Peterson, LBFE executive director. “Our aim is to tackle topics that often go unaddressed and can affect quality of life down the road.”Examples of end-of-life issues that often get overlooked include:· Creating a family tree – In addition to making a will, family trees help alleviate potential legal disputes among family members by clarifying how people are related.· Hospice care – Hospice care is not just for the dying. Many lives are enhanced by this care, through services that help them become more active.· Support networks – Many hospices will also assist in funeral planning so the family does not have to do all of the work alone.WHEN: Sat., Oct. 4, 2008 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.WHERE: LBFE, Chicago Chapter, headquarters – 355 N. Ashland Ave, ChicagoCOST: Registration for non-LBFE members is $15; free for membersRSVP: Reservations required. Call 312/455-1000 by Sept. 25 to reserve your space. (my guess is that date has been suspended as they just sent me the information on this event today!)FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call (312) 604-7234

In a recent New York Times editorial piece, Kathryn Roberts, PhD, CEO of senior housing provider Ecumen, shed light on the importance of long term care finance reform, and why today’s candidates are shying away from this discussion. In the midst of all this financial discussion, we can't forget how much long term care is going to cost this country in a few years...The whitepaper, “Long Term Care Financing Reform: An Incredible Opportunity for Candidates Who Desire Positive Change in America” Download long-term-care-financing-reform.pdf, explores the reasons candidates have ignored this issue, and what needs to change in order to ensure the quality of life all Americans deserve. Feel free to download a copy (its a PDF file) by clicking on the link! I found it to be very interesting.

My friend Mark Schmidt sent this to me the other day and I thought I should share it:As the weather starts to turn cold and natural gas prices keep rising, many seniors are worried about keeping their house warm this Winter. Fortunately, there are several programs available to those who qualify that can provide help.First, if you are having trouble paying your heating bill, you should call People's Gas (866-556-6001) or North Shore Gas (866-556-6004) to discuss payment plan options.In addition, there are some assistance programs that might be able to help you:LIHEAP: This Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will help customers pay their outstanding bills, reconnect their service, and keep there home's energy on. LIHEAP is available for those living at or below 150% of the poverty level:A family size of 1 must have income of $15,600 or lessA family size of 2 must have income of $21,000 or less* for each additional family member add $5400To apply for LIHEAP, contact Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) at 800-571-2332.Share the Warmth: This is a grant of up to $200 for those who qualify to help offset the costs of heating the home. Call the Salvation Army at 773-725-1100 or visit www.keepingUwarm.com for more information.EHAP: The Emergency Housing Assistance Program provides grants for repair or replacement of heating units, roof repair, and other energy conservation activities. To get more information on EHAP, call 311.Anybody interested in applying for one of these programs should do so IMMEDIATELY! Funds often run out shortly after becoming available due to the overwhelming demand.Too many seniors are not aware of the help that is available to them. Please spread the word about these programs so that everyone can stay warm during the cold Winter months!Thanks Mark!!Mark SchmidtReverse Mortgage Specialist773-504-9633

On Saturday, Oct 4, my husband and I attended the 4th Annual "A Sterling Event" in Chicago. The event raises money for A Silver Lining Foundation which was started 6 years ago by Dr. Sandy Goldberg. This is a picture of us with Dr. Sandy and her husband, Greg.A Silver Lining Foundation provides:* easy access to cancer resource information* quality of life assistance during treatment and beyond* cost free mammograms and follow up diagnostic testingTheir chief initiative is to ensure that financial circumstance doesn't get in the way of accessing quality cancer related healthcare services. A Silver Lining Foundation makes sure that no one falls through the cracks.

Join Belmont Village at Geneva Road for a Two Part Lecture Series1. Wednesday, October 15th, 20086:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.“Having the Tough Talk”How to navigate and successfully conduct difficult conversations with your loved ones regarding the acceptance of supportive senior services.Presented by Janet Brown and Terri Parrilli, Geriatric Care Manager from Wisdom Eldercare2. Wednesday, October 22nd, 20086:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.“Aging and the Brain: A Presentation on Cognitive Functioning and the Aging Proces”Discussing the behavioral aspects and effects of cognitive decline including those caused by strokes, TIA’s and Alzheimer’s disease and the strategies to improve cognitive function.Presented by Dr. Gregory Malo, Board Certified Neuropsychologist and Dr. Randy Summerville, Licensed Clinical PsychologistPlease call Cathy Raymond at (630) 510-2522 to RSVP.Light dinner and refreshments will be served.

Question:  What is an Ombudsmen?

A Swedish word meaning citizen’s representative, a Long Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate who seeks to resolve complaints on behalf of people who receive long term care services.

Every resident of any long-term care facility in Illinois have rights.  Some of these rights are: 

The right to refuse treatment.
Freedom from chemical and physical restraints.
Right to express grievances without fear of retaliation.
Right to participate in the planning of your care and treatment.

Anyone (current residents, relatives and friends of residents, employees of long term care facilities for example) can all contact their Ombudsman if they think someone’s rights are being violated.

The services are confidential and free.  The Ombudsman with investigates and works to resolve complaints. 

If you know someone in a facility who is not receiving the care that they should you can contact the Ombudsman on their behalf.

The Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior Help Line is 1-800-252-8966. You can also click here for more information on the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

The ombudsmen also intercede on behalf of individuals and groups to ensure that they receive the benefits and services to which they are entitled and that their rights guaranteed by law are protected and enforced.

For more information, contact the Department on Aging Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966

e-mail: ilsenior@aging.state.il.us or visit www.state.il.us/aging/1abuselegal/ombuds.htm.

This contact information and an informative poster should be posted in every nursing home in the state.

Visit www.dividedwefail.orgto join with millions of other Americans to support candidates whowill give us action, answers and accountability on health and lifetimefinancial security. We need to elect leaders who will end the gridlockin Washington and get things done.Join us in our cause by pledging to:

• Vote for candidates who will ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care.
• Vote for candidates who will ensure that all Americans have peace ofmind about their long-term financial security—with a real plan ofaction, and a real commitment to the American people.
• Vote for candidates who are specific about what they’ll do and how, and who stop speaking in generalities.

Use your vote to deliver the message that the time to address these problems is now.We believe that candidates owe us action, answers and accountability,and they must commit to delivering long-term, lasting solutions ifelected.

Don't we all? I read somewhere that as soon as you turn 30 your brain function decreases. Guess that explains why I can't remember what I already wrote when my laptop shuts down by accident and doesn't save the blog post I already typed...My friends at the Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter &Central Baptist Village have partnered up for a free workshop about brain health, appropriately titled: "Now What Was I Saying?"The workshop is an hour and a half and is designed for "boomers" and/or other healthy older adults who want to keep their memories sharp for as long as possible.The informative and interactive program focuses on how our memory works, normal age-related changes vs. serious memory problems and the tricks and techniques to stimulate and challenge the brain.Here are the details, and write them down so you don't forget:Tuesday, November 11 2008 (and don't forget to honor our veterans on that day as well!)2pm-3:30 pmLocation: Central Baptist Village, 4747 N. Canfield Rd, Norridge, ILTo register for this free program call 847-933-2413 or register online here.

I have been searching for blogs by people that have had to go through the difficult decision to move a parent into an assisted living community.  Reading these blogs is like talking with our customers who face this every day.  I know that for every one person that has written about their experience on a blog there are 500 people that have done it at the same time.

Here is what I have found so far, that I really think show the emotions, thought processes, etc.

1. Dean talks about his personal situation with his mother.  I like how he lists out the options, paying a caregiver, moving her in, ask the community for assistance or move to assisted living.  However, I wish that we had the same prices here in Chicago that he is looking at in South Carolina.  

On Wednesday night I had the extreme please of listening to Dr. Cheryl Woodson speak about the upcoming "Senior Tsunami". I found it very interesting that if Washington doesn't fix Medicare, then the Boomers are really going to suffer. Apparently Medicare (when it does pay) only pays .40 cents on the dollar. Geriatric doctors whose patients almost always have Medicare can not afford to keep their practices open unless they also except younger patients as well.With the amount of people that will be moving to Medicare in the next few years gets closer, the problem gets bigger.Dr. Woodson recently spoke to the New York Times about this as well and the whole informative article can be found here: When Medicare Falls ShortAside from the Medicare issue, she mentions that caregivers really need to take care of themselves and one of her keys to caregiver survival is: Don't put your head in the sand, Ostriches get their backside shot off all the time. Very true. Here is the link to her other keys to caregiving.Photo courtesy of Funny Ostrich Pictures (gotta love the internet)

On November 4th, when president elect Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech, he spoke of 106 year old Ann Nixon Cooper. He told the story of her history and what she has lived through and seen. I was lucky enough to witness this speech in person and her story brought tears to my eyes. All I could think of was how lucky I am to work with seniors because each one of them is special, and each one of them has a wonderful story to tell. I hope that his historic moment also puts an greater awareness and respect to the seniors in this country. (And well, I hope he also can help the healthcare system which leaves a lot of seniors out in the cold.. but thats another story.)

I meant to post this before the event to advertise it but I forgot, so now I guess I will just tell you that it happened. It was sponsored by Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly and was held yesterday (Nov 10) at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel.The guests, many of whom are from Little Brothers – were donned in their fanciest suits and dresses and spent the afternoon dancing and enjoying themselves.Events like these demonstrate that elders enjoy life as much as everyone else and that age does not need to be a determining factor in the activities people participate in- even spending hours dancing.Here we see Zebedee shows off his moves on the dance floor from last year's prom...that's what I am talking about!

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:  'And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?' the reporter asked.  She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.'

Always Remember This:  You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing!!

Today Nancy and I are heading to Park Ridge to do a presentation about the services that Senior Living Experts provides.  We are excited because we are meeting with some people who work in adult day care (ie: SAINTS) and others who work in rehab (Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy).  These folks get to see many seniors a day and help them to get stronger or more importantly to be SAFER.  And sometimes when being at home is no longer safe, we can help their patients find a new place to call home.  And that's what we love to do!  I can't wait to hear about examples of people that they work with.  Looking forward to the presentation and lunch!

Join the folks at Belmont Village in Oak Park for an informative presentation and go to your holiday table prepared to talk to your family about the challenges ahead for aging loved ones.They will explore issues of healthcare, personal care, housing and more, and will help you to take the driver’s seat as an enriched and empowered care manager.Wine, hors d’oeuvres, desserts & coffee will be served at this event.Seating is limited, please call (708) 848-7200 to RSVP.Thursday, December 4, 20085:30 p.m. - Holiday Reception6:15 p.m. - PresentationBelmont Village assisted living1035 Madison StreetOak Park, ilPresenter: Cheryl Kuba, Aging Parent SolutionsMs. Kuba is a guest lecturer for the Total Living Network Significant Living Series and is President of the National Speakers Association - Illinois Chapter. She has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and has served in the healthcare industry for 15 years.

Santa Needs YOU! Reach out to a Senior this Holiday Season!Home Instead Senior Care, the world's largest provider of non-medical caregiving services, in cooperation with Bridgeview Bank, is sponsoring a community outreach program called, Be a Santa to a Senior. The program is designed to provide gifts and bring smiles to lonely and forgotten seniors. Through this program, thousands of gifts will donated and distributed to seniors in need in the Chicagoland area.We've partnered with hospitals, nursing homes, senior living communities and senior service organizations to gather names of seniors who would not have much of a holiday without your generosity.Ways you Can Help...Donate a gift!Common gifts include: robes, slippers, teddy bears, fragrance or bath gift sets, sweaters, pajamas, candy, or gift cards (e.g. grocery store, drug store). We will have Giving Trees located at several Bridgeview Bank locations, where you can select the senior you want to help, or just contact the Home Instead office and they will provide you with the name of a senior and their wish list. Return gifts no later than December 15th to the Home Instead office or to a Giving Tree location. (NEW items only.)Participate in thier Gift Wrapping Party!Thursday, December 18th, 10:00a (until all gifts are wrapped!)Location: Bridgeview Bank, Broadway & Lawrence (in the Rotunda)Refreshments will be served!For more information, contact Sue Phelan, Owner, Home Instead 4736 N. Marine Dr, Chicago, IL 60640Phone: 773/784-4024sue.phelan@homeinstead.comAlso, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) still has 60 elder names available for those interested in purchasing an LBFE elder a special Christmas gift. Their list is extra long this year with almost 900 names! If you are interested in purchasing an elder a gift please contact Heather Dudzinski at hdudzinski@littlebrotherschicago.org or Christine Bertrand at cbertrand@littlebrotherschicago.org. Gifts ideas are ready, and once purchased the gifts will be wrapped at LBFE and delivered by an LBFE volunteer with a friendly visit.

According to a survey conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute, the national average rate for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $191 daily ($69,715 annually.) The average cost for a private nursing home room nationwide is $212 daily.The national average for assisted-living care, the survey found, is $3,031 monthly (or $36,372 annually.) This represents a 2.1 percent increase from last year.The lowest average cost for nursing home care was found in Louisiana, where the cost of a private nursing home room averaged $132 and a semi-private room averaged $127.The state with the highest average nursing home costs was Alaska, where the average cost for a private room is $577 and $566 for a semi-private room.I have found that the nursing home cost in Chicago is about the same asthe national average but the assisted living cost (especially formemory care) tends to run higher.

I just loved this article when I read it because it describes what happens a lot when myself or one of the other advisers from Senior Living Experts helps a family. Moving to assisted living is a difficult, non voluntary, choice to have to make. The fact that her mom is seeing the positives (safety, nearness to daughter, etc.) instead of focusing on all the negatives of leaving her home is what I love most about this honest story.Cindy's article: Change is harder when it's involuntary.