Education

Sunrise is one of my clients, so I was excited to read this story online about a great guy with an even greater attitude about life (at 101!) than many of us.  Check out the article on the Naperville Sun Website.

Well the obvious one is that I can't wait to retire, but since I have quite a few years before that happens I thought I would share some of my observations.I went to visit my parents (both in their early 60's) who have recently relocated from cold, snowy, dreary Buffalo NY, to what I call a "happy place." After much research on their part they chose to move to "The Villages" in Florida. For those of you who are not familiar, this place has everything and has over 70,000 residents. Its absolutely beautiful and I got to swim outside on Christmas day for the first time ever, but that's beside the point.Here is what I think:1. Sunshine makes a difference - I say this because I thought my parents have actually lost weight since I have seen them last. Why? Because they walk the dog around the neighborhood instead of letting him out the back door into a fenced yard like they used to. And because the weather is nice they walk to their mailbox. (Which round trip is 1.6 miles which I didn't realize until after I agreed to go, I was huffing and puffing..) Not to mention that the days are longer and dreary gloomy winter days lead to depression, or at least (especially in the case of places where the snow is big) you are not trapped in your house.2. You are only as bored as you want to be - I saw so many activities and clubs and golf and swimming and tennis and shopping and working and exercising going on it was unbelievable. If you can't find something to do then you only have yourself to blame. There is even a rollerblading club and the instructor is 85.3. No Falling - Well, you can still fall (anywhere) but when your home has no stairs and there is no ice to slip on outside you are less likely to fall. Do you know how many people I help because the fall and the broken hip set off a chain of events?4. Never underestimate the benifits of socialization - They have already made a bunch of new friends so while they may miss family and old friends, (as if we aren't going to visit there as opposed to Buffalo as much as possible) they certainly are not lacking for people to talk to. Even when you are swimming in the pool, the people you don't know will talk to you. Plus, if you get involved in a club, you are going to find other like minded people who share the same interests. And now mom & dad don't have to depend on each other for someone to talk to. Loneliness = Depression. I really see that up here when people are isolated in their homes and friends have left.5. Attitude is everything - My parents are so excited to be down there and it shows. They were acting like teenagers. Really. I can hardly get them on the phone because they are doing somethingI also had the opportunity to visit with someone I worked with over 10 years ago when I worked at Nordstrom. She and her husband moved down there 3 years ago. When I walked in her door, I thought she looked younger than she did when I last worked with her! Not to mention I found out that she got very sick about a year ago - very sick - but here she was all recovered and better than ever. Now I would never tell you her age, but needless to say I know a few people in Chicago who are younger on paper but certainly not in looks or spirit.I am so very happy that they have made this decision and I know it will add years to there lives and since they are my favorite people, I am very happy about that.(I am going to go check some flights for Feb right now.... its going to be cold here...)

Since the new year fell at the end of the week, it has allowed me some extra time to catch up and to try to prepare for another wonderful year of working with seniors.My goal for the blog is to try to find as many positive stories I can about seniors &assisted living. I signed up for some Google alerts which only verify that good news does not make the news. I keep seeing articles about some of the bad things that can happen, but not often enough of the good things.So look forward to some feel good stories for the new year!

When the time comes to look for long-term care facilities for your loved ones, there are many different things that you may be looking for. It is not an easy decision; not all care facilities are created equal. If you have decided that the next step for your loved ones involves long-term care, there are a few things you need to look for before you make your decision. Take a look at the following considerations and see if your choices measure up.LocationMany times, this consideration is at the top of the list. Families don’t want to be separated by too much distance, especially in the event of an emergency. Select a facility that is easily accessible and won’t be so far away that it prevents you from being able to visit frequently.Quality of CareFacilities may have varying levels of care provided at any given time. You can find out how many doctors, RNs, and LVNs are on staff at any given time, so that you know what kind of care will be given to your loved ones. Make sure that there is adequate staff to fully care for your loved ones for your peace of mind.SpecializationThis is extremely important, especially if your loved one has a condition like Alzheimer’s. Individuals who suffer from advanced stages of dementia, etc., are going to require more specialized care and a properly trained staff is the first step toward reaching this end. Make sure that the facilities you are considering have programs and the proper care plan outlined for more specific ailments.ActivitiesMany places offer a variety of activities and programs designed to keep those in their care happy and social. Look into what kinds of programs and activities your long-term care facilities do for their residents. You want your loved ones to have a positive experience with people that truly care about them and their well-being.CostOf course, many facilities can be prohibitively expensive, so you will have to explore and weigh out all of your options. Discuss insurance acceptance, grants, and other financial options with the proper representatives at your chosen places.Finding a way to balance all of these considerations may be tough, but not impossible. Stay positive and remember that the goal is to provide quality care for your loved ones to ensure that they are well taken care of.This informative post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of a geriatric nursing. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

These caregiver support groups meet throughout the city, but there is also a telephonic support group available twice a month so caregivers can call in from home.Free respite is available through the Department of Senior Services.Northeast Regional Center2109 W. Lawrence4th Wednesday of each month10:00 amNorthwest Regional Center3160 N. Milwaukee3rd Monday of each month10:30 amCentral West Regional Center2102 W. Ogden2nd Tuesday of each month1:00 pmSoutheast Regional Center1767 E. 79th St.2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month1:00Southwest Regional Center6117 S. Kedzie1st Saturday of each month1:00Westtown Satellite Center1613 W. Chicago3rd Martes a mensual1:00 pm en EspanolSupport Group by Telephone2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month7:00 pmdial: 1-866-212-0875enter passcode: 932974#share your name with the group!For more information call : 312/744-8580

The Chicago Lights Center for Life and Learning (CLL) is hosting a Winter Open House

Jan 26, 2009 from 4:00-6:30 pm

Loyola University Museum of Art 820 N. Michigan Ave

RSVP by Jan 16th by calling Patricia at 312-981-3387

Each year the CLL features a wide array of dynamic academic, arts,current events, and exercise and fitness courses, in addition to ourminicourses, excursions, "For Men Only" programs, and socialgatherings.

CLL programming gives all men and women 60 and more an opportunity totry something new in the New Year. From T'ai Chi Chuan and ComputerSkills to an exploration of China or U.S. Domestic and Global Issues,CLL courses appeal to a broad range of interests and busy schedules.

For more information visit the website for the Chicago Lights (part of Fourth Presbyterian Church)

I will be giving a presentation and the brand new (and very swanky) The Clare at Water Tower on Tuesday evening, February 4th. I will be talking about what to look for if you are considering assisted living and some tips for evaluating them. We will also be joined by and expert in move management who can help explain downsizing and a real estate agent who will provide tips on selling your home.Light food and drink will be served.2/04/09 6 PMThe Clare at Water Tower55 E. Pearson StreetChicago, IL 60611R.S.V.P. by calling (312) 951-5690

It can be difficult to accept that one's parents need assisted living care in order to properly get through the day. While enrolling a parent in a nursing home may be a necessary step in the process, it's also important to ensure that he or she is receiving proper care. Selecting the proper care institution and setting up the right structure for care will ensure that the best possible living conditions for one's parent(s) in a nursing home.

The first step to ensure proper Nursing Home treatment is to choose the right health care provider in the first place. By taking time to do background research on the Nursing Homes in your area, you can save a lot of time in the future. Services such as Consumer Reports provide information about what to expect from various nursing home providers. Unlike hospitals, nursing homes vary widely in terms of their ability to provide basic services, so always inquire whether a given care center can provide the services that your parents need. For many people, Nursing Home costs can be prohibitively expensive, so look for an institution that is covered by Medicare Services to help alleviate the cost burden. You should always visit a care center and request the latest state inspection (Form 2567) to see an objective review of the care center.

After taking time to select what seems to be the best possible institution, there are several steps you can take to ensure that quality of care is up to standards. The most direct way of checking in on care standards is through regular visits at non-standard times–that way you can review the care standards at various times during the day, and you can keep an eye out for any necessary improvements (in terms of care, cleanliness or scheduling.) Always ask you parent(s) directly about the nature of the care, and discuss any possible issues with management in case any issues arise; in fact, scheduling regular meetings with supervisors can provide a constant feedback look to ensure proper care.

Selecting a Nursing Home close to your work or home will make it easier to visit more regularly. In addition to your direct visits, have various members of your family regularly check up on your parent(s), as well as asking important questions in case issues arise. Always have a contingency plan in case the care falls below standards, so that you can move to an alternative care center. If your parent has
serious medical conditions, it is important to take them to regular visits with their family physician so that they can be monitored for progress; if they are not getting their medications regularly or their diet is not sufficient to provide the nutrients they need, a doctor should be able to provide you with feedback that you can relay to the Nursing Home. By selecting a nursing home that is professionally managed with attentive, registered nurses and medical staff, you can provide the best possible environment for long-term care.

This guest post was from Maya Richard.  She writes about high speed internet and can be reached at mayrichard @ gmail (you know the rest)

Brookdale Senior Living, one of the companies Senior Living Experts works with sponsored a event called "Brookdale's Experiences of a Lifetime Program."  Residents were given the opportunity to submit a dream or experience they would like to have fulfilled.

Alfred Bouey, a resident at the Holley Court Terrace in Oak Park won the experience of attending the Inauguration of the first African American president in the history of the U.S.

Mr. Bouey remembers growing up in the south where everything was segregated.  He can recall the days of slavery and this grandparents who were whipped and beaten had the scars to prove it. "When I say Barack Obama come out to make his acceptance speech, I started crying and never stopped.  I still don't believe it to this day that he was elected President of the United States." said Bouey.  "I never dread this day would happen in American history."

Mr. Bouey's history is interesting which is another of the many reasons I love working with seniors.  The history, the stories, the wisdom.  I learned that because Mr. Bouey's mother worked hard, he was able to attend school.  After graduation from high school, he went to Arkansas A & M for Negroes only.  He was then drafted into the Segregated Army.  Because he was one of the only college-educated me there, he quickly moved up the ranks and was promoted to Sargent.

Upon returning to the South after serving in the Army, he found that nothing had changed.  Segregation was still a major fact of life, and there were no jobs for him.

In 1946 with $10 in his pocket, he moved to Chicago - but with no place to go. Then President Truman opened the opportunity for African-Americans to work in the government and Mr. Bouey took and administrative job with the Army Procurement Division.

In 1954 he was part of the first group of African-American men to become Chicago Police Officer.

For Bouey, President-Elect Obama represents "hope".  When Obama was elected, it was not a dream come true because I never dreamt it would happen," said Bouey.  "But I sure 'hoped' it would."  "To see the inauguration of President Obama will be the greatest moment of my life."

How can you not love that story?  Happy Inauguration Day!

We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress.
- Will Rogers

Saint Joseph Hospital at 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive is hosting a free informative seminar as part of their Resources for Health Living program.

This program is co-sponsored with CJE Senior Life and is designed to help you navigate the system of services available to meet your needs and cope with the stresses of our changing lives.

Tuesday, Feb 17th 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Program is offered in the Boikan Conference Center on the second floor.

Registration required, call 1-877-737-4636

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaassisted living residences or assisted living facilities (ALFs) provide supervision or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs); coordination of services by outside health care providers; and monitoring of resident activities to help to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Assistance may include the administration or supervision of medication, or personal care services provided by a trained staff person. Assisted living as it exists today emerged in the 1990's as an eldercare alternative on the continuum of care for people, normally seniors, who cannot live independently in a private residence, but who do not need the 24-hour medical care provided by a nursing home. Assisted living is a philosophy of care and services promoting independence and dignity.My Notes: Assisted living was based on a resident centered model instead of a traditional medical model. The idea is to bring the services to the resident instead of moving a resident around to make it easier for the medical staff. Think of how women deliver now - instead of going to the holding room than the birthing room, then the recovery room - all of the services are done in one room, making it a much better experience - same idea for assisted living.Bring the services to the resident. Allow the resident to dictate their schedule. They can decide when to wake up so if they were always a late sleeper (that's me!) then they can continue to be a late sleeper instead of being woken up early so that the staff can get everyone fed by 8 am and move on to their next chore.Another example: Allowing the resident to dictate when and how they bathe. Maybe they always preferred baths over showers. Certainly its easier just to do a shower, but if they want to take a bath and they want lavender bubble bath in there - so be it.Also note, its a resident, not a patient.And yes, that is a real resident in a real assisted living property that I work with and those are both of his dogs who live with him there!More notes soon...

A new and updated 18 page booklet by Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center of the National Institute on Aging provides tips on easing the stress of hospitalization for those with and those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's and other dementia.  It also has ideas and checklists that help you prepare for a hospital trip and the anxiety and agitation that goes with it.

To download or order free copies of "Hospitalization Happens: A Guide to Hospital Visits for Individuals with Memory Loss," visit www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/happens.htm or call the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center toll-free at 800-438-4380

As a follow up to a post from last month - I wanted to share what Mr. Bouey had to say about his recent trip to the Inauguration of President Barack Obama...“I felt born again,” said Alfred Bouey, resident ofHolley Court Terrace, a Brookdale senior living community in Oak Park,Ill.“I never dreamed this day would ever happen in Americanhistory. I have witnessed not only my greatest wish, but also the dreamof my parents,” said Bouey, the grandson of slaves. “I’m still on cloudnine,” he said.Bouey began to get excited the morning he and his familyleft for Washington, D.C. Once they arrived at the hotel, that’s whenit hit him; he would be witnessing history in the making.The most memorable part of the trip was seeing PresidentObama taking the oath. “I felt pure joy,” said Bouey. “Tears wereflowing all around me, and down my cheeks as well.”What a joyful story to tell. For this whole story and other inspiring stories of seniors who get to live out their dream, go to Brookdales Experience of a Lifetime Page.

Award winner, author, trainer, and volunteer coordinator for the Midwestern States for the National Family Caregivers Assn (NFCA).Maya Hennessey, will present excerpts from her book and will sign copies of If Only I'd Had This Caregiving Book, on the perils and solutions to the stress of caregiving.As the health care system deteriorates more is heaped on the already breaking the backs of family caregivers. Maya's book has over 50 delightful exercises to empower and protect family caregivers.Family caregivers will receive free membership and free brochures to NFCA.DATE: SATURDAY FEB 28TIME: 1-3PMPLACE: WOODSON REGIONAL LIBRARY, 9525 S. HALSTED, CHICAGOFREE!

Judith Brown, a registered and licensed occupational therapist and certified Phoenix Rising yoga therapy practitioner will be guiding you during a complimentary chair yoga fitness class.  The class is offered every other Saturday at 9:30 am at Belmont Village in Oak Park at 1035 Madison Street.

As we age, we are more susceptible to diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism and high blood pressure.  The need for exercise increases, but our bodies sometimes limit or level of participation.

Yoga is a form of exercise that adapts to your needs and abilities, regardless of your fitness level.  Yoga promotes fitness, helps calm your mind and can help with relaxation.  Who couldn't use a little relaxation in these crazy times.

The class is free, but space is limited so please RSVP to 708-848-7200

Upcoming Saturday Morning Class dates:
Feb 28
March 14
March 28

I am such a nerd, but I was so excited to be asked for my opinion by Janet Kidd Stewart, a reporter for the Tribune Company. I have read her article in the Sunday Business section many times, so it was exciting to be quoted in one of her articles. So exciting in fact that I took photos of it and have included the link to the article on the Chicago Tribune website!Retirement communities offering discounts amid downturn Sunday, March 1, 2009

This problem may be more common than we can estimate.  If you are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the sooner you plan for the future the better.   Many people can continue to live, work, function etc as normal in the early stages of the disease. 

Nicole Batsch, Director of Early Stage and Support Services for the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association encourages anyone who receives a diagnosis and lives alone to reach outto their long-distance family members, their faith-based, community orneighborhood center, and their neighbors. 

As cognitive abilities decline, it will be helpful to have a support system set up as the person themselves might not realize they are in trouble says Batsch.

Eventually, it will become too difficult or dangerous to livealone. Make plans now for where you will live as the diseaseprogresses. You may want to get a helpful roommate, live with arelative or move to a residential care setting.  I have personally helped a person who was in the very early stages of dementia choose where she would "go" once the disease progressed.  She is now living there as the disease managed to take over her life sooner than expected.  But the family doesn't feel guilty as they know she made the choice herself.

For more tips, please visit the chapter's March 2009 newsletter.

I am such a sap for stories like this one I read in the Orlando Sentinel on Monday. Had to share.Wish they would write more stories like this." The formal affair Thursday at Summerville at Oak Park, an assisted-living facility, brought new meaning to the words senior prom. "Prom in Clermont gets assisted living residents, high-school students dancing.

One of our partners, Sunrise of Wilmette has recently been awarded the Excellence in Care Dementia Care Program ofDistinction status for caring for individuals with Alzheimer's diseaseand related illnesses by The Alzheimer's Foundation of AmericaSpecializing in memory care, Sunrise of Wilmette features resident-centered 24-hourcare, dedicated memory care programming, and specially trained staffwho focus on creating life-enriching experiences for its 32 residentseach day.