Education

Timely article I found.  Having some issues with this in our business.  Some communities we work with are able to offer a bunch of move in incentives because of the amount of people they currently have living there. 

Some of the communities we work with are doing better than they were at the same time last year.  Our business has been up for 09 so I can understand.  These properties are less willing to "negotiate" or even give an incentive that they were able to offer last year.

So while I still think its good to ask what they can do - do not expect or assume that every property needs to offer the discounts.  Some of them are full enough (since assisted living is a need driven business.)

Here is a related article I found online "Demand for Assisted Living Limits Discounts, but Incentives Exist"

Not that I am trying to give my company a shameful plug, but it is nice to work with a senior placement referral service.  We are up on who has what offers, and our service is free, so that is a win win situation. But we aren't going to suggest you go with the one with the free month's rent if the other place really is a better fit for the type of care that you need.

In February I had a chance to tour a local assisted living community with Marianne for one of her clients. 
Marianne Kwiatkowski, MSN, APRN-BC, GNP is Vice President and Care Consultant for MDM Care Management in Chicago.

I had a chance to sit down after our tour and ask her why a family might need to hire a geriatric care manager.

Article in Sunday's Chicago Tribune about one of our partners, Pathway Senior Living!

Several new, affordable assisted-living buildings are set to open in the Chicago area as Illinois expands its program to provide a low-cost alternativeto nursing-home care. That's good news for seniors who need some helpbut who don't need round-the-clock supervision.  Click for the rest of the article.

Pet Support for Seniors is on a mission to assist low income seniors to keep & care for their pets. These seniors are isolated, frail & living on fixed income and struggling to keep their animal companion due to lack of money or resources. Its a shame to hear that seniors who benefit from the companionship of their pet might have to choose between food for themselves or food for their pet.They kind of make me think "meals on wheels for cats, dogs & birdies.."The not for profit organization is relatively new but as they grow they hope to add grooming and vet services.What a great group to know about and maybe even get involved in. (They are in Chicago)Currently, PSS has partnered with several social service agencies inand around the Chicago area to distribute pet food to the seniors theyserve. They are providing food for cats, dogs and birds. With your help, they can expand our work to other agencies and provide grooming andveterinary services in the future.Pet Support for Seniors is 100% volunteer run and supported by generous donors who share a dedication to their mission.

Allfinancial donations assist our program in covering overhead costs,purchasing pet food, assisting with veterinary and grooming servicesand assisting in expanding our services.

Donations can bemailed to: P.O. Box 300114, Chicago, IL 60630-0114. On-line donationsare also welcome. Donations are tax deductible.

To date PSS has delivered

1,827 pounds of dry dog & cat food

2,144 cans of wet dog & cat food

60 pounds of bird food

50 pounds of cat litter

Other Assistance They Have Provided

$400.00 in vet care assistance.

Transportation for 10 round trips to vet appointments.

In-home dog walking and pet feeding

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to visit a very special memory care unit.  The program focuses on women in the early to mid stages of dementia. The day is filled with purposeful programs that are especially meaningful to women.

The ladies made breakfast and invited some friends from the community in to share.  There was a lovely host, Dottie who made sure you were happy and not without food and drink.  The ladies peeled a lot of bags of oranges so we could enjoy some fresh squeezed juice in addition the the ham&cheese and chocolate croissants that they made.  I really shouldn't have but I had a chocolate one.

They figured that between all of them, they had over 1000 years of combined wisdom that they could share with the rest of us.  They picked their top 15 words to live by and I want to share them here as they are so special and right on!

1. If you don't succeed, try try again.
2. Be nice to everybody and help other people
3. Never say never
4. If you don't use it, you lose it!
5. You got to have faith
6. Find the right man
7. What goes around comes around
8. You don't hate people because they're a different color
9. It's not polite to point
10. Pray for everybody before yourself
11. Don't sass your mother back!
12. Have a good time, but don't do anything I wouldn't do
13. Always tell the truth
14. Have good behavior and be a good listener
15. Love everybody

I did not bring my camera, but I am hoping that someone does send a photo from the event that I can post up here. 

The ladies made the place cards and the thank you cards with the words of wisdom on them for each of us to take home.  They wrapped up the day by singing two songs for us.  It was truly an honor to be welcomed into their home.

On May 5th at 1 pm (central time)  Dale Carter will be telling her story from the moment she got the emergency call about my mother through her 10 day visit there.  She wants people to hear it because it is a positive story and her mother found a new life in a retirement community 5 miles from her original home.  I referenced Dales story in one of my previous blog posts because I liked it so much

The show is on Blog Talk Radio and will be hosted by Viki Kind.  There will also be a recording of Viki's interview with Dale after the show in case you can't make it and would really like to hear a great story.  The topic title is "When you get the call that your parent is sick"

I read about the her story on her blog, but I am looking forward to hearing about it on the 'radio'.

Our very own Kerry Quirin was featured today in her local paper, the Downers Grove Reporter. I am very excited of course because it only goes to show what wonderful people I get the honor of working with every day. You can link to the entire article below below.Resident works to offer free services to seniors.*photo taken by John Cox, Downer's Grove Reporter

I just learned about a new service for seniors who need transportation. And transportation is one of the major keys to independence. Some people cannot drive and become isolated. Some continue to drive even when they probably should not. This could be a viable solution for some seniors.Fact: More than half of non-drivers 65 or older stay home on any given day partially because they lack transportation options.The program is community based and community supported. There is an annual membership fee of $50 for an individual, and then you order a prepaid account card based on the estimated usage. They are estimating about $10 a ride.Rides are available 24X 7 in private cars so it is like riding with a friend, not riding in a taxi. You do not pay cash, and you do not tip. Drivers are trained professionals. Anyone over the age of 60 is eligible. And if you are low-income they do have a few "Road Scholarships" available. Families and friends can also buy gift certificates that can be used for the rides.Another alternative is that the senior can trade their car in for rides. (As well as receive a possible tax deduction.)It is just starting here in Chicago so they currently only serve the north side.For more information, visit their website at ITNChicagoOn a complete side note, I decided to post a photo of the pothole(s) on Lake Shore Drive that cost me $400 after I ran over it. In this city at this time of the year, leaving the driving to someone else just to save on car maintenance would be worth it! Be careful when exiting south onto North Avenue...

Shopping for assisted living is not like shopping for a car. However, many times people are amazed at the cost of assisted living. Sort of a 'sticker shock'.You cannot just look at that one big number. You should look at what you are spending now to stay at home and just may find out that the monthly amount is much higher.I have attached a worksheet that you can print out and compare costs.Download COST OF LIVING COMPARISON WORKSHEET

AARP Invites You To A Free ½ Day Consumer and Community SessionTuesday, June 9, 2009 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Marriott Hotel540 N. Michigan Avenue, Fifth FloorChicago, ILCome and Learn about programs and services available to 50+ individualsPanel presentations on:· Social Security· Medicare and Medicaid Services· Chicago Department of Senior Services· Illinois Department on Aging Services· LGBT Programs and Services· Disability Programs and Services· Indian Elders Programs and ServicesRound Table Discussions Topics:· Assistive Technology· Mental Health Services and Programs· Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders· Employment· Grandparents· VolunteeringResource Tables ♦ Free Box Lunch ♦ Space is LimitedConfirm your attendance to Carmenza Millan cmillan@aarp.org or 312-458-3605

Got this email, and thought I should share it:

We really need your help TODAY.  Please be sure that all of you call your senators today and most importantly, spread the word through your list serves, emails, Facebook, Linkedin, twitters - anything you do to communicate with people.  Too often legislators say ... we just never heard from people about whatever the issue might be at the time.  This time, let our senators hear from everyone loud and clear that we want them to support long-term services and supports in healthcare reform.

In conjunction with other groups, the National Family Caregivers Association is supporting the national call-in day TODAY.   Please call your senators toll-free NOW at (866) 459-2036 and follow the voice prompts for your name and state. You will then be directed to one of your senator's offices. Once you have delivered your message to one office, ask to be connected to the office of your other Senator.

Here is a sample script you can use:

Hello. I'm a constituent, and I'm calling to ask Senator X to support including long-term services and supports in health reform. Long-term services and supports are frail seniors' primary unmet care need, and the cost of care for many families is unaffordable. Financing home and community-based services can save Medicaid dollars and improve economic growth. Please let Senator X know that I called to urge him/her to support including long-term services and supports in healthcare reform. Thank you.

TheChicago Area Illinois State Senior Spelling Bee contest will be held onWednesday, June 10, at 9:30 a.m., at the Bernard Horwich Building, 3003W. Touhy Ave., Chicago. Winners will advance to the regionalsemi-finals and the state finals will be held at the Illinois StateFair on Senior Day, Monday, Aug. 17. To participate, call 773/508-1053,by May 15 to reserve your place.TheChicago area event is sponsored by CJE SeniorLife, in partnership withthe Association of Illinois Senior Centers and the Illinois Departmenton Aging.

Anyone 50 years of age or older is eligible to participate but space is limited.

I could not resist attaching one of Gary Larson's hilarious cartoons.

Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. on CAN TV21

Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly present social neuroscientist, Dr. John T. Cacioppo, discussing the affects of prolonged social isolation which can be as harmful to one's health as smoking or obesity.

I recently had a chance to sit down with my friend Mark Schmidt who is a Reverse Mortage Specialist with Bank of America.  Reverse mortages can be both confusing and overwhelming.  I have asked him to simplfy it will a basic explanation.

1. It is very important to involve the senior in the selection if possible. Obviously, if the senior has later stages of dementia this may not be possible.  Though I had an person who was diagnosed and she picked where she wanted to live while she could as she accepted the fact that later on someone else would have to make that decision for her.  It helped everyone and she eventually did move there.
2. Go through some of the "what if's" and keep the end goal in mind. For example:  "What if you fall when you are home alone and you cannot get to the phone to call for help?  Wouldn't all of us have better peace of mind knowing you have 24 help available?
3. Try to make sure everyone in the family is on the "same team".  If everyone knows what the plan of action is and the solution is, the easier this will be.  Not always possible, I know. 
4. Do NOT schedule a move-in for the weekend; try to move during the week when the community if fully staffed.  Trust me, I have seen this first hand and it is never as smooth as a weekday move.  Take a day off, it will be worth it in the long run.  
5. Choose a community that is a good match for the care needs & location.  This is where a service like mine can be very helpful.  On care, you don't want to choose a place that won't be able to service the seniors care needs next year if they increase.  And if the location is convenient for family, the senior will have more visitors.
6. Try to pick a place that nurtures what is important to the senior.  Maybe daily on site religious services are the most important thing.  Or being able to bring their beloved pet.  Or possibly they really enjoy water aerobics and therefore a place with a pool would be key.
7. Visit the community as much as possible before the move to meet residents and staff as well as try the food.  This helps take away some of the fear of "I'm not going to no anyone" or "I won't be able to find anything."
8. Review the contract completely.  Be aware of what is included and what your out is should something happen.  It is also helpful to know the resident rights, and any rules.  For example if the rule is that you have to be dressed to go to breakfast and you know this before hand, it prevents mom going down to breakfast in her robe and slippers and being embarrassed.
9. Create a pro's & con's list.  Pretty self explanatory.  My dad made me write one of these outs when I was choosing which college to attend.  If you have support and help, the pro's list should outweigh the con's list.
10. Listen to the concerns and fears of the senior and address them.  Reassure them that just because they are making this choice, they are not losing control.

Have more tips, please visit my Senior Living Experts website!

The United States is facing an immediate and growing crisis inproviding care for our aging population, which is projected to almostdouble from 37 million today to nearly 72 million by 2030. Health careproviders with the necessary training to give older Americans the bestpossible care, are in critically short supply.Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced the Caring for An Aging America Act. This legislation attempts to address the growing nationwide shortage of health care professionals and direct-care workers needed to meet the health care needs of older adults.

• 7,128 U.S. physicians are certified geriatricians today; 36,000 geriatricians are needed by 2030.
• Less than 3% of U.S. medical students opt to take an elective in geriatrics.
• Only 5% of social workers are trained in aging issues and only 3% of advance practice nurses specialize in aging.
• Recruitment and retention of direct care workersin home-based care, assisted living and nursing homes also is a loomingcrisis due to low wages and few benefits, lack of work status, lack ofcareer advancement, potential for injury and inadequate training.

Among other things, the law would establish a Geriatric and Gerontology Loan Repayment Program for physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, advance practice nurses, psychologists, and social workers who complete training in geriatrics or gerontology and agree to provide care for older adults, full-time, for at least two years.

Laughter is the best medicine. Weinberg Community for Senior Living is offering a 4 week series starting June 1 with Caryl Derenfeld, a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. I know Caryl and she does a great work with seniors and story telling in addition to this!Give your mind and body a blissful workout that improves overall wellbeing by increasing oxygen intake and endorphin levels. No pretzel positions, this concentrates on breathing and laughing while sitting, standing & moving. Give it a try!Mondays, 10:30 - 11:30 am starting June 1 until June 22.Where: Weinberg Community for Senior Living, 1551 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield.Please RSVP with Lisa Stanley at 847-236-7852

We are often unaware of how attached we become to our homes—and their contents—until it’s time to move. This can be especially true for those who have been living in their current homes for the past 30 or 40 years and must suddenly sort through a lifetime of possessions in just a few weeks. In these cases, moving is not just a physical process, but an emotional one as well. Because of the emotional and physical aspects inherent in preparing for a move, it can be helpful to work with a neutral third party such as a Senior Move Manager.

Senior Move Mangers are professionals who have the experience, availability, organizational skills and resources to make the move run efficiently. Most importantly, they have the know-how and objectivity to help with the very emotional process of sorting through possessions.

Senior Move Managers offer a variety of services to help with the moving process:

•    Customized floor plan of the new home.
•    Assistance with sorting and organizing to prepare for the move.
•    Arrange for donation or resale of items.
•    Hire and supervise the moving company.
•    Coordinate with realtors, renovators and other professionals.
•    Managing the move day details.
•    Packing and unpacking services.
•    Arrange and organize furniture and belongings in the new home.

Working with a Senior Move Manager can make the entire moving process less taxing on both you and your loved ones.

This post was graciously written for my blog by Marnie Dawson CRTS, Owner of Dawson Relocation - Professional, Qualified Senior Move Managers.

Dale Carter from Transition Aging Parents blog has recently come up with a great 5 part e-course, "Five essential strategies to help your aging parent face change."

I can't think of anyone who has (or will have) and elderly parent(s) that would not benefit from it.  The course comes in 5 separate emails spread out every few days so that you can read them on your time.  I found it to be well written and helpful.  If you have never done this before, you certainly should get some help from someone who has been there, done that...

The link to her website and e-course is :  https://www.transitionagingparents.com/

Be sure to reserve your space for the very informative family forums that the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Illinois put on.

The first one is Saturday, June 6 at the Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville
The second one is Saturday, June 13 at the Harper College Wojcik Conference Center in Palatine.

Each half day event costs $25, with breakfast included.  Participants will receive up to date information & resources for families affected by memory loss.

To register by phone, call 847.933.2413

To register on their website go to the Alzheimer's Association Family Forums page.  Details such as times, session and round table discussions can be found on this page as well.