Education

As per Dale Carter, founder of Transition Aging Parents. Dale is dedicated to providing insight and information to adult children of aging parents so their parents may "thrive and find joy" in every stage of life.This is a copy of my favorite article from her site:One of the biggest decisions our aging parents face is where to live. Many see it as making a choice between "aging in place" or a senior living residence (such as a retirement community, assisted living or nursing home). I have seen people argue their choices with a real passion. It reminds me of the fired-up discussions about whether a mother should stay at home or work.I don't view the living choice as one or the other. True, it is a choice you will make at a given point in time. But, because your parents' physical/mental health will change over the years, your choice will need to be evaluated from time to time. Even if you and your aging parent choose the "aging in place" option at this time, consider educating yourself in other options in the event they can no longer live at home. If there's one thing I learned from my experience, it's so very important to think ahead.So, it is in this spirit of respect for all living options, that I share what I've seen as the top ten benefits my mother gained from moving into independent living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community. One year after she moved in, this is what I observed:1. Mom ditched her walker and now enjoys walking with her friends. Not only is this great for her health but also for her spirit! In fact, the first day we visited her community, she entered in a wheelchair.2. Her doctor has been able to cut back her medications due to healthier eating, exercise and weight loss. Her doctor is thrilled that she has lost 40 (unhealthy) pounds and she is also proud of her appearance.3. Mom enjoys and takes advantage of the wide variety of healthy and delicious food served in the dining rooms. They usually have her favorite dessert: sugar-free butter pecan ice cream. This puts a real smile on her face.4. She proactively sought out the onsite nutritionist to understand what foods and how much she should eat, given her diabetes. In the past, my mother had been passive, letting life happen to her. This is a new and good change for her to start asking for things on her own.5. She has access to many of her life-long doctors right on site; and the Wellness Center ensures she stays on track with all her check-ups. The only two things she goes off site for is mammogram and her specialist at Johns Hopkins. She likes having the convenience of on-site but also the need to go off-site sometimes.6. Her mood and outlook on life have gone from sad to joyful. I can hear this even in her conversation. She used to speak in short phrases in a monotone. Now, she sounds like a different person. She articulates, is descriptive in her language and has the cutest lift in her voice.7. Before moving to the retirement community, her network of friends had dwindled down to two dear ladies who had health problems themselves. She had been housebound due to health problems. Now she has a wonderful new group of friends, who truly look out for each other. She loves to tell me about conversations down in the laundry room...and how their floor stayed up until midnight at the New Year's Eve dinner party. She is anticipating the Annual Crab Feast on Labor Day.8. Her view has now changed from being focused on her ailments to more of a world view. She'd much rather talk to me about the economy, politics or her new friends. She says she takes advantage of every lecture / performance that's offered. She was quite excited about seeing her first opera with sub-titles.9. There is no longer a threat of her safety (of her falling in her home or on the ice as she walked to her mailbox). And, she feels so much more secure. A presentation was made recently, informing residents of what exactly happened if they had to be taken to the hospital. She said it took all the fear out of an unknown situation.10. Mom feels respected and loved in a community of her peers. But, she still attends her church and stays in contact with friends, often attending outside lunch events with them. It is important to her to keep her feet in both worlds and stay connected with her community outside.Dale offers a F.R.E.E. 5-Part E-Course and you can sign up to receive her bi-weekly articleson resources, options, and new innovations for aging parents. To do so, visithttps://www.transitionagingparents.com

One of our partners, Barton Senior Residences of Zion, is hosting a Spelling Bee for Seniors 65+ Free registration is now open and cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners. ($250 for first prize!!)An active mind is key to maintaining good health. So why not have a spelling bee? Plus most people above the age of 30 remembers a life before the invention of spell check. Apparently some people actually know how to spell without a computer.When: Thursday, Oct 15th 10 amWhere: Barton Senior Residences of Zion, 3500 Sheridan Road, Zion IL 60099Complimentary lunch will be served at noon.To register for this even please call 847-872-1500Editors note: I did have to use spell check on this post. I would never win this contest.

Caregiverlist has just added new caregiver training videos, introduced by newsman Bill Kurtis and produced by the leading producer of training videos for the senior care industry, Terra Nova films:If you are a certified nursing aid, home health aide, companion caregiver or family caregiver, these videos will helpyou improve upon your current skills and learn about the latest approaches for successful care giving.

Nancy just received this email from one of the families she is working with and I think it about sums it up:

"I don't know how I would've done this without your assistance. You have been a Godsend in terms of saving me time and running around.  Even my mother is getting excited about the change now!  Things are definitely starting to fall into place.  Many thanks again."

It feels good to know we are helping and we look forward to continuing to help as many families in the Chicago area that we can search for the best assisted living and retirement communities!

Dale Carter from Transition Aging Parents is putting together a 4 part informational telesummit on all kinds of senior living options.  You can learn about aging in place (staying home), CCRC's, Assisted Living (from me!!!) and nursing homes.  I encourage any and all of my readers to sign up for free and to spread the word to friends or family who may also need this information!  The link to the sign up form is at the bottom of this blog post.

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Do you have an aging parent?
Are you a caregiver of an elderly person?
Are you thinking ahead to your own later years?

You’ll want to listen in as four expertsshare their knowledge, experience and perspective on Senior Livingoptions…and answer your questions!

Join Mark Hager, Jill Gilbert, Lisa Sneddon, and Eleanor Feldman Barbera for our…

*** FREE Telesummit ***

‘Choices: Senior Living Options’

Monday, November 2, 2009 8 pm Eastern
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 8 pm Eastern
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 8 pm Eastern
Thursday, November 5, 2009 8 pm Eastern

Each evening, we’ll explore one of the following:

• “Aging in Place” (11/02)
• Continuing Care Retirement Community -CCRC (11/03)
• assisted living (11/04)
• Nursing Home (11/05)

By the end of our Telesummit, you will walk away with a clear comparison and understanding of each Senior Living option.

These four experts will share their positive vision of aging and howwe can partner with our aging parents and families in making the rightdecision at this point in time in our parents’ lives, as well aspreparing for the future. I have chosen these experts very carefully.Join us and you will see why for yourself.

Here are just some of the questions each expert will answer:

• What is this living option? Why would someone choose this option over one of the others?
• What are the benefits and disadvantages of making this choice?
• After we make this choice, how do we find the right place?
• What’s the cost and how do we pay for it? Where can we get financial help?
• How can I best help transition my aging parent to this new type of living situation?
• How will I know when it’s time to make a change to another option?

Sign up now to get the Call-in details! The telesummit is free. You’llreceive a hand-out to make your note-taking structured and easy.Recordings of calls will be available for a fee.

Last week I spoke with Claudine Struck a speaker and author of, How to Stay Sane When Life Isn't, series – consisting of 3 books, "Mind, Body, and Spirit."I am going to be a guest "expert" on her radio show on the Voice America Network which will appear on their Health & Wellness channel. The program is entitled Stay Sane Now and it can be heard each week on Thursdays 11:00-12:00 AM PST; 2:00-3:00 PM EST. (It will be re-broadcast 12 hours later from 11-12:00PM EST; plus be available from their archives.)Here's the link to the show https://www.modavox.com/voiceamerica/vshow.aspx?sid=1481. Check it out, I'm sure you'll enjoy the other programming as well. This show will provide listeners with an inspirational approach to caring for mind, body, spirit. A healthy mind, body and spirit, complete the 3 legged stool of contentment. When one falters, we stumble. When they work collectively, we are complete.I am going to be interviewed the first week of November but the show is set to air November 12, 2009 at 12 noon EST/9:00 am PST (11:00 Chicago time!)After talking with Claudine, I am excited to listen to the show myself as she is going to have an expert there on respite for caregivers that sounds like something every care giver should know about!I hope you can check it out or forward the information to a friend who may need it.

As the number of people facing Alzheimer's continues to sky rocket, it is vital that everyone, those dealing with the disease and those faced with caring for someone who has it, understand that there are resources and options available to help. 

As a result of the progressive nature of Alzheimer's, it is important to comprehend the states of the disease and be informed of what may lie ahead.  Being prepared and ready to respond to the changing needs of the diagnosed individual is necessary to providing the best care possible.

Join Mary O'Hara, social worker and education and outreach specialist at Northwestern's Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, for a free seminar on navigating issues related to Alzheimer's disease. 

Reservations are required, so please call today!   773-506-6900

Date:  Wednesday Nov 4, 2009

Time: Refreshments - 5:30 PM - Seminar 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Place: Covenant Home of Chicago, 2720 W. Foster Avenue

Recently, I have been asked a lot about how business is going in this market. I respond by noting that people are still moving to retirement communities and assisted living. Actually the more need driven the move (ie:dementia, safety causing a need for assisted living) the more likely there will be a quick move in.However in the area of independent living there has been some slowing. Some of this is due to the fact that folks who want to make the move need to sell their house in order to afford to do so. And as we know, homes are not selling as quickly as they used to.When you are considering a Continuum of Care Retirement Community where a hefty entrance fee is required, the sale of the home is even more important. However, some communities have stepped up to the challenge and have started to offer "Deferred Entrance Fees." It allows you to make a small deposit, and then go ahead and move into your new lifestyle (community) while real estate experts work to sell you home. Many programs allow for a full year to sell it. Professionals in my industry and the real estate industry also note that the home is often times easier to sell when the person has moved out. That way updates can be made and staging can take place to make the home more attractive to buyers.Some communities have also partnered with Senior Move Managers - and offer credits to use toward professional downsizing, packing and unpacking, floor plan design and other services designed to make the move easier.Some of the purely rental communities we work with are offering move in incentives as well. Some will offer rent freezes and others are offering free or discounted rent for the first few months if you actually move before winter. (And who wants to move in the Chicago area at winter?)While many communities make these offers known upfront, do not be afraid to ask them if they are running any specials. The worst they can say is no, and the odds are the answer is going to save you some money.

Since I brought up the fact that I get asked a lot about how the economy is affecting the senior living industry, I felt I could probably talk more about it here as well.While as a whole, our business is doing great that might be because we offer a valuable service that is much needed and when you need it, you need it fast. So as word gets out about the free referral service finding senior living that we offer, the better business is. However, who knows if it could be even busier?We have received calls from people who made a move to a retirement community or assisted living a few years ago. Based on their budgets at the time, they figured they would be able to remain there for a very long time. With many losses in peoples accounts, things have changed and people have contacted us asking to find a less expensive solution because they are afraid if they stay at the place they are now, they may run out of money.I worked with a young lady (91) who has this situation in Florida. So she and her family are actually turning this into an opportunity to find a place in Chicago, that will get her closer to family and friends (she lived here for 60+ years!) as well as save her money every month. I am just hoping she makes this decision while many communities are offering her great incentives and before it gets too cold here in Chicago.I have also heard stories from some communities where the resident has moved out to go live with their children. Not because of their financial situation, but because of the financial situation of the child. Perhaps they have been laid off and looking for work for months and have a family and a mortgage to support. If mom or dad is still relatively independent it might be attractive to have the elder person move back and help out. This is not often the case when someone is already in assisted living and receiving care. I have heard about it more in independent living situations.

The 2009 AAHSA Annual Meeting in Expo this is year is in Chicago at the McCormick Place. This year they are featuring a full scale, 2600 SQFT home which includes and demonstrates cutting edge design and technology from more than 25 companies!The Expo is not open to the public but the home is and I plan on stopping by to check it out, take some pictures and blog about the technology and design. As a professional who works in the industry and as a student of interior design, I can't wait to see what they have in store as the future is now. And many of these technologies can be used in your home today, no matter if you live in a traditional home or a retirement or assisted living community is where you call home.The technology will showcase safety, health and wellness, social connectedness and entertainment. There will also be therapy-based entertainment to improve cognitive development for seniors!Where:McCormick Place Lakeside CenterExhibit Hall Lobby, Level 32301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60616When:Monday Nov 9 noon - 4pmTuesday Nov 10 noon - 3:30 pmWednesday Nov 11 noon - 3:30 pmI attached this video I found on You Tube that gives you an idea of what to expect. For more information please visit www.aahsaconference.org

I have some more information on the Idea House that will be at the AAHSA Meeting and Expo next week in Chicago.

Before I even get into all the cool technology and design, its work noting that sustainable design features are used throughout the house including: carpets made from post-consumer recycled content and furniture made from recycled plastic milk jugs.  Go green!

This 2,600 square foot home uses new technologies and design to make it possible for older adults to remain independent at home.  (And like I said before, home might be your independent living home right now...)

Here are some of the highlights I will be looking for and blogging about:

1. Automatic Medication Dispenser & Reminder - can help reduce health care costs and time needed to organize, remind, dispense and monitor.  Can also notify the pharmacy when a refill is needed.

2. Automatic Personal Emergency Response Systems - users critical events are monitored, reported and caregivers can be notified, and no one has to 'press a button'.

3. Temporary Robotic Limbs to Increase Strength - a wearable robotic suit designed to multiply a person's strength.  I could use one of these now or could actually start going to the gym... will be interested in seeing how the patient gets it on.  Could help stroke patients walk and help caregivers move individuals who need help.

4. Height-adjustable Bath and Kitchen Appliances - safe, efficient and comfortable for people with a wide range of mobility limitations - and can extend independent toilet use and abilities diminish.

5. Electronic Medical Records - tracks, monitors and transmits information about an individuals health to family, caregivers, doctors which allows for timely responses.  Can reduce health care costs over time.  (Who's not for that??)

6. Interactive Gaming System - no not the crazy video games the grandchildren are playing with!  We are talking speech therapy, email and radio programs through TV which everyone already knows how to use.  And we already know that seniors have taken to Wii like fish to water. 

7. Artificial Intelligent Robot - PARO is his name-o.  Designed to be used in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living and schools as a substitute for live animal therapy.  Gotta find our more about this.  Like the Jetsons?  And we still love dogs.

Hoping that I may also get a chance to talk with someone from AAHSA or CAST (Center for Aging Services Technologies) or anyone involved with the design of the home to learn more.  Will keep you posted.

We have also noticed that the market has become even more competitive than every before.  I have seen a lot of communities that are spending money on capital investments in order to compete with the brand new communities down the street.  Especially as the new communities are offering some incredible pricing specials to entice people to move in and get their buildings full of lively seniors.

Many of them are adding or expanding on fitness and wellness centers and programing.  You probably already know they make special gym equipment for the seniors, and more and more communities are adding them.  Course many of them are going out and buying a Wii if they don't already have one. I have also seen an increase in spending in adding to existing therapy departments.

I have seen new carpeting, new furniture and new cafes go in.  I have even seen a multi-million dollar new elevator installed in a 20 year old high rise.  While it was painful during the transition you can imagine the improvements they have noticed.

Older buildings that are primarily full of studios are now willing to literally cut down walls between two studios to make one larger studio or "one bedroom" apartment.  This is a result of the demand for more space.

We also work with a community that has applied for a supportive living license though the state which, when approved, will allow them to work with Medicaid for payment.  What this means, is anyone who lives there now, can stay if they run out of money which is a welcome relief for both the community (who would other wise lose the resident) and the residents and their families who would otherwise have to find another place to live with less choice being the key factor.

On the flip side, even with everything the way it is, we still work with some communities that have waiting lists.  This could be because of the service they offer is available at the right price.  And of course, it is similar to real estate - it is all about location.

The Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter, Lexington Healthcare and Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute are hosting two evening programs this month highlighting segments of The HBO Alzheimer’s Project featuring a panel of experts with their personal and scientific perspectives on Alzheimer’s disease.The first evening is the Wednesday, Nov 11 and they will feature Part I: Personal Perspectives on Living with Alzheimer’s DiseaseThe second night, Wednesday, November 18 will feature: Part Two: Scientific Perspectives on Alzheimer’s DiseaseBoth evenings check-in and appetizers at 5:30 p.m and program begins at 6:45 and ends at 8:30 p.mWhere:Heron Point Conference Center665 W. North Avenue, Lombard, il 60148There is no fee to attend, but seating is limited so please RSVP by Tuesday November 10th to Cheryl Dawson at (847) 324-0377 or register at www.alz/illinois and click on “Education Programs”Someone that I used to work with, Rachelle Blough is now the Director of memory care Services at Lexington and if you get a chance to talk to her while you are there, you will not regret it. She inspired me to learn as much about the disease as I could and she continues to touch the lives of many employees and families all over the Chicago area.As they say on the documentary - there currently is no cure, but there is HOPE.

This morning I had the opportunity to venture over to the McCormick Place and tour the Idea House that was built right inside for the AASHA Annual Meeting.When I initially arrived, the media was touring the home and I got to stand back and take a look and really appreciate how many people could comfortably stand inside the home and socialize. And socialize they did, as there were many vendors demonstrating some of the latest and greatest technology available to us today to help us age in place.I walked into the open courtyard area and tried to decide which section of the home to explore first. A few hours later I have to say I was almost on information overload. Some of the built ins and products were to be expected, and some were hard to even imagine existing. Over the course of my next few posts, I am going to talk about some of the things I learned and some of the products I learned about. I even had the opportunity to interview Majd Alwan, the Director of CAST and Eric Krull, the AAHSA Idea House Designer. It was hard not to see the excitement in their eyes as they talked about the project and the possibilities to come.It was inspiring to see how architects, designers, aging services providers, and technology can all come toghether and create safe, beautiful functional spaces for the rest of us. Stay tuned, more to come..

So maybe I wandered away from the Idea House just long enough to see what the students at Harrington College of Design were doing in the back corner of the expo hall...as a student of the school myself, how could I resist?Students were challenged to transform a skilled nursing room into a special home for an AAHSA member resident on a limited budget. 14 students from one of the graduate studio classes at Harrington were chosen to participate and compete against each other in groups of two. Initial concepts were created and presented to a team of judges consisting of Joseph Hassel, Jennifer McDermott and Carlo Salvador from Perkins Eastman, Julie Moller from Freeman White and John-Martin Rutherford and Crandon Gustafson from Harrington College of Design. I actually met Mr. Hassel today and he described the entire process and competition to me.From there, two of the schemes were chosen. The students were re-organized in 2 groups, an orange team and a green team and they have 48 to complete their designs. Guests of the expo can vote for their favorite one and the winner will receive $1000.00The picture above were the original submissions and below I have the concepts and the teams in action.Hopefully I can get pictures of the finished rooms to publish.

Technology, universal design and aging in place all come together at the Idea House at the AAHSA 09 conference.When you are touring the home you can see all three of these principles in every corner.I am going to start with sustainable design. "Green" design is important not only to the environment but to the health and wellness of the occupants who live in the home. The healthier the environment, the longer they can remain in their home whether that be and actual home, apartment or senior living community.The house was designed to be oriented with the courtyard having an exposed southern exposure. This is important because it allows for optimum natural light. Also the light will come in during the winter and help to heat the home. In the summer when the rays are more direct, the louvers are designed to shade the windows. The home has windows on all corners allowing for additional light and shades that work at the touch of a button allow for privacy. The orientation of the home also allows for maximum ventilation. The roof can support solar panels (maybe we will see these next year when the show is in California..) and they can be moved to face the sun and help to heat the home.The home also includes a green roof (imagine growing your garden right on your roof...). In addition the home is loaded with recycled products as well as water and energy saving devices.This leads me to the second principle, technology. There were monitoring systems that can tell a caregiver what the temperature of the home is - that way if mom had not turned on her heat or air conditioning in a time when maybe they should have, something can be done about it sooner rather than later.Some of the devices showcased can monitor motion (record average footsteps and gait), moisture on the floor, medications and weight and vital statistics. All of this information can be web based, again allowing for a remote care giver or a doctor to monitor the senior. These technologies are also currently used in many senior living communities as well.You can also connect socially to family and friends through technology. There were multiple examples of software programs to run on a computer that allows a senior to easily stay in touch. You can even join a Wii bowling league and bowl against someone in a another state... But more about all these new technologies in another post.Finally, aging in place or universal design. It allows any homeowner and their family members to have the confidence that the home will adapt to the future physical needs and allow them to stay at home as long as possible. Or if you already live in a senior community, it could delay a move to a higher level of care which can be very stressful.The home is modular and could be used as a large group home instead of just a home for an individual or a family. It could be used as a home and an adult day care. It could also be added on to and become a home for a large group of individuals with private rooms and large inviting social areas. I saw computer graphics showing the home built out as well as up. I will talk more about this when I write about my interview with Eric Krull from THW design later.There is still time to see the home for yourself.McCormick Place Lakeside CenterExhibit Hall Lobby, Level 3 - register on 2nd floor, they will give you a pass for just the Idea HouseWhen:Tuesday Nov 10 noon - 3:30 pmWednesday Nov 11 noon - 3:30 pm

The Nashville-based operator of assisted-living centers had previously announced in October its plans to buy 21 facilities from the Virginia-based Sunrise for $204 million. But three of the facilities were sold to an unrelated third party, Brookdale said in a news release.

via nashville.bizjournals.com

via www.nevadaappeal.com

I love finding these great stories about seniors reaching a certain age and loving life. Siggie is inspiration for all of us!

via www.youtube.com

These two look like they are having a lot of fun - even after or because of 62 years of marriage.

November is still National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month so I thought I would share with you some information about where the money raised from Memory Walk goes and how it helps in the community. I also want to take this opportunity to re-thank everyone who donated to our Memory Walk team this year and every year past.There is still time to donate before the year is over, so if you would like to you can click here to go to our fund-raising page. Remember your donation is tax deductible!Where does the money go? The funds raised through Memory Walk go toward the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Here are a few specific examples of what your donations can do:$10 enables the Alzheimer's Association to provide a 15 minute information and referral call.****24/7 hot-line # is 800.272.3900*****$200 enables the Alzheimer's Association to provide a care consultant overnight to assist a caregiver in distress.$250 enables the Alzheimer's Association to distribute language and culturally appropriate materials to a community audience.S1,000 sponsors an Early-Stage Advisor to speak at a national or local conference so they can share their experiences with the disease and coping strategies they have adopted.$1,500 enables the Alzheimer's Association to translate the Brain Tour – a Web site that takes visitors inside the brain to view the effects of Alzheimer’s - into another language.