Education

The Bark Bark Club is having a Holiday Open House with Santa! Come have your four-legged friend's picture taken with Santa Charlie! Where: The Bark Bark Club 5943 N. Broadway773-989-8807 for more info. When: Sunday,December 13, 2009 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost: For a $10 donation to Pet Support For Seniors you will receive a 4x6 photo of your furry friend with Santa. Pet Support for Seniors (PSS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping low-income seniors keep and care for their companion animals. All donations to PSS are tax deductible It is super easy to donate online as well, I just did! $30 feeds a dog for one month. Click on the link above to go to the donation page! And yes, that is me with my doggie, Savannah who spent 2 years of her long life working as an assisted living house dog! Ho Ho Ho, Bark bark bark!

The Center for Healthy Aging at St Joseph Hospital is hosting a free party in preparation of the holiday season!  Enjoy cake, punch, a raffle and socializing with friends.  A guest speaker will share some tips for staying resilient and maintaining a positive attitude for a new year.  I can't think of anyone any age who would not need those!

Thursday, Dec 17th 1-3 pm

Please call 877-RES-INFO (877-737-4636) to register.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a great way to extend holiday wishes while raising money and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. We’re offering inspirational holiday cards with artwork created by individuals living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, with proceeds benefiting the Association.

via www.alzheimers-illinois.org

I have used these cards in the past and the quality is great. If you are going to send out cards you might as well get these, the price is comparable to cards that don't give back like these ones do!

A few years ago, I had the chance to meet Barbara Friesner, and ElderCare Expert and Founder of AgeWiseLiving. A while ago, she created “The Ultimate Caregiver’s Success System” which I recommend to any caregiver dealing with an aging parent.Just in time for the holidays, she is offering $100 off AND a freeupgrade on shipping so that you can order today and get it in time forChristmas. It’s a great gift so I thought I would share someinformation on it! I had them send me this description because I knowshe could explain it better than I!Did you know that more than 1/3 of elder caregivers had long term health problems because of elder caregiving?In fact, researchers have found that there is a 63% increase inmortality over 4 years, compared with non-caregivers. And the numbersare worse when there is also financial strain.Didyou know that almost all respondents reported that they paid one ormore expenses in order to help the care recipient? (Food,transportation, and medications were their three most common expenses.)And these are just miscellaneous costs – not including loss of pay,pension, social security, etc.Barbara Friesner, Elder Care Expert, Generational Coach, and formercaregiver to her grandmother, and her mother, has helped hundreds offamilies with their Elder Care issues.That’s why she created “The Ultimate Caregiver’s Success System.” Andright now, Barbara is offering it at $100 off the regular price! Andright now, until December 22nd, you'll also receive a free upgrade fromground to air shipping at no additional cost! To order just click onthis link “The Ultimate Caregiver’s Success System”If you’re a caregiver or care about someone who is, please don’t waituntil these statistics are about you. Give yourself or someone you lovethe gift of love and order “The Ultimate Caregiver’s Success System” atthis special sale price today and get the help you need today.”The Ultimate Caregiver’s Success System” is an amazingly comprehensiveand information-rich resource that is guaranteed to address your mostdifficult questions, roadblocks, and communication breakdowns that areso typical for elder caregivers.Because no one has time and money to waste – especially caregivers –“The Ultimate Caregiver’s Success System” is a very simple step-by-step and easy to follow program.The System includes “The Ultimate Caregiver’s Success GUIDE” which haschecklists, examples . . . all kinds of information – that makes theprocess easy to understand and more importantly, easy to be successful.In addition, the System includes 8 CDs –6 seminars, 1 CD of all theforms in the book, and 1 CD with Barbara's rolodex of resources, plusthe 3 CD boxed set of the Expert Series. That’s The UltimateCaregiver’s Success Guide and 11 CDs.

Visits with family and friends put additional strain on people with dementia and their caregivers during the holidays. Making changes such as slowing down the pace of activities will help make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone. If you're have a loved one with Alzheimer's here are a few holiday tips:

via www.alzheimers-illinois.org

The best tips always come from the experts. Here is a great, short article from the Alzheimer's Association with some ideas for visiting with family and friends that may have dementia. Very important during the holidays and every day!

Hahn was a Marine and served in World War II. He spent most of his life in Los Altos Hills with his wife and son — now a doctor in San Diego. Hahn is a retired engineer who worked at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale for 50 years, and his bride says he and she complement one another.

via www.mercurynews.com

How could I not share this story that I saw in my google alerts this morning. I always say that socialization is the number one benefit of assisted living. This story here has proven that to the extreme and I love it. Wishing them many happy years together.

I was reading a copy of last months AARP Bulletin on our drive home from Florida and came across this article.  As I read it again out loud to my husband Jason who was driving, tears came to my eyes so I ripped it out so I could remember to share it on my blog.  I don't know who you are Teanne Harris, but I think you are the bomb.

Jilted Bride Throws Bash Anyways - When Teanne Harris' fiance got cold feet six days before their late October wedding, a retirement community in Des Plaines, Ill., got a special treat.

After finding out it was too late for a refund for the reception, Harris decided to turn her Halloween-themed wedding celebration into a holiday party for the 340 residents of Asbury Court Retirement Community.

"She didn't know anyone here," says marketing director Jean Higgason. "But she offered to move everything - food, flowers, table decorations and the DJ" - to the seniors.

"I worked really hard on planning for the perfect party, and it would have broken my heart even more to have it go to waste," says Harris, 34 of Bensenville, Ill.  The residents "helped me out by giving me some joy watching them enjoy it." - reported by Cathie Gandel.

This support group is open to family, friends, and/or caregivers who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.  Several topics will be discussed, a few are:

• Challenges of caregiving for someone who had Alzheimer's
• Care for the caregiver
• Ideas for additional support

Nancy Tuzzolino is a senior care manager and will be facility the support group.  The group will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7pm-8pm in the WISE Center at Weiss Memorial Hospital (4646 N. Marine Drive, Chicago, IL).  Please contact the WISE Center to register at 773-564-5666

This program is supported by the Alzheimer's Association Chicago Chapter. (800-272-3900)

Paul Moseley joins me on my BlogtalkRadio show, Tuesday, January 19th, 11 am Eastern time. Paul will share his personal story, challenges and rewards as he cared for two aging and ill parents at the same time.  His parents spent the last 4 years of their lives in separate facilities. For many of us, caring for one aging parent seems overwhelming.  But, consider adult children who have two needy parents, often with very different illnesses and needs. You will learn from Paul and walk away from hearing his story with a smile on your face. Paul and his parents both maintained a positive attitude in spite of their health challenges.Click here to listenTagged as: Aging Parent, assisted living, Caregiver, Caregiving, Eldercare, Elderly, Nursing Home

via www.transitionagingparents.com

Listen to Dale's shows if you can - she finds the greatest people with the greatest information. And share with friends as I am sure we all have one or two who are in this situation. Thank you Dale for your tireless work in the field.

Lexington - Many people make New Year’s resolutions to start off the New Year. These resolutions usually have a self improvement theme: lose weight, get in shape, read more books, watch less TV, eat less junk food, make new friends, etc. Most of these good intentions will not last beyond a month or two.

via www.wickedlocal.com

GREAT article geared toward seniors about some doable, sensible and important new years resolutions. Best one I have seen, that is why I am sharing it as written!

I know that Irene not only plays for the residents of the senior living community where she lives, she also plays at a lot of the local communities so I wanted to share this story about her!

Uses Music to Inspire Others with Disabilities

With an impressive career spanning three fourths of a century, renowned concert pianist and long-time contributor to Chicago’s cultural scene, Irene Alexander, turned 90 this week.

Irene began playing the piano at age three, and her natural talent was soon noticed by Chicago’s artistic community. At age six, Irene performed for Queen Marie of Romania, and later for Rachmaninoff.

Among her more recent accomplishments, Irene served as a Deputy for Chicago Cultural Affairs under Mayor Richard M. Daley, appeared frequently on the TV show “Artists’ Showcase,” and recently performed for Chicago Archbishop Francis Cardinal George.

Though her sight began failing her sixteen years ago, Irene was no stranger to adversity. As a child, she overcame a rare form of polio, and as an adult she battled breast cancer. “I wasn’t frightened when I learned I had macular degeneration, says Irene, “I knew it would be just one more challenge to overcome.” Irene began practicing the piano with her eyes closed, and by volunteering her musical talent, served as an inspiration to others with vision loss. Now a resident of Friedman Place, a non-profit community for adults with vision loss, Irene has the independence to continue her volunteer activities throughout the city.

Irene currently plays for residents of Friedman Place and Chicago-area nursing homes. “From the time I was a little girl, making other people happy through music has been my greatest joy. To this day it’s what keeps me going,” says Irene. “I’m celebrating turning 90, and I feel like my life is just beginning.”

Coming up at Central Baptist Village their "at the movies" events!  Refreshments and snacks will be available.

All movies will be viewed at 1:30 pm

Friday Feb 12 - "August Rush"

Friday March 12 - "The Man Who Knew Too Much"

4747 N. Canfield Ave., Norridge, Ill 

For additional questions call 708-583-8500

I just read another article about the benefits of social media. Many of us use it for business and for catching up with friends. But what if you had no lifeline to the outside world? Social media tools have now allow those who may have otherwise been isolated and home bound to talk and share and laugh. Provided you are not afraid to learn the new technology, social media can allow some to share their stories and participate in conversations. Which is what its all about. And I always say socialization can be as important as exercise. I love seeing how this new medium continues to grow.Click here to read the article 'Social media opens social world to elderly, disabled.' From the Star News Online.Many of the senior living communities that we work with in Chicago are embracing this and offering classes either their own social media portals for seniors or classes on how to use some of the more popular sites like Facebook. Video chats are also popular and help families far and near check up and check in on their loved ones.

Come celebrate New Orleans Style with the Victory Centre of Galewood as they celebrate their one year anniversary.  There will be live entertainment, heavy hors d'oeuveres and tours!  (Maybe even some beads?)

Fat Tuesday - February 16, 2010  from 2pm - 6pm

2370 N. Newcastle Ave in Chicago

RSVP by 2/8/2010 to 773-385-5002

This is a great chance to see what supportive living is all about if you have not.

Mostly nowadays she hums, occasionally remembering a few words in German. But her neighbors, to a person, still love Lillian Krockerberger's singing. "Oh, what a beautiful soprano!" said Alice Karel, 83. "Just beautiful." "We hear her singing to herself, and she sings for us at parties," said Fran Pelegrino, an administrator at Concord Place Retirement and assisted living community, where Krockerberger lives. She doesn't sing at as many parties as she did when she arrived at Concord Place 20 years ago, Pelegrino said. After all, she was only 85 then. Lilly Krockerberger turned 105 this week. An oxygen tube is wrapped around her head now, helping her breathe. That means her voice isn't what it used to be. But when she offers a few words of "Edelweiss," it's easy to hear that it used to be something. The high soprano has a soft but rich sound, and is on key. From her 12th-floor room at Concord Place, which was once a hotel familiar to thousands of commuters at the junction of Interstate Highways 294 and 290, Krockerberger can look out at the Chicago skyline to the east. It is nothing like when she came to the U.S., in 1921. Born in Germany, Krockerberger lost her mother when she was a child. Her father remarried, but his new wife "was not a nice lady," Pelegrino said. When Krockerberger's father died, Krockerberger moved to Chicago, where relatives took her in. She worked for a wealthy family, whose son had his eye on her. "He wanted to marry her," Pelegrino said, "but she was having none of it." "It was there I met Carl," she said, smiling. The two married after a courtship and moved to west suburban Wood Dale, where he worked as a baker. Carl Krockerberger also played the piano, and the couple often performed in public, mostly in churches. Carl Krockerberger died in 1971, and their two children died, in 1987 and 1991, according to her grandson Carl Krockerberger, 52, of Indianapolis. She is survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, the grandson said. "She does all right, considering," he said. Pelegrino described her as "the mother of this place." Chatting with her many friends, it's easy to see why. "I came here 19 years ago and I was crying," said Yvonne Nummer, 73. "She came up and said to me: 'Don't worry. I'm going to take care of you. You'll be my sister.' She's been wonderful to me." Lillian Krockerberger greeted friends and family with smiles at a recent party for her. Though it was clear she couldn't hear many people as they came up to wish her well, she nodded and smiled. After a round of "Happy Birthday," Pelegrino asked Krockerberger to sing. With the help of a microphone, her version of "Edelweiss" brought the room to a hush. Then Pelegrino asked her to sing "Carl's song." She sang a verse in German, then stopped. As the band started playing again, she was asked what the name of the song was. "At my age," she said. "You don't remember everything. I have it here." She pointed to her heart. "I know it, but I don't remember. I don't have the words." She does still have the voice, though.

via www.chicagotribune.com

Wonderful story in the Chicago Tribune about a resident at one of the assisted living communities that we work with in Chicago.

Alzheimer's Reading Room: Communicating in Alzheimer's World Afterrepeatedly correcting my mother, telling her she just ate, and watchingher get frustrated or angry, I finally realized something had to change-- this something was me. I had to change......I love Bob's Blog, the Alzheimer's Reading room. This is one of my favorite articles because it speaks to anyone of us who has found themselves a little (.....) frustrated when trying to communicate with someone with Alzheimer's diseaseIf you are in that situation now, take a second and click the link at the top of this post a read his post. (And anything else on his site for that matter.) Keep up the great work Bob!

Apps for All recently released a new app for iPhone, iTouch and iPad to those with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. It helps to identify apps that will improve the quality of life specifically those that will calm, lift spirits or engage the user.According to the description, "The goal is to leverage these app-inspired activities resulting in animproved interaction with caregivers and visitors. Grandchildren, forexample, can find familiar music, games, or activities in apps that canbe enjoyed together perhaps stimulating discussion by one who isnormally less communicative."The app is .99 cents and you can read more about it or purchase the Alzheimer's App by clicking this link!P.S. Follow Senior Living Experts on Facebook!

Kimbery Clark has partnered nationwide with doctors and hospitals to help staff and management on the front lines about the best practices and guidelines to help reduce healthcare associated infections (HAI's)

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at any point in time,1.4 million people worldwide suffer from infections acquired inhospitals.

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report published in March-April2007 estimated the number of U.S. deaths from healthcare associatedinfections in 2002 at 98,987.

To learn more about the impact of healthcare-associated infections for both medical professionals and patients, please visit www.haiwatch.com.

Thank you to Seniors for Living for compiling a helpful list ofCaregiving resources that they follow on Twitter.  Thank you especiallyfor including @seniorlivingexp we are honored to be part of such agreat group of people!

You can also follow me on Facebook!

The two met at the breakfast table at Emeritus Senior Living on June 15. It was Plummer's first day at the swanky assisted living facility on Barton Road, and the 84-year-old Vecchetti had been living there for about eight months.

via www.sbsun.com

What a great story for Valentines Day. I love hearing stories of those finding love in Senior Living. Have a great day everyone!