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Please join the Loyalton of Joliet for a Lunch & Learn with Genesis Rehab Services
On how to keep your Heart Healthy!!!!
When: February 17, 2010
Time: 12:00pm
Where: The Loyalton of Joliet
3320 Executive Dr.
Joliet, IL 60431
Please RSVP
(815) 725-2364 – ask for Stacy
for updates on other local community events, follow us on facebook!
More than 120 ALFA members and senior living advocates from across the nation --from New York to California --left an impressive footprint on Capitol Hill last week with the largest single advocacy event ever held by the Assisted Living Federation of America.
Participants raised awareness of assisted living as a great long term care option for seniors in more than 470 one-on-one meetings at 150 offices of Senators, House members and key committee staffers. The turnout was more than twice the size of last year’s fly-in.
``This federal fly-in marked a turning point for the senior living industry’s outreach to the U.S. Congress,’’ said Richard Grimes, ALFA’s President and CEO. ``This show of strength established a platform for the philosophy of care we provide to America’s seniors: a philosophy that embraces independence, respect, dignity, choice and quality care.’’
In its sweep of Capitol Hill, ALFA members explained the differences between the philosophy of assisted living and other long term care options. A number of ALFA Board members noted that a significant number of key lawmakers and staff still did not fully appreciate the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing care.
ALFA members advocated for consumer-friendly and potentially life-saving measures such as the National Silver Alert Act which would create a national system for locating missing seniors who wander because of complications from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The measure is similar to the Amber Alert system for locating missing children.
They also engaged in frank discussions on the so-called Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)which would eliminate the secret ballot for employees in deciding whether or not to join a labor union and the so-called Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act that would bar America’s seniors from engaging in voluntary pre-dispute arbitration agreements with senior living providers.
Attendees at the fly-in included executives from Emeritus Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living, Assisted Living Concepts, Five Star Senior Living, BMA Management, New Perspective Senior Living, Bell Senior Living, Benchmark Assisted Living, Brightview Senior Living, Chancellor Health Care, Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Direct Supply, Inc., Somerford Corp., Integral Senior Living, Senior Care, Inc., Silverado Senior Living, Signature Senior Living and Horizon Bay Retirement Living.
``Education is the key,’’ said Loren Shook, the founder and CEO of Silverado Senior Living. ``If our legislators understand what we do, they will support us because it is the quality of life they wish for themselves and their loved ones.
ALFA also encourages executives to invite lawmakers from every level of government to visit communities so they can fully appreciate the impact of abstract policies discussed in hearing rooms on the seniors they represent. By exposing lawmakers and policy makers to a variety of communities, they can see firsthand the wide variety of options available to seniors and the great work performed by the senior living industry. `
via www.alfa.org
Metlife has released the second phase to Housing for the 55+ Market: Trends and Insightson Boomers and Beyond. The study includes two surveys: one thatexamines current consumer preferences and home buying decisions and asecond of National Association of Home Builder (NAHB) members involvedin 55+ housing in 2008 and 2009.
Key findings include:
An estimated 38 million Americans provide care to an aging relative. The president's proposed budget for 2011 adds $103 million for programs that help elderly adults stay in their homes through in-home services, transportation and other support programs.
I am doing my taxes this week so it reminded me to post this. I am not an accountant, I have to hire one because I could not even begin to figure out my taxes even if I used an EZ form. So, I am not qualified to give you any advice on this subject. But I can give you the link for the IRS form 502.
I finally finished my taxes! What a wonderful feeling to not have that looming over my head. In fact the state of Illinois provided me with a refund in one week. I e-filed it on Friday and had it by the very next Friday in my account!All this tax talk got me to thinking about something that I sometimes mention to families I work with even though I don't know that much about it. I have heard that the cost of assisted living can be tax deductible. So I decided to do a little research on the Internet. Since you can't believe everything you read on the Internet, and since everyone's situation is different you need to seek the advice of your CPA. And a CPA I am not, just ask my CPA (who is awesome by the way if anyone needs a recommendation...)Anyways, as you may all know, if you itemize your deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A, you may be able to deduct expenses you paid that year for medical care (including dental) for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.You may deduct only the amount by which your total medical care expenses for the year exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. You do this calculation on Form 1040 Schedule A in computing the amount deductible.The cost of items such as false teeth, prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery, hearing aids, crutches, and wheelchairs are deductible medical expenses. And according to the IRS website medical expenses include insurance premiums paid for accident and health or qualified long-term care insurance. (Some websites I read disputed this.) More eligible medical tax deductions can be found on the IRS's website In the case of assisted living, you are paying for care but you are also paying for room and board. So technically the room & board would not count toward the total medical expenses. However, the entire amount would be if the person was classified as 'chronically ill' - An individual is chronically ill if, within the previous 12 months, a licensed health care practitioner has certified that the individual meets either of the following descriptions. He or she is unable to perform at least two activities of daily living without substantial assistance from another individual for at least 90 days, due to a loss of functional capacity. Activities of daily living are eating, toileting, transferring, bathing, dressing, and continence. And while Alzheimer's patients may not technically need help with their ADL's they do require a substantial amount of care and guidance in order to insure their safety.If you are paying for a patient to be in an assisted living carefacility for the above reasons, you may take the deduction from yourreturn. The patient must qualify by the above criteria and in additionmust be related to the payer.Good to know as the costs of quality care are ever increasing and lately, incomes are decreasing.Again, please consult an accounting professional if you are in this situation. I am going to go spend my tax return and pump some money back into the economy by treating myself & my husband to a nice dinner.
Recently we were contacted by a son regarding his lonely and isolated mother. She was living along and was not able to care for her home as she had done in the past. Her son took notice and contacted us right away. Kerry answered all of his questions and helped him select a few places that would be the best fit for his mother.Although she was skeptical, his mom agreed to look into senior living. They toured a few communities and fell in love with one that recently opened in the western suburbs.The staff understood that the transition was going to be difficult as this was such a big change in her life. They helped support her and she is now thriving in her new environment. Because she had been depressed and alone for so long, there was a lot of concern that she would not adjust which is not uncommon.After two months we are happy to report that she is active and participating in all the events at the community and is happy about her decision.And her son? He is at ease knowing his mom is safe and happy.Follow Senior Living Experts on Facebook and get to know how we can help you or one of your friends who may be going through a similar situation.Photo of Kerry Quirin, senior living advisor taken by John Cox - Downer's Grove Reporter
We’re seeing more diversity in senior housing developments. Smaller developments – some with as few as six, eight or ten units – can easily come into single-family neighborhoods because they don’t have to change zoning requirements. On the other end of the spectrum, we’re also tracking larger senior housing facilities that are able to offer a wide range of services and amenities for residents. The larger developments are having difficulty finding financing in this market but the midsized developments – 40 to 80 units – are seeing some success.
via www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com
It seems that every day I have a similar conversation with friends and colleagues. “I can’t get our family on the same page about our elderly parent. It’s like my brother came in from another planet.” I laughed the first time I heard that statement but realize that’s exactly how I felt about my brother!
Assisted living isn't exactly recession-proof, but it has a solid customer base because it's need-driven business. If an adult has health problems that make independent living untenable, then a move must be made, despite the cost or current economic conditions.
via www.nytimes.com
We have seen some of the negotiations going on in the communities here in Chicago as well. Contact us if you are searching for senior living or assisted living in Chicago. We can help clarify some of the specials that the properties are offering!
Urge Your State Legislators to Protect Frail Seniors and Reform Nursing Homes in Illinois!
Thousands of seniors live in unsafe environments at many nursing homes in Illinois. They have to share space with dangerous individuals. They have suffered physical, mental, or even sexual abuse. They often are given the wrong medications, including dangerous anti-psychotic drugs.
This is wrong, and it must be stopped.
AARP is working with legislators and dozens of organizations to reform the way in which Illinois nursing homes operate. We believe nursing home residents should live in safe environments and get the care and treatment they need. And the State must be able to protect residents, and punish violators.
You can help them make nursing home reforms a reality – but your voice must be heard.
Call your State Legislators today at 1-888-616-3322 and urge them to support Senate Bill 685 so nursing home residents get the care they need, and are safe from danger!
Luckily his beautiful buildings live on making our skyline so recognizable.Bruce Graham, 84, the architect behind the Sears (OK Willis) Tower and the John Hancock died in his home due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. You can read the article about him and his accomplishments in the Chicago Tribune.
Berghammer ConstructionCorporation and Eppstein Uhen Architects are set to host a Senior Livingseminar, “Senior Living at a Crossroad: A Bold Look Into the Next Decade” to beheld on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha.
The day-long seminar begins at 9:00a.m.,concludes around 3:30p.m., and features a panel of knowledgeable industryleaders from around the country, including internationally recognized authorand speaker, Jim Moore. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone involvedwith the Senior Living industry; the seminar provides practical and strategicideas for operations of a senior living facility.
The Senior Living Seminarwill feature a keynote speech from Jim Moore titled, “High Cost-Benefit GrowthStrategies in 2010 and Beyond,” and a wrap-up visionary session called,“Thinking Outside the Box for the Next Generation of Senior Care.” It will also include several otherexpert presentations.
Registration and payment canbe done via phone at (262) 790-8135 or visit their website above for details. Earlybird registration ends Monday March 22.
The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter applauds the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) landmark decision to add Young-Onset Alzheimer’s to the Compassionate Care Initiative. The initiative identifies debilitating diseases and medical conditions that meet the SSA’s disability standards for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Inclusion in the initiative allows for faster payment of Social Security benefits to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue and the SSA are to be highly praised for understanding that the cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease leaves individuals unable to maintain gainful employment and deserving of an expedited disability determination.
The July 2009 Compassionate Allowance Hearing on Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, held in Chicago, included testimony from Harry Johns, President and CEO of the National Alzheimer’s Association, and several of the nation’s top Alzheimer researchers, and caregivers and individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s who discussed the challenges they faced during the disability application process. During the day-long hearing, SSA officials heard about the terminal nature of Alzheimer’s, the disabilities that often prohibit work in even the earliest stages of the disease, and the lack of effective treatments to modify or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s. Advocates from Illinois were paramount in getting young-onset Alzheimer’s disease added to the initiative.
“Until the SSA’s decision, individuals with early-onset (younger-onset) Alzheimer’s disease faced a number of challenges when applying for SSDI or SSI, include a long decision process, initial denials and multiple appeals,” said Nicole Batsch, director of early stage and support services for the Greater Illinois Chapter. “So many of our clients will benefit from this decision. Due to their early-onset diagnosis, no longer being able to work has an overwhelming impact on their family’s financial situation.
“ In addition to participation in the hearing, as many as 600 people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their caregivers responded to the Association’s request to submit written comments to SSA about their experiences applying for disability benefits. A sample of these comments are posted on SSA’s Compassionate Allowances website.
Click here to learn more about this exciting development.
via www.alzheimers-illinois.org
WASHINGTON (AP) - It turns out grandma was right: Listen to your elders. New research indicates they are indeed wise - in knowing how to deal with conflicts and accepting life's uncertainties and change.
via m.apnews.com
In March of 2010 the National Office of the Alzheimer’s Association released a sobering report on Alzheimer’s disease and those touched by its devastating affects. Incidents of Alzheimer’s disease are continuing to rise at drastic rates and will skyrocket once the baby boomers enter the age for greatest risk of development - age 65 and older. Today there are 5.3 million Americans living with the disease, including 210,000 living in Illinois alone. Illinois will see a 14% increase in the number of people who have Alzheimer’s disease by 2025. In addition Alzheimer’s disease remains the seventh leading cause of death nationally and the fifth leading cause of death in Illinois for those age 65 and older. “Alzheimer’s is a significant threat not only for the nation - but also for the people of Illinois,” said Erna Colborn, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter. “With family members providing care at home for about 70 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease, the ripple effects of Alzheimer’s disease can be felt throughout the affected person’s entire family.” According to Facts and Figures, in 2009, nearly 11 million Alzheimer caregivers in the U.S. provided 12.5 billion hours of unpaid care valued at $144 billion. In Illinois alone, 386,207 caregivers, provided 439,812,201 hours of unpaid care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia valued at $5,057,840,312. The new report also reveals that more than 40 percent of family and other unpaid Alzheimer and dementia caregivers rate the emotional stress of caregiving as high or very high, compared with 28 percent of caregivers of other older people. The 2010 report also featured a special report on Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s disease:
via www.alzheimers-illinois.org
The Memory Ensemble™: An Improvisational Theater Experience for Persons with Memory Loss is a pilot research program that offers individuals with memory loss a unique and enriching experience through the exploration of improvisational theatre.
As you may know, improvisational theater is a form of acting in which actors use techniques to perform spontaneously. No acting or performance experience is required!
We have worked with actors from the Lookingglass Theater to create this program. Focusing on the Lookingglass Theatre Company’s core values of invention, transformation, and collaboration, members of The Memory Ensemble will learn to use their instincts, creativity and spontaneity as they work together to explore and create improvisational theater. Workshops are led by Lookingglass Ensemble members and CNADC staff.
Please contact Mary O'hara, MA, LCSW at 312.503.0604 or m-ohara@northwestern.edu if you know of anyone who might be interested in joining this program. Interviews are required. There is a cost to participate and scholarships are available.
The Northbrook office of The American Association for Wartime Veterans holds weekly seminars on the Aid & Attendance Benefit for wartime veterans and/or their surviving spouses.Wartime Veterans may qualify for up to $1,644 monthly and Surviving Spouses may receive up to $1,056 monthly.* Understand VA benefits & the application process.* Learn how to become eligible even if you exceed the limits.* Find out what benefits you are entitled to for residing at an assisted living communitySeating is limited. For reservations call: 800-850-5504Upcoming 2010 Dates4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/24(Monday), 6/1All seminars are at the Northbrook, IL office and start at 6:30pm sharp!707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 100Northbrook, il 60062
On Friday April 30th, Chicago resident, Minnie Glanton, will celebrate her 100th birthday with family and friends. To mark the momentous occasion, Minnie’s home, Barton Senior Residences Chicago, located at 1245 S. Wood, is hosting a party, complete with birthday cake. This Windy City south-sider was born in 1910 in Carlton, Georgia.Minnie joins an elite group of centenarians in the U.S., with only 1 in 3,300 Americans predicted to reach the 100-year mark, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.All of us at Senior Living Experts want to wish her a very very happy birthday!
Enjoy great people, food and music on the beautiful, newly-opened garden terrace at Greenview Place Supportive Living in Chicago.Take a tour and explore what Supportive Living has to offer for Chicago's seniors, 65+ who may need some help with the activities of daily living.Thursday, May 27th, 2-6 PM1501 W. Melrose St, Chicago IL 60657773-525-1501
This past month we added a new member to our team. We are so happy to have Marla Gibson working with us. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about assisted living and skilled nursing to our team and she will be aiding families looking for assistance in the southern suburbs of Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
From early on, Marla’s life evolved around seniors. With her mother’s love of the elderly,to a very special bond she shared with her grandmother, these specialrelationships would forever transform her life and future.
Marla graduated from Illinois State University with a degreein Social Work. Specializing ingeriatrics, she has worked in the healthcare industry for over 13 years. She has experience in skilled nursing,rehabilitation, Medicare, Medicaid, assisted living, independent living, memorysupport, home health, hospice, private duty, advanced directives and more.
For the last few years, Marla has been able to become moreinvolved with local communities help out and being a part of such organizationssuch as S.A.L.T (Seniors and Law Enforcement), Meals on Wheels, Will CountyTriad, South Suburban Region Continuity of Care and many local seniorgroups.
Marla has been educating seniors and their families abouthealthcare options as they face life-changing decisions. Sharing the same passion and beliefsfor seniors as the rest of the team at Senior Living Experts, she feltcompelled to be a part of something inspiring and life changing and joined ourteam in April of 2010.
If you are in that area and need help, feel free to contact her directly at 708-577-3211 or marla(at)seniorlivingexperts.com
(Photo of Marla Gibson on left and Kerry Quirin on right)
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Your expert advisor will accumulate information necessary for proper placement, such as your needs, location, and budget.
We provide numerous recommendations based on the details provided. Our goal is to combine your needs with our knowledge of senior communities.
Your advisor will accompany you on tours so your search can be as thorough as possible. We want what’s best for your loved ones just as much as you do.
After a choice has been made and your loved one has moved into their new home, we will continuously check in to make sure everything is going well.
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Together, let’s begin the journey to finding the home that will enhance the life of your family.
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