Education

The Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Illinois Chapter will be rockin at the annual Memory Rock concert on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at Joe's Sports Bar from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.Co-chair Steven Monroe had this to say about this great event, “Memory Rock is in its fourth year and has become the annual end of summer event. This event really offers young adults an inexpensive way to help fight a disease that has affected their families, grandparents and parents. Attendance has increased each year - in no small part because it’s a great venue to hear Dr. Bombay (whose other performances cost more to attend). Ultimately, it’s proven to be a wonderful fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, as well as “fun-raiser” for people that attend each year.”Memory Rock is a third party event chaired by Steve Monroe and Richard Klein. The entry fee is $30, of which the Alzheimer’s Association receives $15. This year Memory Rock will be emceed by Comcast SportsNet's Sarah Kustok and live music is provided by Dr. Bombay. You may purchase tickets online or at the door. Click here for more information.

Understanding Alzheimer's and Alzheimer's and Safety is a two-program DVD packed with 50 minutes of practical advice for caregivers and people with dementia. This DVD was developed under the guidance of Alzheimer's Association experts and features tips from caregivers and people with dementia.

One DVD gives you two educational programs:

"Understanding Alzheimer's: An Introductory Guide" provides guidelines on diagnosis and treatment, as well as tips for everyday life with dementia. Topics covered in detail are: Getting a Diagnosis, What to Expect and How to Cope.

"Alzheimer's and Safety: A Guide to Planning and Preparation" outlines safety issues and helps with planning and preparation. This guide details what changes may be presented due to dementia, how to make your home safe, how to travel safely, medications and staying safe, wandering and driving.

Cost of the DVD is $24.95 and can be purchased by at the Alzheimer's Association Website here!

I know that I benefited by watching many of these types of videos when I first started working in this field.  Has anyone else had any experiences, positive or negative with these types of films?

This is a summary of the Proposed Changes to Medicaid Eligibility - by Janna Dutton, of Dutton & Casey, P.C. a firm that specializes in Elderlaw. I thought it was important to share with my readers as I get many questions about Medicaid that I am not qualified to answer. So here is some general information and remember to always consult an attorney regarding this!The Illinois Department of Health and Family Services has released a series of proposed regulations which it will be publishing in the Illinois Register on August 13, 2010. These regulations, in part, implement the federal Deficit Reduction Act provisions passed in February of 2006. For those in the Chicagoland area that are interested, there will be a 45-day public comment period as well as public hearings scheduled for September 13, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the Michael A. Bilandic Building, 160 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Room 500.The proposed regulations contain numerous and significant changes to eligibility for Medicaid coverage of long term care services. To say they are lengthy would be quite an understatement, so below are some of the most notable changes: 1. Five Year Look-BackAs of the date of implementation of the proposed regulations, applicants for Medicaid coverage of long term care (skilled nursing, supportive living, and the community care and in-home services programs) will be required to account for and document all financial transactions occurring during the five years prior to the date of application, or February 6, 2006, whichever is later.2. Retroactive Application of More Punitive Transfer Penalty RulesThe Department is proposing to apply new punitive penalty rules to transfers of assets which have occurred since February 8, 2006. As of the date of the implementation of the new rules, transfers of assets for less than fair market value, meaning gifts, will result in the applicant being ineligible for Medicaid coverage for a certain time period. This time period does not begin until the month the person is eligible for Medicaid, meaning in need of long term care services and having an approved Medicaid application (but for the imposed penalty period). The penalty period is calculated by dividing the total uncompensated value of assets transferred by the average monthly cost of long term care services at the private rate in the community in which the person's nursing home is located at the time of application. The result is the transfer penalty period of ineligibility in number of months, days, and portion of a day. For example, if a person makes gifts to grandchildren of a total of $65,000 in June of 2006, and then applies for Medicaid on or before May of 2011, assuming an average private rate of $4000, they will be deemed to be ineligible for Medicaid for a period of approximately 16 months and 7.5 days beginning with the month that their Medicaid application for nursing home care is approved.In addition, the Department will no longer allow a penalty period to be reduced by a partial return of the funds gifted. In order to reduce a penalty period, the entire amount transferred during the five year look-back period will need to be returned.3. Spouses Must Disclose Separate AssetsHistorically, the State has allowed spouses of nursing home residents applying for Medicaid to refuse to disclose their separate assets without affecting the Medicaid eligibility of nursing home residents. The proposed regulations will no longer allow spouses to refuse to disclose their separate assets. If they do, the only way the nursing home Medicaid applicant (or community spouse) will be allowed to receive Medicaid benefits is if they assign their support rights to the State of Illinois to allow the State to take legal action against the non-disclosing spouse, or, if they can prove that it is an undue hardship.4. Exempt Homestead Property Limited to $500,000 of EquityUnder the proposed rules, a person is not eligible for long term care coverage of the person's equity in homestead property exceeds $500,000. The federal law allows equity of up to $750,000.5. Strict Limitations on AnnuitiesAt application and upon redetermination, a Medicaid applicant/recipient and community spouse must disclose any interest either or both may have in any annuity or similar financial instrument. The disclosure must include a statement that the State of Illinois becomes the remainder beneficiary to the extent of Medicaid paid out. Failure to make this disclosure may result in denial or termination of Medicaid coverage.The purchase of an annuity which does not name the State as a remainder beneficiary will be considered a penalized transfer of assets.

On this day, educational programs are being held in dozens of countries to raise awareness about the growing challenge of this disease. The Alzheimer's Association - Greater Illinois Chapter is pleased to bring together professional and family caregivers to learn about recent advances in science and care.September 21, 2010Check-in 8:00 a.m.Program 8:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.Location:Elk Grove Park DistrictGarden Terrace Room1000 Wellington AveElk Grove Village, ILPhone:847.933.2413Cost:$45 for Professionals$25 Family MembersGroup rates are availableCEUs provided by Oakton Community College and Alexian BrosPresenters:Concetta Forchetti M.D. Ph.D.Jeannine Forrest, RN, PhDMary Ellen Geist, Author and Family CaregiverDr. Concetta Forchetti, both a researcher and clinician, will provide an update on current trends in biomedical research including diagnosis, treatment, and population studies examining risk reduction. Dr. Jeannine Forrest, who manages a research project involving palliative care for people with advanced dementia, will describe best practices and the findings of her current study. Finally, Mary Ellen Geist, author of an acclaimed memoir about caring for her father with Alzheimer’s disease, will talk about her personal journey of caregiving and the power of music and song to connect with those with Alzheimer’s disease.I have had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Forchetti speak. She really knows how to explain the disease with great ease.

Sept 11, 2010 - We had a new location - in lovely Lincoln Park - but our old familiar friend, the rain joined us even though we did not invite it!Once again, the rain did not stop thousands of people from showing up to show their support and to raise some money! So far the walk has raised $564,281.00!! Over half a million dollars!I have included a few photos from the event. I want to give the award for the best Memory Walk Team name to Team Edward below! Wonder if they are vampires? Vampires like rainy days don't they? At least that was one of my take-aways from reading the Twilight Series... anyhow...Next we have a photo of Paula Levy from AP Lifeline and I dancing with a brain - from Marbles, the Brain Store. See, you can have fun in the rain if you set your mind to it!This is a photo of Rachelle Blough and I - Rachelle runs one of the BEST memory programs in the area at Lexington. I used to work with her at Sunrise and I think she is so outrageously good at what she does. Amazing person! Nice taste in hats as well.This is a photo of Melissa Trinidad from St. Joseph's Village in Chicago. Next to her is Susan Scatchell from A-Abiding Care. She had the big job of helping to organize the event. As a person who held that job on the memory walk committee for several years - I can tell you it is quite a responsibility. I think she did an excellent job - organized so many side events to raise money, I could hardly keep up. Great work Susan!And at this point, I was soaked. This was just before the walk started and I had already been there helping to set up since around 6am. I have no idea who this is. But he's cute and I can't imagine having to dry that outfit...Let me know if you have any other fun pictures to share with everyone and I will post them!! Thank you to everyone who came out and participated... See you next year!

This past Labor Day, our very own Kerry Quirin participated in her second half marathon in Oak Brook, IL. Personally, I can barely take my dog for a walk without needing a few breaks along the way so I am very impressed. In fact, this is the second one she has run in. Back in 2008 she participated in a race in Arizona. Running in heat. Wow.Great job Kerry! I know that she is planning on running in another one soon. Here she is a few months before the event stocking up on some carbs for the energy she knew she would need for the race.Sweet people love sweets right? Look at that 'grocery cart' full of cotton candy. If you want to know where you can feast on that, send me a message!In addition to practicing and running for the half marathon, Kerry helped over 25 families find assisted living, memory care or independent living in the western suburbs of Chicago. Kerry has been an advisor with Senior Living Experts for 4 years now and I personally would like to clone her so we could help even more families!Kerry and her husband Mark (who is turning 40 very soon!) live with their three beautiful children in Downer's Grove, IL where Kerry is also active in the PTA.

Free Training - Free Massages - Free Food and More!

Date:  Thursday, October 14, 2010

Time:  10 a.m. to 5 pm.

(Open House format)

Location:  Downtown Chicago (near El train and Bus stops)

11 East Adams Street at State Street, 2nd Floor

Classrooms of the Illinois School of Health Careers

WORKSHOPS:  Receive a "Certificate of Attendance"

Workshops lead by Health School Instructors/R.N.'s

Transfering Skills

Coping with Attachment and Grief

Communicating with Mentally Challenged Patients

Get Hired! Seminar

Caregiverlist Training Tools

Educational Opportunities

Learn more and RSVP:
https://www.caregiverlist.com/CareForTheCaregiverDay.aspx

(RSVP Suggested but not Required)

Caregiverlist has also partnered with the leader in online training,
aQuire Training Solutions to provide a specially designed 10 hour
training program which matches the training requirements for
non-medical caregivers in the state of Illinois.  Just send us an
e-mail if you would like to review for free.  The cost is $50 per
month for unlimited tests with secure password access provided to each
individual caregiver.

E-mail for a free Webinar:  erin@caregiverlist.com

 
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
 
Hosted at Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly
            355 N Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60607
 
Free Seminar

 Presenter:
 Sheila Segal, MFT, Peer Counseling Program Director,
                      WISE and Healthy Aging, Santa Monica, CA



Reservations are required.  Register for this free seminar online or call 312.455.1000
 
Seminar Schedule:

Morning Session:
Professionals will explore the development of brain fitness programming to help the elderly maintain and improve their cognitive abilities.
 
Lunch Break
 
Afternoon Session:
Seminar participants will welcome 25 elders and will be interactive, sharing positive experiences in improving brain health as well as confronting obstacles to learning something new.  There will be an exploration of how these new skills might be utilized to improve quality of life.
 

Dale Carter, from Transition Aging Parents has announced her fall line up of interviews wiht authors and experts in senior living and caregiving.  She will be covering an array of topics that many of our readers will find helpful including helpful resources, insights to caregiving and actionable tools and strategies.

I hope that one or all of these radio interviews will be helpful to you!
 
(Archived recordings of previous interviews can be found at: https://www.transitionagingparents.com/podcasts/)

The live show show can be found at:  https://www.blogtalkradio.com/dalec

October 12th:  Sources of Financial Help for Your Aging Parent

Patricia Grace, founder of AgingWithGrace.com and veteran eldercare advocate, joins Dale to discuss sources of financial help for your parent.  Don't let your parent struggle needlessly when there is untapped financial help.  Tune in.  Call-in questions are welcomed.

October 19th:  Living With Purpose in a Worn Out Body

Missy Buchanan, author, speaker and inspirational force for our older adults, joins me to share how we all can reach out to the older adults in our lives, helping them to share their life's stories and wisdom. 

October 26th: Parent residing in assisted living?  What's My Role as a Caregiver?

So your parent is in Assisted Living.  Do you find yourself confused about how to transition from being a full-time caregiver?  Your parent needs you now more than ever. 

Kim Linder, host of The Caregiver Hour, will share how we can best advocate and care for our parent in an assisted living environment.

Nov 2nd:  Granting Dreams for Elders:  Changing the Perception of Aging

P.K. Beville, founder of Second Wind Dreams, joins us to share her organization's wonderful work of fulfilling dreams for older adults.  "Through the fulfillment of dreams and innovative educational programs, Second Wind Dreams, an international non profit, enhances quality of life for those living in eldercare communities and changes the perception aging." Join P.K. and Dale as they discuss this very important work, and she shares some amazing stories about the people and dreams they have fulfilled.

Nov 16th: Dr. Jamie Huysman  Are You at Risk for Caregiver Compassion Fatigue?

Dr. Jamie Huysman (psychologist, psychiatric social worker, and co-founder of Leeze Gibbons Memory Foundation) joins Dale to share the warning signs and elements of compassion fatigue and care provider burnout.  He'll also explore some solutions and tools in creating your own personal self-care plan.

Nov 30th: Loren Shook and Stephen Winner.  The Silverado Story - A Memory-Care Culture Where Love is Greater than Fear.

Loren Shook, Steve Winner (co-founders of The Silverado and co-authors of this soon-to-be published book (title above) will be with us to discuss the wonderful culture and care at Silverado assisted living communities and their new book.

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month this November, I wanted to let you know about the upcoming ways you can support the Alzheimer’s Association.Casual for a CauseWe are asking supporters to go Casual for a Cause at their workplace to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s. For a week or selected day(s), employees could dress down or wear jeans in exchange for a small donation (usually $5) to the Alzheimer's Association. If you would like to participate, please complete the attached form. Download CFAC Introduction Letter and Registration Form - 11.2010 A complete information packet and promotional support materials will be provided to you.On the BorderOn the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association. Bring in the flyer Download Ontheborderflyer on November 3, 2010 and 10% of your food & beverage purchases will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. Valid at all Chicagoland area On The Border restaurants!Mitzvah MedleyHip Circle Studio in Evanston has chosen the Alzheimer's Association as the beneficiary for their November Mitzvah Medley program. On November 13th, come to Hip Circle Studio and pay what you can for one, two, or three free classes. 100% of proceeds that day will benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Please see flyer Download Mitzvah_medley_flyer for more details, including the classes offered that day.Chicago WolvesIt’s Alzheimer’s Association Night at the Chicago Wolves! Come to the Allstate arena on Saturday, November 20th at 7p.m. to see the Wolves play Houston. $3 from each ticket purchased will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association! See flyer for ticket information and more details. Download Wolves_flyerLife History BooksDuring the months of October and November 2010, Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with Life History Books, a memoir service that conducts relaxed interviews, collects photos, and lays everything into fully-customized, archive-quality keepsake books. Buy any package through November 30, 2010 and mention the code “ALZIllinois” at any time during the interview process and 10% of the sticker price will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Illinois Chapter. This would make a great gift - holidays are just around the corner! See flyer for more details! Download LHB_flyerSpecial thanks to Amanda Bogdanski|Event Specialist| Alzheimer's Association - Greater Illinois Chapter for providing this information. Feel free to contact her if you have any other questions at 847-779-6952

If you’re free on Thursday, December 9th, the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is seeking volunteers to help them collect donations at their Charity Drive at Union Station. We’ll be there from 7:30am to 6pm, so if you could help for a few hours, please let Amanda know!

Amanda Bogdanski|Event Specialist| Alzheimer's Association - Greater Illinois Chapter| 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800| Chicago, IL 60631|847-779-6952|773-444-0930 | amanda.bogdanski (at) alz.org

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is sponsoring a National Memory Screening Day today. Community sites nationwide will offer free, confidential memory screenings and educational materials to the public. Visit their website here to find a place near you!

Flu vaccinations are in plentiful supply this year. Anyone caring for a senior should get a seasonal flu shot and make sure the senior gets immunized too. Keep in mind there is more than one strain of the flu virus. The influenza vaccine is updated every year to include current viruses. The Center for Disease Control shares helpful tips for managing caregiving during the flu season.

via www.caregiverlist.com

I just got over a nasty cold. It wasn't the flu but it certainly set me back. Caregivers can't afford to get sick and of course, seniors are at risk, so I thought I would share this article from Caregiverlist.com that included a way to find places to get a flu vaccine!

I hate being cold. Everyone who knows me knows that. In fact, I have an embarrassing amount of coats and gloves...I am very lucky that way. Unfortunately many seniors in the Chicago area are not so lucky. Here is some information we could all use if we know any seniors who may be suffering in this cold weather we are having.

Consider a respite stay at a Chicago area assisted living this winter

We have received some calls from families asking if it was possible for someone to stay at an assisted living or memory care for a few months. The answer of course is yes! And any time of year it is possible not just in these frigid, icy, slippery winter months... if the community has the space they are more than happy to help.Most respite stays are about a month but we have worked with families that do a 3 month to 6 month respite as well. We have even had seniors and families decide to end the respite and stay in the community once they start making friends and realize the conveniences of the new environment. It really gives them the chance to "try before they buy". But you certainly don't have to stay!Keep Warm and Safe This Winter SeasonBitter cold temperatures are more than an inconvenience; they pose a serious threat to health and safety. The City of Chicago has many services available to help residents weather the winter months.CALL 3-1-1 TO:• Locate a Warming Center near you.• Request a well-being check for someone who may be suffering from extreme weather.• Report inadequate heat in a residential building.• Learn about programs that assist with home heating costs.• Connect to shelter and supportive services.PROTECT YOURSELF AND FAMILY• Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing.• Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors.• Avoid alcoholic beverages.• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: stiff muscles, shivering, puffy or swollen face, cold skin, slow breathing and mental confusion.• Never use an extension cord with a space heater. Ovens should not be used to heat homes.REMEMBER...Check on relatives, neighbors and friends. If you are unable to make contact, call 3-1-1 and request a well-being check.And... LANDLORDS MUST HEAT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TO AT LEAST 68 DEGREES DURING THE DAYAND 66 DEGREES OVERNIGHT. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO RESOLVE A HEATING PROBLEM WITH YOURLANDLORD, CALL 3-1-1.

 Quarterly Safety Corner: Holiday Safety

via www.alzheimers-illinois.org

One doctor after another dismissed her complaints. Until recently, since she was, at age 62, functioning well and having no trouble taking care of herself, that might have been the end of her quest for an explanation.

via www.nytimes.com

Interesting article about those who have been studying the genes and markers that may indicate if one will develop Alzheimer's and the moral dilemma it brings up...

The article is on NY Times, you can click the link to read the whole article. If you are not already a subscriber you can now do so for free!

Congress on Wednesday (12/16/10) passed the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (N.A.P.A.), which would create the National Alzheimer’s Project for the coordination of government efforts in preventing and treating the disease, along with establishing a national strategy for defeating Alzheimer's. President Obama is expected to sign off on the law.The Alzheimer's Foundation of America called the law’s passage a “victory both for families struggling with this disease each day and for organizations striving to make a difference.”“The disease currently afflicts more than five million Americans, and that number is likely to double in the coming years,” said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, in a release. “The passage of this Act will help to ensure we confront this challenge with an aggressive and coordinated national strategy. I look forward to implementing the legislation's provisions swiftly and effectively.”Over the last few years, the Alzheimer's Association has been the leading voice in urging Congress to pass the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA). The National Alzheimer's Project Act will create a coordinated national plan to overcome the Alzheimer's crisis and will ensure the coordination and evaluation of all national efforts in Alzheimer's research, clinical care, institutional, and home- and community-based programs and their outcomes. Alzheimer's advocates were instrumental in moving NAPA through Congress. The Alzheimer's Association's more than 50,000 e-mails, nearly 10,000 phone calls and more than 1,000 advocate meetings led us to the historic legislative victory for the Alzheimer's community.To read more about the chronology and the work that went into helping pass this law, visit the NAPA section of the Alzheimer's Association website here!

I was so happy to find this email in my inbox the other day.  I think it really speaks to not only the need for the service we provide at Senior Living Experts, but the dedication that our team members have to helping.  Thanks Kerry!

We've recently moved my parents into an assisted living facility in the Western Suburbs from their house in Gurnee.  I started the process of looking at facilities way back in September 2009, about 1 1/2 years ago.   It's been a long road to get them moved.  In fact, they were supposed to move into an independent living apartment at another facility last fall.  At the last minute, they changed their mind and decided to stay put.   But with health declining, etc. they finally realized it was time to move to a place that was closer to my brother and also offered assistance.  

I just wanted you to know that Kerry Quirin has been with us the entire time.  When starting to look, I found your website and was directed to Kerry since she's familiar with the geographic area we were looking for.  (My brother is in Downers Grove and wanted my folks close to him if possible.)  I live in Portland, Oregon so had to do a lot over the Internet.  Kerry provided the recommendations for facilities to consider based on our needs.  

During the process which lasted months and months (off and on),  I can't even count the number of emails that have gone back and forth between me and Kerry.  She was tremendously helpful; all her recommendations were good and her insight seemed to provide calm in the midst of a storm!  What also struck me was how darned responsive she was to my inquiries.  No matter weekday or weekend, night or day -- it seemed that when I'd send her an email she'd get back to me within a couple of hours MAX.  And often times these questions required a lengthy, researched response!   My parents' well-being was top of mind for me and it was especially hard working long distance as I did. But Kerry was right there to answer a question or concern.  

I've gone on long enough with my story but I wanted you to know how valuable Kerry has been to my family.  She's a real asset to your organization!

I agree!  Thank You!!

Sit comfortably in your chair and bring your awareness to your breathing. As you inhale, raise your right arm to where it can go comfortably, and as you exhale, slowly lower it down, relaxing the arm and shoulder… Now the other side…

via www.thechicagobridge.org

This is a great article by a local social worker and a yoga instructor on the benefits of yoga for seniors. I love yoga I just wish I could find more motivation to do it!

This event will be presented by Janna Dutton, JD.  I just saw Janna speak - I think it was the morning of the now infamous Blizzard of '11!  She talked about updates to Medicaid and as always I learned a lot.

This presentation is for caregivers.  Janna will answer the fundamental legal questions common to all caregivers including:

- What are the duties and authorities under Power of  

  Attorney for property and healthcare, living trust, and living

  will?

- How can caregivers make financial, personal and medical

  decisions under the law?

- How can the caregiver avoid legal pitfalls?

- What legal options are still available in planning and paying

  for long term care?

- How can caregivers utilize Medicare, Medicaid, long term

  care insurance and personal care contracts to maximize a

  person's quality of life?

This is a FREE event and refreshments will be provided!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

6:00-7:00 PM

Covenant Home of Chicago

2720 West Foster Avenue, Chicago IL 60625

RSVP to Karoline at 773-506-6900