Education

A Senate committee votes tomorrow on new government plan that will provide long term care insurance as a part of the health care overhaul.Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D. Mass) is sponsoring a bill for a voluntary insurance program. This plan would pay a modest daily cash benefit (of at least $50) that people could use toward long term care - be it in home care or nursing home care. Of course, we all know you can't get that care for $50 a day, but I need to read more about it and also find out how high the daily limit would go and at what cost to the individual.Has anyone heard any specifics on this proposed program?

One of our Facebook Fans Gayle, made me aware of a product that can give you piece of mind if you are worried that someone may leave the stove on and cause a fire.This can be used in the home or in an apartment complex or senior living community! The company is called CookStop. Visit their website for detailed information.You can set the stove for use during certain hours of the day (ie: scheduled cooking times) or you can set the stove so the user must push a button to cook longer than set time - ensuring that they are attentive to what is on the stove. This actually wouldn't be a bad product for me. (My husband is always turning the oven off after I cook something.)Oh and you too can become a fan : Senior Living Experts, Inc on Facebook

I enjoy reading many updates from the people I follow.  I try to have some people in eldercare in addition to breaking news, weather and personal hobbies, like SEO, interior design and healthy eating.  (I may even have a random celebrity or two on there...)  I find some of the greatest links to great websites and great articles I may never have found on my own, even if I had the time to search for them

In regards to all things seniors, eldercare & aging here are some of my favorite people to follow:

IvyBean104  - I darling 104 year old woman.  Twitter apparently has no age limit and she has over 22,000 followers!

There are the obvious questions... how much will it cost? How many meals? How does the food taste? These and the other simple questions are very important. But often families fail to ask the HARD questions. (Sometimes they also get swayed by a newer or prettier environment but that is a whole other story...)Here are some probing questions to consider when you tour.* Does the community offer staff 24 hours a day? How much staff and can they perform care & assistance (help with going to the bathroom, or redirecting a wandering resident, or helping administer medication) or are they only there in case of emergencies and then an on call nurse or 911 is notified? What is the procedure if a resident falls in the middle of the night?* How much should you prepare for changes in the cost? Will they have a yearly increase? If so, how much (typical average is 2-5% annually). Do cost increase as care needs increase or are you already paying a flat rate?* What services can they not provide for the resident (see prior post). When would someone need to move due to a physical condition.* What is your procedure if the resident runs low on funds and can no longer afford to stay in the community? Do they have space for Medicaid and if so do they help with the application? If they do not, where do they usually send their residents. (You may want to check that facility out as well.)* What kind of staff training is required & provided? What is the employee turn over rate? Can you meet some of the employees who will be doing the hands on care?* Some others: What happens if the resident can no longer take care of their incontinence issues? What if they constantly fall or try to get up from their wheelchair and fall? What is the procedure for documenting medication? Who do you talk to if there is something wrong with the bill?There are certainly other very important and very tough questions to ask. Please share with our readers any other "tough" questions that should be asked!

Go to the National Center on Elder Abuse's website to learn more and to find out ways that you can help prevent or stop elder abuse.

One of our partners, Sunrise of Naperville is currently partnering with a toddler music class. It would be hard to tell who benefits from this more, the seniors or the children. Music is something that can bring us all together and is something that we share. The seniors help the children and the children bring them joy.One resident was said, "I love coming here; there's hope for the future,"You can read the entire article in the Naperville Sun.*photo by Danielle Gardner, news staff photographer

Just read an article based on a study that tested the cognitive ability of 2,500 people aged 70 to 79 over eight years.They found that 30% of them not only did not see a decline, in some instances they actually improved on tests. To find out what made this 30% special they had to find out what they did and what they had in common. Here is what they found:1. Exercise2. Education3. Not Smoking4. SocializingRead the full article on LiveScience.com

They are currently developing shoes with GPS in them for Alzheimer's patients that wander. This technology will help families and authorities locate someone who has wandered away, a condition of the disease that many experience.It is easier than putting a device on them such as a necklace or a bracelet as they are usually taken off. Because these are embedded in the shoes, they are always on.The shoes are being developed by GTX Corp., which makes miniaturized Global Positioning Satellite tracking and location-transmitting technology, and Aetrex Worldwide, a footwear manufacturer.I can imagine that this would help save someone's life someday, maybe more. For more information check out GPS shoes for Alzheimer's patients.

According to a recent article in the New York Times, the elderly are not as vulnerable to the swine flu as previously thought.  The regular flu is a major concern for the elderly especially in long term care facilities but they have not seen much of an outbreak.

In the article they state: Of 538 confirmed cases of AH1N1 in New York City, only six have occurred among people ages 65 and over.

It goes on to say that "preliminary evidence suggests that many older people may have residualimmunity to the new flu virus because they were exposed to similar H1N1viruses that circulated decades ago, before 1957. If so, that’s greatnews for both the elderly and their caregivers."

While this is great news, everyone should continue to follow precautions and wash their hands.

I received this bulletin last week and knew I had to share it with my fellow Illinois residents who care about seniors.AARP and the Alliance for Home and Community Care oppose the devastating cuts passed by the General Assembly. We are calling on the Governor, Legislative Leadership and all legislators to get back to Springfield and fix this budget before these cuts take effect. These cuts will affect your neighbors, friends, family and maybe even you.COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM• Without additional funds, nearly 26,000 older Illinoisans will be cut off from services that allow them to remain independent. Without these services, many, if not all of them, will be forced to turn to more costly nursing homes for the care they need.ELDER ABUSE• The Elder Abuse Program will be eliminated under the Doomsday Budget.• Thousands of cases are investigated each year. Without someone to help victims of abuse connect to the services they need many will remain in their abusive situation. Elder Abuse workers protect seniors from financial, physical and sexual abuse. All too often, victims die as a result of abuse and neglect if they do not get the assistance they need.CIRCUIT BREAKER PROGRAM• 270,000 older Illinoisans will no longer receive prescription drug and property tax assistance through the circuit breaker program.VETERANS HOMES• Over 1,000 veterans will be kicked out of veterans homes losing critical health care services.DISABILITY SERVICES• 5,000 people with disability services will lose their option to receive services in the community where they remain independent. These services are also much cheaper for the taxpayers of Illinois.STOP THESE CUTS NOWThe people receiving these services along with their family, friends and caregivers are devastated by the budget that passed the General Assembly. It’s time to go back to work and put together a budget that truly serves the people of this State. The people of Illinois deserve more from their elected leaders from both parties.You can make a difference. Contact the Governor at 312-814-2121 and your State Representatives and Senators today at 1-888-616-3322 and tell them to return to the Capitol and pass a budget that truly serves the people of Illinois, especially older adults and persons with disabilities.

In a March, the Alzheimer's Association put out their newest "2009 Facts & Figures." One of the most startling points was that total healthcare costs are more than three times higher for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias than for other people age 65 and older. There is an increased need and usage of hospitals, nursing homes and other health and long-term care services. Families caring for people with Alzheimer's struggle to survive the recession as states deal with budget shortfalls.With family members providing care at home for about 70 percent of people with Alzheimer's, the ripple effects of the disease can be felt throughout the entire family.To read the article and report : New report says Alzheimer's disease and dementia triple healthcare costs for Americans age 65 and older

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

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

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

To register by phone, call 847.933.2413

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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