Education

Saint Joseph Hospital at 2900 N. Lake Shore Drive is hosting a free informative seminar as part of their Resources for Health Living program.

This program is co-sponsored with CJE Senior Life and is designed to help you navigate the system of services available to meet your needs and cope with the stresses of our changing lives.

Tuesday, Feb 17th 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Program is offered in the Boikan Conference Center on the second floor.

Registration required, call 1-877-737-4636

We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress.
- Will Rogers

Brookdale Senior Living, one of the companies Senior Living Experts works with sponsored a event called "Brookdale's Experiences of a Lifetime Program."  Residents were given the opportunity to submit a dream or experience they would like to have fulfilled.

Alfred Bouey, a resident at the Holley Court Terrace in Oak Park won the experience of attending the Inauguration of the first African American president in the history of the U.S.

Mr. Bouey remembers growing up in the south where everything was segregated.  He can recall the days of slavery and this grandparents who were whipped and beaten had the scars to prove it. "When I say Barack Obama come out to make his acceptance speech, I started crying and never stopped.  I still don't believe it to this day that he was elected President of the United States." said Bouey.  "I never dread this day would happen in American history."

Mr. Bouey's history is interesting which is another of the many reasons I love working with seniors.  The history, the stories, the wisdom.  I learned that because Mr. Bouey's mother worked hard, he was able to attend school.  After graduation from high school, he went to Arkansas A & M for Negroes only.  He was then drafted into the Segregated Army.  Because he was one of the only college-educated me there, he quickly moved up the ranks and was promoted to Sargent.

Upon returning to the South after serving in the Army, he found that nothing had changed.  Segregation was still a major fact of life, and there were no jobs for him.

In 1946 with $10 in his pocket, he moved to Chicago - but with no place to go. Then President Truman opened the opportunity for African-Americans to work in the government and Mr. Bouey took and administrative job with the Army Procurement Division.

In 1954 he was part of the first group of African-American men to become Chicago Police Officer.

For Bouey, President-Elect Obama represents "hope".  When Obama was elected, it was not a dream come true because I never dreamt it would happen," said Bouey.  "But I sure 'hoped' it would."  "To see the inauguration of President Obama will be the greatest moment of my life."

How can you not love that story?  Happy Inauguration Day!

It can be difficult to accept that one's parents need assisted living care in order to properly get through the day. While enrolling a parent in a nursing home may be a necessary step in the process, it's also important to ensure that he or she is receiving proper care. Selecting the proper care institution and setting up the right structure for care will ensure that the best possible living conditions for one's parent(s) in a nursing home.

The first step to ensure proper Nursing Home treatment is to choose the right health care provider in the first place. By taking time to do background research on the Nursing Homes in your area, you can save a lot of time in the future. Services such as Consumer Reports provide information about what to expect from various nursing home providers. Unlike hospitals, nursing homes vary widely in terms of their ability to provide basic services, so always inquire whether a given care center can provide the services that your parents need. For many people, Nursing Home costs can be prohibitively expensive, so look for an institution that is covered by Medicare Services to help alleviate the cost burden. You should always visit a care center and request the latest state inspection (Form 2567) to see an objective review of the care center.

After taking time to select what seems to be the best possible institution, there are several steps you can take to ensure that quality of care is up to standards. The most direct way of checking in on care standards is through regular visits at non-standard times–that way you can review the care standards at various times during the day, and you can keep an eye out for any necessary improvements (in terms of care, cleanliness or scheduling.) Always ask you parent(s) directly about the nature of the care, and discuss any possible issues with management in case any issues arise; in fact, scheduling regular meetings with supervisors can provide a constant feedback look to ensure proper care.

Selecting a Nursing Home close to your work or home will make it easier to visit more regularly. In addition to your direct visits, have various members of your family regularly check up on your parent(s), as well as asking important questions in case issues arise. Always have a contingency plan in case the care falls below standards, so that you can move to an alternative care center. If your parent has
serious medical conditions, it is important to take them to regular visits with their family physician so that they can be monitored for progress; if they are not getting their medications regularly or their diet is not sufficient to provide the nutrients they need, a doctor should be able to provide you with feedback that you can relay to the Nursing Home. By selecting a nursing home that is professionally managed with attentive, registered nurses and medical staff, you can provide the best possible environment for long-term care.

This guest post was from Maya Richard.  She writes about high speed internet and can be reached at mayrichard @ gmail (you know the rest)

I will be giving a presentation and the brand new (and very swanky) The Clare at Water Tower on Tuesday evening, February 4th. I will be talking about what to look for if you are considering assisted living and some tips for evaluating them. We will also be joined by and expert in move management who can help explain downsizing and a real estate agent who will provide tips on selling your home.Light food and drink will be served.2/04/09 6 PMThe Clare at Water Tower55 E. Pearson StreetChicago, IL 60611R.S.V.P. by calling (312) 951-5690

The Chicago Lights Center for Life and Learning (CLL) is hosting a Winter Open House

Jan 26, 2009 from 4:00-6:30 pm

Loyola University Museum of Art 820 N. Michigan Ave

RSVP by Jan 16th by calling Patricia at 312-981-3387

Each year the CLL features a wide array of dynamic academic, arts,current events, and exercise and fitness courses, in addition to ourminicourses, excursions, "For Men Only" programs, and socialgatherings.

CLL programming gives all men and women 60 and more an opportunity totry something new in the New Year. From T'ai Chi Chuan and ComputerSkills to an exploration of China or U.S. Domestic and Global Issues,CLL courses appeal to a broad range of interests and busy schedules.

For more information visit the website for the Chicago Lights (part of Fourth Presbyterian Church)

These caregiver support groups meet throughout the city, but there is also a telephonic support group available twice a month so caregivers can call in from home.Free respite is available through the Department of Senior Services.Northeast Regional Center2109 W. Lawrence4th Wednesday of each month10:00 amNorthwest Regional Center3160 N. Milwaukee3rd Monday of each month10:30 amCentral West Regional Center2102 W. Ogden2nd Tuesday of each month1:00 pmSoutheast Regional Center1767 E. 79th St.2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month1:00Southwest Regional Center6117 S. Kedzie1st Saturday of each month1:00Westtown Satellite Center1613 W. Chicago3rd Martes a mensual1:00 pm en EspanolSupport Group by Telephone2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month7:00 pmdial: 1-866-212-0875enter passcode: 932974#share your name with the group!For more information call : 312/744-8580

When the time comes to look for long-term care facilities for your loved ones, there are many different things that you may be looking for. It is not an easy decision; not all care facilities are created equal. If you have decided that the next step for your loved ones involves long-term care, there are a few things you need to look for before you make your decision. Take a look at the following considerations and see if your choices measure up.LocationMany times, this consideration is at the top of the list. Families don’t want to be separated by too much distance, especially in the event of an emergency. Select a facility that is easily accessible and won’t be so far away that it prevents you from being able to visit frequently.Quality of CareFacilities may have varying levels of care provided at any given time. You can find out how many doctors, RNs, and LVNs are on staff at any given time, so that you know what kind of care will be given to your loved ones. Make sure that there is adequate staff to fully care for your loved ones for your peace of mind.SpecializationThis is extremely important, especially if your loved one has a condition like Alzheimer’s. Individuals who suffer from advanced stages of dementia, etc., are going to require more specialized care and a properly trained staff is the first step toward reaching this end. Make sure that the facilities you are considering have programs and the proper care plan outlined for more specific ailments.ActivitiesMany places offer a variety of activities and programs designed to keep those in their care happy and social. Look into what kinds of programs and activities your long-term care facilities do for their residents. You want your loved ones to have a positive experience with people that truly care about them and their well-being.CostOf course, many facilities can be prohibitively expensive, so you will have to explore and weigh out all of your options. Discuss insurance acceptance, grants, and other financial options with the proper representatives at your chosen places.Finding a way to balance all of these considerations may be tough, but not impossible. Stay positive and remember that the goal is to provide quality care for your loved ones to ensure that they are well taken care of.This informative post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of a geriatric nursing. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

Since the new year fell at the end of the week, it has allowed me some extra time to catch up and to try to prepare for another wonderful year of working with seniors.My goal for the blog is to try to find as many positive stories I can about seniors &assisted living. I signed up for some Google alerts which only verify that good news does not make the news. I keep seeing articles about some of the bad things that can happen, but not often enough of the good things.So look forward to some feel good stories for the new year!

Well the obvious one is that I can't wait to retire, but since I have quite a few years before that happens I thought I would share some of my observations.I went to visit my parents (both in their early 60's) who have recently relocated from cold, snowy, dreary Buffalo NY, to what I call a "happy place." After much research on their part they chose to move to "The Villages" in Florida. For those of you who are not familiar, this place has everything and has over 70,000 residents. Its absolutely beautiful and I got to swim outside on Christmas day for the first time ever, but that's beside the point.Here is what I think:1. Sunshine makes a difference - I say this because I thought my parents have actually lost weight since I have seen them last. Why? Because they walk the dog around the neighborhood instead of letting him out the back door into a fenced yard like they used to. And because the weather is nice they walk to their mailbox. (Which round trip is 1.6 miles which I didn't realize until after I agreed to go, I was huffing and puffing..) Not to mention that the days are longer and dreary gloomy winter days lead to depression, or at least (especially in the case of places where the snow is big) you are not trapped in your house.2. You are only as bored as you want to be - I saw so many activities and clubs and golf and swimming and tennis and shopping and working and exercising going on it was unbelievable. If you can't find something to do then you only have yourself to blame. There is even a rollerblading club and the instructor is 85.3. No Falling - Well, you can still fall (anywhere) but when your home has no stairs and there is no ice to slip on outside you are less likely to fall. Do you know how many people I help because the fall and the broken hip set off a chain of events?4. Never underestimate the benifits of socialization - They have already made a bunch of new friends so while they may miss family and old friends, (as if we aren't going to visit there as opposed to Buffalo as much as possible) they certainly are not lacking for people to talk to. Even when you are swimming in the pool, the people you don't know will talk to you. Plus, if you get involved in a club, you are going to find other like minded people who share the same interests. And now mom & dad don't have to depend on each other for someone to talk to. Loneliness = Depression. I really see that up here when people are isolated in their homes and friends have left.5. Attitude is everything - My parents are so excited to be down there and it shows. They were acting like teenagers. Really. I can hardly get them on the phone because they are doing somethingI also had the opportunity to visit with someone I worked with over 10 years ago when I worked at Nordstrom. She and her husband moved down there 3 years ago. When I walked in her door, I thought she looked younger than she did when I last worked with her! Not to mention I found out that she got very sick about a year ago - very sick - but here she was all recovered and better than ever. Now I would never tell you her age, but needless to say I know a few people in Chicago who are younger on paper but certainly not in looks or spirit.I am so very happy that they have made this decision and I know it will add years to there lives and since they are my favorite people, I am very happy about that.(I am going to go check some flights for Feb right now.... its going to be cold here...)

Sunrise is one of my clients, so I was excited to read this story online about a great guy with an even greater attitude about life (at 101!) than many of us.  Check out the article on the Naperville Sun Website.

I just loved this article when I read it because it describes what happens a lot when myself or one of the other advisers from Senior Living Experts helps a family. Moving to assisted living is a difficult, non voluntary, choice to have to make. The fact that her mom is seeing the positives (safety, nearness to daughter, etc.) instead of focusing on all the negatives of leaving her home is what I love most about this honest story.Cindy's article: Change is harder when it's involuntary.

According to a survey conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute, the national average rate for a semi-private room in a nursing home is $191 daily ($69,715 annually.) The average cost for a private nursing home room nationwide is $212 daily.The national average for assisted-living care, the survey found, is $3,031 monthly (or $36,372 annually.) This represents a 2.1 percent increase from last year.The lowest average cost for nursing home care was found in Louisiana, where the cost of a private nursing home room averaged $132 and a semi-private room averaged $127.The state with the highest average nursing home costs was Alaska, where the average cost for a private room is $577 and $566 for a semi-private room.I have found that the nursing home cost in Chicago is about the same asthe national average but the assisted living cost (especially formemory care) tends to run higher.

Santa Needs YOU! Reach out to a Senior this Holiday Season!Home Instead Senior Care, the world's largest provider of non-medical caregiving services, in cooperation with Bridgeview Bank, is sponsoring a community outreach program called, Be a Santa to a Senior. The program is designed to provide gifts and bring smiles to lonely and forgotten seniors. Through this program, thousands of gifts will donated and distributed to seniors in need in the Chicagoland area.We've partnered with hospitals, nursing homes, senior living communities and senior service organizations to gather names of seniors who would not have much of a holiday without your generosity.Ways you Can Help...Donate a gift!Common gifts include: robes, slippers, teddy bears, fragrance or bath gift sets, sweaters, pajamas, candy, or gift cards (e.g. grocery store, drug store). We will have Giving Trees located at several Bridgeview Bank locations, where you can select the senior you want to help, or just contact the Home Instead office and they will provide you with the name of a senior and their wish list. Return gifts no later than December 15th to the Home Instead office or to a Giving Tree location. (NEW items only.)Participate in thier Gift Wrapping Party!Thursday, December 18th, 10:00a (until all gifts are wrapped!)Location: Bridgeview Bank, Broadway & Lawrence (in the Rotunda)Refreshments will be served!For more information, contact Sue Phelan, Owner, Home Instead 4736 N. Marine Dr, Chicago, IL 60640Phone: 773/784-4024sue.phelan@homeinstead.comAlso, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) still has 60 elder names available for those interested in purchasing an LBFE elder a special Christmas gift. Their list is extra long this year with almost 900 names! If you are interested in purchasing an elder a gift please contact Heather Dudzinski at hdudzinski@littlebrotherschicago.org or Christine Bertrand at cbertrand@littlebrotherschicago.org. Gifts ideas are ready, and once purchased the gifts will be wrapped at LBFE and delivered by an LBFE volunteer with a friendly visit.

Join the folks at Belmont Village in Oak Park for an informative presentation and go to your holiday table prepared to talk to your family about the challenges ahead for aging loved ones.They will explore issues of healthcare, personal care, housing and more, and will help you to take the driver’s seat as an enriched and empowered care manager.Wine, hors d’oeuvres, desserts & coffee will be served at this event.Seating is limited, please call (708) 848-7200 to RSVP.Thursday, December 4, 20085:30 p.m. - Holiday Reception6:15 p.m. - PresentationBelmont Village assisted living1035 Madison StreetOak Park, ilPresenter: Cheryl Kuba, Aging Parent SolutionsMs. Kuba is a guest lecturer for the Total Living Network Significant Living Series and is President of the National Speakers Association - Illinois Chapter. She has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and has served in the healthcare industry for 15 years.

Today Nancy and I are heading to Park Ridge to do a presentation about the services that Senior Living Experts provides.  We are excited because we are meeting with some people who work in adult day care (ie: SAINTS) and others who work in rehab (Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy).  These folks get to see many seniors a day and help them to get stronger or more importantly to be SAFER.  And sometimes when being at home is no longer safe, we can help their patients find a new place to call home.  And that's what we love to do!  I can't wait to hear about examples of people that they work with.  Looking forward to the presentation and lunch!

Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman:  'And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?' the reporter asked.  She simply replied, 'No peer pressure.'

Always Remember This:  You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing!!

I meant to post this before the event to advertise it but I forgot, so now I guess I will just tell you that it happened. It was sponsored by Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly and was held yesterday (Nov 10) at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel.The guests, many of whom are from Little Brothers – were donned in their fanciest suits and dresses and spent the afternoon dancing and enjoying themselves.Events like these demonstrate that elders enjoy life as much as everyone else and that age does not need to be a determining factor in the activities people participate in- even spending hours dancing.Here we see Zebedee shows off his moves on the dance floor from last year's prom...that's what I am talking about!

On November 4th, when president elect Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech, he spoke of 106 year old Ann Nixon Cooper. He told the story of her history and what she has lived through and seen. I was lucky enough to witness this speech in person and her story brought tears to my eyes. All I could think of was how lucky I am to work with seniors because each one of them is special, and each one of them has a wonderful story to tell. I hope that his historic moment also puts an greater awareness and respect to the seniors in this country. (And well, I hope he also can help the healthcare system which leaves a lot of seniors out in the cold.. but thats another story.)

On Wednesday night I had the extreme please of listening to Dr. Cheryl Woodson speak about the upcoming "Senior Tsunami". I found it very interesting that if Washington doesn't fix Medicare, then the Boomers are really going to suffer. Apparently Medicare (when it does pay) only pays .40 cents on the dollar. Geriatric doctors whose patients almost always have Medicare can not afford to keep their practices open unless they also except younger patients as well.With the amount of people that will be moving to Medicare in the next few years gets closer, the problem gets bigger.Dr. Woodson recently spoke to the New York Times about this as well and the whole informative article can be found here: When Medicare Falls ShortAside from the Medicare issue, she mentions that caregivers really need to take care of themselves and one of her keys to caregiver survival is: Don't put your head in the sand, Ostriches get their backside shot off all the time. Very true. Here is the link to her other keys to caregiving.Photo courtesy of Funny Ostrich Pictures (gotta love the internet)