Education

The out-of-pocket cost of caring for an aging parent or spouse averages $5,531 a year, according to the nation's first in-depth study of such expenses, a sum that is more than double previous estimates and more than the average American household spends each year on health care and entertainment combined. In November 2007, National Alliance for Caregiving released its study "The Evercare Study of Family Caregivers - What They Spend, What They Sacrifice."The Evercare/NAC study found that as many as 17 million people, or 51 percent of the 34 million that a 2004 NAC/AARP survey found care for a loved one 50 years or older, are spending on average more than 10 percent of their annual income on caregiving expenses. The Evercare/NAC Study also showed that the most common expenses were household goods, food, and meals. One-third of the respondents said that they have dipped into their own savings to help with care.Keep in mind that I am pretty sure that this study is estimating the cost when the family is providing the actual care. The cost of hiring a caregiver is probably going to be *in addition* to the above expense because you will still have to pay for household goods, food, etc. A private duty caregiver from a reputable agency (not someone who is paid under the table that you have to manage) costs around $15-$25 and hour in the Chicago area. For a live in (who does get to sleep) the range can be $180-$250 a day and up depending on the care needed!

Personal Cost of Caregiving

A note I received from the Caregiver Exchange has this to say about the cost of caregiving in the US:

Evercare and the National Alliance for Caregiving released "Evercare/ NAC Study of Caregivers - What They Spend, What They Sacrifice," the first study to take an in-depth look at the personal financial costs of family caregiving. 

The out-of-pocket cost of caring for an aging parent or spouse averages $5,531 a year, a sum that is more than double previous estimates and more than the average American household spends each year on health care and entertainment combined.

The Evercare/NAC survey found that as many as 17 million people or 51% of the 34 million that a 2004 NAC/AARP survey found care for a loved one 50 years or older are spending on average more than 10 percent of their annual income on caregiving expenses. 

The Evercare/NAC Study also showed that the most common expenses were household goods, food and meals.  One-third of the respondents said that they have dipped into their own savings to help with care.  The full study is available at www.caregiving.org.

This is a short case study about one of our advisors (Kerry) helping a son and a mom who were both moving to Chicago from out of state.  (Names of the clients have been changed of course!)

"John called me one day in the early summer looking for help in finding senior living in the Chicago area. He was relocating back to Chicago from New Jersey and wanted his mom to move out to Chicago as well. She was currently living in a beautiful assisted living near him.  John had very little time to a find a new home for himself and his mom.

We took a day and visited five assisted living communities from the north up to Buffalo Grove and to the south, in the Glen Ellyn area. John decided on a community that day and needed to go back to New Jersey to let his mom look over the brochures and pictures we had collected for her.

It took a few more months to get his own move and mom's move all lined up.

But on November 9th, 2007, John's mom moved into a  beautiful senior living community and John is settled in as well. Our service helped someone who was not in touch with what Chicago had to offer as far as senior living. He also had very limited time. We were able to narrow down his search and tailor our visits to only the communities that would be a good fit for his mom."

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla vitae placerat purus. Vestibulum tristique tristique lorem et volutpat. Proin dolor mauris, porta sed arcu ac, venenatis congue nulla. Cras bibendum auctor magna ullamcorper dictum. Suspendisse ut sem ut lacus ullamcorper fringilla vel a augue. Curabitur consectetur sem ac tellus consectetur vehicula. Fusce auctor dui ut erat mattis, sed aliquam justo faucibus.Nullam placerat laoreet tellus, sed volutpat lectus. Aenean dignissim dui at rutrum volutpat. Phasellus vel tincidunt dolor. Mauris quis dui ornare, bibendum ante gravida, eleifend tortor. Etiam molestie lacinia nulla, sit amet feugiat libero mattis eu. Nam quis purus leo. Nullam sit amet sollicitudin magna. Nullam pretium viverra metus, nec adipiscing eros hendrerit sed. Morbi accumsan nisi nec urna vulputate accumsan vitae vel neque. Morbi bibendum lectus in nibh suscipit, in laoreet arcu venenatis. Vestibulum at bibendum eros.

As you settle in your new community, your old habits will change. You now have a new walking path and the exercise machine from back home won't be around. In order for an individual to remain active, they need to exercise. This is even more important as we age since the muscles and joints start to weaken. To help them stay in shape and remain active at the retirement community that your family placed you in with the help of Senior Living Experts, some form of exercise is required. Of course, as we age, we can no longer perform exercise that we once could. In fact, many find the process itself tedious and difficult since our body isn't as agile as it used to be, mostly in the cold Chicago winters. However, some form of exercise must be done so your muscles and joints don't deteriorate. Which is where chair exercises come in. There is no need for heavy weights or even a caregiver to help you with the exercises. All that is needed is a chair and the following exercises:

Seated Chest Press

3 sets of 10 repetitions A major benefit of the chest press is that it works for three major groups at the same time, your chests, triceps, and shoulders. To perform this exercise you will need a resistance band and a chair:1. Tie the resistance band to the chair. You want to tie it directly behind where you will sit on the chair so when you sit, the band will be at shoulder length to you. Make sure it is securely tied so it doesn't move.2. Sit on the chair, make sure you are far back in it so your back is against the backrest.3. Grab the resistance band, making sure it is at shoulder length and push it forward using your chest and arms. Make sure to keep your abs and legs stable as you do this.4. Bring the band back in towards the chest and repeat.

Seated Knee-Crunch

3 sets of 10 repetitions The core is involved in your everyday activity so you want to make sure you perform exercises that strengthen it. To perform the seated knee-crunch you need to:1. Sit on the chair towards the edge of the chair with your back slightly leaning back with your chest out. Make sure to tighten your back and stomach and place both hands on the side of the chair for stability.2. Raise your legs and lift your knees as far up towards your chest as possible.3. Lower your knees back to the starting position and repeat.

Modified Plank

Planks are another form of exercise that targets the core. To perform a modified plank you need to:1. Stand up facing the chair.2. Place your hands on the seat of the chair with your elbows slightly bent. Now move your feet back until you are positioned diagonally to the chair. You will be in a push-up position with the chair. Make sure to keep your core and back tight and hold yourself in this position for 30 seconds.3. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times.

Tummy Twist

3 sets of 10 repetitions The tummy twist is the final exercise on our list that targets your overall core. To perform the tummy twist you will need a medicine ball and need to:1. Grab the medicine ball and sit comfortably on the chair. You may want to sit at the edge so you have plenty of room to move your arms left and right while you have the medicine ball in between your hands.2. Lift the ball so it rests in your hand at your lower chest and upper abs. Rotate the ball keeping your core tight with your arms to the left and right slowly. One rep is one rotation from left to right.3. Repeat for 10 repetitions.

Chair Squats

3 sets of 10 repetitions Legs are a major part of mobility and therefore there is a need for you to keep them in shape. Chair squats are a simple exercise that you can do to target the legs.1. You can start off by sitting on the chair.2. Place both hands in front of your body, make sure your feet are positioned so they point outward and push up using your hips and upper legs until you are standing.3. Sit back down and repeat.

Knee Extensions

3 sets of 10 repetitions You want to make sure your knees remain agile as you age. Knee problems aren’t just painful but can lead to other serious injuries. So make sure to perform knee extensions to keep your knees mobile.1. Sit on the chair and lean back against the backrest.2. Keep your core tight and have your chest out. Lift the lower part of one of your legs, making sure to start from it being at a 90-degree angle from the floor. Raise it until it is parallel to the floor.3. Lower the leg and do the same with the other. Do 10 repetitions with each leg.

Seated Calf Raise

3 sets of 10 repetitions The calves are an important yet neglected part of the legs. You want to make sure you exercise and target them as they help your legs stay in shape to walk. Seated calf raises are a simple exercise you can do:

1. Sit comfortably on the chair with your legs relaxed. Make sure your feet rest on the ground.
2. With your toes and the front heel slowly raise your legs up. As you do this, make sure that the toes are planted firmly and never leave the ground. You should use your calves as the main source to lift your leg. Do this until you notice your calves have tightened up.
3. Slowly bring your back heel down but don’t touch the ground, right as you are about to touch the ground with your back heel, raise your legs up again.
4. Repeat for 10 repetitions.

It is important that you keep your body active as you age. It may be difficult to lift weights but there are other exercises you can do to ensure your muscles and joints remain active so they don’t cause you pain or get injured.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a conference in California.  Turned out to be very nice, and not just because I got to escape the snow and the cold of Chicago.  I also got to meet a bunch of neat people from all over the country who love seniors and happen to work in the senior living industry like me.

One of the speakers told us about a man named David Solie, who has written a book called "How To Say It To Seniors."  We learned a lot about his views on how to communicate with our parents about tough choices, especially when it comes to senior living.

One thing we learned is that seniors don't want to give up control.  They are losing control of so many things right now and when we bring up losing control over the one thing they may still have control of (their home) the answer is going to be NO!

We also learned about building a legacy with the seniors.  I love doing this when I meet new seniors.  But often times we forget to do this with the seniors in our family. 

I really enjoyed listening to his CD and I just recently visited his website.  He has a great article on their called "Communicating Tough Choices to Aging Parents" that I thought all of us would find extremely helpful.

Once you read that you may want to visit some of his other articles and tips on closing the communication gap.  Enjoy!

Your thyroid is a type of comptroller in the body, a gland that influences other cells, tissues, and organ function. Respite care in the Schaumburg area offers tips to recognize thyroid disease, which can be prevalent among seniors. January is Thyroid Disease Awareness Month and it is the perfect time to see your provider to determine if you are at risk of a thyroid problem. More than 30-million people in this country have a thyroid disorder, but less than half seek medical diagnoses or treatment. It is estimated that thyroid disease is more prevalent than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Do yourself- or someone you love- a favor and have your thyroid tested. Don’t have a provider? Reach out to  Senior Living Experts for comprehensive information pertaining to practitioners and physicians in the area.

What does your thyroid do?

The thyroid is a gland at the base of your neck that acts as a type of comptroller for systems, organs, and cells in the body. The thyroid produces hormones that have an influence on other bodily function, including your heart, brain, and kidney. For this reason, it is integral to have a thyroid gland that is producing the right amounts of hormones to function. Too much production of thyroid hormones is problematic and called hyperthyroidism, while too little production of hormones is hypothyroidism. Both have distinct impacts on your body and can cause varied medical issues.

Thyroid disease impacts the elderly

Hypothyroidism is a condition that mainly impacts women, around four-times more often, generally among women aged 35-60. Hypothyroidism is often a result of Hashimoto’s disease. Hyperthyroidism is frequently caused by Graves Disease and is found in approximately seven-times as many women than men. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to thyroid problems, often following a viral infection of some sort. Older individuals may neglect to report symptoms to their provider or feel that it is part of the normal aging process. In actuality, treatment can improve the way that the individual feels and enhance the overall quality of life for many with thyroid issues.

Respite care in the Schaumburg area offers tips to recognize thyroid disease:

The symptoms of a thyroid issue can look like a lot of different issues, so identifying a problem can be challenging. This ambiguity may be the reason that so many people struggling with thyroid problems go undiagnosed and untreated. The best way to rule out issues is to have your thyroid tested by your provider. Some of the common symptoms of thyroid issues include fatigue, weight-loss or gain, moodiness, and anxiety. Thyroid disease can affect anyone, but women are five times more likely than men to be at risk, and this risk increases with age. Some other signs that something is going on with your thyroid include:

• Constipation.
• Increased vulnerability to cold temperatures.
• Slow heart-rate.
• Muscle cramping.
• Difficulty with hearing.
• More severe menstrual cycles for women; impotence for men.
• Tingling in the extremities.

If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor for a thyroid test and to rule out other medical conditions. A faulty thyroid gland could compromise the overall function of your body’s organs- which includes serious medical compromise and disease.

Your prognosis is good with treatment

Worried about your thyroid? Put your mind at ease with a visit to your doctor. Actually, the prognoses are very good, and treatment is effective when identified and assessed. Many thyroid issues are often treated successfully with medications, though hyperthyroidism and an overactive thyroid may warrant surgery, with the goal of removing part of your thyroid. Typically following treatment, patients can resume their regular lifestyle and activities without restrictions.  The all-important first-step is to have your provider perform a thyroid test for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Talk to your provider about a thyroid test

Don’t be nervous about your thyroid test; these are typically done in your doctor’s office, involving a series of simple blood-draws. Often testing includes a TSH test, which measures the thyroid-stimulating hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and that contributes to the thyroid’s function. When you go to your provider for your test, make sure to provide an accurate medical history and convey the symptoms that you have been experiencing- no matter how insignificant they may seem.Don’t let another day go by wondering if you- or someone you love- has a thyroid issue. Reach out to your practitioner, caregiver, or doctor to schedule thyroid tests to rule-out and diagnose the problem. Don’t have a provider?  Senior Living Experts can help; this user-friendly resource will point patients in the direction of a practitioner to assess, diagnose, and treat a potential problem with your thyroid, which may prevent more-complicated medical issues later on. Thyroid issue-symptoms are difficult to live with and can erode your quality of life; stop suffering and get tested at the first sign of symptoms, or at your next medical appointment.

A new study highlights the effects of Alzheimer’s on family life, further defining the disease and outlining new guidelines for dementia care in the Lincoln Park area.Researchers continuously study the impact and subtleties of aging, including Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately one-in-ten people have Alzheimer’s, which equates to around five-and-a-half million people living with this disease in the US alone. The symptoms and evolution of Alzheimer’s can be a painful one, warranting the treatment of seasoned professionals in the field of dementia. It helps that loved ones and caregivers in the greater Chicago area can reach out online for reviews, rankings, and recommendations when it comes to dementia care.

A new study highlights the effects of Alzheimer’s on Family life:

It is not surprising that an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can put a strain on the family unit; around 40% of dementia caregivers report feeling undervalued and under-appreciated. While 70% of the population worry about becoming a burden on their families in old age, only around 24% of people have made solid financial plans in the event of dementia, or other progressive illness later in life. The stress of caring for someone with dementia can tear a family apart.From diagnosis to dementia care, Alzheimer’s affects loved ones and the entire family unit in many ways:

Family roles

When your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, roles within the family change. Those afflicted may feel excluded from plans or conversations, and they may experience a loss of independence. Many individuals that require dementia care may worry about being a burden on their family as they become more dependent on others. These role changes can lead to withdrawal, confusion, isolation, and resentment- all which can erode the family unit if not addressed through open communication channels.

Emotions

There are waxing and waning emotions surrounding the deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease, both with the patient and the caregivers. Family caregivers may feel guilt, anger and a sense of loss and mourning when coming to terms with their loved one’s diagnosis, and while providing day-to-day dementia care while watching the illness progress:

• Guilt is common among families of those with Alzheimer’s. Guilt related to impatience, not providing better care, or for transitioning loved ones to residential care facilities are some examples. Spouses may feel a sense of guilt for not holding up past commitments to provide care through ‘sickness and health.’
• Anger often comes from frustration and it is easy to become frustrated when providing dementia care. Caregivers may feel angry with others for not helping out more, angry with resources for not stepping up to the plate, angry with their loved one for problematic behaviors, and simply angry that they are being put in the position of caregiver. Those with Alzheimer’s may become frustrated by the confusion and symptoms of the disease, which may manifest in angry outbursts.
• Grief is a natural reaction to loss. With dementia, you lose the person that you once knew as the disease progresses. Those with Alzheimer’s and their partners may grieve a future that is now unlikely.

Responsibilities

Nearly 15-million Americans provide unpaid dementia care to someone they love, which shifts responsibilities in many family units. While caregiving is demanding work that requires attention to self-care, anger and resentment can fester leaving many in the family feeling disenfranchised and estranged. It is not always easy for siblings to provide dementia care for each other, or for parents to accept assistance from their children.

Living situations

There is no universal solution to determining the best living situation for a loved one with dementia. The different stages of the disease and variances in progression may point to the most suitable care options for an individual. Some individuals may be able to live at home longer due to a broad network of support; others may merit residential treatment facilities for safety and security. Whatever the disease brings, be sure to discuss options with family and caregivers. Have conversations about this before the disease has time to rob your loved one of the ability to make informed decisions. This open communication is the kindest thing that anyone can do now, for the loved ones they leave behind later.

Dementia care in the Lincoln Park Area:

While the terms ‘dementia’ and ‘Alzheimer’s’ are often used interchangeably, dementia is defined as an individual that is not able to function on their own due to a lasting mental impairment that affects attention, memory, and ability to reason. Thankfully, there is help available for families living with Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors, therapists, clinicians, case managers, nurses, and caregivers can provide the support network needed to survive the toll of dementia care.Don’t try to take on Alzheimer’s on your own; reach out and review the online information provided by Senior Living Experts to find professionals in your area that can help. The progression of Alzheimer’s disease has a significant impact on caregivers, loved ones, and families. Garner support from professionals and practitioners in your area.

I received this notice today and wanted to share it with anyone who can help!Help Make Alzheimer's the American Express Members ProjectThanks to hundreds of American Express cardholders who are champions for our cause, the Alzheimer's Association has been chosen as one of the top 50 projects in The Members Project, a new initiative from American Express that will award up to $5 million to a project selected by American Express cardholders.Now is your chance to put your VOICE into action again: Vote from now until July 15 to make sure the Cure for Alzheimer’s Project is selected as one of the top 25 projects!TAKE ACTION!All you have to do to cast your vote is visit www.membersproject.com. Users who have already registered can search for CURE for ALZHEIMERS or Project ID 01909.You’ll be directed to the project details page, where you can click “Vote For This Project" at the top of the page. That’s all there is to it!If you haven’t already registered, have your American Express card number ready and go to www.membersproject.com. From there, you’ll be asked a series of questions, and after completing them you’ll be able to vote.Spread the word to make sure we advance to the next round: Forward this blog link to your family, friends and colleagues and ask them to help move the cause forward today by registering and voting for our project.Someone new develops this disease every 72 seconds in the United States alone. A few clicks of your mouse can help us move closer to a world without Alzheimer’s — vote today!

I just found out about this event that is going on this Thursday.  I usually like to give more notice, but it was too good not to post, even at this late date.

The event is called "Helping Families Make Tough Decisions" and the speaker is Dan Kuhn who is a MSW and a LCSW with the Alzheimer's Association.  He speaks and numerous events around Chicagoland on the topics of aging.

This program will address approaches that family members and caregivers take when its time to handle critical decisions such as driving a car, bringing help into the home, assuming control of the loved one's finances, moving to a care facility, and choosing end-of-life options.  Tools and strategies will be offered to enable families to make the best decisions possible and approaching the older adults in positive ways.

When: Thursday, February 15, 2007
Time: 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Performing Arts Center at the Garlands, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, il

Call 847-852-3500 to register.

Photo by furkanfdemir from Pexels

‍

Set your VCR's or Tivo's!  Last month I was interviewed for the cable access TV show, "The Vintage Times."  This show is a monthly cable television program for senior citizens (and those who care for senior citizens.)  It is produced by the Township of Downers Grove in cooperation with the Village of Downers Grove.

I was asked to speak about the different options in senior living, and how to know when its time to make the move.  Betty from Senior Home Sharing (one of our partners) was also there to talk about their unique senior living options.  Hanna is the host of the show and the whole experience was really cool. 

The Vintage Times is show on channel 6 in Downers Grove on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 am.  Our show will air in JULY!!  The program is also shown the following month on COMCAST channel 19 Thursdays at 6pm in 39 communities including: Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Lombard, Lyons, Maywood, Oakbrook, Oak Park, River Forest, Rosemont, Westchester, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge to name a few!

Photo by Askar Abayev from Pexels

‍

May is Healthy Vision Month and we're focusing on healthy eyes for seniors; sharing some interesting facts and information about maintaining healthy eyesight as you age.

Healthy Vision Information

• By 2030 approximately 11.4 million people will have diabetic retinopathy; especially as the numbers of seniors increases.
• Your genes play an important part in being "at risk" for health problems; in particular those who have a family history of glaucoma and/or any other genetic eye diseases should be extra diligent about having regular eye exams.
• Some excellent food choices that can help you reduce your risk of eye disease include dark green leafy vegetables, fish, eggs (the yolk in particular), carrots or any food high in beta-carotene, almonds (studies show that they can be beneficial against age-related macular degeneration -AMD- and cataract), and fruits high in vitamin C (berries, citrus, etc.) are a few of the foods known to help reduce your risk of AMD or cataracts.
• Half of Americans 75 years of age and over have cataracts; many may not only realize they have it in the early stages when it removal is usually more successful.
• Poor eyesight can attribute to increased fall risk in seniors; it's important to reduce your risk of falls and this includes keeping your eyesight in check.
• Low vision is not a part of aging; this means that if you are experiencing low vision symptoms it is from an eye injury (current or former) or eye disease.

Tips for Seniors - Encouraging Healthy Vision

1. Overall Health - Remember that your overall health is relevant to your eye health. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and many others can affect eye health; so it's important to visit your physician regularly and practice healthy lifestyle habits.
2. Sleep Habits Affect Eye Health - Your sleep patterns can affect the health of your eyes and it's common to experience changes in sleep habits as we age. During sleep your eyes perform certain healthy functions like flushing out the irritants and pollutants and exposure to natural light affects your eyes' ability to perform properly; making sleep an important factor to healthy vision and your overall health.
3. Protective Eyewear - It's important to wear protective eyewear (not just your regular glasses) during home improvements, when in the sun, and when using chemicals to garden or clean. Statistics show 44% of eye injuries occur in the home.
4. Know What To Expect - It's important to understand what "normal" is as you age. Eyesight does change, but not all things are normal; the AAO explains what to expect with your eyesight as you age.

Safe surroundings, assistance in everyday living and regular eye exams can all be some of the most important factors in healthy vision and safety for seniors.Photo by simonwijers / PixabayCited Works:American Academy of OphthamologyNational Eye Institute (NEI)

Dutiful Daughters is a free monthly support group for caregivers struggling with the emotional and physical challenges of caring for an elderly parent or spouse while often times balancing the demands of other family members and career. Each month at Sunrise Assisted Living of Lincoln Park, they hold a discussion hosted by their Director of Community Relations, Jennifer Joers and their Reminiscence Coordinator, James Thomson, who has been certified by the Alzheimer's Association to lead support groups.  (I mentioned this group before briefly in my post about Alzheimer's support groups.)  Above is a picture I took of Jim and some of the residents and caregivers at Sunrise from last year's Memory Walk. Each month they have a different topic or theme.  For May, the theme is "Difficult Decisions: Funeral Planning - Planning ahead to honor your parents according to their wishes. "Date:  May 29thTime: 6 - 7 PM Place:  Sunrise of Lincoln Park2710 N. Clark Street, Chicago, ILRSVP to Jennifer at 773/244-0005

‍

Photo by Raychan on Unsplash

Join the Alzheimer's Association on Sunday, August 26 for a special one-day session just for family caregivers. We'll discuss the unique issues that face individuals and families who are adapting to the changing needs of loved one with dementia. Dementia care experts will lead sessions on topics that include accessing appropriate dementia care; communicating with a person with dementia; and creating safe living spaces for a person with dementia. Our opening speaker, Ann Davidson, is the author of multiple books about the 12 years she spent caring for her husband, Julian, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at age 59. Ann will tell their story and describe how together they faced Alzheimer's with a positive outlook.Your$30 registration fee includes a boxed lunch and beverage breaks. Throughout the day you’ll also have an opportunity to browse our exhibit hall, which will host representatives from dozens of Alzheimer and care-related organizations. They will be on hand to answer your questions and give you information about how their services can benefit and support your caregiving duties. Don't miss this opportunity to meet hundreds of other family caregivers who know what you're experiencing - and professionals in the field who can provide helpful tips and guidance. Register today!

‍

Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash

My good friends at the Alzheimer's Association asked me to post this information: The Alzheimer's Association is proud to announce our first annual family forum, to be held Sunday, August 26, 2007 from 10am - 4 pm at the Hyatt McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. The forum will be an incredible opportunity for family members and friends of persons with dementia to come together and discover the resources that are available to them, learn about advances in Alzheimer research, gain knowledge of caregiving practices, and build camaraderie with other families facing this disease. This one day forum includes presentations on scientific research as well as information that will assist family members and friends in coping with the many aspects of the disease. Click on "family forum" above to get more details!  Its a long way off, but if you are coming from out of town its better to plan early.

Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash

Join the Greater Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer's Association for a very fun event on the evening of March 1.During the evening there will be unlimited opportunites to sample wines from different vineyards as well as participate in a silent auction.  I will be there as a volunteer.  Last year was a lot of fun.For all the details (how to register, whats up for auction, where the money goes..) please check out the official Wine and Roses website.

‍

Photo by Edu Carvaho/Pexels.

The following is a list of rights that everyone moving into an assisted living facility should have:

• Privacy
• Control of personal finances
• Retain and have use of personal possessions
• Freedom of religion
• Control of health related services (and freedom to choose their doctors)
• The abilty to organize a resident council
• To be treated with dignity and respect (shouldn't we treat everyone especially seniors with dignity and respect?)
• The freedome to interact freely with others withing the assisted living home and the community

Photo by CDC/Unsplash

Do you know someone who loves to read, but can't anymore because they have lost their eyesight?

The National Library Service (for the Blind and the Physically Handicapped), Library of Congress has a national network of libraries that can send eligible borrowers in the U.S. audio materials via postage-free mail.

In addition to books, they also offer magazines and musical scores. They also provide the playback equipment. Those that are hard of hearing may also be eligible for an amplifier for the head phones!

I have met many seniors that loved to read, but can't enjoy this past time anymore because of macular degeneration or blindness.  So they end up listening to the television all day.  I think this is a great idea, and I actually found out about it when I was reading my copy of AARP magazine.  (Don't all 37 year old's read that?)

For more information, visit their website at www.loc.gov/nls or call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323)

Take Action: Prioritize Senior Living Residents for COVID-19 Response

Argentum, the leading national trade association serving companies that own, operate, and support professionally managed senior living communities, is calling on Congress to take swift action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents and staff of the communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please join us in this effort and send a pre-written letter to your member of Congress and Senators here.

We urge our senators and congressmen to commit to providing these communities with the protective equipment, virus testing, and financial support they will need to continue providing care.

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and their caregivers are working around the clock on the front lines to protect them and keep them out of the hospital. But they need more protective equipment and a lack of testing makes it challenging to stop the virus from spreading. It is critical for communities to be able to test residents and staff. How can NBA players get immediate testing, and senior living residents and workers cannot? They aren't able to see their loved ones and must spend all day in their room, unable to join others for dining or activities. As we look to return to normal, senior living should be prioritized for testing, PPE, and the resources they need to fight the virus and help the community get back to the place our seniors call home.

Restaurants, hotels, airlines, and Airbnb owners have received federal financial support, and they are not caring for the most important people in our lives. Senior living communities need your support to keep providing the exceptional care that is needed now more than ever.I urge you to consider the needs of our most vulnerable and precious- seniors and their caregivers by prioritizing our communities for PPE, testing and federal financial support.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to the senior living industry, as individuals who are at the greatest risk from the virus include people aged over 60 years and those with underlying conditions. Timely access to testing is the most critical component to prevention and response, and we recommend that forthcoming legislative packages provide for adequate supplies to prevent, test for, and respond to any outbreaks, ensure regulations support the ability to care for residents, and that communities have the resources able to maintain operations throughout this pandemic and beyond.

While communities are taking preventive measures against the virus, there is no doubt that support is needed from the federal government to help keep our residents and team members safe. It is imperative that lawmakers hear not only from industry leaders, but from constituents who are most directly affected by this crisis and why Congress must prioritize senior living communities.

‍Please take a moment to send your federal legislators a note on the urgent need to prioritize senior living in the COVID-19 response.