group home for elderly

Serving  Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida

The Start of the Information Overload

Everyday I learn something new that I feel needs to be shared with the rest of the world.  It could be about a new support group, a lecture about elder abuse, a free seminar on hospice care or some information about Medicare Part D.  I could not find anything on the web that shared this information so I thought I would start a blog and here we are.

I will try to update this information on a timely basis and include links to more resources and sites during my daily travels in the world of senior living.  And if I go to a great concert, I might tell you about that just for fun.

Please feel free to post comments and share information that you know as well. It could be a real life story that when shared with another caregiver who might be reading will make them feel like they are not alone.  I am open to suggestions and information on additional resources.  Most of them will pertain to the Chicagoland area but some will be universal regardless of where the senior or their family lives.

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How to Talk with Your Aging Parents About Finances

"Don't wait until there's a crisis to gather important information."Recently Crain's Chicago Business published an article about talking to your parents about their finances as it relates to their retirement - and ultimately the care they may need later in life.  The article caught my attention because two people we work with and like to refer families too were quoted in the article which was written by Jane Adler.Amie Hyman from Heartfelt Solutions for Seniors and Kerry Peck from Peck, Bloom LLC both gave some sound advice.  The article contains six simple steps one can take to start the conversation and what to talk about.Know their net worth, create a family answer book, develop a cash flow statement, streamline finances, review monthly bills and understand estate plans.To read the full article follow the link belowhttp://www.chicagobusiness.com/decisions/give-estate-planning-assist.html

kerry and amy

A photo of Kerry with Amie!

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Clare Quirin joins us as the SLE Summer Intern!

We are so excited to welcome Clare Quirin, our SLE Summer Intern. Clare is a talented student at Grand Valley State University majoring in Film and Advertising, and will be helping SLE create meaningful content.

Welcome to the team, Clare!

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Treating Pain in Seniors: Pain Management in the Elderly

Dementia care in Schaumburg recognize treating pain in seniors can be tricky due to communication difficulties and fear. Consult with a geriatric provider for a thorough assessment.It is estimated that there are around 35 million seniors with dementia across the world, and approximately half of these individuals live with chronic pain. Chronic pain causes additional complications, especially for seniors with dementia, and can wreak havoc with medication management. The best approach is to reach out for specialized attention and treatment from those that work with older patients, and that is familiar with the earmarks of an underlying problem. Visit Senior Living Experts to schedule assessments and consults with providers in your area.

Some obstacles in treating pain among seniors with dementia include

  • An inability to verbalize the specific issue, pain, or problem. Aphasia can impede the senior’s verbal communication skills, which makes it difficult to identify.
  • Reluctance to report problems to providers or caregivers. Many seniors prefer to ‘suffer in silence’ and live quietly with the pain or discomfort. Patients will dementia may be suspicious or wary of providers and intervention.
  • Difficulty with memory causes obstacles in treatment and care. Furthermore, this may subsequently lead to a lack of reporting pain to caregivers and physicians.
  • Raised to not complain. For many seniors, reporting pain issues to providers goes against values and belief systems.
  • Fear of losing independence or of an undiagnosed issue. Experiencing pain or suspecting an illness can be scary- especially for older patients; many may believe that needing treatment could comprise autonomy.

Dementia care in Schaumburg recognize treating pain in seniors can be tricky; use these tips to help provide comfort for your loved one

Provide an easy means to measure pain levels

Seniors with dementia are often vague and ambivalent about pain, saying little and frequently unable to convey what they are experiencing. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a concrete and simplified means of expressing pain levels to their providers. This may be done with yes or no questions, careful observation, and a thorough health history from caregivers or family. It is important for these individuals to advocate for the senior and be persistent, and insist on further treatment to find the underlying causes when they believe their loved one is in pain or discomfort.

Watch for signs of problems

Loved ones and caregivers need to learn how to identify signs of pain, in seniors; these supports are in the best position to advocate for their senior since they are familiar with normal behaviors at base-line level of function. Watch for signs such as changes in behavior, constricted facial expressions, and mood swings; some other signs of pain in seniors with dementia include agitation, restlessness, and increased heart-rate. This discomfort and distress may be misinterpreted by providers that are unfamiliar with the senior, leading to inappropriate medications that could bring complications and risks to treatment and care of the patient.

Consult with those that know the senior best

Family in an invaluable resource when attempting to assess and treat seniors with dementia. These informal supports know the senior best, and can identify when something seems awry. Family should be involved and utilized in the treatment of seniors and when attempting to uncover if the patient is in pain, discomfort, or decline. Be wary of any provider or physician who overlooks family meetings or integration when seeing your senior.  Online reviews from previous patients, caregivers, and professionals can often shed light on the most empathetic and effective providers, as well as tease-out any potential issues that they have experienced when under a provider’s care or privy to a loved one’s treatment.

Seek geriatric pain management

Don’t run the risk of a provider without experience working with a geriatric population; visit a geriatric pain management professional for assessment and lab testing to rule out underlying causes of pain and discomfort. These providers will be able to identify and recognize issues specific to the senior, including the added obstacle of dementia, with specialized assessment tools that can help in diagnosing and treating your loved one. Be prepared to attend meetings with this specialist- and encourage caregivers to do the same- and take notes during appointments to ensure you have pertinent information that can make your senior more comfortable.Get past the obstacles of dementia to treat chronic and acute pain with a specialized geriatric provider. Senior Living Experts offers an online resource to assess and identify providers in your area that can navigate the tricky territory of co-occurring conditions in senior patients- including pain issues and dementia. Advocate for your loved one with providers to obtain assessments designed for seniors with dementia; this will help to uncover any underlying issues that could be contributing to your loved one’s discomfort.

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Thinking of Assisted Living? How to Plan for Long-Term Care

Thinking of assisted living? Hinsdale area professionals say you should start long-term care planning now to ensure your wishes are in place later, when you may need some support. No one wants to think about a time when they may not be able to make decisions for themselves, but long-term planning now ensures your wishes are in place later, when you need to make your preferences known. Figuring out options may be difficult, but Senior Living Experts can direct you to resources, providers, and care that makes long-term planning viable, and a lot easier than going it alone.

Thinking of assisted living? Hinsdale area professionals say you should start long-term care planning now:

All too often, seniors overlook long-term care and end-of-life planning which can cause great stress and havoc among survivors. Let your family know what to do if the time comes that you are unable to make your own decisions or convey your wishes. Leaving detailed instructions for family members is one way to ease the burdens of those surviving you.

Have an advanced directive

Advance directives are basically written directions and instructions that convey the individual’s preferences related to medical decision-making, in case the senior is unable to communicate their wishes at the time.  A living will is a type of advance directive that outlines and specifies the medical treatment that the senior prefers in the event they become incapacitated. This is also the time to designate someone else to have medical power of attorney, basically making the decisions on the senior’s behalf. Outlining your wishes in an advance directive, notarized and witnessed, will make difficult times a bit easier and without placing undue burdens and stress on those loved ones left behind.

Plan long-term or nursing care

It is estimated that 70% of the people in this country will require some sort of assisted-living or long-term care during their senior years. Make sure to clarify where you stand on such living situations and where you would like to go if you do need support and assistance later. Also, make sure to communicate a second viable option in the event your first-preference is unable to accommodate your needs at the time. Inform your partner, kids, and friends of where you will be most comfortable, should your needs require that you leave your current living situation.

Plan on some support

Think about how you will preserve the quality of life and maintain independence as you age; will you need extra support? Putting resources aside to cover senior assistance services can help seniors age gracefully and relieve them of burdens that can impact life quality. For instance, senior assistance services will run errands, pick up groceries, drive to appointments, and serve as social engagement- which is all beneficial to the autonomous senior.

Make end-of-life choices now

Though the topic makes many uncomfortable, there is no time like the present to share end-of-life wishes with your family and caregivers. Be cognizant of details, responsibilities, and choices, and document how you would want these addressed. Some end-of-life aspects to consider include:

  • Provision for any children, elderly parents, or disabled adult children.
  • Outline property that you want to be given to family, friends, and beneficiaries.
  • Make funeral arrangements and set up a prepaid funeral trust to cover costs of exactly what you want for your final wishes.
  • Donate money to charities and save on taxation.

There are many other areas to consider when making end-of-life choices now; make sure to consult with an experienced lawyer regarding estate planning issues and to notarize your legal documentation. Laws vary from state-to-state, so an attorney is in the best position to provide guidance on these matters.

Designate an executor

Avoid the hassle and expense of a court-appointed executor after you die by designating an executor of your choice now. The money that these executors cost comes out of your estate- and will ultimately cost your survivors in the long run! By contrast, naming a relative, friend, or neighbor is less costly but make sure that you are designating someone who is reliable, responsible, and willing to fulfill the role when you are deceased. States may assert requirements and restrictions related to executors, so familiarize yourself with the specifics for your jurisdiction. Typically, executors must be over the age of 18 and some regions prohibit felons from serving as executors. Your executor doesn’t necessarily have to live in the same state as you, either. Your estate or probate attorney will be able to provide more information related to these guidelines.Don’t put off planning for your future and the possibility that you may need a little extra support when you age. Senior Living Experts can point you - and your caregivers - in the right direction to find options, resources, and alternatives that come together to fulfill your long-term plans, wishes, and preferences.

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Identity Theft Seminar

When:  Saturday, May 19  11:00am - 12:00 pm

Where: Brighton Gardens of Burr Ridge, 6801 High Grove Boulevard, Burr Ridge, IL  630-920-2900

Office Angie Zucchero, of the Burr Ridge Police Department will be giving a seminar on identity theft.  Learn what it is, why it is so prevalent, how to protech yourself and your loved ones, and what to do if you are victimized.  Handouts will be available and a Question & Answer session will follow.

Refreshments will be provided so don't miss this FREE and informative event!

RSVP to 630-920-2900

Photo by RF Studio/Pexels

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Elder-Care Costs

This morning I was sent a copy of an article that was recently posted in the New York Times.  It is about how the cost of elder care is practically bankrupting the children of seniors.  It mentions that it is thought that our custom is to not take care of our elders, but like the article says, many families are doing so – financially.  Unfortunately many baby boomers may find themselves with no money left over for their retirement let alone long term care.

Download eldercare_costs_deplete_savings_of_a_generation_new_york_times.pdf

Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels


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Certified Dementia Practitioner status earned our advisors!

You may have noticed that Kerry, Nancy & Janet now all have CDP listed after their names. We are very pleased to announce that all three of them have earned the credentials to be Certified Dementia Practitioners!But what is that?It is an earned credential that recognizes the highest standard in Alzheimer’s and Dementia education has been achieved.  The National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioner (NCCDP) establishes the guidelines.   Each CDP completes extensive training in the areas of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  They learn about the key aspects of dementia care including : communication techniques, disruptive behavior intervention, tools for addressing concerns like wandering, aggressive behaviors and poor nutrition.The CDP certification represents that they all received comprehensive knowledge in the area of dementia care, completed the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care course /seminar,  met the NCCDP requirements for CDP certification, applied for the CDP certification and received the CDP certification.Some of the goals of a CDP (according to the NCCDP website) are:

  1. To promote, encourage and enhance the knowledge, skills and practice of all persons who provide care to dementia services.
  2. To set the bar even higher for delivery of services by health care professionals and front line staff who provide care and services to dementia clients.
  3. To access the latest information, news, resources, book and online university regarding dementia care topics.

We thought it was worth pursuing because it would help us expand our knowledge and better communicate solutions to the families we work with every day.  It also helps us recognize best practices in the senior living communities in Chicago that we work with. Continuing education is part of the process, so we can continually stay current with trends, ethics, regulations, medications and new developments that pertain to Dementia. Congratulation to Kerry, Nancy & Janet!

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Senior Living Experts Chicago Founder Featured in Newspaper Article

Lisa Sneddon, Senior Living Experts Chicago Founder, Featured in Newspaper Article

Lisa was featured in the August 8th edition of VoyageChicago, a newspaper which specializes in publishing "Chcago's Most Inspring Stories".

Lisa is shown in the center of the photo above from the article, between Senior Living Expert consultants Kerry Quirin (L) and Nancy Siegel (R)

Shown below is a quote from Lisa in the article:"What sets us apart from our national competition is that we provide the in person tours. We have also been all of these properties many many times. And we usually are very familiar with the people that run them. Some are better than others and we know that even if a property is pretty, if they staff isn’t that great, it’s not going to work. We are way more hands on and personal. I like to say the national company is Walmart and we are Nordstrom. I used to work at Nordstrom many years ago, so I feel like I can say that. Anyone could really start this kind of business if they wanted to, and many people have even bought into franchises to do so. But they don’t always last because they don’t have the patience or the expertise."

You can read the entire article here:Meet Lisa Sneddon of Senior Living Experts

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Alzheimer’s Patient’s Prayer

                       Pray for me I was once like you
Be kind and loving to me that’s how I would have treated you
       Remember I was once someone’s parent or spouse
                 I had a life and a dream for the future
           Speak to me; I can hear you even if I don’t
                    understand what you are saying
  Speak to me of things in my past of which I can still relate
      Be considerate of me, my days are such a struggle
     Think of my feelings because I still have them and
          can feel pain. Treat me with respect because
                    I would have treated you that way
           Think of how I was before I got Alzheimer’s
    I was full of life; I had a life, laughed and loved you
         Think of how I am now, my disease distorts
   my thinking, my feelings, and my ability to respond
            but I still love you even if I can’t tell you
           Think about my future because I used to
Remember I was full of hope for the future just like you are now
    Think how it would be to have things locked in your mind
                                and can’t let them out
I need you to understand and not blame me but Alzheimer’s
       I still need the compassion and the touching and
                  most of all I still need you to love me
Keep me in your prayers because I am between life and death
   The love you give will be a blessing from God and both of
                                    us will live forever
How you live and what you do today will always be remembered
                    in the heart of the Alzheimer’s Patient

© Carolyn Haynali 3/10/00

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How much does it cost to live in ... assisted living?

Lots of people are finding this site because they are doing searches on the cost of assisted living.  You might go to Google and type in "how much does it cost to live in <insert name="" of="" community="" here=""> in <insert name="" of="" town="">."</insert></insert>

I don't know of many senior housing providers that list their pricing on their website.  Some don't list it at all and some resource sites may list price ranges.  But those ranges can be very broad.  The cost is going to depend on the location of the property.  For instance a property in the city of Chicago and a comparable property in Aurora, IL may have a big gap in pricing even if they look the same and provide the same care and are run by the same parent company.  But thats real estate 101 - "location, location, location!" 

Other things to consider is the size of the apartment or suite and the view from the apartment.  You would also want to consider which floor it is on.  They might price a suite on the first floor for more than the same one above it because its desirable to be on the first floor for many seniors. 

And then the level of care comes into play.  Some properties charge for care a la carte and some include care in the monthly rent.  So while some may sound like they will charge less, when you get there and tell them about the assistance your parent needs, you may find out that the all inclusive property is less monthly.

Our company, Senior Living Experts helps you sort through this information.  For free.  We are touring in the local communities all the time and have a really good idea of what the cost of each property is.  We work with most of the leading providers in the area like Sunrise Senior Living, Belmont Village, Senior Lifestyles Corporation (The Breakers, Lincolnwood Place, Autumn Green, etc), Pathways Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living (the Hallmark, the Kenwood, the Meadows, Hawthorne Lakes, the Heritage, Holley Court Terrace, the Devonshire, etc..).  We also work with providers that have only one community in the area like Cordia and the Wealshire/Ponds, Marley Oaks, the Vines at Countryside, The Inn at Willow Falls, St. Pauls House, the Hartwell, Covenant Home, Montgomery Place, King Home, The Birches, Carmalite Carefree Village, Three Crowns Park, Concord Place, the Garlands, the Ivy, Summit Square, Scottish Home, Robin's Nest, Senior Home Sharing, Paradise Park, Washington Square, Emma's House, Bethlehem Woods, St. Andrews, Waterford Estates, Harbor House, and many more. 

Our website does list some ranges for cost to give you an idea, but feel free to call us and ask us about any property in Chicago or the Chicago suburbs.  We can also let you know if your parents care needs would be met at a particular community as well as things like.. do they accept pets?  Do they have memory care

Our toll free number is 877.882.0509.  We would love to help!

Photo by Daria Shevtsova

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5 Benefits of Using Respite Care to Take a Break

Five of the best times to use respite care include post-injury, after a hospital-stay, for short-term rehab, during a crisis, and simply when the primary caregiver needs a break.Respite care is something that can benefit both seniors and caregivers by providing a back-up resource to use during times of crisis or emergency. This typically involves short-term stays in assisted living facilities with the main goal of returning home once convalescence is complete.  Senior Living Experts can help make finding the right respite care easier by providing comprehensive information based on distinct needs, which helps to narrow-down the field and point consumers in the right direction. But what actually warrants respite care?

Five of the best times to use respite care are:

To recover from an accident or injury

Respite care is an option for short term recovery following an accident or injury. Nearly one-fourth of all seniors over the age of 65 take a nasty tumble each year in this country, and over 800,000 are hospitalized for injuries related to their fall. Insurance doesn’t often pay for extended stays in hospital settings, and many seniors may fear returning home too soon. Respite provides a step-down in skilled nursing care, that can be just enough to help the senior recuperate and rehabilitate before going home.

Post-hospitalization recovery

Beyond accidents and falls, seniors may want or need some extra assistance before returning home after any hospital stay. This gives seniors a chance to regain lost strength, rest, and relax. It can also give caregivers the opportunity to prepare for seniors returning home. Whether this be to line up healthcare services or to stock-up on groceries, it can make the transition for seniors and loved ones easier and less-stressful.

Short-term rehabilitation

Respite may be ordered by physicians or surgeons for short-term rehabilitation after a hip or knee replacement. Approximately, seven-million people in the US have had a hip or knee replacement surgery, and it takes time to get back to full-mobility afterward. In fact, a total hip replacement usually takes six-months to recover from, and that is without taking co-occurring medical conditions or risks into account. Respite provides a safe setting for seniors recuperating, without the hazards and temptations to do too much when recovering at home.

Unsafe living conditions

Some reasons to utilize respite care have nothing to do with a medical issue, but rather to provide a safe place to stay when an emergency has made your home unsafe or uninhabitable. This includes homes that lack adequate accommodations for the individual living there. There are also programs that respite workers may be able to network with to improve home conditions and create a safer, healthier environment for the senior.

To provide caregivers a break

Respite also provides a much-needed break for the caregiver. Caregivers need time-away, too, whether for other work, holidays, or simply to recharge their batteries, and it isn’t feasible to leave a senior that is not fully-independent without assistance. Respite is one solution that could be a welcome change for both the caregiver and the senior, when the short-term goal is to return home.

Making the decision to find respite care

Respite care typically involves some period of assisted-living care, which is not something to take lightly. Visit, tour, and research potential facilities and providers before making any definitive arrangements. Interview these professionals to determine if your goals are congruent and if it is a good fit for the respite you are looking for.

Keep these things in mind when contemplating respite care:

  • Engage in open communication about respite care, and involve your loved ones in the discussion.
  • Don’t limit yourself. Look a bit further and wider to find exactly what you need and to ensure comfort and satisfaction throughout the process.
  • Stay organized throughout the process. This includes tracking, documenting, and researching potential elements carefully. After all, it is a big decision.
  • Enlist help and support from others. No person is an island; we all need others from time-to-time. Ask for help and input from other family, friends, neighbors, and ease the burdens that can accompany caregiving.
  • Develop a respite plan. Involve caregivers, providers, and supports like family and friends in a tangible plan that keeps everyone on the same page. This will also identify any potential issues, conflicts, or delays as you work toward returning home.

Do you or someone you love need respite care? Keep these five reasons for respite care in-mind, and look for qualified and caring respite facilities online but make sure to work with the professionals to ensure optimal care. Respite caregivers should be trained and licensed, which is key and what you want when seeking someone to care for your loved one, friend, or client. Senior Living Experts will assess your needs and connect you with competent, caring professionals and the right respite situation for your needs- from the comfort of your own computer!

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Family, Finances, &amp; Feuds

I love this cartoon, click on it to enlarge...Anyways... The Breakers at Edgewater Beach is hosting a free seminar on Wednesday June 27th.The seminar is being presented by Kerry R. Peck  Peck, Bloom, Austriaco & Mitchell, LLC. The graying of America has led to a major growth of family disputes when money and medical treatment are involved.  How to avoid family battles over control of an older adult, even when the person's judgement is being questioned will be discussed.  This seminar will also address various legal problems that occur after death and how to avoid legal attacks of wills and and trusts.

Details: Wednesday, June 27th 1:30 pm The Breakers,5333 N. Sheridan Road

Speaker: Kerry R. Peck

Refreshments will be served and complimentary parking is available. For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Freeman or Jill England at 773.878.5333 by June 21st....seating is limited!

Photo by Anna Shvets/Pexels

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Coping with Alzheimer's

I got an email today from one of my relatives.  He is the primary caregiver for his wife who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's years ago.  The past few months have been especially hard.  He sent us this email about a theory (or understanding) that he found that is helping him cope, so I wanted to pass it on in case it might help anyone else in a similar situation.

An Alzheimer's person has no past; it is forgotten.

They cannot comprehend the future.

They live in the now.

The now can be a short as 10 minutes and as long as 30 minutes.

The window of understanding is limited. Very limited.

This helps me.

Photo: Anna Shvets/Pexels

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How to Help Seniors Learn Basic Computer Skills

SeniorNet Learning Centers offer computer classes specifically designed for adults 50 and older.  It is also a community of seniors teaching seniors to use computers in their homes, libraries or community organizations.Introduction to computers and basic computer skills are taught.  Class participants are introduced to computer hardware, including use of the mouse and basic computer skills such as creating, saving and finding files.  Basics of word processing, spreadsheets and databases are also taught.  There are no tests and no grades!Additional classes cover the Internet, digital cameras and graphics.The Northeast Levy Center (corner of Lawrence and Damen), one of the senior centers run by the City of Chicago Department on Aging is an affiliate and you can take classes there.  The cost is $65.  For more information, call the Levy Center at (312) 744-0784.

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels


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Options for Elderly Housing: Choosing the Right Living Option in Chicago

As you grow older, it becomes increasingly necessary to consider your living options for the later years of your life. There are a number of factors to consider, including your risk for Alzheimer’s or dementia, health problems that might make care more difficult as the years go by, and even your financial options. Ultimately, you need to choose the option that’s right for you, but be prepared to change your choice based on your condition when the day comes that you’re no longer able to care for yourself well enough to remain at home without assistance. Here are some of the most popular senior living options brought to you by Senior Planning services, a NJ-based Medicaid planning company that helps seniors and their families with Medicaid eligibility.

Nursing Home Care

In a nursing home, all of your physical and medical needs are met by the nursing home staff. There is someone on hand all the time to take care of you if something happens. Nursing home care provides the highest level of medical care of any senior living option. This is particularly important if your medical needs have exceeded your ability to live at home or receive care in another facility. You may also consider nursing home care as a temporary option following hospitalization for illness or injury, even if you expect to be able to return to your home later. Nursing homes do put a number of limits on your freedom. Depending on the facility, you may feel that your room is small and cramped or even find yourself sharing a room with a stranger.

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities are typically the step before a nursing home. They allow for a great deal of independence and encourage you to complete anything you’re able to, but they also have staff on hand 24 hours a day to cover your needs. While the medical care is not as extensive as what’s available in a nursing home, at an assisted living facility, you’ll have some help with daily tasks as needed. That includes taking medication and some other minor medical care. assisted living facilities often have common dining areas and recreation areas to allow you to interact with other seniors. In some cases, they may have full apartments, complete with kitchens. In others, they’ll have single rooms and may require you to share a room depending on how much you’re willing or able to pay.

Independent Living

Community living is designed to provide for the needs of senior adults who are still active and part of life, but who are no longer able to keep up with the demands of a large home. These communities typically have easy access to transportation, a recreation center for interactions with others, and smaller homes/ or apartments that are designed to be more convenient and safer for senior citizens. Depending on needs, there may also be access to home health care or help with basic chores.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

CCRCs begin much like community living. As a senior’s needs increase, they’re able to simply move to a higher level of care. This is an excellent choice if you and your spouse will need different levels of care but still want to remain close. CCRCs often require residents to move in and secure a spot when they’re still able to live in an independent living environment, so it’s important to think ahead for this retirement option.

Aging in Place

For many seniors, the idea of moving out of their home is not at all appealing. They prefer the idea of aging in place, simply making modifications to the home in order to allow them to remain there longer. Aging in place may require changes to the existing home: installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, and adding grab bars and walk-in tubs. Home health care options may help with meal delivery, basic cleaning tasks, and even daily care tasks. The initial expense to change the home to make it senior-friendly may be high, and aging in place can be more expensive in the long run. To compare the cost check out this cost of living comparison tool.Ultimately, the choice about where you want to spend the later years of your life is up to you. Whether you’re hoping to live in a managed care community where you’ll be surrounded by other seniors and everything you’ll need to take care of your needs, or prefer the comfort of readily accessible medical care, start planning early and make your needs known to your children and other loved ones. You want to choose the retirement living option that you’re sure will work best for you.  And you will want to start looking sooner rather than later. Senior Living Experts can help answer any questions about any of the communities in the greater Chicagoland area. Feel free to contact us today!

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Are You Missing Out on Benefits That You Deserve?

The National Council on Aging has a website that you can visit that will let you know. They have put together a comprehensive screening tool that allows you to find out about various federal, state and some local benefits for older adults. Their database contains over 1,450 different programs from every state in the US. They say that on average, there are 50-70 programs available to individuals per state.The website can be found here at BenefitsCheckUp. They have a survey online that should take about 20-30 minutes and an additional one that is specific to pharmacy programs. The site also has a list of information you will need to fill out the forms to make the process even quicker.After filling out the form and identifying programs a senior may be eligible to receive, they also provide a description of the programs, local contacts for additional information and materials to help successfully apply for each program.With information on benefits that can help pay for rent, property tax, utilities, meals, prescriptions and more, I think it sounds like 30 minutes well spent!

Photo by Hasan Albari

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Senior Living Experts® Featured in News-Star Article

Headline: "Senior Living Experts Aid In Elder Care Search"

We were honored to be featured in a full-page article in the News-Star newspaper this week, in the April 27 - May 3, 2016 edition, on page 9.  We appreciate all the kind words and compliments and as always we give all the credit to our wonderful Senior Living Expert advisors Kerry Quirin and Nancy Siegel.

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Honoring Our Veterans Daily

Honoring our veterans daily includes providing accessibility- wherever they want to go. Some other ways to pay tribute include assessing needs, providing support, and facilitating autonomy.

Ways that we honor our veterans daily:

Veteran’s Day should serve to bring attention to the unmet needs of this population in society today. While many suffer in silence, their sacrifices for future generations should not be overlooked or ignored. Simple gestures and a support network can mean a lot to a senior that has served.

Accessibility

Doesn’t everyone deserve to get around their home and property safely? Increasing the access of a veteran to his or her home with ramps, lifts, or transport equipment seems like a reasonable accommodation. Check with mobility professionals through online resources for accessibility solutions to suit the individual’s home environment, personal preferences, and needs.

Assessment

Speaking of needs, a thorough assessment of needs can point toward practitioners, services, and support networks that are of great use to a veteran, particularly seniors with mobility needs or medical issues. Completing these initial assessments via an online tool could be the most convenient and discreet approach for those living alone or that have challenges associated with seeking support at a brick-and-mortar office.

Appreciation

Don’t thank a veteran for service with shoddy service provision or products; seek quality care for seniors, whether it be looking for mobility aids and devices or seeking a reputable practitioner in the area. Online networks can make information concise, clear, and convenient to access- from the comfort of home! These data banks can create tangible leads and contact information for whatever services the senior needs while providing tech support as needed along the way.

Attention

Veterans deserve the attention and support of all of us. Their sacrifices deserve a little extra time, effort, and energy, and online resources may reveal some much-needed options and services that can improve these fine folks’ quality of life. While many may not mention their service or laud their achievements, society-as-a-whole should strive to recognize, honor, and celebrate this.

Autonomy

Veterans often crave autonomy and prefer to be self-sufficient, which may prohibit intervention from case managers or caregivers. Seniors can seek out their own services, appointments, and providers online, which preserves their dignity and autonomy, allowing them the freedom to choose what they wish. This also makes support just a computer-key away, which can be reassuring for veterans- and all seniors- who are in dire need of assistance.

Observe Veterans Day this November

Make Veterans Day more meaningful this year; consider the underlying theme and contemplate where you might be without the sacrifices of the US Armed Forces. As mentioned, it is often the simplest things that mean the most to a senior, whether that be a friendly hello or an offer of assistance. Do something for someone that has done something for you and all you love- a veteran.A few things you can do to honor and observe this holiday include:

  • Give a veteran a ride to an appointment or errand. Better yet, take a leisurely drive and check out the scenery!
  • Plant a tree, donate some money, or give back in honor of someone that has served.
  • Spend a few minutes simply talking with an older person, such as a neighbor, coworker, or relative.
  • Display the American flag with pride! According to the American Legion, it is suitable and respectful to hang a flag at full-mast on Veterans Day.
  • Take some time to visit a cemetery or gravesite to clean, clear, and tidy-up in honor of the deceased. Wipe moss from any stone and plant some flowers, if possible; contribute generously to the cemetery associations that take care of veterans’ burial sites for posterity.

You will not always know when a senior is in need and may find that they benefit from some gentle and respectful offers of assistance. Many may also find that the library is a comfortable place to access online resources with support staff close-by, in the event they lack internet access or computer savvy.Create a supportive network for a veteran or senior that you care about with the online ease and access provided by Senior Living Experts. Whether a veteran is looking for a hot meal or a senior needs a ride to her doctor’s appointment, this online resource can provide the clear, concise information needed to preserve and maintain a quality of life throughout the lifespan.

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Who Lives in Assisted Living Facilities

I just read an interesting article.  The information comes for the "2006 Overview of Assisted Living, " published by the National Center for Assisted Living.

  • The average age is 85
  • More than 75% are female
  • Typical resident is an 86 y.o. female who is mobile, but needs assistance with approx 2 activities of daily living. (ADL's)
  • More than 900,000 people nationwide live in assisted living settings
  • The average length of stay is about 27 months.  34% of residents will move to a nursing facility.  30% will pass away.  The remaining will move home or to another location.
  • 86% need help managing their medications
  • 60% moved from a private home or apartment, 12% from a retirement or independent living community, 10% from their children's homes, 9% from another assisted living and 8% from a nursing facility.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

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Discovery

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