Education

Please check out these tips for staying cool in Chicago for the next few days and don't forget to call 311 for a wellness check if there is a senior in your building or neighborhood that you are worried about!The National Weather Service in Chicago expects the hot and humid temperatures to remain in Chicago until Sunday. During this time, high temperatures are expected to remain in the 80s and 90s, including at night. Heat Indices of around 105 degrees are possible each day through Sunday, and an Excessive Heat Warning will be in effect from Wednesday morning through early Friday morning. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) wants to remind everyone to be aware of extreme temperatures and to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat-related emergencies.Everyone is reminded to take the following steps to minimize the impact of hot weather:* Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day.* Avoid going out in the heat during the hottest part of the day.* Prepare for hot weather, especially if participating in or attending outdoor activities.* Public buildings such as Libraries, Park District facilities and Chicago police district headquarters can be used as temporary cooling centers. Call 3-1-1 to receive the address of the nearest temporary cooling center.* Check on the well being of neighbors and relatives who may be susceptible to hot weather conditions. Call 3-1-1 to request a well being check or a ride to a cooling center.* Open fire hydrants are a public safety issue because it drops water pressure in the area and prevents firefighters from being able to use them to fight a fire. The water stream from an open hydrant also creates a potentially hazardous situation for small children, especially when cars are present.* Com Ed has additional crews on stand by to quickly respond to power outages. Customers should call 1-800-EDISON-1 to report outages immediately.The City will continue to work closely with the National Weather Service to monitor local conditions. The City's Emergency Operations Center has not been activated at this point, but we are ready to do so if necessary. For more information, or to sign up for extreme weather alerts, please visit www.AlertChicago.com or view the OEMC's Facebook Page.

All caregivers are welcome to join this support group for those coping with the age-related changes they are seeing in a loved one. Share stories, learn about current caregiving topics, and connect with others in a safe and positive group setting.Date/time: This group meets every other Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Summer dates are June 15 and 29, July 13 and 27, and August 10 and 24.Cost: There is no costClass size: 2 min/20 maxFacilitators: Margaret Hannon and Judi JacobsonLocation: The Living Room of The British Home, 8700 West 31st Street in Brookfield. Please park in the northwest parking lot.Register by: Register at any time by clicking here

Concord Place in Northlake is hosting TWO presentations on the VA Pension with Aid and Attendance this Wednesday - June 8th at both 2:30 & 6:30 pm.Find out if you or a loved one is eligible. Veterans can receive up to $23,388 per year and surviving spouses of veterans can receive up to $12,862 per year. This benefit is a tax free payment made directly to the applicant. Do not miss this presentation!Refreshments will be served..RSVP to 708-562-9000The address is 401 W. Lake St, Northlake IL 60164

Do you have a client, neighbor or friend who is caring for a loved one with memory loss? Or just someone who is just interested in learning more, please pass along the following. This is a free event. 

Aging Grace, Mallinckrodt/Meskill Center & The Mather invite you to join us for a conversation with Joanne Walsh Malleta, Director of Memory Support at Mather Pavilion in Evanston,  to discuss

"The Many Faces of Memory Loss: Navigating the Journey"

- Risks and Definition

- Communication

- Resources

- Creating moments of joy

Wednesday, April 27

10 - 11 AM

Mallinckrodt/Meskill Center

1041 Ridge Road

Wilmette il

(entrance is on the south side of the building)

Joanne Walsh Malleta is a licensed social worker and the Director of Memory Support at Mather Pavilion in Evanston.  Mather Pavilion, ranked one of the best nursing care communities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, provides care for older adults who require skilled nursing care, memory support, and rehabilitation services.   

Aging Grace offers personal assistance to a wide range of seniors, from the most active to those with greater need for many of the non-medical activities that make independent living comfortable. Whether we are overseeing bill pay,  home maintenance and upkeep, scheduling appointments for recreation, or providing genteel companionship to complete other personal projects, we relieve senior's and their families of many non-medical activities to make independent living more comfortable. Our services leave time for seniors and their families to do the things that really matter.

Mallinckrodt/Meskill Center is an active adult program for the Wilmette Park District

April 15th is almost here and I can't believe I forgot to write about this! Every year this is a popular post so I want to make sure I keep you abreast of any tax tips that seniors and caregivers can use and think about before they file their taxes!Since I am not an accountant not a CPA and actually pay one to do my taxes, please do not consider this legal advice. However I searched the web and read quite a few articles on the subject and found some great resources that I am sharing below. If anyone else has any to add please send me a message or comment below.Medical Expenses - many elderly, especially those on fixed incomes may be able to deduct medical expenses on their taxes because the allowable expenses often exceed the 7.5% of adjusted gross income that is required. In addition to the obvious expenses, medical equipment and insurance premiums including long term care insurance may be able to be deducted. You can find allowable deductions on the IRS website for publication 502Is assisted living Tax Deductible? - in some cases an assisted living will often report the "medical" as opposed to room & board expenses at the end of the year. Contact the executive director of the community to find out more.Is In Home Care Tax Deductible? - very tricky. If home care aid is providing medical services such as administering medication, help with bathing etc, the cost is probably tax deductible, see the above publication. But it gets tricky if you are paying a caregiver directly as opposed to a licensed agency. If the caregiver is your employee - in regards to taxes you need to make sure you withholding their taxes and matching their contributions.Tax Deductions & Credits - those 65 and older may qualify for a special credit as long as their incomes don’t exceed certain thresholds, which vary by filing status. Be sure to consult the I.R.S. Web site for form 524.Taxable Social Security - to find out more consult this worksheet A Quick Way To Check if Your Benefits May Be Taxable on the IRS website. This usually applies to seniors that have a lot of additional income in addition to their social security.Please Help Me! - The AARP has set up Tax-Aide which offers free assistance for federal and state returns. There is a great article about Tax-Aide on the AARP website and you can also find links to local volunteers.

The Hallmark of Chicago hosting a CEU presentation for nurses, social workers and other health care professionals.

Please join them as their presenters, Kerry R. Peck, Managing Partner of Peck Bloom, LLC and Lori Lomahan, LCSW, MA CEO of Lifecare Innovations revisit well-known cases, such as Terri Schiavo, from a legal and clinical perspective to analyze the ethical dilemmas health care workers encounter when dealing with an end-of-life patient.

4:00-4:45 - Networking and Appetizers

5:00-7:00 - CE Presentation

April 20, 2001

The Hallmark of Chicago

2960 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago 60657

Free Parking available

RSVP to Colleen McGuire at cmcguire1@brookdaleliving.com or call her at 773-404-7898

This is a Free CEU/CNE credit 1.75 CNE for nurses and 2 CEU for social workers.  Rush University College of Nursing is providing the CEU/CNEs

Searching for assisted living is one of those things many people do not plan for.  And usually they have to make the decision with little time to research.  They may also have feelings of guilt and stress.

However if you have done this before you know you are not alone.  But some of us have just started the search and need to know what worked for you and what your experience was like, good or bad.  If you have a story that you would like to share, please contact me I would love to post it on the blog for others to learn from!

Earlier this week I was sent this email and I thought it was important to get this information out to as many people as possible.Below are web-sites that provide information on Veterans benefits and how to file/ask for them. Accordingly, there are many sites that explain how to obtain books, military/medical records, information and how to appeal a denied claim with the VA. Please pass this information on to every Veteran you know. Nearly 100% of this information is free and available for all veterans, the only catch is: you have to ask for it, because they won't tell you about a specific benefit unless you ask for it. You need to know what questions to ask so the right doors open for you and then be ready to have an advocate who is willing to work with and for you, stay in the process, and press for your rights and your best interests.AppealsBoard of Veteran's AppealsCARES CommissionCARES Draft National PlanCenter for Minority VeteransCenter for Veterans EnterpriseCenter for Women VeteransClarification on the changes in VA healthcare for Gulf War VeteransClassified Records - American Gulf War Veterans AssocCompensation for Disabilities Associated with the Gulf War ServiceCompensation Rate Tables, 12-1-03Department of Veterans Affairs Home PageDirectory of Veterans Service OrganizationsDisability Examination Worksheets IndexDue ProcessDuty to AssistElectronic Code of Federal RegulationsEmergency, Non-emergency, and Fee Basis CareEnvironmental AgentsEnvironmental Agents M10Establishing Combat Veteran EligibilityEVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR GULF WAR AND IRAQI FREEDOM VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) - link 1 and link 2See also, Depleted Uranium Fact SheetEVALUATION PROTOCOL FOR NON-GULF WAR VETERANS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO DEPLETED URANIUM (DU) - linkFee Basis, PRIORITY FOR OUTPATIENT MEDICAL SERVICES AND INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE - link 1 , link 2 and link 3Forms and Records RequestGeneral Compensation ProvisionsGeriatrics and Extended CareGuideline for Chronic Pain and Fatigue MUS-CPGGuide to Gulf War Veteran's HealthGulf War Subject IndexGulf War Veteran's Illnesses Q&AsHearingsHomeless VeteransHSR&D HomeIndex to Disability Examination Worksheets C&P examsIonizing RadiationIraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom Veterans VBAM 10 for spouses and childrenM10 Part III Change 1M21-1 Table of ContentsMental Disorders, Schedule of RatingsMental Health Program GuidelinesMental Illness Research, Education and Clinical CentersMS (Multiple Sclerosis) Centers of ExcellenceMy Health e VetNASDVA.COMNational Association of State DirectorsNational Center for Health Promotion and Disease PreventionNeurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, Schedule of Ratings - link 1 and link 2OMI (Office of Medical Inspector) Online VA Form 10-10EZParkinson's Disease and Related Neurodegenerative Disorders - link 1 and link 2Peacetime Disability Compensation Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death - link 1 and link 2Persian Gulf Registry This program is now referred to as Gulf War Registry Program (to include Operation Iraqi Freedom) as of March 7, 2005Persian Gulf Registry Referral CentersPersian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research 1999, Annual Report To CongressPersian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Research Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnessesh 2002, Annual Report To CongressPhase I PGRPhase II PGRPolicy Manual IndexPower of Attorney Project 112 (Including Project SHAD)Prosthetics EligibilityPublic Health and Environmental Hazards Home PagePublic Health/SARS Publications ManualsPublications and ReportsRecords Center and Vault HomepageRecords Center and Vault Site MapREQUEST FOR AND CONSENT TO RELEASE OF INFORMATION FROM CLAIMANT'S RECORDSResearch Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses April 11, 2002Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans IllnessesResearch and DevelopmentSurvivor's and Dependents' Educational AssistanceTitle 38 Index Parts 0-17Part 18Title 38 Part 3 Adjudication Subpart A "Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity CompensationTitle 38 Pensions, Bonuses & Veterans Relief (also  § 3.317 Compensation for certain disabilities due to undiagnosed illnesses found here)Title 38 PART 4--SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart B--DISABILITY RATINGSTitle 38§ 4.16 Total disability ratings for compensation based on unemployability of the individual. PART A "SCHEDULE FOR RATING DISABILITIES Subpart à "General Policy in RatingU.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans ClaimsVA Best Practice Manual for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)VA Fact SheetVA Health Care EligibilityVA INSTITUTING GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTION (GAF)VA Life Insurance Handbook Â" Chapter 3VA Loan Lending Limits and Jumbo LoansVA MS ResearchVA National Hepatitis C ProgramVA Office of Research and DevelopmentVA Trainee Pocket Card on Gulf WarVA WMD EMSHGVA WRIISC-DCVAOIG Hotline Telephone Number and AddressVet Center Eligibility - Readjustment Counseling ServiceVeterans Benefits Administration Main Web PageVeterans Legal and Benefits InformationVHA Forms, Publications, ManualsVHA Public Health Strategic Health Care Group Home Page VHI Guide to Gulf War Veterans  (tm) HealthVocational RehabilitationVocational Rehabilitation SubsistenceVONAPP online WARMS - 38 CFR Book CWartime Disability CompensationWar-Related Illness and Injury Study Center - New JerseyWelcome to the GI Bill Web SiteWhat VA Social Workers DoWRIISC Patient Eligibility

Recently I have been at work on a comprehensive guide to choosing assisted living with another senior living advisor, Jackie Wargo in Scottsdale Arizona.  It has been a lot of work and we still have a lot more to get done but in the meantime we are offering a free download of part 1 which is called:  "3 Biggest mistakes adults make when choosing assisted living for their parent or a loved one"

If you would like a copy for yourself just fill out the form below.  I am going to try to also put this form on the side of the blog so it is always available!

If for some reason the form is not showing up in this actual post please look to the side of the blog or send me a message or a comment and I will personally send you the link!

Recently the The Society of Certified Senior Advisors published a new about the new health care reform bill and its affect on our seniors.

This guide was created in order to answer some of the most often-asked questions about the new health care reform bill, titled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law last t year. Each year the bill is slated to roll out new provisions that affect individuals, businesses, insurance companies, health care providers, and the government.

While it is possible that the bill will be modified over the years, whether by lawmakers or by the courts, it is important to understand the approaching provisions and what they mean now. The topics covered within include:

• How will my Medicare benefits change?
• What happens to my Medicare Part D coverage?
• How are my income taxes affected?
• What new assistance is available for long-term care?
• How are seniors protected against abuse under health care reform?
• Is there a timeline for when all of these take effect?
• Where can I go for more information?

To get your free copy of the guide please visit www.csa.us/SeniorsHealthCareReform

Just received this in my email and thought I would share it on the blog for anyone who is looking for information and a local resource for Parkinson's disease.  My grandfather had Parkinson's - and that was one of the only things I remember about him as he passed away (not from Parkinson's) in 1975. 

Thank you to Diane B. Breslow, MSW, LCSW, Center Coordinator/Clinic Social Worker for passing along the newsletter to me.

Update**** I could not get the PDF to attach so if you would like a copy I can email it to you!  Just make a comment below (any comment will do) and I will have your email address to send it to!  I am going to try one more time though***

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

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

- What are the duties and authorities under Power of  

  Attorney for property and healthcare, living trust, and living

  will?

- How can caregivers make financial, personal and medical

  decisions under the law?

- How can the caregiver avoid legal pitfalls?

- What legal options are still available in planning and paying

  for long term care?

- How can caregivers utilize Medicare, Medicaid, long term

  care insurance and personal care contracts to maximize a

  person's quality of life?

This is a FREE event and refreshments will be provided!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

6:00-7:00 PM

Covenant Home of Chicago

2720 West Foster Avenue, Chicago IL 60625

RSVP to Karoline at 773-506-6900

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

via www.thechicagobridge.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

I agree!  Thank You!!

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

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

via www.nytimes.com

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

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

 Quarterly Safety Corner: Holiday Safety

via www.alzheimers-illinois.org

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

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

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

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

via www.caregiverlist.com

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

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