BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

Health Checkups

As a person ages there are essential checkups for the elderly that should not be ignored.  In fact health checkups become more important than ever.  As you age your body starts breaking down just from aging.  It is very important that your health is monitored to be able to function as easily as you can.

Dr. Richard Besser, ABC’s Senior Health and Medical Editor, reported recently that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.  Of the 50,000 people who die each year, it’s estimated that 20,000 lives could have been saved. As astonishing as that sounds, a colonoscopy is the only test that can detect and simultaneously remove precancerous polyps at the same time.

Eliminate Worry

It’s recommended that your first colonoscopy be performed at age 50.  If there are no problems, followup is typically in another 10 years.  And every two years, for the elderly.

My Story

Just this week, my husband and I found ourselves at this juncture — facing our ten year anniversary and the essential need for another colonoscopy.  I can not tell you that I was delighted by the need for this health checkup.  I gauged each life event — my son’s wedding, the birth of my granddaughter all with the realization of how much time remained between me and my next colonoscopy.  The test itself is not a non-event.  It’s the preparation for the test which may turn you off.  But,  what does an overnight of bathroom running gain us?  In one word — our health and maybe even our life.

As it turned out, my husband’s test was perfect.  But, in my case, Dr. Robert Atkins found two polyps.  These polyps were removed at the time of the test and then whisked to the lab for a biopsy.  The good news is no cancer.  I will return in five years and instead of my unrealistic whining, this essential health checkup is my turn for better senior care for me.

Now it’s Your Turn

Caring for your aging parents is one of life’s toughest jobs.  Getting a colonoscopy is rather easy — and can save your life.  Are you willing to save your own life?  Schedule your colonoscopy today.  You’ll be one step closer in taking care of your senior years.

BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

Part 4 of Senior, Annabelle’s Travel Trip

A Senior’s Dream Trip Fulfilled with Better Senior Care

“It was beautiful!  I had a wonderful time!” –  Friends and colleagues gathered around her in the park setting close to the ocean’s melodic sounds, Annabelle took her place among her peers.  Colleagues traveled from far and wide to participate in a reunion of  New York’s Newsday journalists.

“They remembered me and said nice things to me,” Annabelle remarked.  “I had two parties during my stay.”

Many seniors live their lives staying put, but not Annabelle Kerins.  This senior’s dream trip was packed with the essentials for better senior care.   Annabelle decided when to visit friends, where to dine and how to relax — the home care and travel details was left to Elder Connections.  And if you’ve been following – this senior will not allow Parkinson’s disease to impede her wish to experience a life of being autonomous and independent.

Your Connection for Better Senior Care

As your Geriatric Care Mangers, we’ll coordinate, provide and obtain the elder care resources necessary to make senior dreams happen.   But, our real work inspires something more for you and your aging parent  – and that’s better senior care.  Are you ready to take your steps with us?  Download your Plan Kit for Better Senior Care.

BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

Defining Better Senior Care

Caring for your aging parent or senior can be one of life’s hardest challenges and also truly most fulfilling.   That’s exactly what our Elder Connections caregivers and van driver discovered while traveling with senior — Annabelle.  For them better senior care is making this senior’s travel dreams come true.

Reunion of Relationships

Annabelle, a former entertainment journalist received a rousing reception when she entered the doors of Newsday.  She was greeted by journalists to a buffet lunch — an event filled with memories.  Even her Elder Connections caregivers and driver were moved by this outpouring of love.  In the face of life’s challenges, the heart of human relationships is the fundamental building block of our humanity.  Annabelle’s body may be effected by Parkinson’s disease, but it can not deter the power of this senior’s life celebration.

This evening’s Reunion will find Allebelle escorted by her three new amigos.  Her caregivers are by her side, helping to transfer, dress her in new clothes, and prepare for the evening — including transportation by her chauffeur.

Is your aging parent in need of better senior care?  Learn from Annabelle, life is for living — and living is one step in defining better senior care. 

What’s next for you and your senior?

  BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie,  MS, CMC
  President Elder Connections

Making Senior Dreams Come True — Part 2

Late this afternoon, Annabelle and her Elder Connections entourage arrived at the Port Jefferson Health Care Center.   This isn’t your typical hotel or vacation resort, instead our senior’s travel destination is a short-term sub-acute medical care facility.   A perfect fit for providing better senior care for a traveling senior.

Bed and Meds 

In a conversation with the Health Care Center’s director, I was told that she informed the nurses that their job with Annabelle was “a bed and meds.”  Typical elder care would require an evaluation and a mandatory “in- facility” stay.

Recreating Better Senior Travel

But, Annabelle Kerins does not fit Port Jefferson’s business as usual protocol.  This woman, who is grappling with debilitating Parkinson’s disease, is creating her own life and travel agenda.   With the assistance of her Elder Connections caregivers, Annabelle enjoys dining out with friends and leading her van chauffeur to new travel spots.

Travels for Better Senior Care

The news of our senior traveling is delighting the hearts of everyone Annabelle touches — including her Geriatric Care Manager, too.  The dream is beginning to play out as planned — and I can exhale.  Does your senior have a plan? 

  BY:  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
  President Elder Connections

——————————————————————————————————————————.

Geriatric Care Managers often enter the scene when an elderly client and their family are facing a life crisis.  Imagine my delight when I received a call from an elder law attorney’s office acting on behalf of his client.  The request was simple — arrange for Annabelle to attend a reunion of her former co-workers in New York.

Life Lessons to Learn

Annabelle Kerins, 65 years old, is a retired entertainment journalist who worked for Newsday in Long Island, New York.  She has always been an “event junkie” and an avid world traveler.  Annabelle is vehement about not letting Parkinson’s disease get in the way of her living this dream.  A lesson taught to all of us.

Live Fully -  no matter what

My assignment was to make it possible for Annabelle to attend her reunion.  Parkinson’s disease is a wicked adversary when it comes to traveling.  As the disease advances, mobility is marginal and the need for care escalates.  Confined to a wheelchair and dependent upon others, Annabelle requires support, nursing home lodging, a wheelchair van, a driver, equipment and the love of family and friends supporting her in New York and Pennsylvania.                                                                                                                                                        ————————————-l;——————————————————————————————–.

Senior Travel Dreams become Reality                                          

Although she receives the care of others, Annabelle Kerins also contributes priceless gifts of her own.  She inspires others to look beyond physical limitations.  Parkinson’s disease does not get in the way of her determination and commitment to living her life.  This reunion became a life mission for both of us.  What dreams are you aspiring to?  Better Senior Care begins with dreams, plans and action — let us help you.

Caregiver’s Resource for Better Senior Care Supports Springfield Residences.

Springfield Residences is a beautiful 104 apartment Independent and Assisted Living Lifestyles located on a serene, secluded eleven acre campus in historic Montgomery County.  Springfield Residences offers spacious studio, one and two bedroom apartments, many equipped with kitchenettes and balconies.  Our residents maintain their independence and community involvement while knowing that security and nursing personnel are available 24 hours a day.

Providing Professional Elder Care

The staff of Springfield Residences combines compassion and affection with state of the art nursing care and the tools necessary to live a full and active lifestyle.  We offer activities and entertainment that provide mental stimulation and opportunities to form deep and lasting friendships.  Whether it is scheduling a doctor’s appointment, administering medication or providing transportation to the local drug store, we are committed to making sure that every need is addressed.

Choosing the Right Retirement Community

Springfield Residences understands that choosing the right retirement community is not an easy decision.  We welcome the opportunity to ease some of that difficulty and provide a warm, friendly environment that is easy to call home.  Whether you are completely independent or need assistance throughout the day, Springfield Residences offers you the ability to lead the life you want to live.

Springfield Residences
551 E. Evergreen Ave.
Wyndmoor, PA   19038

215.233.6308

BY:Beverly Bernstein Joie,  MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

Guns in the way of the Frail Elderly

They are an elderly married couple in their eighties who are both grappling with the effects of dementia.  The senior man has always prided himself on being a gun collector and hunter.  One day, Elder Connections got a call that he had attacked is wife with a knife.  A scuffle occurred and this senior man ended up in the hospital emergency room.

When their out of town adult daughter tried to help, she was blasted as someone trying to take their money.  This was far from the truth.  Because, this elderly man continued to taunt his adult children by phone with threats and accusations.

Through a legal process, guardians were appointed because the elderly couple was incompetent to manage their own financial or medical affairs.  What we didn’t know — there were eight guns residing in their home.

Alarming Number of Seniors Own Guns

According to the 2004 National Firearms Survey, more than a quarter of people over the age of sixty-five own guns.  Guns are a symbol of independence and individualism for many Americans.  Yet, they expose those who are cognitively impaired to danger to themselves and others.   With that, families have yet another dilemma of substantial consequence to address besides taking the keys to the car away.  Is this true for you?

5 Tips to Help You Approach the issue of Guns

• Use the rules of most home care agencies to inform parents that no caregiver will enter a home with guns.
• Inform them that those in assisted care and nursing homes can not bring their guns with them.
• Store heirloom guns (without bullets) with you and allow them to see them upon request.
• The law is typically of little help in this situation.  Families must rely on themselves to address this issue.
• The police can not intervene without a guardianship in place until after an incident.

Your Next Steps for Better Senior Care

• Start with a dialogue about gun ownership immediately after a dementia diagnosis is made.
• Respect the meaning that guns may have for a senior.
• Do not expect immediate compliance.
• Guardianships are the last choice, but should be considered when a parent is diagnosed with advancing dementia and displays behavior that is a clear danger to themselves or others.

How Elder Connections Can Help You

As a  Geriatric Care Manager, I assist families who are facing difficult situations similar to this one.  Our professional relationship will help you explore new solutions, support and a plan for better senior care  – it starts with your first consultation.  Caring for your aging parent is not easy — don’t let guns get in your way.

Home Care Coordinator Goes the Extra Mile for Better Senior Care

When prospective clients contact Elder Connections for the first time, Joanne Collier and Shareese Robinson are the first people prospective clients connect to on the other end of the phone line.  These women also staff our home care cases and field concerns when families feel that the caregiver provided is not a match.

Recently, Shareese spoke to one senior, she felt her dismay.  She understood that a change in care was needed and our blind client was fearful about keeping her current caregiver and equally fearful about an unknown individual.  She also knew that a phone call was not sufficient to address her concerns.

Home Care Coordinator Takes Action

Shareese knew what to do.  She identified the perfect caregiver for this special needs client.  She even arranged to transport the caregiver candidate to visit with our senior client – twenty miles away. 

Shareese sat with this woman, holding her hand and allowing her to know all about the new replacement of care — all on her own terms.  She assured the family that they could count on her to make things right. 

Home Care Coordinator Champion for Elder Care

Days later, Shareese Robinson – home care coordinator was moved to tears when a beautiful flower arrangement arrived at the office.  The flowers were sent by our senior client and her daughter.  Attached with a note — they thanked Shareese for her caring concern and that they valued how much meeting her meant to them.  Shareese will leave no stone unturned in her efforts to provide better senior care and they knew it!

Isn’t time you receive better senior care for you aging parent?  Elder Connections is ready to assist — call today!

BY  Beverly Bernstein Joie,  MS, CMC
President Elder Connections

Providing Solutions for Better Senior Care
in the Philadelphia Region

Ambassadors for Caregiving

Gail Sheehy’s superb new book recently hit the shelves:  Passages In Caregiving.   Caring for a loved one with a chronic illness – a parent, partner, sibling or child – is a role no one aspires to but many of us will take on.   Gail Sheehy writes that someone is serving as an unpaid family caregiver in almost one-third of American households.  It’s a job that lasts an average of five years. 

You Can’t Do It Alone

In Sheehy’s book, she outlines practical advice, information and resources for caregivers to help them along the journey.  She is an advocate for geriatric care managers and self-care to the caregiver’s wellbeing.  She believes geriatric care managers serve as your beacons — lighting your path.  Whether you are faced with decisions concerning pallative care, hospice, options for homecare, stages of Alzheimer’s or end-of-life care — you don’t have to do it alone.   Is your passage leading you towards better senior care? 

  BY  Dolores Tracey  Magid, M.Ed., CMC
 Vice President, Elder Connections

 Talking with Gail Sheehy about her personal caregiver’s experience after her lecture.
 Philadelphia, PA — 6/7/10. 

Charting the Conversation for Caregivers

Caregivers are faced with many challenges.  One of the most stressful for many families is the end-of-life care conversation.  Yet, without this conversation you invite vulnerability and lack of control when it’s needed most. 

Prepare Your Plan for Better Senior Care

There is no such thing as not having a plan.  The lack of planning kicks off a default series of events.  For example, a former client of ours refused to designate a power of attorney.  When her health shifted and she was unable to make her own decisions, the hospital became her guardian.   Imagine how horrible!  “What should we do?” is a common question asked by many families caring for aging parents.  Start with a plan and these helpful steps. 

Helpful Tips for End-of-Life Care Conversation

1. Best time to begin this conversation is when your senior’s health is stable and this is no emergency.
2. Use the events of other family members and friends as a stimulus to begin the conversation.  For example, Aunt Sally died without a will.  Talk about the ramifications of this choice as a means of inquiring as to how your parent feels about these and related decision.  Let them elaborate about what they think Aunt Sally should have done.
3. Suggest that wills be updated to best express the elders’ current wishes.
4. Designate a durable power of attorney for health decisions and finance.
5. Speak to an elder law attorney about estate planning issues.
6. Create advanced directives to stipulate the senior’s wishes.
7. Communicate and forward the power of attorney and advanced directives to the primary physician.  Put everything in writing.  Verbal communication is not enough.
8. Engage in a frank conversation about finances and how future care will be funded.  Learn about the costs of home care, assisted care, and nursing care.
9. Understand the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.
10. End-of-Life is not a subject to be avoided rather it is an opportunity for caring, intimacy, and understanding the wishes of someone you love.

Caregiver’s Gift for Peace of Mind

The subject of this conversation activates many confrontational feelings for most people – seniors and their families.  This is natural and can be acknowledged as such.  Do not expect that this is a one time conversation.  Rather, it’s a topic to be raised and discussed over time.  It is a process and a gift for peace of mind.

Turning for the Support and Trust You Need in Better Senior Care

If you need support, rely on trusted professionals to help you.  Geriatric Care Managers are excellent coaches to help you to discuss these issues and communicate effectively.  Allow your care and love to be present as a background to your words.  The goal is to begin the actions to protect, support and allow seniors to convey their wishes and have them followed.

BY  Beverly Bernstein Joie, MS, CMC
President Elder Connections  -  Solutions for Peace of Mind
Serving the Greater Philadelphia Region