“Advice is like snow–the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks, into the mind. – Samuel Taylor Coleridge

It’s time to prepare for the winter.  All around us we see squirrels gathering nuts for the winter, birds preparing to fly south and shorter daylight hours. Now, it’s our turn to get ready for winter, and the possible winter snow storms that can knock out power. Let’s start with a home emergency kit, a must have for the home of every citizen, especially seniors.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Your home emergency kit should have food, bottled water and supplies to live on for at least 3 days or longer. Keep your emergency kit all together in your home, and in an easy-to-carry container in case you need to leave quickly.

Below is a checklist of items that should be included in the emergency kit:

• Bottled water (for at least 3 days)

• At least a 3-day supply of foods that won’t spoil

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries

• Flashlights and extra  batteries

• First Aid Kit with: bandages, gauze pads, antibacterial wipes, latex gloves, scissors, safety pins and aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

• Sturdy shoes or boots

• Heavy socks

• Hats and gloves

• Extra clothing and blankets

• Cash (ATM’s may not work

• Non-electric can opener

• Extra house keys

• Paper towels

• Tooth brush and paste

• Feminine supplies

• Soap

• Towels & washcloths

• One-week supply of medications

• Extra glasses

Now you’re ready to roll! With all the necessary supplies on hand, look out the window, and enjoy the beauty of falling snow.

Lois Young-Tulin

Lois Young-Tulin, PhD, is an Assistant Geriatric Care Manager at Elder Connections

November is a time to honor those who facilitate a lifestyle that offers giving support and as much independence as possible to older adults.

Family Caregivers

President Barack Obama declared November as National Family Caregivers Month stating, “Across our country, millions of family members, neighbors, and friends provide care and support for their loved ones during times of need. With profound compassion and selflessness, these caregivers sustain American men, women and children at their most vulnerable moments, and through their devoted acts, they exemplify the best of the American spirit.”

Statistics from the Administration On Aging show that the population 65-years-old and older is expected to grow from its current 13% to 19% of the total population by 2030. With the older population increasing, the need for elder care giving will continue to increase.

Career Caregivers

Outside of family caregivers, we need to salute geriatric caregivers who perform a wide variety of roles that tend to the needs of seniors who live at home and in facilities.  Depending on the clients’ level of independence, job responsibilities of caregivers range from light housework, shopping, cooking, scheduling and driving clients to appointments, stores and social engagements, to reminding clients to take their medicine and assist them with bathing, dressing, grooming and using the toilet.

Certified Care More Important Than Certificates of Education

Although no specific educational degrees are required to become a geriatric caregiver, reputable care giving agencies require their job applicants to pass psychological and other tests, including background checks. Certified agencies, like Elder Connections, must meet strict federal requirements for patient care and management.

Providing Quality of Life Is Demanding

The physical demands of care taking can be rigorous. Duties may include light nursing, changing surgical dressings, giving medications, or changing bedpans. The emotional demands can also be rigorous. Patients may be difficult, depressed or violent and in as much need of emotional attention as they are of physical attention. But good caregivers derive great satisfaction from knowing they are helping their clients enjoy a better quality of life.

Celebrate Those Who Celebrate Others’ Well-Being

Our caregivers help the elderly live more comfortably at home or in a senior care facility. We ask you to please acknowledge them with a note, a gift of thanks or even an offering of your time to give them a needed break. Please let the people who graciously accept their duties to our beloved seniors that their service is recognized and appreciated.

Lois Young-Tulin

Lois Young-Tulin, PhD, is an Assistant Geriatric Care Manager at Elder Connections

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

An Introduction to Peter

Part I

While Elder Connections focuses on issues related to aging, a part of our practice involves younger people who arechallenged by chronic conditions.  It was about six years ago, that we met Peter.

Living with Asperger’s Disorder

Peter is a man diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder.  When Peter was born 63 years ago, this diagnosis was not yet defined.  Asperger’s Disorder is a type of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) that involves delays in development, particularly social development. These individuals have normal intelligence and usually normal language skills.  But, it is in the area of relating to others, that this disorder expresses itself.  The symptoms include: problems with social skills, eccentric or repetitive behaviors, rituals, communication difficulties, a limited range of interests, and coordination problems.  Many children with this disorder exhibit exceptional talent and skill in a particular area.

A Team of Caregivers

Childhood was challenging for Peter.  He was often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.  So, when his sister, Abby contacted Elder Connections, she was anxious to seek some kind of help to make Peter’s life turn around.  She knew that she could not go it alone. And, that’s when we created a team around Peter.  Peter’s team consists of me, a nurse, a nutritionist, a chef, excellent health care practitioners and an amazing sister.  There are also specialists who are called upon at various times for a specific purpose (more on that later).  Our goal is to support Peter in living the life he deserves in the community.

As his “quarterback”, I have brought the people to him to provide the support and expertise he requires.  It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.  I have watched all the contributors help Peter emerge as an individual with a life worth living.  I am proud to be on Peter’s team!

Who is on your team for better senior care or for a special needs individual?  Call us for a free consultation.  We can help!

The Perfect Caregivers Gift

The holidays are a perfect time to give the caregivers in your life the most precious gift.  The gift card of time for providing better senior care to those you love.

We know that caregivers are a breed of individuals who give of themselves tirelessly and often put themselves last.  But, caregivers deserve to be at the top of  your holiday gift list.  Caregivers need time for personal self care and rejuvenation.   Taking time to recharge may mean taking in a movie, going out with friends, or essential time off for their personal needs.

A Caregiver’s Gift Card

For only $79,  the Better Senior Care Gift Card provides four hours of free time to your caregiver.  Elder Connections will do the rest —  sending a qualified caregiver to your home while your caregiver appreciates the gift that truly gives.

Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder

Osteoarthritis is a major reason that people consider shoulder replacement surgery.  So, when my business partner and geriatric care manager, Dolores T. Magid made the decision to have surgery, it was not without considerable reflection, research, and anxiety. 

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, about 700,000 people receive knee and hip replacement surgery each year.  About 23,000 people have shoulder replacement surgery.  Osteoarthritis is the most common factor in shoulder deterioration.  The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that enables us to move our shoulder in all directions.  The joint surfaces are normally covered by smooth cartilage that allows adequate shoulder rotation.  The surrounding muscles and tendons provide stability and support.  When Osteoarthritis strikes, this system is compromised and the individual is often met with significant pain affecting their ability to live their life.

Dolores’ Story

Having tried less invasive procedures and physical therapy, Dolores never knew when she would experience the ball of her shoulder socket displace from itself even when seated at her desk.  The pain was excruciating and was something she lived with for quite awhile before making her decision.  It’s a sad state of affairs when your husband has to do your hair every day. 

Dolores’ surgery took place on October 7, 2010.  She chose The Rothman Institute which is a recognized leader in joint replacement surgery.  Back at the office, we were all holding our breath.  But, Dolores was in the driver’s seat.  She was certain about the surgeon she chose and she had completely prepared for this event.  She selected one of Elder Connections’ caregivers who stayed with her for the two nights that she was in the hospital. She reported that this made an enormous difference for her just knowing that she was not alone and with a trusted caregiver. Her pain medication kept her comfortable post surgery.  Her exercises began. And, she alerted all but her immediate family that she was off limits until she returned home.  Everything has gone flawlessly so far.

My own initial fear about her surgery has evaporated upon visiting her and seeing my friend and business partner on the healing side of things.  It taught me about the opportunities we all have to take care of our health and to take the steps toward a successful outcome.  Better Senior Care is an attainable goal!

Steps to Selecting The Joint Replacement Option  

• Understand the cause of your joint pain

Arthritis is a major cause of the problem, but it could be Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Post-traumatic Arthritis.  It could also be Avascular Necrosis or something else. 

• Obtain a Quality Medical Diagnosis

Seek an evaluation from a qualified Orthopedic Surgeon and get more than one opinion.

• Explore Your Treatment Options

Consider the least invasive options first.

• When All Options Are Exhausted, Consider Joint Replacement Surgery

Select a surgeon with the most experience with your specific joint problem and a hospital that performs many of these procedures.

• Preparing For Joint Replacement Surgery

Begin exercising under a doctor’s supervision

Have a complete physical and clearance from specialists familiar with your history

Have a dental examination

Stop taking specific medications (consult with your doctor about which ones)

Consider lifestyle changes – stop smoking, lose weight

Complete all lab work – x-rays, blood tests, etc.

• Evaluate Post Surgical Needs for At Home Care

Following surgery, you will require assistance with your activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing.  Make sure a family member stays with you or hire a company that can provide this home care.

• Arrange Physical Therapy and Post Operative Exercise

The key to successful surgery is the rehab following the surgery.

Caregiving and Your Wellness

I had the opportunity to participate in a presentation by The Mature Market Institute, a division of Met Life at the East Coast Society of Aging Conference. What I learned was perplexing and precipitated much thought about the care of an aging relative.

Caregiver Survey Results

•  82% Say the amount of care their aging parent or relative requires is very demanding
•  76% Agree that their loved one’s needs are overwhelming
• 56% Seem to be getting ill more frequently
• 73% Have disturbed sleep patterns
• 72% Believe their family and friends think they are getting too stressed out
• 63% Say caregiving is taking a toll on their family life
• 53% Say caregiving is taking a toll on their job
• 76% Resent (at least occasionally) having to care for this relative

Caregiver Resources

Whether balancing the requirements of a child or a senior, caring pulls us away from the other tasks in life and creates anxiety and tension.  How we manage our families, our jobs, and maintain our health can often determine how we can optimally keep all the balls up in the air.   Your solution is only a click away with the Better Senior Care Resource Guide. Resources, tips, and solutions to help you achieve better senior care.

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

Are you a lawyer looking to acquire knowledge in the field of Elder Law? Beverly Bernstein Joie, Certified Geriatric Care Manager and President of Elder Connections, will be lending her experience in this field to two informative sessions for attorneys on Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Elder Connections is a solutions provider for adult children and others needing guidance and/or supervised home care while caring for their aging parents.

The first topic , “A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Elder Law“ will be a morning presentation as an author and panelist for The 11th Annual Legal Issues in an Age of Aging Seminar. This event, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, is a part of the Continuing Education Arm of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and will take place in the Wanamaker Building in Center City Philadelphia.

The second topic, “Alternate Living Options for Senior Clients“, will highlight the residential considerations and options for senior citizens needing assistance with transition.  This luncheon presentation,  sponsored by The Montgomery Bar Association, will also be held on October 27, 2009 in Norristown at the Montgomery County Court House.

Hershey, Pennsylvania will be the site of the  Wealth Management & Trust Conference. On October 29 and 30, 2009, Elder Connections will host a booth and display information and materials pertinent to issues impacting the aging population.  Both Beverly Bernstein-Joie and Dolores Tracey-Magid, President and Vice-President respectively, will be speaking with trust officers who manage special clients of all ages who would benefit from on-going care management.

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

Care Manager and Adult Children Confront Change

When I visited one of my clients last month, I was stunned to see the huge change in his status. Although there had been a previous stroke some time ago, Mr. P took 20 minutes to answer the door. He was barely able to ambulate and there was apparently, an unplanned bowel event. He was confused and unable to communicate.  Mr. P implored me to leave him alone. That was not going to happen on my watch.

The children were immediately contacted and updated. I stayed with him for 3 hours throughtout the course of this event. I was stunned, called 911, and was relieved when his son arrived before the ambulance.

Elderly Client Discharged from the Hospital

After his hospitalization and a period of rehabilitation, Mr. P was set to return to his home. I met with the discharge planner. The plan of care included 24 hour monitoring, either at home or in an assisted living facility. He and his children received these orders in writing as well as did his primary care physician. This client was not happy; he was not hearing any of it.

Home Care from Elder Connections

Once at home, his physical condition stabilized; but, he was somewhat weaker and a tremendous fall risk. And still he railed against 24 hour care. His children began to cave. “Our dad has been independent all his life. This is not how he sees himself.” They asked that the Elder Connections’ caregiver report to them about his progress. They wanted to grant their Dad’s wishes. They wanted him to be happy and pleased with them. In response, we sent our clinical director to interview the caregiver and assess Mr. P.  Her report was clear. Our client required ongoing assistance to maintain him in his home.

The Senior’s Wish for Independence

I have never met any person who does not seek independence. Human beings are hard-wired for it and spend most of their lives working hard to attain it. Yet, many seniors create situations in the name of independence that can eliminate that independence in a heart beat. We all wanted the same things for Mr. P. We wanted him to stay in his gorgeous condominium – safely.

We provided his children with the facts and spent lots of time coaching them and helping them to see the reality before them. The jury is still out about whether they will follow the plan of care set before them by a host of professionals. Or will they acquiesce to their father’s wishes and continue to try and make him happy?

What would you do for your aging parent ?