Elder Moves, Inc. is often asked what is the difference between a Retirement Community and Assisted Living. What services can we expect? Retirement Communities can encompass a wealth of services. They often start with Independent Living - basically a protected environment with meals, activities,some transportation and specific number of cleanings per month.
The activities are centered around interests of the majority of the residents and can range from card games, movies, to visits to the symphony, travel options, exercise and more.
Assisted Living offers additional individualized services based on the client's needs. Many Assisted Livings offer Seniors a rating system and charge based on that system. The rating system guides the facility towards what level of care is required to meet the client's needs. For example: A client may only need stand by assistance when bathing; Other clients may need complete assistance and also may need to be helped to the dining room.
The more care required the higher the fee.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Winter Worries for Older Parents
Our concerns for the elderly become more real with winter. In taking care of our loved ones we worry about maintaining their independence, their rights to make their own decisions and try to balance that with our fears that we are needed more or won’t be there for them when we should be. Inclimate weather adds to those fears both for their physical safety and for our ability to assist them quickly.
Combinations of help are placed together and we attempt to rely on the neighbors, meals on wheels, a service we may hire, their church or many other inventive approaches. Are our fears well founded?
Many of the disabilities confronting an elderly person limit their communication to us or leave us not trusting what they say. They may have forgotten to eat, forgotten to take their medications, confuse night from day or left the stove on or off. If they are confused on that level then they are generally confused on whether they should wear a coat and if it is early in the morning or night. So incidents of standing out waiting for the church van at 12 pm occur. We must be cautious at this point of what is happening for in our zealous approach to protect them we can over protect
their rights and under protect their being.
When should I take additional steps for my loved one even though they may oppose additional assistance?
Some of the signs of additional needs that alert us are as follows:
Answering questions with agreement
Never being specific - example: Mom when did you eat? Mom says – there is plenty in the house. What did you have for lunch and repetitively you hear leftovers.
Weight loss that supports the fact that your parent is not eating
Cleanliness
Wearing of the same clothes
Missing Doctor appointments
Confusion with names
Repetition of events
Does this mean that a parent must move. Each situation has to be individually evaluated. Involvement of family is a key element. Whether you can afford to hire help for the home and if the person is requiring more help than can be reasonably afforded. Is my loved one an endangerment to themselves or others?
The first step is to have a physician evaluate the person. This will guide you in your decision making process. You may then hire a geriatric professional to come in and assist with placing together services that are appropriate for the care of your loved one. You may find you need less or more help. Their objections should be considered but you must first consider their care. Though this may be a trying time, it is also an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much to you.
Combinations of help are placed together and we attempt to rely on the neighbors, meals on wheels, a service we may hire, their church or many other inventive approaches. Are our fears well founded?
Many of the disabilities confronting an elderly person limit their communication to us or leave us not trusting what they say. They may have forgotten to eat, forgotten to take their medications, confuse night from day or left the stove on or off. If they are confused on that level then they are generally confused on whether they should wear a coat and if it is early in the morning or night. So incidents of standing out waiting for the church van at 12 pm occur. We must be cautious at this point of what is happening for in our zealous approach to protect them we can over protect
their rights and under protect their being.
When should I take additional steps for my loved one even though they may oppose additional assistance?
Some of the signs of additional needs that alert us are as follows:
Answering questions with agreement
Never being specific - example: Mom when did you eat? Mom says – there is plenty in the house. What did you have for lunch and repetitively you hear leftovers.
Weight loss that supports the fact that your parent is not eating
Cleanliness
Wearing of the same clothes
Missing Doctor appointments
Confusion with names
Repetition of events
Does this mean that a parent must move. Each situation has to be individually evaluated. Involvement of family is a key element. Whether you can afford to hire help for the home and if the person is requiring more help than can be reasonably afforded. Is my loved one an endangerment to themselves or others?
The first step is to have a physician evaluate the person. This will guide you in your decision making process. You may then hire a geriatric professional to come in and assist with placing together services that are appropriate for the care of your loved one. You may find you need less or more help. Their objections should be considered but you must first consider their care. Though this may be a trying time, it is also an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much to you.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Upcoming changes in Indiana
The healthcare industry is forever changing. Most of the time - it plods through the administrative processes and actually changes for the better with time. Currently we are seeing trends to step back and return to patient care. This is happening with challenges through Doctor owned hospitals, Physicians who make home visits, and a need to actually touch another person with care and to be of service.
As the healthcare industry moves in those directions we are receiving directives which will make it more difficult to address the needs of those who do not have money. Those who rely on the system.
For years nursing homes and retirement centers have been receiving monies for beds not used. This sounds ridiculous doesn't it? What a waste - why pay for something to just sit there? Yet, the reality is that by reserving beds for medicare/medicaid options it has created immediacy for placement for those who do not have money.
If the current projections of the baby boomers numbers are correct and boomers live to need those services, the for profit beds will fill and there will be no beds available for medicare and medicaid. Now this may not affect you but my observations (unproven and without scientific study) is that the baby boomer generation is not prepared for this. They may not the ability to be for profit.
The other concern is whether clients who are currently in a medicare or medicaid bed but need a short stay in the hospital, may come out of the hospital to having lost their facility's medicaid/care bed. Facilities may hold those beds or may not and this will be dictated by their financial needs.
An option to change this to a positive approach - what a sales pitch for a facility. They could guarantee bed holds for short periods of time to sell their clients on using their facility. Keep your eyes peeled - we do not know where all all will lead.
As the healthcare industry moves in those directions we are receiving directives which will make it more difficult to address the needs of those who do not have money. Those who rely on the system.
For years nursing homes and retirement centers have been receiving monies for beds not used. This sounds ridiculous doesn't it? What a waste - why pay for something to just sit there? Yet, the reality is that by reserving beds for medicare/medicaid options it has created immediacy for placement for those who do not have money.
If the current projections of the baby boomers numbers are correct and boomers live to need those services, the for profit beds will fill and there will be no beds available for medicare and medicaid. Now this may not affect you but my observations (unproven and without scientific study) is that the baby boomer generation is not prepared for this. They may not the ability to be for profit.
The other concern is whether clients who are currently in a medicare or medicaid bed but need a short stay in the hospital, may come out of the hospital to having lost their facility's medicaid/care bed. Facilities may hold those beds or may not and this will be dictated by their financial needs.
An option to change this to a positive approach - what a sales pitch for a facility. They could guarantee bed holds for short periods of time to sell their clients on using their facility. Keep your eyes peeled - we do not know where all all will lead.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The bad me says I need to be good!
Wow what a year! I have neglected my blog, my facebook, my (not signed up yet) twitter, my spam box, my webb page and sometimes it carries over to our life, our selves, our loved ones. Starting off 2011 with thoughts of how I need to get my stuff in gear.....
Even the bad me says I need to snap out of it and do the next right thing. Wow that is serious because like everyone there is that other side always tantilizingly shouting to me to goof off, don't take life too seriously, and go to Aruba for a vacation. Or....better still - backpack through the country for a year. Looking back on the year I realize - I only took 5 days off to be at Lake Mill with my children. So what do I need to do to shape up? I need to recognize that we have a wonderful life, that those that surround us are loving and attempt to do their best. That the economy is what it is and we can move on from that. That a hike in Brown County is as important as the next networking meeting or a trip to Aruba. That enjoying what is here in front of us is what we can shout and sing about. Hey that Bad side isn't so bad.
The things to be thankful for from 2010 - A wonderful family, daughter in law, and daughter in law to be... Memories of laughter and good times....Memories of my Mother who passed Nov 5 - I am thankful that my children had the 9 years that she was with me to share who she was. I am so grateful that Mom was able to die at home...that my employees were patient with me to ease my time through this and I was able to spend more time with her and make her more comfortable.
In 1988 when I started Elder Moves, Inc. I was a whopping youngster of 37. I came into the company with a heart felt sincerity and energy and youth-filled knowledge of everything. Today I have seasoned. I am knowledgeable through experience and time. Today I have even downsized my self and my life - the experience deepens our sensitivities and creates an even better service for all whom we serve. For it is serving others that makes the most out of every day. It is what I am most grateful for whether a client, my family, or a friend. I look forward to being of service. When I am finished I'll go to Aruba.
Even the bad me says I need to snap out of it and do the next right thing. Wow that is serious because like everyone there is that other side always tantilizingly shouting to me to goof off, don't take life too seriously, and go to Aruba for a vacation. Or....better still - backpack through the country for a year. Looking back on the year I realize - I only took 5 days off to be at Lake Mill with my children. So what do I need to do to shape up? I need to recognize that we have a wonderful life, that those that surround us are loving and attempt to do their best. That the economy is what it is and we can move on from that. That a hike in Brown County is as important as the next networking meeting or a trip to Aruba. That enjoying what is here in front of us is what we can shout and sing about. Hey that Bad side isn't so bad.
The things to be thankful for from 2010 - A wonderful family, daughter in law, and daughter in law to be... Memories of laughter and good times....Memories of my Mother who passed Nov 5 - I am thankful that my children had the 9 years that she was with me to share who she was. I am so grateful that Mom was able to die at home...that my employees were patient with me to ease my time through this and I was able to spend more time with her and make her more comfortable.
In 1988 when I started Elder Moves, Inc. I was a whopping youngster of 37. I came into the company with a heart felt sincerity and energy and youth-filled knowledge of everything. Today I have seasoned. I am knowledgeable through experience and time. Today I have even downsized my self and my life - the experience deepens our sensitivities and creates an even better service for all whom we serve. For it is serving others that makes the most out of every day. It is what I am most grateful for whether a client, my family, or a friend. I look forward to being of service. When I am finished I'll go to Aruba.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Chipper II
Chipper II, not one, but II, was a sweet little thing. I didn’t know that would be his name when I met him. I babysat for my teenage living and he was the last of the litter that my employers couldn’t rid themselves of. He was a golden shade and a fluff ball and I fell in love with him.
The only other dog during my lifetime that we had owned was Rinny. My sister bought him for us. A shepherd and he was a good dog which we all shared but Chipper II, not one, was to be mine.
Knowing full well that I was going to have a hard sell I took him home only to hear that I had to convince my Dad for Mom was not sure if I should have him. Dad arrived home and immediately said, He reminds me of Chipper. Who’s Chipper? And the story began, he was Mom and Dad’s first dog in Western Springs, and what a dog. He was so smart and gentle and would let my sister stand on hi in the car. Occurring before seat belt laws and other such ordinances and before I was born. He was golden in color.
So there we have it Chipper II became our pet. His golden looks did buy him a sentimental shoe-in into our home. He was a precocious little thing. Children’s gates came out across the doorway in the kitchen at night. Barricaded as he was he would find a means to get over the gate. Dad was his night time keeper. A challenge was on. And we would discuss the many options to keeping Chipper penned in at night. It was such fun to come home to him in the afternoon and Dad and I would talk about training the dog. As he got bigger Dad would let him out by himself in the back yard – he was terribly proud of how quickly he responded to a summons home. But one night – I’m not sure how – Chipper didn’t come home. Checks throughout the neighborhood came to naught. Dad often told me he thought someone stole him for he was so beautiful. I never was sure how he came to have time enough to go too far. Chipper II had a short stay in our lives but meant so much.
Looking back I know why Chipper was here. I remember 3 or 4 times where my father and I completely connected and Chipper was one. We bonded through our love for this troublesome bundle of puppy love. We were a team, Dad doing late night duty for me and me working at learning to train a dog.
Today, the family kids me. Dad has been dead several years and Mom and Steve do not remember Chipper II. We jest about whether Chipper II was around or not and through repetition it has become a great joke. Such comments as Chipper II might be listening or was that when Chipper II was here? My family’s skepticism of the life of Chipper II doesn’t matter. For me, I sense my father with us as we laugh about the existence or non-existence of Chipper II. Our connection survives throughout time.
The only other dog during my lifetime that we had owned was Rinny. My sister bought him for us. A shepherd and he was a good dog which we all shared but Chipper II, not one, was to be mine.
Knowing full well that I was going to have a hard sell I took him home only to hear that I had to convince my Dad for Mom was not sure if I should have him. Dad arrived home and immediately said, He reminds me of Chipper. Who’s Chipper? And the story began, he was Mom and Dad’s first dog in Western Springs, and what a dog. He was so smart and gentle and would let my sister stand on hi in the car. Occurring before seat belt laws and other such ordinances and before I was born. He was golden in color.
So there we have it Chipper II became our pet. His golden looks did buy him a sentimental shoe-in into our home. He was a precocious little thing. Children’s gates came out across the doorway in the kitchen at night. Barricaded as he was he would find a means to get over the gate. Dad was his night time keeper. A challenge was on. And we would discuss the many options to keeping Chipper penned in at night. It was such fun to come home to him in the afternoon and Dad and I would talk about training the dog. As he got bigger Dad would let him out by himself in the back yard – he was terribly proud of how quickly he responded to a summons home. But one night – I’m not sure how – Chipper didn’t come home. Checks throughout the neighborhood came to naught. Dad often told me he thought someone stole him for he was so beautiful. I never was sure how he came to have time enough to go too far. Chipper II had a short stay in our lives but meant so much.
Looking back I know why Chipper was here. I remember 3 or 4 times where my father and I completely connected and Chipper was one. We bonded through our love for this troublesome bundle of puppy love. We were a team, Dad doing late night duty for me and me working at learning to train a dog.
Today, the family kids me. Dad has been dead several years and Mom and Steve do not remember Chipper II. We jest about whether Chipper II was around or not and through repetition it has become a great joke. Such comments as Chipper II might be listening or was that when Chipper II was here? My family’s skepticism of the life of Chipper II doesn’t matter. For me, I sense my father with us as we laugh about the existence or non-existence of Chipper II. Our connection survives throughout time.
Friday, February 26, 2010
My Wow to Medicine!
I met with a business associate today. Laughingly, I was telling her about my sensitivity to medicine. There was the time that I was put on a high powered antibiotic and a serious cough medicine - I am up at 5 am leaving screaming messages on people's phones. Oh did I have some serious apologies.
Then there was the time when I was saving money and had my blood work done at a health fair. You would think after all the years I have been around the medical field I would remember that I should have fasted for 12 hours....... Result the wrong medication for high cholesteral and a crazy woman driving around town crying - and thinking she needs psychiatric help. Within three days of being removed from the medication.......I woke up excited it was winter and there was snow on the ground. I have even had to give up generic medicines where the stabilizers and I do not like each other and I have to use a more expensive formula.
Reminding myself of my personal inability to have positive reactions to many medications makes me much more compassionate with my clients. Some of our clients will be placed on multiple medications for multiple problems and reactions, discomfort, digestive issues are not uncommon. There can be a total change in personality and it is not always clinical depression it can be medicines reacting not only to each other but to the client's chemistry.
I have had clients who threw chairs across rooms (at the young age of 85) just to find out their medications had caused a serious change in personality - (and maybe strength). In helping others, one of the primary needs is to be a good observer. To recognize as we introduce change into peoples lives that they are not always so crazy.........Speaking of crazy, I think I will always make sure to tell at least 3 people before I start any new medications. I need their eyes and ears (hopefully not at 5 am) telling me if I am changing because of the medications.
Then there was the time when I was saving money and had my blood work done at a health fair. You would think after all the years I have been around the medical field I would remember that I should have fasted for 12 hours....... Result the wrong medication for high cholesteral and a crazy woman driving around town crying - and thinking she needs psychiatric help. Within three days of being removed from the medication.......I woke up excited it was winter and there was snow on the ground. I have even had to give up generic medicines where the stabilizers and I do not like each other and I have to use a more expensive formula.
Reminding myself of my personal inability to have positive reactions to many medications makes me much more compassionate with my clients. Some of our clients will be placed on multiple medications for multiple problems and reactions, discomfort, digestive issues are not uncommon. There can be a total change in personality and it is not always clinical depression it can be medicines reacting not only to each other but to the client's chemistry.
I have had clients who threw chairs across rooms (at the young age of 85) just to find out their medications had caused a serious change in personality - (and maybe strength). In helping others, one of the primary needs is to be a good observer. To recognize as we introduce change into peoples lives that they are not always so crazy.........Speaking of crazy, I think I will always make sure to tell at least 3 people before I start any new medications. I need their eyes and ears (hopefully not at 5 am) telling me if I am changing because of the medications.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
40 days of Positive Thoughts!
The family pug had to visit the vet today. I had known that her teeth were not doing well but much to my chagrin, once she was under I was told it was worse than I thought. I am anticipating a horrible outcome. I think immediately I have been a horrible pet owner and then reminisce about all the dogs my family owned who only went to the vet for broken bones and terminal illness - and upon learning of the illness were put down. Wow it is expensive to own a pet today! But I don't own a "pet" . I have an animal who is a friend. She has taught my children so much. She has taught responsibility. Safety and behavior modification. She has taught them unconditional love - how to spoil someone and lick them to death and be spoiled. Our home is a safe haven - for we know she will protect us. She makes us laugh and plays with us. I rethink my first thoughts and know I am so lucky to be able to have a pet and be able to take care of it the way my parents could not.
I will pick up Em today with a light heart knowing that she will feel like her old self soon and be back to that playful friend I love.
I will pick up Em today with a light heart knowing that she will feel like her old self soon and be back to that playful friend I love.
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