Home Instead Senior Care featured in "Careers for 'People Person'"

An article on “Careers for a ‘People Person’” in the Calgary Sun features Home Instead Senior Care.

The article lists careers that have experienced tremendous growth in the 21^st century, and personal caregiving is among them. The section on caregiving cites the Home Instead Senior Care franchise in Calgary for its growth in just one year to 30 CAREGivers. 

Go here to read the full article:http://career.calgarysun.jobboom.com/headlines-calgarysun/2010/06/18/14441011-calsun.html

Owner of Home Instead in New Port Richey named "Nurse of the Year"

From Tampa Bay Online - http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/jul/03/pa-seniors-caregiver-named-nurse-of-year/

Seniors' caregiver named nurse of year

By Megan Hussey

Owner from Home Instead Senior Care in New Port Richey, was named People's Choice "Nurse of the Year" by the Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco Inc.

Topping off a decadeslong career in the nursing field, Joy A. Cook, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in New Port Richey, was named People's Choice "Nurse of the Year" by the Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco Inc. The award was presented at the Fourth Annual Nurses Gala, which took place at the Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.


"The award is determined by what outside involvement you provide to your community," Cook said.
Nominated through letters of recommendation from the Pasco community, Cook was voted People's Choice by the Good Samaritan board of directors. She said the award was based heavily on the success of Home Instead's annual "Be a Santa to a Senior" program, which last year made it possible for 436 senior citizens to receive more than 4,000 Christmas presents.
"This program touches many lives of seniors who have no family and are forgotten during the holidays," said Cook, an Ohio native who lives in Pinellas County with her husband, Howard.
Be a Santa to a Senior is just one component of the Home Instead program, which provides basic services for seniors that include meal preparation and help with household chores, as well as transportation to doctors' appointments, grocery stores and social outings.

"We want to help them maintain their dignity and independence," said Cook.

She started the Pasco-based Home Instead franchise 10 years ago, and said that the position reflects her lifetime commitment to the care of those who can't care for themselves.

"I have a strong affinity for the elderly and the very young," she said. "Especially those who need some help in life moving forward."

Cook's interest in helping the elderly began at a young age, when she helped to care for a widowed grandfather who lived with her family.

"I always knew I wanted to be a nurse," she said. "Through nursing you get to make the difference in a person's life. You get to impact people's lives and make their wishes and dreams come true."
After earning a registered nursing degree and certified case manager status from the Good Samaritan School of Nursing, Cook went on to work as a home health care and pediatric nurse and as a health care agency administrator, and to complete individual nursing assignments for a staffing firm at Community Hospital and other area medical centers.

Cook's position at Home Instead is among her favorites.

"What we want to do is help people continue to live in their own homes," she said. "We want to help them stay the king or queen of their own house."

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

SOME BACKGROUND: Joy A. Cook, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in New Port Richey, has been named People's Choice "Nurse of the Year" by Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Pasco Inc.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: Cook was recognized for "Be a Santa to a Senior" program, in which she organizes a committee of community volunteers and staff members to collect holiday gifts for senior citizens with few or no family or friends.

Home Instead Senior Care and its caregivers provide other services to its community's seniors, ranging from meal preparation and light housekeeping to respite care.

A LITTLE HISTORY: Cook began the "Be a Santa to a Senior" program two years ago.

WHAT'S NEXT?: In the future, Cook hopes to spread the word about Home Instead and its many services.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Anyone can be a victim of heat-related illness, such as people working or exercising under the sun when it is hot. However, those most at risk are:

• Children under five
• Adults over age 65
• People with chronic illnesses and disabilities
• People taking certain medications

A few suggestions for keeping cool include:

• Dressing for the heat by wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat
• Drinking water even if not thirsty
• Eating small meals
• Avoiding the use of salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor
• Slowing down and avoiding strenuous activity
• Staying indoors as much as possible
• Taking regular breaks when active outside

A Home Instead CAREGiver can plan indoor activities, prepare meals, provide medication reminders, and help keep seniors hydrated if they’re outside and watch for symptoms of heat-related illness.


Source: http://www.fha.state.md.us/cphs/eip/pdf/HeatEmergencyAwareness.pdf

Blue Mood Be Gone

For Seniors Who Suffer From Loneliness and Depression, Help is Available

Despite popular opinion, depression and loneliness are not normal parts of aging, although many seniors experience these feelings. According to a University of Michigan study released in 2006, nearly 60 percent of more than 500 seniors age 70 and older experienced some form of loneliness.1

"It's vitally important to keep older adults from falling into despair," said Paul Hogan, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care. Similarly, the National Institute of Mental Health Web site asserts that, "Emotional experiences of sadness, grief, response to loss and temporary 'blue' moods are normal, but persistent depression that interferes significantly with one's ability to function is not."2

Family members who suspect that the older adults in their lives might be suffering from depression should immediately help them seek medical attention. There is now a wider-than-ever variety of medications and therapies that can significantly improve these seniors' lives.

Help from friends and caregivers can make a difference, as well. If a senior needs additional in-home support, Home Instead Senior Care is there to help. Fully screened, trained, bonded and insured CAREGivers can provide senior care to older adults through meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping and Alzheimer's care, but, as Hogan said, "Companionship and support to seniors and their families are among the most valuable services we provide."

Along these lines, while the holidays - typically a festive time of year for most people - can be a particularly difficult time for older adults who are psychologically "down," Home Instead Senior Care's Be a Santa to a SeniorSM program can be a real boost to older adults throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In 2006 alone, 196,500 lonely older adults in need received 312,500 gifts through this extremely successful community-service program, which partners Home Instead Senior Care franchise staff with community retailers and volunteers. In fact, during its first three years, Be a Santa to a Senior has generated more than half a million presents that were delivered to more than 300,000 seniors throughout North America.

"Our home care franchise offices have seen firsthand how loneliness can affect the lives of seniors," Hogan said. "CAREGivers and other Home Instead Senior Care staff members work during the holidays and year-round to provide the assistance and companionship that helps keep older adults healthy and happy."

References:
1. "Lonely in an Aging Crowd; U-M Studies Count the Way": Online at http://www.umich.edu/news/index.html?Releases/2005/Nov05/r111805b.
2. "Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts": Online at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/elderlydepsuicide.cfm.

Spouses Face Hurdles When Caring for Elderly Loved Ones

Caring for a sick or disabled elderly relative is difficult – physically, emotionally and financially – on any family member, and spousal caregivers face even greater challenges.

“Spouses are older and dealing with their own age-related health limitations,” says Steven H. Zarit, a Pennsylvania University gerontologist.

According to a Kaiser Health News report, today’s longer life spans, in which once-fatal conditions like heart disease have become manageable chronic illnesses, mean the “sickness” part of “in sickness and health” can last for years.

Medical and psychological literature has long reported that caregivers face risks to their own well-being, particularly when caring for someone with dementia. A new study from the University of South Florida and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that high caregiving strain among spouses increased the risk of stroke by 23 percent, and the association was particularly strong among husbands caring for wives.

“Spouses are likely to take on more than they can reasonably do,” Zarit says.

President Barack Obama’s proposed 2011 budget would add $102.5 million for family caregiving programs. The money would boost existing programs that serve family caregivers, including training and counseling, referrals, respite care, transportation, adult day programs and home care.   Read the in-depth article online. 

Paula Span is the author of "When the Time Comes: Families With Aging Parents Share Their Struggles and Solutions."

Be a Santa to a Senior Planning in Progress

Home Instead Senior Care has already started planning the Be A Santa to A Senior Program for 2010!


The objective of Home Instead Senior Care’s® Be a Santa to a Senior program is to give back to local
communities by providing gifts and holiday cheer to lonely and forgotten seniors. It’s an opportunity to touch the lives of seniors in our community who generally don’t have family around during the holidays and aren’t going to receive gifts. Ultimately, the objective is to positively impact the lives of seniors in our community.

We work with local agencies to identify seniors who don't have family and might be alone for the Holidays. Individuals within the community donate gift bags stuffed with goodies for the seniors. We are working on a few partnerships right now and will let you know the details about this year's program later on in the year.

We are excited to unveil the new Be a Santa to a Senior logo for 2010!

June 2010 CAREGiver of the Month

Congratulations to Cathy Watkins! She was selected as CAREGiver of the Month for June 2010

July 4th

Caregiver Cruise Giveaway

Are you or someone you know devoted to caring for a senior loved one?

We recognize the dedication and love it takes, but also the stresses that can come along with it. So we’re giving one lucky caregiver hero a free, 5-day cruise – and while they’re gone, we’ll provide professional care for their loved one. And if you are nominating a friend or family member, you could win a laptop and camcorder!

The Prizes:
One (1) Caregiver will receive:

• A free Caregiver Cruise to the Caribbean (worth up to $4200)

• Airfare to and from the cruise port

• Peace of mind! 40 hours of care from a Home Instead Senior Care professional CAREGiver for the senior loved one (while the winner is away on the cruise)

One (1) Nominator will receive:

• Laptop computer and camcorder (worth up to $600)

For more information or to nominate yourself or someone you know for chance to win…
CLICK HERE!!

7 Ways to Avoid Sibling Tensions While Caring for a Parent

{reprinted from www.caregiverpartnership.com}

7 Ways to Avoid Sibling Tensions While Caring for a Parent  
 
by Lynn Wilson, Founder of The CareGiver Partnership  May 7, 2010 

There are few events in life that stir up old, seemingly forgotten sibling tensions and rivalry like caring for elderly parents. The frustration can escalate when family members are separated geographically. As in many life situations, communication and sympathy on both sides is key to achieving understanding - and maybe even harmony.

A growing problem
According to a February 2010 Time magazine article, a recent survey by the AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving showed that of the estimated 43.5 million U.S. adults caring for an older relative or friend, 70 percent said although they received help from an unpaid caregiver in the past year, only 10 percent said the burden was shouldered equally.
In addition to the likelihood of disproportionate duties, an elderly parent may “put on a show” for out-of-town sons or daughters, out of a desire to not burden them and to more fully enjoy their time together. This can lead to problems such as the remote sibling not comprehending how much caregiving the parent needs, and the local sibling feeling resentful and angry.
Communicate to resolve
With a little initiative, siblings can keep the lines of communication open, which is the first step in avoiding a negative situation that can have disastrous effects on a family. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Hold family meetings when everyone can participate. Ask your parent and siblings what their needs are and if they’re being met. Be honest and realistic about what you can handle, whether it’s hands-on caregiving or financial assistance. Document care plans and financial arrangements, but keep an open mind that these may change over time.
• Do not make unrealistic promises. As much as you’d like to assure your parent she will never have to live in a nursing home, health can deteriorate to a point where you can’t provide care. It’s better to stay realistic than feel enormous guilt later.
• Work together to develop a schedule. In addition to duties of the primary caregiver and weekly or twice-weekly visits and help from siblings, choose times when those who live farther away can spend a vacation helping out.
• Offer emotional support. Whether you’re the primary caregiver who needs to vent to others, or a secondary caregiver who feels out of the loop, it is helpful to know you’re all in this together. Use humor whenever possible to lighten the situation.
• If you are a geographically separated sibling, learn what is involved in caring for your parent. Someone who’s never had to renovate a home to improve mobility or purchase and learn to use incontinence products may have a hard time understanding how much work it can be. Offer sympathy and support, and try not to second-guess decisions.
• If you are the local sibling, keep others informed of your parent’s health, without endlessly describing how much work you put into his care or trying to incite guilt in your siblings.
• Seek outside help. If one side is feeling anger and resentment, and another guilt and defensiveness, and open communication doesn’t resolve it, seek the help of a clergyperson or therapist.

Lynn Wilson founded The CareGiver Partnership based on her experience in caring for loved ones, and takes pride in offering support, convenience and old-fashioned customer service. Now that her children are grown, Lynn enjoys spending time with her granddaughter while also helping to care for her mom. To find out how The CareGiver Partnership can serve you, call800-985-1353 M-F 9-4 CDT.

May CAREGiver of the Month

Congratulations to Eva Richardson. She was selected as CAREGiver of the Month for May!

Lack of Resources Will Leave Families, Employees Struggling to Care for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

Paul Hogan, the co-founder and CEO of Home
Instead Senior Care, appears in Corp! magazine, discussing the unique
pressures that families, employees and employers face in the light of
the rise in Alzheimer's disease. Click below to read more...

Lack of Resources Will Leave Families, Employees Struggling to Care for Seniors with Alzheimer’s

A Senior Home's Clutter Zones

KITCHEN

Cabinets with unused pots and pans.

Problem: a senior can fall trying to get to them.

Freezer and refrigerator with the expired and old food.

Problem: a senior can suffer food poisoning or malnutrition. 

Bills on the counter and kitchen table.

Problem: unpaid bills

BATHROOM

Expired medication in the medicine cabinets and old make-up.  

Problem: missed medications and accidental overdosing; skin infections and irritations from expired make-up.

Cluttered shelves.

Problem: inability to locate necessities.

Using the bathtub to store papers.

Problem: hygiene.

BEDROOM

Paper and magazines on and under beds.

Problem: fire hazard

Too much clothing and shoes in the closet.

Problem: Confusion and disorganization.

STAIRWAYS

Magazines and shoes on the steps.

Problem: tripping hazard.

BASEMENTS

A catch-all for everything.

Problem: rodents, mold & mildew.

Book Tour

Home Instead Senior Care hosted a book tour event to educate individuals about "Stages of Senior Care", written by Paul & Logan Hogan, founders of Home Instead Senior Care.

The day started with a visit from Paul Hogan and other Home Instead staff from Omaha. There was a request for some Dreamland BBQ so we brought it in for lunch.

Thank goodness for bibs since ribs are not the smartest thing to eat right before an event!

Paul agreed that the bib was a good idea!

The Birmingham office enjoyed the ribs & BBQ too - especially the banana pudding!

Dan's mom filling Holly {our performance coach from Omaha} in on Dan stories.

Dan & Paul before the event

After a great lunch we closed the office and headed to the B & A Warehouse to set up. Andrea Martin, our Assistant Operations Manager, worked closely with the B & A to ensure a great event.

Andrea surprised us with her flower arrangement ability!

Registration

Networking

Paul with Vance Holder & Sharon Ziemack

Jack Carney with Montgomery Home Instead owner Bill Purnell

Dr. Richard Allman greeted by Dan & Paul.

After about an hour of networking Paul began his presentation.

 Paul explained who inspired him to start Home Instead Senior Care - Grandma Manhart.

15 years later and 40 million hours of care in 15 countries, Home Instead began to see trends effecting seniors. This trend was a lack of education and planning for their care.

Three challenges facing seniors and their adult children:

• First, they just don’t know about the care options or the cost of that care.

• Second, they don’t know who pays for what.

• And, finally, planning for senior care just isn’t a priority for them.

This lack of awareness and planning puts this generation at risk. This is why Paul and Lori wrote Stages of Senior Care.

Next, Paul shared with us what was learned about seniors and their loved ones when it comes to planning for care.

When asked in a survey to name unaided senior care options, here is what we learned:

• 71 percent of adult children could name only two senior care options;
• Seniors did even worse, with only two-thirds being able to name two care options;
• And, the two most cited care options were skilled nursing homes and assisted living centers – no surprise.

Most seniors and adult children STILL think Social Security, Medicare or their parents’ retirement accounts will cover the cost of care.

Also, in terms of assets available to pay for care, here are the facts:

• Two-thirds of seniors have assets valued at less than $75,000
• 41 percent have assets of less than $20,000.
• 75 percent of seniors have annual incomes of $36,000 or less
• 40 percent have annual incomes below $12,000

73% of adult children have neither planned nor thought about care.

Only 1/2 of seniors have planned or thought about developing a care plan for themselves.

Basically what we have found out about seniors and adult children:

• They do not understand senior care options.
• They don’t have a realistic grasp of the costs.
• They’re making a dangerously wrong assumption that government programs will pay for their care.
• Seniors are in no position to fund their own care.
• They have not planned for senior care.

YIKES!

Stages of Senior Care addresses all of these issues and more.

There used to be only 3 options for seniors.

• Stay in their own home
• Move to your home
• Move to a nursing home

Now there are more options for seniors - what many call the Continuum of Care:

• Aging in place
• Family care
• Senior centers & adult care centers
• Nonmedical care at home
• Medical care at home
• Retirement & independent living communities
• Assisted living
• Skilled nursing home

Paul also discussed resources to help you in the discussion of planning for care. We have a great website - 4070talk.com to help with this.

Ten Signs of trouble - recognizing when help is needed:

• Household bills piling up
• Reluctance to leave home
• Losing interest in meals
• Declining personal hygiene
• Declining driving skills
• Scorched pots and pans
• Signs of depression
• Missed doctors’ appointments and social engagements
• Unkempt house
• Losing track of medications

As you can see Stages of Senior Care is a great resource. 

If you were unable to attend our event we have great handouts we can send you.

Please call us at 822.1915 or visit our website at www.homeinstead.com/bham

What Causes Hip Pain and How Can I Cope? A Free Seminar For Seniors

what causes hip pain and how can i cope?

 a free seminar for seniors 

Join Baptist Health System’s Senior Choices to learn the common causes of hip pain and various treatment options at a free seminar on Thursday, June 11. The seminar will be held at the Princeton Baptist Medical Center from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and will feature orthopedist Dr. Jack Featheringill as the guest speaker.

“This topic should be helpful to a majority of our community members as most seniors have dealt with hip pain or care for someone who does,” said Vonceil Sanders, manager of senior programs and services for Baptist Health System. “We hope to shed light on how individuals can cope with this ailment in order to improve the overall health of the seniors in our community.”

The event is free but registration is required. To register or for more information, please contact Sanders at 1-800-450-5099 or by email vonceil.sanders@bhsala.com.

*Information on how to obtain FREE CEU’S will be available for nurses, case managers, social workers and occupational therapist, compliments of Philips Lifeline.

###

About Senior Choices - Senior Choices is a membership program for people age 50 and older and is sponsored by the Baptist Health System. A wide variety of benefits, discounts and services that promote health and wellness are available to Senior Choice members. For more information, call toll free 1-800-450-5099 or visit Senior Services online at www.bhsala.com. 

About Baptist Health System - Baptist Health System, Inc. is one of the largest health care systems in Alabama and one of the state's largest employers. The System is a not-for-profit, 501(c) corporation that owns and manages four hospitals in the state of Alabama. Baptist Health System is a ministry of the churches of the Birmingham Baptist Association, whose representatives elect the Board of Trustees. It was founded in 1922 by a group of local Baptist congregations.