Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Guardian vs. Conservator: What’s the Difference? - Robert J. Kulas, P.A.

Quoted for your discussion from web site of Robert J. Kulas, Attorney, East Lake Professional Center, 2100 SE Hillmoor Drive, Suite 105, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952, Phone: (772) 398-0720

information@kulaslaw.com

--

Guardian vs. Conservator: What’s the Difference?

Sep 8, 2010

When it comes to estate planning, the terms “guardian” and “conservator” tend to come up often. There’s sometimes confusion about what a guardian does as opposed to what a conservator does. The two roles are similar but distinct.

A guardian is a court-appointed fiduciary who is responsible for ensuring that the personal, day-to-day needs of a child or incapacitated adult are taken care of. The person whose well-being the guardian is responsible for is called a “ward”. In the case of a child, often the guardian is the primary caregiver, living with the child and fulfilling a parental role. This is not always the case with an incapacitated adult. The guardian of an incapacitated adult is usually in charge of making sure that the ward gets adequate medical treatment and that the ward’s caregivers are doing an adequate job of meeting his or her personal needs.

A conservator, or guardian of the property, on the other hand, is a court-appointed fiduciary who is responsible for managing the financial affairs of a child or an incapacitated adult. The conservator takes care of real estate, manages bank accounts, and handles investments. His or her duties can range from paying bills to buying and selling stocks and bonds to managing rental property on behalf of the ward.

The main benefit of having a guardian or conservator is that the fiduciary is subject to court oversight in fulfilling his or her duties. The disadvantages to this arrangement include that, because of court involvement, guardianship or conservatorship can be an expensive and time-consuming process, and that it is a public process.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

THE Caregivers Resource Links

Retirees NewsBasket: {back to top} THE Caregivers Resource Links

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Non-Emergency Government 311 Phone Services

311 Telephone Services

Non-Emergency Government 311 Service has been approved by the US Government as a 3-digit dedicated phone number to reach important government services from any location and at any time.

Simply dial 311 from any telephone and you will reach various non-emergency services thru out the nation.

311 is a simple, easy-to-remember telephone number which connects citizens with specially-trained city customer service representatives. They are ready to help you with your City service requests

Since 311 is a relatively new service not all localities offer 311 service at this time, especially lesser populated areas. However, its use is rapidly gaining momentum as more and more local agencies are offering it.

Things To Look for in a Retirement Home

5 Things to Look for in a Retirement Home
good article on www.smartmoney.com
"Continuing care retirement communities are probably the best prepared to deal with healthcare issues that arise as one gets further on in their golden years. This type of community hosts independent living quarters, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. That way, if a resident's health deteriorates, he or she could get the proper treatment without changing facilities. 'There will come a day when [a patient] will need [in-house, health] services,' says Holohan. 'You don't want...to change homes three or four times.'"

Thursday, August 5, 2010

What's new on BarbaraMcVicker.com? | Blog

http://nxy.in/kk7v1

As you can see, they've gone through a pretty major transition here! In case you're wondering where all the changes are, here is a brief summary:

Blog: As you can see here, Barbara now has a blog where she'll be posting great advice and eldercare news!

Expanded Resources: More online resources and recommended books!

Media & Press: A thorough compiling of all of Barbara's articles, TV appearances, and more!

Online Documents: If you're hosting Barbara for an event, or you'd just like to learn more about her, we now have an online press room and collection of event documents.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Paying for the ‘Institutionalized Spouse’ By CRAIG REAVES

Paying for the ‘Institutionalized Spouse’ - The New Old Age Blog - NYTimes.com

Paying for the ‘Institutionalized Spouse’
By CRAIG REAVES
Craig Reaves.Craig Reaves.

Craig Reaves, past president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, practices in Kansas City, Mo., and on occasion fields questions from New Old Age readers. You may submit your question to newoldage@nytimes.com. Please limit your inquiries to general legal issues; Mr. Reaves can’t offer personal legal advice.
Q.

What happens when one half of a married couple is retired and in need of expensive nursing home care while a younger spouse is still working and earning income? Are there options for protecting any of the income or accumulated wealth (such as retirement accounts) of the younger spouse? Or does it all have to go to pay for the care of the one who’s ill?

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Massachusetts, Elder home care programs have been cut

MetroWest feels pinch of local aid cuts - Framingham, MA - The MetroWest Daily News

Elder home care programs have been cut by $21.7 million over the last three fiscal years, a 14 percent cut when adjusted for inflation that results in approximately 2,500 fewer frail elders receiving community-based long-term care services that allow them to stay in their homes. There are now more than 2,700 elders each month on a waiting list for home care, the policy center report says.

Copyright 2010 The MetroWest Daily News. Some rights reserved

Monday, July 5, 2010

Lotsa Helping Hands A service of Alzheimer's Association

Lotsa Helping Hands - Coordination Service

Lotsa Helping Hands is a private, web-based caregiving coordination service that allows family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to create a community and assist with the daily tasks that become a challenge when caring for an aging loved one or during long-term caregiving.

Alzheimer's Association Each community includes an intuitive group calendar for scheduling tasks such as coverage or transportation to medical appointments, a platform for securely sharing vital medical, financial, and legal information with designated family members, and customizable sections for posting photos, well wishes, blogs, journals, and messages.

Now, when someone asks “what can I do to help?” the answer is “give me your name and email address” – the system takes over and allows people to sign up and start helping.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Fell On Floor and Can't Get Up, how to help

About Human Kinetics

Human Kinetics, mission is to produce innovative, informative products in all areas of physical activity that help people worldwide lead healthier, more active lives.

Human Kinetics is committed to providing quality informational and educational products in the physical activity and health fields that meet the needs of our diverse customers.
---
So you or your caring partner fell and is having trouble getting back up.

Here is an edited excerpt from Health Professionals’ Guide to Physical Management of Parkinson’s Disease
found on http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/assisted-floor-transfer-techniques-for-patients-with-parkinsons-disease

"Assisted floor transfer techniques for patients with Parkinson's Disease
By Miriam P. Boelen, PT"

"Assisted Floor Transfer Techniques"

When the caregiver helps the patient up from the floor, both must be kept safe. If this is not possible, additional help such as a medical alert system may be needed. If possible, the gait belt should be snug for better leverage.

Transfers should be coordinated between the patient and caregiver to ensure simultaneous maximal effort and to minimize strain on both. The caregiver can accomplish this by giving instructions such as “On the count of three try rolling onto your hands and knees” or “On the count of three try to stand up.” Because of Parkinsonian symptoms, the patient may not initiate movement at the count of three.

The caregiver should be advised of this possibility so that she or he can delay giving assistance until the patient starts. Coordination of effort will avoid placing excessive strain on the caregiver. Caregivers should be encouraged to use optimal lifting body mechanics. .....

* Assisted side lying to hands-and-knees position. The optimal hand placement of the caregiver is to position one hand under the bottom hip and the other hand under the gait belt. The caregiver pulls up on the patient’s hips as if turning a big wheel (figure 11.6, a and b). The caregiver should flex the knees to facilitate lifting with the legs rather than the back.

* Assisted prone to hands and knees. If the patient has strong arms, the caregiver (with proper body mechanics) can straddle the patient, grab the gait belt, and lean back while pulling up on the belt. At the same time the patient pushes with the arms (figure 11.7). As the patient walks her or his hands backward, the caregiver walks backward and guides the hips into the all-fours position.

* Assisted half kneeling to standing. The caregiver stands on the side of the patient that requires greater support. This positioning allows the patient to assist with his or her strongest side, which reduces difficulties in general. The caregiver places one hand on the gait belt and the other arm under the patient’s axilla (figure 11.8).

What to Do After a Fall

Patients often want to get up from the floor immediately after a fall. This desire may be due to the embarrassment of falling or their concern about their ability to get up. Sometimes patients do not think about the fact that after they have fallen, they cannot fall any farther and should be in no hurry to get up. Bystanders occasionally offer a helping hand, but their help may cause greater destabilization or irritate an already arthritic joint. Educating the patient about how to guide bystanders will help minimize these problems. Here are some general guidelines about what to tell your patient:

1. Do not try to get up right away.

2. Before attempting to get up, mentally note whether any areas feel injured. If you suspect injury, seek medical attention.

3. Attempt to relax for a moment before getting up.
.....

5. Before attempting to get up, someone should bring a chair close to you if needed so that you can use it for support to get up.

6. An additional chair could be placed behind you if you have difficulty turning. After you are standing, you can sit on the chair without having to turn.

This is an brief excerpt from Health Professionals’ Guide to Physical Management of Parkinson’s Disease. found on http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/assisted-floor-transfer-techniques-for-patients-with-parkinsons-disease

----
A gait belt is a device used to transfer people from one position to another or from one thing to another. For example you would use a gait belt to move a patient from a standing position to a wheelchair. The gait belt is customarily made out of cotton webbing and a durable metal buckle on one end. The gait belt is worn around a patient's waist. The purpose for this is to put less strain on the back of the care giver and to provide support for the patient
--
Points to Remember: More than one caregiver may be needed. Belts with padded handles are easier to grip and increase security and control. Always transfer to resident's strongest side. Use good body mechanics and a rocking and pulling motion rather than lifting when using a belt. Belts may not be suitable for ambulation of heavy residents or residents with recent abdominal or back surgery, abdominal aneurysm, etc. Should not be used for lifting residents. Ensure belt is securely fastened and cannot be easily undone by the resident during transfer. Ensure a layer of clothing is between residents' skin and the belt to avoid abrasion. Keep resident as close as possible to caregiver during transfer. Lower bedrails, remove arms and foot rests from chairs, and other items that may obstruct the transfer

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

It takes two to tango: email version

It takes two to tango: email version - Knowledge Jolt with Jack
Putting the little elves to work.For people who watch the "personal effectiveness" discussion space, one of the favorite topics is that of dealing with email, usually with a strong focus on one person: ideas like Inbox Zero or methods for processing mail. But there is a bigger issue with email in this person is not the only player: she sends and receives emails from many others, and it is their behavior that affect her just as much as her own actions.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The Living Will

The Living WillA Guide To Health Care Decision Making

This copyrighted material may be freely reproduced and distributed (intact with no changes) for personal use only.

Introduction

Through advances in medical technology, some patients who formerly would have died can now be kept alive by artificial means. Sometimes a patient may desire such treatment because it is a temporary measure potentially leading to the restoration of health. At other times, such treatment may be undesirable because it may only prolong the process of dying rather than restore the patient to an acceptable quality of life. In any case, each person is seen, under the law, as having the personal right to decide whether to institute, continue or terminate such treatment. As long as a patient is mentally competent, he or she can be consulted about desired treatment. When a patient has lost the capacity to communicate, however, the situation is different.

Although New York has no statute on the question, there are state and federal court decisions that have established the right of an incompetent or comatose patient to have his or her wishes respected, as long as those wishes are known. New York law requires clear and convincing evidence of what the patient would want. Of all the various acceptable forms of evidence, a health care declaration (often called a "Living Will") can be the best. It simply documents a person's wishes concerning treatment when those wishes can no longer be personally communicated. Even in New York, such a document is recognized if it is clear, specific and unequivocal.

The following guide will help you prepare such a document if you have wishes you want respected. You should realize that if you do not express your views, treatment to maintain your life, by whatever means available, will probably be provided once you are no longer able to communicate, even if family members object. Therefore, if there are conditions under which you would not want treatment, it is important that you communicate your wishes while you are able to do so. In addition, because it is important that your wishes be documented in the most effective way possible, it is recommended that you consult your attorney in regard to the preparation of a health care declaration.

Prepared by: Jack P. Freer, M.D.
Elizabeth G. Clark, Esq.
Hodgson, Russ, Andrews, Woods & Goodyear
Attorneys At Law COPYRIGHT © 1994 Jack P. Freer, M.D. & Hodgson, Russ, Andrews, Woods & Goodyear

Better Care of the Dying

ABCD-CARING - Americans for Better Care of the Dying - Main Page

Every dying person needs to be able to count on excellent care. Americans for Better Care of the Dying (ABCD) aims to improve end-of-life care

Caring Conversations Workbook, published by the Center for Practical Bioethics

About MidBio

Midwest Bioethics Center was a community-based ethics center, founded in 1984 by a physician, an attorney, and a philosopher. Dedicated to its mission to integrate ethical considerations into healthcare decision-making throughout communities, the Center offered workshops and educational programs for professionals and lay people alike, assisted healthcare providers throughout the country in grappling with ethical issues in clinical work, and assisted administrators in integrating ethics into the organizational structure. MBC was a membership organization for both consumers and professionals.

MBC facilitated four different ethics consortia which met to study ethical issues and prepare policy guidelines.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Age Strong! Live Long! May is Older Americans Month

http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Index.aspx

Older Americans Month Archive

May is Older Americans Month
History of Older Americans Month

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as "Senior Citizens Month."

Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition.

Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.

Past Older Americans Month Themes

* 1978 - Older Americans and the Family
* 1984 - Health: Make it Last a Lifetime
* 1985 - Help Yourself to Independence
* 1986 - Plan on Living the Rest of Your Life
* 1992 - Community Action Begins with You: Help Older Americans Help Themselves
* 1993 - No theme selected (proclamation signed on May 25, 1993)
* 1994 - Aging: An Experience of a Lifetime
* 1995 - Aging: Generations of Experience
* 1996 - Aging: A Lifetime Opportunity
* 1997 - Caregiving: Compassion in Action
* 1998 - Living Longer, Growing Stronger in America
* 1999 - Honor the Past, Imagine the Future: Towards a Society for All Ages
* 2000 - In the New Century. . . . The Future is Aging
* 2001 - The Many Faces of Aging
* 2002 - America: "A Community for all Ages"
* 2003 - What We Do Makes A Difference.”
* 2004 - Aging Well, Living Well
* 2005 - Celebrate Long-term Living
* 2006 - Choices For Independence
* 2007 - Making Choices for a Healthier Future
* 2008 - Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities
* 2009 - Living Today for a Better Tomorrow
* 2010 - Age Strong! Live Long!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The number of unpaid family caregivers in the United States now tops 65 million

The Secret Caregivers

The Secret Caregivers

By Gail Sheehy, May & June 2010

Men care for their loved ones more often than we know. Why do they hide it? Inside their silent burdens and bittersweet rewards

The number of unpaid family caregivers in the United States now tops 65 million, involving more than three in ten households, according to "Caregiving in the U.S. 2009," a report conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) in collaboration with AARP, and funded by the MetLife Foundation. Despite a common stereotype that caregiving is women's work, one third of American caregivers are men, the report reveals.

Caregiving in the U.S. 2009

By: National Alliance for Caregiving in Collaboration with AARP; Funded by The MetLife Foundation | December 2009

Monday, May 3, 2010

How to make a visit to the physician easier for AD patient.

Pleasantries Adult Day Services - Marlboro, Massachusetts - Alternative Alzheimer’s care
Tammy Pozerycki
Owner & Director
Writes in a Pleasantries A.D.S. newsletter:

It is important that your loved one with Alzheimer's disease have regular visits to his or her physician. These visits should address all medical and behavioral issues which may be related to Alzheimer's disease. In order to experience a productive appointment with the physician, try the following suggestions:

* Choose a "good" time of day for the appointment time (most likely morning will be best.)

* Bring along an activity that your loved one enjoys (books, sorting activity, coloring, etc) as well as a snack and water. This will prepare you for an unexpected wait time.

* Bring a list of all medication including over-the-counter. Create a list of questions in preparation of the minimal time available with the doctor.

* Depending on your situation, it may be helpful to bring someone else with you, such as a close friend or family member.

* Discuss what you can expect for the future and advance directives.

* It is good to take notes as there will be much discussed in a short amount of time.

* Be open and honest. If you are not happy or satisfied with the physician, make he or she aware of your concerns. Switching physicians can be confusing to your loved one and possibly detrimental in the longrun. If discussed, the issues may be resolved.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Northborough MA, Four Part Educational Series on Alzheimer's Disease

Free and Open to The Community at the Northborough Senior Center119 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, MA

Presented by http://www.pleasantriesads.com/

When: Part I
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 6:00-7:00pm
"Alzheimer's............The Basics" What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Learn the basic terminology, theory, research, and up to date information.

Part II
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 6:00-7:00pm
"Defining the 3 D's..........Dementia, Delirium, and Depression"
Learn to distinguish the similarities and differences of dementia, delirium, and depression.

Part III
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 6:00-7:00pm
"The Alzheimer's patient, making the most of a doctor's visit"
Learn techniques and strategies to minimize the stress of any medical visit.

Part IV
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 6:00-7:00pm
"Alternatives to Dementia Care"
Learn opportunities that can make a better day for you and your loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

To Reserve Your Space, please call: 508-393-5035

Sunday, April 25, 2010

“if you want to die, get better and die at home.”

A Graying Population, a Graying Work Force - NYTimes.com

In an aging population, the elderly are increasingly being taken care of by the elderly. Professional caregivers — almost all of them women — are one of the fastest-growing segments of the American work force, and also one of the grayest.

A recent study by PHI National, a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of caregivers, found that in 2008, 28 percent of home care aides were over age 55, compared with 18 percent of women in the overall work force.

The organization projects that from 2008 to 2018, the number of direct care workers, which includes those in nursing homes, will grow to 4.3 million from 3.2 million.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Helping You | Task Rabbits

How it works video - TaskRabbit

Stuff To Do?

Saturday, April 3, 2010

NPO's ORGANIZATIONS FOR CAREGIVERS

Rural Caregivers - Organizations for Caregivers
Nonprofit Organizations Specifically for Caregivers

Caregiver Assitive Technologies {Purdue edu}

Rural Caregivers - Assistive Technology

For caregivers, assistive technology, especially aids for daily living (ADLs), can make a world of difference in the lives of the individuals they care for. Whether it is modified utensils, dressing and grooming aids, or mobility aids, these devices give a person more independence to do tasks they otherwise would not be able to do with out assistance. For caregivers, assistive technology can make the job of caring for a loved one much easier.

There are many places for caregivers to turn for assistance. There are many companies that sell difference assistive devices as well as many professionals who are available to offer advice, share their knowledge and offer technical assistance.

Caregiver Resources http://cobweb.ecn.purdue.edu/~bng/BNG/Caregiving/assistivetech.html

Changing the perception and experience of aging

secondwinddreams

Second Wind Dreams® was formed in 1997, growing out of the work of geriatric specialist P.K. Beville, M.S. who co-authored Second Wind, a novel about people living in a nursing home. Over the last twelve years, SWD has become involved in more than 290 eldercare communities in 40 states, Canada and India. The mission of Second Wind Dreams® (SWD) is simple: through the fulfillment of dreams and the offering of innovative educational opportunities to caregivers and communities, SWD seeks to change the perception and experience of aging, empowering elders to age with dignity, hope and joy.

Second Wind Dreams focuses on those living in eldercare communities or in hospice care. These are our seniors who need our assistance most. Family support may be non-existent, money can be at a premium, especially for our Medicaid supported seniors, and these senior adults are often our frailest— the ones who need a dream fulfilled.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Social Work PDF Print E-mail Written by Karen Graziano, LCSW

Social Work--THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER Online--Magazine for Social Work Students and Recent Graduates--Articles, Jobs, & More - Preparing for the Future: A Career in Gerontological Social Work

It may surprise you that the elderly are you and I. As C.S. Lewis has observed, “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.” It is one of the great equalizers. According to one of the most insightful raconteurs of our time, George Carlin, “There’s no present. There’s only the immediate future and the recent past.”

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Finding / Acessing Services available from your City

311 Service 311 Telephone Services

311 Service
Non-Emergency Government 311 Services
311 Service has been approved by the US Government as a 3-digit dedicated phone number to reach important government services from any location and at any time. Simply dial 311 from any telephone and you will reach various non-emergency services thru out the nation.

Call 311 -- 311 is a simple, easy-to-remember telephone number which connects citizens with specially-trained city customer service representatives. They are ready to help you with your City service requests ... so next time you need a service from your City . . . CALL 311!

How does 311 work? When you dial 311, a Customer Service Representative will answer your call. You will be asked for detailed information regarding your request. This information is immediately sent to the appropriate City department for action. 311 Customer Service Representatives understand the importance of providing quality customer service the first time you call.

The mission of 311 phone service is to provide access to City services and City information with the highest possible levels of customer service. The "3-1-1" initiative strives to help City agencies provide efficient service delivery by allowing them to focus on their core missions, manage workloads efficiently, provide insight into the needs of residents, and measure how well services are delivered.

Since 311 is a relatively new service not all localities offer 311 service at this time, especially lesser populated areas. However, its use is rapidly gaining momentum as more and more local agencies are offering it.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Cohousing, a movement that started in Denmark

Cohousing building momentum in Mass. - The Boston Globe

Cohousing, a movement that started in Denmark in the 1980s, has been steadily spreading from Western Massachusetts into urban areas, and catching on with a new generation of frugal, environmentally conscious folks.

Carbon footprints and tight household budgets weigh on a lot of city dwellers’ minds, its champions point out. Security, safety, and building a sense of community do, too. Cohousing addresses all of these concerns, they maintain. For young adults and parents of growing families, it means a more neighborly way of living than an apartment complex normally offers. For seniors, it often allows “aging in place’’ with members of multiple generations.

Cheaper. Cleaner. More democratic. More congenial. More stimulating. What’s not to like?

“Massachusetts has become one of the hotbeds of cohousing,’’ said Craig Ragland, executive director of the Cohousing Association of the United States. By Ragland’s count, there are 120 established cohousing communities across the country, including preexisting neighborhood complexes retrofitted to the cohousing model.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

DOOR ALARMS, ENTRY ALERTS, DOORWAY ANNOUNCERS, ROOM MONITORS

WIRELESS LISTENING MONITORS such as baby monitors have drawbacks: signal blockage by concrete walls, conflicts with cordless phones, multiple monitors can mess up you hear on your unit. Never to discuss anything private when audio unit is on they broadcast to anyone's monitor in range. However, wireless audio monitors don't require installing wiring. There are millions of baby monitors in use.

When buying a listening device such as a baby monitor consider: size, portability, low battery warning, sound activated alarm light, multiple receivers for a single monitor, talk back features.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
ABSOLUTE AUTOMATION INC http://www.door-aarm.com/l

Wireless Door Alarms, Entry Alerts and Doorway Announcers. The wireless transmitter may be above or beside your door and be alerted of someone. There are door alarm systems which can be used to alert you when an individual has left their area. Other systems can alert caregivers of a person moving in their room or wandering in a hall.
They have Magnetic door switches which can be used to trigger monitors, chimes and/or send wireless signals back to other receivers or alarm units.

Fall Savers© | 59 Fulham High Street | London, SW6 3JJ, UK

http://www.fallsavers.co.uk/content/product.php
The Fall Savers company in the UK has monitors that are versatile portable battery powered bed and chair alarm designed for use with a sensor pad. The monitor sounds an alarm when the patient's weight moves off the bed or chair sensor pad.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMEDS.com 451 Warwick Industrial Drive, Warwick, RI 02886
http://www.ameds.com/product.php?

Door Guards which provide a strong visual reminder to individuals not to proceed through certain doorways.

UMP Infrared Bed Monitor which alerts the caregiver when an individual attempts to leave the bed.

The Smart Caregiver Wireless Fall Prevention Monitor System is a unique product that offers multiple functions. The Alarm can be silent or volume can be controlled, while continuing to transmit an audible alert to a caregiver in another location. The alarm in silent mode is ideal for situations where you don't want to disturb people in the room. It has a radio signa thatl is transmitted to a pager / alarm. Runs on 3 AA batteries and requires no plugs or wires.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABLEDATA 8630 Fenton Street,Silver Spring, MD 20910.
http://www.abledata.com/abledata.cfm?pageid=19327&top=10771&trail=22,10756

Accudata wandering patient detection system uses coded identification tags and sensors mounted at exits, and monitored areas. The Waterproof tags contain a miniature transmitter receiver and a microchip memory which contains the patient identification The sensor sets off an alarm when the presence of an identification tag is detected.

Alarm Cushion which is a foam or gel and foam seat cushion designed for use with geri chairs. It features a built-in weight sensor factory sealed inside a vinyl compartment in the cushion to protect it from urine and wear and to prevent it from shifting beneath the user's weight. When a person attempts to leave the chair or as a result of sliding, an alarm sounds..

The AliMed Seat Belt Alarm, is a seat belt and wandering patient system designed for use by individuals with Alzheimer's disease. This dual-function seat belt keeps the person in the chair and sounds an alarm if disconnected.

The Bed-Check System is a wander's system designed to alert caregivers if an individual with balance disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or other disabilities tries to get out of bed unattended.

They offer a Professional series Care Trak Mobile Locator which is a wireless system for a clinical setting. This portable device can be used alone or with a Invisible Perimeter System to locate an individual who has wandered off by as much as a mile. One model can locate up to fourteen different individu

The Care Trak Sentry Door System is a system designed to prevent individuals from entering or exiting a door without assistance. It can monitor up to eight doors in a residential setting. The system uses a tamper-resistant transmitter that can be worn on a wrist or ankle

The Care Trak Invisible Perimeter System is a system designed to prevent individuals from entering or exiting a specific area. The system features a monitoring unit with controls to adjust the range of the invisible perimeter, a Care Trak wrist transmitter, and the Care Trak Mobile Locator (see separate entry). The system establishes an invisible circular boundary around the monitoring unit.

Professional series Care Trak Wrist Transmitter is a wireless signal transmitter designed for use by caregivers of individuals in a clinical setting. This portable device can be used when the police or emergency rescue personnel have the Care Trak. Care Trak registers the frequency number of the transmitter with the appropriate agency.

They offer a The Door Mural system designed for use with individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or cognitive disabilities. When applied to a door leading to a cleaning supply storage closet or a stairway, the door is completely obscured.

Their Door or Window Alarm is a system featuring an insert that fits in the gap between a closed door and the doorjamb or between a window and the window frame. Once the insert is in place, if the door or window is opened even slightly, a loud alarm sounds

Their door Knob Guard prevents a disoriented or wandering individuals fro entering or exiting a door without assistance, fits most standard door knobs and is easily removed in case of emergency.

Motion Detector with Remote Alarm made up of a motion detector and a receiver chime alarm. The detector can be placed where needed (bedroom, stairs, exit door, etc.) to detect movement. The receiver can be carried in a caregiver's pocket.

They offer an alarm unit featuring a cord held in with a pin. At the other end of the cord is a clip that attaches to clothing excess tension on the cord sounds the alarm.

Another Personal Alarm enables family members, friends, or caregivers to record a spoken message to remind an individual to request assistance before getting up plus it offers five selectable alarm tones which can be use in conjunction with or separately from the voice message.

Passive Infrared Red, PIR, Alarm requires no pads or sensors and relies on passive infrared technology similar to that used by automatic doors and lights. The unit emits an IR invisible fan-shaped beam that covers the entire bedside and may be adjusted to detect only undesired motion.

A toilet mounted alarm warns of a person leaving a toilet. The sensor mounts beneath the seat and sets itself automatically.

Bed-Safe Alert and Chair-Safe Alert units emit a loud audible alarm when the user begins to get up out of bed, chair or wheelchair. The systems are portable .

The QualCare VOICE Alarm has a cord that can be clipped to the patient's clothing. When the cord is pulled from the alarm unit, a recorded message plays for 20 seconds, then an alarm tone sounds.

The Stray Away Alarm has a transmitter pendant and a receiver. The pendant features a lanyard for wearing around the neck and the receiver includes a belt clip. When the person is separated from the caregiver distance from 10 to 20 feet, a signal is sent frrom the pendant to the receiver, sounding an alarm.

The Talking Motion Detective is a wireless, two-piece, motion detector announces specific information to alert the caregiver. One speaker unit can monitor up to six motion detectors, each providing different information for different exits or areas of the home . For example, the system might announce "Dad is trying to go out the back door!" or "Mom is in the kitchen."

Telecom 4000 automatic dialer is an emergency alert, call signal, or wandering person system designed for use by individuals who are at risk for medical emergencies. Used in conjunction with a wireless pendant transmitter, this enables the user to summon help by pressing a button. Used in conjunction with motion sensors, it can monitor activity in the residence and send an alarm when the resident has been inactive

TrackerPAL is a system with a fully active global positioning (GPS) and interactive voice capability. The system covers virtually all of the United States and Canada and is monitored through a monitoring center. All voice communications with family members and the individual monitored are recorded and are kept in a WAV file for future use if needed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITY2020 1680 Roberts Blvd. Kennesaw, GA 30144

Voice Alert System http://www.security2020.net/va6000s-voice-alert-system-6.html is ideal for residential and small business notification, security, and property protection. It combines wireless and digital voice technology to create the most flexible and cost-effective annunciation system available today. System monitors up to six zones using wireless PIR Sensor Transmitters and a remote Receiver/Speaker Base Unit. When a zone is breached, a signal is sent up to 1000 feet (300' through walls) to the remote Base Unit. Upon signal reception, the Base Unit plays a user (voice-recorded) message identifying that specific zone.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

TUNSTALL GROUP LTD.,Whitley Lodge, Whitley Bridge, DN14 0HR, United Kingdom
http://www.alzheimers-support.com/en-GB/solutions-a-to-z.html

Bed/chair sensor detects when a person leaves their bed (or chair) and can turn on a light gradually. It will also set a timer running (which can be set for varying periods of time) and if the sensor fails to detect a return to bed within this time it will raise an alarm call. This alarm can either be directed to a caregiver or to the monitoring center. It is then possible to speak to the person via the speaker on the central Lifeline unit. Alternatively the sensor can also be set to raise an alarm if a person has failed to get out of bed after a preset time in the morning or if they have failed to go to bed by a preset time. The pad can also be used with chairs and wheelchairs.

Wet bedding sensor. Placed between the matress and sheet, this sensor provides immediate warning on detection of moisture

Tunstall's fall detector automatically detects a serious fall and setting off an alert to the designated caregiver.

Flood detector will raise an alarm if sinks or baths overflow

The Lifeline Connect+ home unit is supplied with a personal pendant, and can be used to raise a call from anywhere in the home or garden by simply pressing the pendant or red buton on the unit. Calls are received at the dedicated 24 hour response centre where the most appropriate action is taken. Requires an existing telephone line and electrical outlet.

Sensors can be added to the Lifeline unit, which are connected wirelessly and unobtrusively. Lifeline Connect+

Medication dispensers provides an effective solution to support medication compliance by automatically dispensing medication and providing audible and visual alerts to the user each time medication should be taken.

A wireless movement sensor/detector for both activity and inactivity monitoring, for example, to check if a person has got out of bed or visited the kitchen.

Tunstall is currently trialling safer walking technology , which allows freedom for the user to walk about in a safe environment and sends an alarm call should the user go outside a preset safe zone. The system comprises a wrist worn locatable alarm device, a home base, a secure location data processing system and a 24/7 Monitoring Center. The system uses Assisted GPS and GSM technology and recognizes when the wearer leaves a predefined safe zone . This will trigger an alert at the Monitoring Center who will contact the responsible carer/organization and assist with the provision of an appropriate response.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

"Healthy Solutions Chat" Tele-Seminar

Healthy Solutions Tele-Seminar

Bring Your Questions and a Friend Every Monday

9pm Eastern, 6pm Pacific Time

The buddy system works for creating positive change in your life!

Every Monday you can get health advice you can trust ...

and the support you need to move consistently toward your health goals.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

NFCA, National Family Caregivers Association

The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships, and life stages to help transform family caregivers' lives by removing barriers to health and well being.

Membership is free to family caregivers, and includes a quarterly, e-mailed newsletter. For those who would rather receive a print copy of the newsletter, NFCA offers an upgraded, Family Caregiver Plus membership at the special introductory rate of $10/year. Click here to join on-line.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Retired? Cleaning products are a mystery under the kitchen sink

Cleanser makers told to come clean - The Boston Globe

Some studies have linked cleaning product components to asthma, antibiotic resistance, hormone changes, and other health problems. ...

Federal environmental laws don’t require most household cleaning products to list their ingredients, though there are congressional proposals to change that. The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires hazard warning labels on some cleansers, and the National Institutes of Health offer some health and safety information for hundreds of cleaning products, drawn from data gathered for industrial use.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Raise your hand if you're a caregiver.

How Can Doctors and Caregivers Work Together?

from: HealthBridge's In-Home Care Blog

Dr. Pauline Chen took an insightful look at this topic in her "Doctor and Patient" column in the New York Times. She writes:

For all our assertions about the importance of caring in what we do, doctors as a profession have been slow to recognize family members and loved ones who care for patients at home. These “family caregivers” do work that is complex, physically challenging and critical to a patient’s overall well-being, like dressing wounds, dispensing medication, and feeding, bathing and dressing those who can no longer do so themselves.

Many of these caregiving tasks were once the purview of doctors and nurses, a central component of the “caring professions.” But over the past century, as these duties increasingly fell to individuals with little or no training, doctors and even some nurses began to confer less importance, and status, to the work of caregiving.

nightmare for those with disabilities who are struggling to stay at home.

http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Columns/2010/February/020110Gleckman.aspx

Howard Gleckman, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute

Feb 01, 2010

There are programs run by states and similar projects run out of Washington. This is a particular nightmare for those with disabilities who are struggling to stay at home. If you don’t believe me, try to find a local phone number for elder care assistance.

getting trained to care for persons living with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Dementia Hands-On Care DVD: "The Art of Caregiving" with Care Expert Teepa Snow http://tinyurl.com/jetswp2

A quote from: Ethelle Lord, DM "I found something worse than
receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. It is not getting the workforce
trained in time to care for persons living with Alzheimer's whether
at home or in a care center." Ethelle Lord is President
remembering4you.com based in Maine

Pines Education Institute of S.W. Florida
{QUOTE}Caring for that special someone is a task that becomes harder with each day. You want to give the best possible care and quality of life, but wonder at times whether there is something you are missing.

Teepa Snow will show you in "The Art of Caregiving" how to provide the most comfort for mind, body, and soul for your person with dementia. She provides detailed, easy-to-follow explanations for daily tasks, such as helping to eat, move, bathe, or getting dressed.
Her program is a great learning tool for anyone, from beginning in-home caregiver to experienced professional.

Teepa's insights are based on a foundation of science, mixed with a genuine dose of love and understanding for people with dementia.

Learn with Teepa and share in the experience of what a positive, person-centered care approach can do for you and your loved one.
View video excerpts on www.youtube.com/user/PinesofSarasota {END QUOTE}

My name is Dave Mainwaring

I have been told that I fit the description a knowledge_worker. I retrieved the following from Wikipedia.com http://tinyurl.com/qat4yy2

As a Helper I transfer information to teach others, once they passed a problem. Assisiting with dissemination, feedback, information search, learning, networking

As a Learner I use information and practices to improve personal skills and competence.

As a Linker I associate and mash up information from different sources to generate new information. Reading , dissemination, information search, information organization, networking

As a Networker I create personal or project related connections with people involved in the a wide variety of work, to share information and support each other.

As a Retriever I search and collect information on a given topic or variety of topics.

As a Sharer I disseminate information in a variety of communities.

As a Solver I share with who seek to provide a way to deal with a problem.

References I found on Knowledge_work {which I have not read yet}

Davenport, Thomas H. (2005). Thinking For A Living: How to Get Better Performance and Results From Knowledge Workers. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. ISBN 1-59139-423-6.

Reinhardt, W.; Schmidt, B.; Sloep, P.; Drachsler, H. (2011). "Knowledge Worker Roles and Actions – Results of Two Empirical Studies". Knowledge and Process Management 18 (3): 150–174. doi:10.1002/kpm.378.

Pyöriä, P. (2005). "The Concept of Knowledge Work Revisited". Journal of Knowledge Management 9 (3): 116–127. doi:10.1108/13673270510602818.

Mosco, V.; McKercher, C. (2007). "Introduction: Theorizing Knowledge Labor and the Information Society". Knowledge Workers in the Information Society. Lanham: Lexington Books. pp. vii–xxiv. ISBN 978-0-7391-1781-1.

Mcdermott, Michael (2005). "Knowledge Workers: You can gauge their effectiveness". Leadership Excellence 22 (10): 15–17. ISSN 8756-2308.

Cooper, Doug (2006). "Knowledge Workers". Canadian Business 79 (20): 59.

Kelley, Robert E. (1986). The Gold-collar Worker: Harnessing the Brainpower of the New Workforce. Reading: Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-11739-8.

Cortada, James W. (1998). Rise of the Knowledge Worker. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-7506-7058-4.

Jemielniak, Dariusz (2012). The New Knowledge Workers. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. ISBN 978-1-8484-4753-0.

"Managing Knowledge Workers: Getting the Most From Them". MindTools.com. Retrieved 2014-06-27.
Drucker, P. F. (1959). The Landmarks of Tomorrow New York: Harper and Row.
Drucker. P.F. (1999). Management Challenges for the 21st Century. Harper Collins.

Weiss, Paul A. (1960). "Knowledge a growth process". Science 130: 1716–1719.

Savage, Charles (1995). Fifth Generation Management: Co-creating through Virtual Enterprising, Dynamic Teaming and Knowledge Networking. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-7506-9701-6.

Haag, S.; Cummings, M.; McCubbrey, D.; Pinsonneault, A.; Donovan, R. (2006). Management Information Systems for the Information Age (3rd Canadian ed.). Canada: McGraw Hill Ryerson. ISBN 0-07-095569-7.

Bogdanowicz, Maureen S.; Bailey, Elaine K. (2002). "The Value of Knowledge and the Values of the New Knowledge Worker: Generation X in the New Economy". Journal of European Industrial Training 26 (2–4): 125–129. doi:10.1108/03090590210422003.

Davenport, Thomas H.; Prusak, Laurence (1998). Working Knowledge: How Organizations Manage What They Know. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. ISBN 0-87584-655-6.

Drucker, Peter F. (1999). Management Challenges of the 21st Century. New York: Harper Business. ISBN 0-88730-998-4.
Drucker, Peter F. (1973). Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices. New York: Harper & Row. ISBN 0-06-011092-9.

Mcgee, James; Prusak, Lawrence (1993). Managing Information Strategically: Increase Your Company's Competitiveness and Efficiency by Using Information as a Strategic Tool. New York: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-57544-5.

Mumford, Lewis (1961). The City in History: Its Origins, its Transformations, and its Prospects. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World.

Simard, Albert; Broome, John; Drury, Malcolm; Haddon, Brian; O’Neil, Bob; Pasho, Dave (2007). Understanding Knowledge Services at Natural Resources Canada. Ottawa: Natural Resources Canada, Knowledge Services Task Group. ISBN 978-0-662-44528-9.

Tapscott, Don; Williams, Anthony D. (2006). Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything. New York: Penguin. ISBN 1-59184-138-0.