Newton, MA - The Newton Senior Center

Newton, MA - Seniors: The Newton Senior Center
Welcome!Newton Senior Center

Our mission is to serve as a place for older adults in the community and to create an environment that validates the changing needs and interests of individuals in Newton. We are a nationally accredited senior center where people gather in an atmosphere that promotes and utilizes life experiences. The Newton Senior Center programs and services are designed for those 50 years old to 100+

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• Whom do we consider to be a senior?
• How do you get to the Newton Senior Center?
• What are the Center's operating hours?
• What's for lunch?
• What do I have to do to join the Newton Senior Center? Is there a membership?
• Do I have to be a Newton resident to participate at the Center?
• Will I fit in at the Center? What type of person participates?
• What programs do you offer at the Center that may be of interest to me?
• Who funds the Newton Senior Center?
• How can I find information on housing options for Newton Seniors?
• Where can I find home-based services like homemakers and home health aides?
• My parents are thinking about moving to Newton to be closer to us. What services and programs would be available to them?
• What transportation services are available to seniors?

Our Programs

Ongoing programs below. For a current listing of one-time events, presentations and talks, please see page 3-4 in our newsletter or see our calendar. For more information on the meal program, please visit Let's Eat.

Fitness

Zumba Gold, Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
Join a certified instructor for an exciting and energizing workout. A donation of $2 is suggested.

Tai Chi, Mondays 8:45 - 9:45 a.m., Thursdays, 11:45 - 12:45 p.m.
It is through the generosity of the Newton/ Wellesley hospital and the Rotary Club, each a partial sponsor, that we can provide this program. A donation of $3 per class is suggested to cover the remaining costs.
Tong Ren, Thursdays, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.
Learn about the ancient Eastern pursuit of wellness through power of positive thought. A donation of $2 is suggested.
Beyond Balance, Mondays, 12:45 - 1:45 p.m., Wednesdays, 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Whole body workout focuses on building core strength. Pre-register/pre-pay $50 for 8 weeks for either Monday or Wednesday. Try out the class to see if you like it! Drop-in only $10. Want to participate but need more flexibility? Purchase a punch card allowing you attendance at either day.
Yoga (chair), Mondays, 2:00 p.m., Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.
Gentle yoga for all ages and fitness levels. A donation of $2 is suggested.

Yoga (mats), Thursdays, 2:00 p.m.
Mats provided for this calming hour of stretching, breathing and balancing. A donation of $2 is suggested.
Aerobics, Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00 a.m.
Certified teacher leads class. Individuals modify exercise to their own needs. A donation of $2 is suggested.
Muscle Conditioning, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m.
Certified teacher leads class. Individuals modify exercise to their own needs. A donation of $2 is suggested.

Health & Nutrition Services and Support

Lunch, Monday - Friday, 11:45 a.m.
Pre-register by 11:00 the previous day (for Monday pre-register by 11:00 Friday). Suggested donation, $1.75. Punch cards available in the office.
Health Clinic, Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Nurses from the Newton Health Department see individuals on a first-come, drop-in, basis to take blood pressure.
SHINE: Serving Health Information Needs of Elders
A trained representative sees individuals by appointment to assist with health insurance questions. To make an appointment call 617-796-1660.
Legal Consultation, First Friday of the month, 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Law students from Boston College Law School will see individuals by appointment, under the supervision of a law professor. Call 617-796-1660 for appointment. No appointments in January.
Social Services
Call Kathy Laufer, LICSW or Outreach Worker, Christie Rexford, for social service assistance. Concrete services, case management services and clinical services available. Call 617-796-1673 for appointment.
Social Work Group, Tuesdays, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Topics changes periodically. This group is led by our Social Worker Intern, Bri Doughty. See newsletter for details.
Low-Vision Group, first Monday of each month (unless it is a holiday, then moves ahead one week), 10:00 a.m.
This is a support group for those with vision impairments. Information, friendship and sharing. Brought to the Center by the Vision Foundation and Massachusetts Association for the Blind. Group suspends meetings for January and February.

Education

NewsTalk, Mondays 10:00 a.m.
Lively current events discussion led by former educator. All are welcome.
Short Story Discussion Group, Last Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m.
Ditta Lowy as she leads a monthly short story discussion group. Upcoming stories available from receptionist 2 weeks in advance of meeting.
Spanish Classes
Beginner Spanish Class- Mondays, 9:00- 10:30a.m. $2 suggested donation.
Intermediate Spanish I- Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00a.m. $2 suggested donation
Intermediate Spanish II- Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30a.m. $2 suggested donation

Beginning French, Fridays, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Challenge your mind and learn a new language! Volunteer Ilse Garfunkel teaches this course for beginners. All are welcome.

French Salon (Conversation), Thursdays, 1:30 p.m.
Group gathers to speak in French about a variety of subjects. All are welcome.

Mandarin Chinese Conversation Group, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Speak Mandarin Chinese or learn a bit about the language. All are welcome.

Current Events, Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.
Join fellow community members and join in current events discussions. All are welcome.
Computer and iPad Classes, Schedule set individually for each student. Session is 6-weeks. $50. (Classes held in computer rooms.). For more information or to register, please call Molly at 617-796-1670 or email.
Book Talk, Second Monday of the month, 2:30 p.m.
The Newton Free Library presents a program at the Senior Center that reviews books of interest. All are welcome.
Book Club, Third Friday of each month, 10:30 a.m.
The Newton Senior Center Book Club meets to discuss a book previously chosen. The book is listed in the prior month’s newsletter. All are welcome.

Music

Newton Swing Band, Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Musicians gather to form band. Musicians welcome to join. They practice each week and do gigs around the city. All welcome to sit in listen.
Newton Senior Center Chamber Music Ensemble, Wednesdays, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
Chamber Music suspended from June through August. Resumes September. Bring your instrument and join in or pull up a chair and just listen!
Lunchtime Piano, Every other Wednesday and every Friday, 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy live music and lunch with friends.

The Arts

Fine Arts Studio, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Artists gather to explore their creative sides in this supportive environment. Bring your own supplies. Local artist David Wenstrom is offering basic instruction and guidance.
Ceramics, Thursdays, 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Pre-register, pre-pay $50 per session for classes running 8-weeks. Teacher will teach technique, offer guidance and handle firing in the kiln. All materials available including raw clay. Purchase bisque-ware at cost.

Fused Glass Class, Tuesday, March 5 and March 26, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  $20 donation per class.
Local artist Suzi Wilder will lead this two hour class. Each participant will create a usable and decorative glass piece and learn techniques for working with fused glass and playing with color. Registration required; please contact Molly at 617-796-1670 or email.

Quilting, Mondays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Learn this beautiful art form; all levels welcome. Material fees may be required.

Entertainment

Movie Matinee, Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy Oscar-winning movies: March Movies

Games

Bridge lessons, Tuesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Lessons are offered at the Newton Senior, drop-in!

Canasta lessons, Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., $35 donation for five weeks
Five week class, registration required. Please contact Molly at 617-796-1670.

Pool Cues, Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This group is scheduled for drop-in billiards. There is a sign in sheet for order of play. Tournaments are set up a few times a year and those wishing to play may contact Harry Wentzell (volunteer) through the office.
Monday and Thursday Games, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Drop in to play Scrabble, Bridge, Mah Jongg or another game of your choosing.
Duplicate Bridge, Wednesdays, 1:00 to 3:45 p.m.
Drop-in players seated in order of arrival for friendly Bridge.
Chess Nuts, Fridays, 1:00 p.m.
Friendly games of chess with a yearly tournament.
Poker, Fridays, 12:00 p.m.
Friendly game of poker; drop in!

NORC - National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.

NORC - National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center.

NORC Library

• Government Reports
• Federal Laws & Regulations
• State Laws & Regulations
• Research About the LTCOP
• Resources & Reference Documents

Government Reports

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• Compliance Review of the State of Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Administration on Aging (September 2011)
• Poorly Performing Nursing Homes: Special Focus Facilities Are Often Improving, but CMS’s Program Could Be Strengthened, U.S. Government Office of Accountability (March 2010)

The Center attempts to stay current on Internet sites that are useful to ombudsmen and to pass along the URL addresses of particularly interesting and informative websites that might help ombudsman in their efforts to promote residents' rights and improve quality of care.

The sites are organized by category. Please click on the category below to access a list of related links:

• Statistical Resources
• Legal Service Providers
• Local Ombudsman Programs

Massachusetts Home Care Program | Executive office of Elder Affairs in coordination with Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs),

Home Care Program Overview

The Massachusetts Home Care Program provides support services to elders with daily living needs to help maintain independent community living. Services are designed to encourage independence and ensure dignity. The program also supports families caring for elders in order to encourage and relieve ongoing care giving responsibilities. The Home Care Program is administered by the Executive office of Elder Affairs in coordination with Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs), located in communities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The program provides homemaker, personal care, day care, home delivered meals, transportation, and an array of other community support services to help elders remain in their homes. The ASAP conducts comprehensive needs assessments to determine eligibility for the Home Care Program as well as other programs and services as appropriate. An individualized service plan is developed with the elder and his/her family. On an ongoing basis, the ASAP conducts reassessments and monitors services for quality.

Eligibility for the Home Care Program is based on age (60 years or older or under 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in need or respite services), financial status, and ability to carry out daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

Eligibility for the Home Care Program

60 years or older or under 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in need of respite services
Codes
Functional Impairment Levels (FIL) - Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, transferring, and mobility

• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include meal preparation, shopping, laundry, managing money, housework, transportation, use of telephone, outdoor mobility, and taking medicine


• Critical Unmet Needs include ADLs, meal preparation, shopping, medical transportation, and need for home health services or respite care

Financial

MassHealth members are financially eligible. Income guidelines require Annual Gross Income less than $24,838/single and 35,145/couple.

Monthly Co-Payments

• $9-$130 for individuals with incomes that range from $10,924-$24,837


• $17-$140 for couples with incomes that range from $14,646-$35,144

Respite Over-Income Scale

• 50%-100% of cost of services

Massachusetts Home Care Program Overview

Home Care Program Overview

Home Care Program Overview

The Massachusetts Home Care Program provides support services to elders with daily living needs to help maintain independent community living. Services are designed to encourage independence and ensure dignity. The program also supports families caring for elders in order to encourage and relieve ongoing care giving responsibilities. The Home Care Program is administered by the Executive office of Elder Affairs in coordination with Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs), located in communities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The program provides homemaker, personal care, day care, home delivered meals, transportation, and an array of other community support services to help elders remain in their homes. The ASAP conducts comprehensive needs assessments to determine eligibility for the Home Care Program as well as other programs and services as appropriate. An individualized service plan is developed with the elder and his/her family. On an ongoing basis, the ASAP conducts reassessments and monitors services for quality.
Eligibility for the Home Care Program is based on age (60 years or older or under 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in need or respite services), financial status, and ability to carry out daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.

Eligibility for the Home Care Program

Age

60 years or older or under 60 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in need of respite services

Codes

Functional Impairment Levels (FIL) - Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) - Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Uniform Intake

Functional Impairment Level (FIL) 1-3, with critical unmet needs

Functional Impairment Levels

FIL 1 4-7 ADL impairments
FIL 2 2-3 ADL impairments
FIL 3 6-10 ADL/IADL impairments

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, continence, transferring, and mobility
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) include meal preparation, shopping, laundry, managing money, housework, transportation, use of telephone, outdoor mobility, and taking medicine
• Critical Unmet Needs include ADLs, meal preparation, shopping, medical transportation, and need for home health services or respite care

Financial

MassHealth members are financially eligible. Income guidelines require Annual Gross Income less than $24,838/single and 35,145/couple.

Monthly Co-Payments

• $9-$130 for individuals with incomes that range from $10,924-$24,837
• $17-$140 for couples with incomes that range from $14,646-$35,144

Respite Over-Income Scale

• 50%-100% of cost of services

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (OAA, Title VII, Chapter 2, Sections 711/712)

• The Purpose of the Program and How it Works
• Data Highlight Extensive Services Provided to People Living in Long-Term Care Facilities
• Resource Update for State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen: Fact Sheet and Guidance for Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 and Opportunities for Coordination Related to Section Q Implementation
• Funding History
• Resources and Useful links

The Purpose of the Program and How It Works

Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, assisted living facilities and similar adult care facilities. They work to resolve problems of individual residents and to bring about changes at the local, state and national levels that will improve residents’ care and quality of life.
Begun in 1972 as a demonstration program, the Ombudsman Program today exists in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, under the authorization of the Older Americans Act. Each state has an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, headed by a full-time state ombudsman. Thousands of local ombudsman staff and volunteers work in hundreds of communities throughout the country as part of the statewide ombudsman programs, assisting residents and their families and providing a voice for those unable to speak for themselves.
The statewide programs are federally funded under Titles III and VII of the Act and other federal, state and local sources. The AoA-funded National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center , operated by the National Consumers’ Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (or, Consumer Voice), in conjunction with the National Association of States Agencies on Aging United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD), provides training and technical assistance to state and local ombudsmen.

 

Data Highlight Extensive Services Provided to Persons Living in Long-Term Care Facilities

Program data for FY 2011 indicate that long-term care ombudsman services to residents were provided by 1,186 full-time equivalent staff and 9065 volunteers, trained and certified to investigate and resolve complaints. These volunteers and paid ombudsmen:

• Worked to resolve 204,044 complaints, opening 134,775 new cases (a case contains one or more complaints originating from the same person(s)).
• Resolved or partially resolved 73% of all complaints to the satisfaction of the resident or complainant.
• Provided 289,668 consultations to individuals
• Visited 70% of all nursing homes and 33% of all board and care, assisted living and similar homes at least quarterly.
• Conducted 5,144 training sessions in facilities on such topics as residents’ rights.
• Provided 114,033 consultations to long-term care facility managers and staff and participated in 20,958 resident council and 3,321 family council meetings.

The five most frequent nursing facility complaints in 2011 were:

• Improper eviction or inadequate discharge planning;
• Lack of respect for residents, poor staff attitudes;
• Medications – administration, organization; and
• Resident conflict, including roommate to roommate.

The five most frequent board and care and similar facilities complaints were:

• Quality, quantity, variation and choice of food;
• Medications – administration, organization;
• Inadequate or no discharge/eviction notice or planning;
• Equipment or building hazards; and
• Lack of respect for residents, poor staff attitudes.

For more information on ombudsman activities and the types of cases/complaints that they investigated, see 2011 National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) data.

Back to top

Resource Update for State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen: Fact Sheet and Guidance for Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 and Opportunities for Coordination Related to Section Q Implementation

On November 3, 2010 Assistant Secretary on Aging Kathy Greenlee and Cindy Mann, Director, Center for Medicaid, CHIP and Survey & Certification released a joint-letter informing State Medicaid Agencies (SMA) and other stakeholders, particularly Money Follows the Person Grantees, about opportunities for collaboration and coordination with State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs for the implementation of the SNF/NF MDS 3.0 assessment tool. The MDS is administered to all individuals in SNF/NFs nationwide that receive Medicaid and/or Medicare funding. In an effort to support individuals living in SNFs/NFs who wish to learn about available home and community based services (HCBS) options and available long-term care (LTC) supports in the community, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the Minimum Data Set (MDS) version 3.0 Section Q. The MDS 3.0 instructs facilities to contact Local Contact Agencies to provide information and options counseling to residents. In addition, AoA and CMS are encouraging States to coordinate with State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs and to consider requesting the use of MFP funds to support the increased demands for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program services anticipated as a result of MDS 3.0 Section Q implementation. As an additional resource, AoA-funded National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center has developed a Fact Sheet on MDS 3.0 Section Q.

Loneliness and depression in spousal caregivers [Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2003] - PubMed - NCBI

Loneliness and depression in spousal car... [Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2003] - PubMed - NCBI: Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2003 Jun;17(3):135-43.

Loneliness and depression in spousal caregivers of those with Alzheimer's disease versus non-caregiving spouses.





William F Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3812, USA. B29111@aol.com

Abstract



Loneliness as a factor in the development of depression in Alzheimer's disease (AD) spousal caregivers has been given little attention. In this sample, 49 AD caregiving spouses reported significantly higher levels of loneliness and depression than did 52 non-caregiving spouses. AD caregiving wives reported greater loss of self and significantly higher levels of loneliness and depression than did AD caregiving husbands. Loneliness was the only predictive variable for AD caregiver depression, explaining 49% of the total variance. To meet the mental health needs of AD caregiving spouses, loneliness must be addressed along with the development of nursing interventions.

Planning Checklist: For patients and their caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home, or other care setting11376.pdf

- http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11376.pdf 

Your Discharge Planning Checklist:

For patients and their caregivers preparing to leave a hospital, nursing home,

or other care setting

 During your stay, your doctor and the staff will work with you to plan for

your discharge. You and your caregiver (a family member or friend who may

be helping you) are important members of the planning team. Below is a

checklist of important things you and your caregiver should know to prepare

for discharge.



Instructions:

•

Use this checklist early and often during your stay.

Talk to your doctor and the staff (like a discharge planner, social worker, or nurse) about the items on the checklist.
 

Check the box next to each item when you and your caregiver complete it.
 

Use the notes column to write down important information

(like names and phone numbers).
 

Skip any items that don’t apply to you

full control of your telephone impose adjustable restrictions

Available from Amazon
T-lock Outgoing Call Blocker w/ Allow Memory and Cut-off Timer - Wallplate Style by hqtelecom.com
This discrete telephone box hides an electronic circuit that allows you (the owner) to retain full control of your phoneline while imposing these adjustable restrictions:
- Diallow outboung dialing of virtually all long distance telephone numbers (0+, 1+ calls)
- Add a list of allowed numbers including 7 or 10 digit telephone numbers, prefixes or area codes (up to 250 digits combined).
- Activate a call timer that will trigger as soon you the telephone handset is picked up and will cut off all calls (both incoming and outgoing calls) at the time you specific from 1 to 99 minutes
Easy to install, program and use
Works with analog lines and most VOIP lines
4-digit security code bypasses all restrictions
One unit can protect all extensions
Line Powered (no batteries, no external power needed)
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PRO Call Blocker - Ver 2.0 - Incoming & Outgoing Telephone Number Blockerby Cheeta
Block up to 1,200 incoming phone numbers & faxes in Blacklist (16 digit each)
Block up to ten (10) incoming area codes and/or prefixes (up to 10 digits each)
Block up to 100 outgoing phone numbers (with owner's passcode)
Block calls with no caller ID information (shown as unknown, private, out of area, anonymous, etc)
Line powered

Download EasyLiving Free "Long Distance Caregiver Checkli

Download EasyLiving Free "Long Distance Caregiver Checkli





 The EasyLiving Home Caregiving Difference: With many years advocating for the rights of seniors and their families in Florida, we recognized what was lacking among private duty home care providers that elders needed most: flexible, high quality, personalized home caregiving. We established EasyLiving in response to what we would want for our own family, more personalized service, flexible scheduling and reliable, expert caregivers. We’re at your service whenever and wherever you need us, with home care for the way you live.

Phone:  727-448-0900      

Fax:  727-443-5258

1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 701

Clearwater, FL 33756                                  

Serving Pinellas and Pasco Counties-Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, Seminole, St. Petersburg, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey and more

Read more: http://www.easylivingfl.com/#ixzz2LR3sXEYp

Eldercare services include: senior care management, and  personal property managers who understand the special needs of elders and caregivers. Good ones appreciate that a person's home represents a lifetime and memories. To transition a individual and carer faces many decisions to consider.

  Find a firm to provide a wide range of primary services such as:
  a firm to manage absentee property watch - protect property during transition
  a firm to work with you handle estate matters
 a fir
Consider using a one-stop senior real estate service and / or personal property manager

A non tradition clock that shows a period of day

People with memory problems can have trouble telling whether it is day or night, or morning or afternoon, or simply need reassurance about what day it is

 This clock does not show day/date/time however it clearly shows the "time" as the "period" of day.

How to use your Day Clock

.

The Aetrex Navistar GPS Footwear System · GPS Shoe

The Aetrex Navistar GPS Footwear System · GPS Shoe: GPS Shoe



Millions of seniors with dementia will wander in search of their lost memories. While we can’t find those remembrances, we can find the lost victims themselves.



The Mayo Clinic describes Alzheimer’s and the problem of Wandering: The disease can erase a person’s memory of once-familiar surroundings, as well as make it extremely difficult to adapt to new surroundings. As a result, people who have Alzheimer’s may wander away from their homes or care centers and turn up lost, frightened and disoriented — sometimes far from where they started.

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GPS shoes can help track people with Alzheimer's (video)

Alzheimer’s Speaks / Shifting Our Dementia Care Culture / International Resources

Alzheimer’s Speaks / Shifting Our Dementia Care Culture / International Resources

Bottom line all businesses, communities as well as individuals need to become Dementia Friendly. The statistics alone show the numbers are staggering and only growing. Now is the time to get ahead of the game before negative outcomes increase. We offer "Dementia Friendly Programs" for both companies and individuals.

Alzheimer's Speaks believes collaboration is the key to living a successful and purpose filled life with dementia.  By working together, we can push both conventional and alternative efforts forward in search of answers.  By joining forces and sharing knowledge, we can win the battle against dementia.

MA80- Motion Activated Alarm w/ Auto Telephone Dialer

MA80- Motion Activated Alarm w/ Auto Dialer. Technical Details: It will call up to 3 people when anyone enters monitored area!
Silently monitors your home or business
Infrared system senses any human motion up to 20 feet away
Loud 125 decibel alarm (the alarm feature can be disabled if you prefer a silent alarm).
Alerts you of any intrusion by phone

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Up to three phone numbers are automatically dialed and your pre-recorded message (up to six seconds long) is played. You could program it to call your neighbor, the police, and your cell phone and play a message like, "this is John Doe, an intruder has been detected in my home located at 123 Maple St.."

Features include simple operation (can be installed by anyone in only minutes), arms and disarms using a keypad (you set your own security code), and entry and exit delays help prevent false alarms.

Two alarm system warning decals are included.

Uses on your current phone line the unit comes with a line splitter (an additional line is not required) and 6 feet of phone cable.

RFID TAG ALARM SYSTEM | Monitor will track your tags it will alarm you when they are outside the set range.

RFID Tag Alarm System from Safety and Security Center

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RFID TAG ALARM SYSTEM will alarm you when RFID Tag is outside the set range.

Never Forget or Lose Your LO Again!

Patented wireless technology RFID alerts you when the tagged item moves beyond your comfort zone - effectively preventing loss, theft, or just forgetting an item. Attach the tag to any of your belongings. Turn on the MONITOR. Set the range - Short or Long. Monitor will track your tags and will alarm you when they are outside the set range.

Keep track of laptops, cell phones, briefcases and other commonly lost or stolen items, the electronic "security cable" for your portable valuables. Secure a tag to the item, and then set the monitor's boundary to short (up to 30 feet) or long-range (up to 100 feet). The tiny monitor can attach to a belt loop or key ring; or slip it into a pocket or purse. If your item strays too far, a loud alarm alerts you!

Is small enough to fit in your wallet or cell phone. Works for over 9 months 24/7 Non-stop monitoring the tagged item. Is designed to respond within a few seconds with a strong audio alarm. Has two-range settings to choose from Is smart enough to discriminate between different tags. Will not interfere with other wireless products.

Includes a Monitor that can be clipped to a belt, key ring, or simply placed in a pocket. A Tag that is clipped or adhered to the valued item. Size: 1.75 x 1 x .10

warning person is within 15' of the detector,(near to warning point)

Wireless Wander Alarm 15094, 195
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monitors the travel of individual. Using two components: a motion detector and a wireless remote (pager) alarm.

Locate motion detector near the doorway (mounting tape supplied) and turn it on. When someone approachesz within 15' of the detector, a signal is sent to the alarm/pager.

The alarm sounds, alerting carer The transmitter/sensor doesn't sound, eliminating the risk of starling the person. You may choose one of three alarm tones: musical, bell, or siren.

The activated alarm continues to sound for 2 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute after last motion detected.

The receiver can be as close as an inch to the motion detector/transmitter or up to 120 feet away.

You can place receiver down or carry it with you.

The detector plugs directly into an outlet or can use a 9V battery.
Remote alarm receiver uses 3 AA batteries.

Not for outdoor use.

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GE Wireless-Alarm-System for doors and windows Part Number: 51107

Product Specifications Part Number: 51107

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Dimensions Length: 10.50 inches Width: 8 inches Height: 2 inches

120-Decibel alarm sounds when window or door is opened

Uses 4-digit keypad to set security code for arming/disarming Alarm delay feature avoids false triggering

Three window alarms included

GE 51107 Personal Security Alarm Kit includes everything you need to help secure your home

There's no wiring or drilling required for installation.


Simply mount the deluxe door alarm and any of the window alarms using either double-sided tape or screws (included).

The door and window alarms feature a contemporary design with easy access buttons and controls for simple operation.

Keypad for Peace of Mind The deluxe door alarm features a four-digit keypad for programming your custom pin, to secure any door in your home.

The unit mounts easily with the included mounting plate. No measuring or messing with templates. Using the included double-side tape or screws, simply attach the mounting plate in the desired location and snap the door alarm into place

Select instant or delayed alarms with the flip of an easy-access switch. In the 'Away' mode, you have 45 seconds to exit your home after you arm the system.

When you get back home, simply open the door and deactivate the alarm within 30 seconds by entering your custom four-digit code. The 30-second delay helps to eliminate false triggering of the alarm. When you're home, simply select 'Home' mode for an instant alarm. With a 1

When not in 'Alarm' mode, all the alarms in the Alarm Kit offer a chime setting that alerts each time a door is opened. This is a great safety feature if you have small children that may make their way outside unsupervised.

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You are stongly encouraged to read user product reviews and comments when evaluating your needs and the product under consideration.

GE 51207 Motion Sensor Alarm

GE 51207 Smart Home Wireless Motion Sensor Alarm

Product Specifications
Part Number: 51207
Item Dimensions Length: 8 inches Width: 2.25 inches Height: 10.55 inches

No wiring necessary
keychain used for arming and disarming Delay feature to eliminate false alarms

120dB alarm sounds when pin is removed

Motion Detection up to 20-Feet 120dB motion sensing alarm system

simple door chime mode to announce visitors.

ASIN: B00032ATTW

Chamberlain Motion sensor signals station up to 900 feet away

Wireless Pedestrian and Vehicle Alert System RWA300R www.chamberlain-diy.com

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Designed as Vehicle Alert System, however DIY person may find other uses.
Alerts you with light and sound.
Box contains 1 base station, 1 motion sensor, 1 AC adapter, mounting hardware, and non-slip feet.
Detects motion up to 30 feet away with wide 120 degree coverage
Transmits signal to base station up to 900 feet away Motion sensor features adjustable sensitivity control to prevent false alarms from small animals
Detection indicators with light and sound
Receiver features a 1-hour mute feature (patent pending)
Connect base station with up to 4 motion sensors
Portable and lightweight for use inside or out Durable, weather-resistant design

---

Chamberlain Wireless Alert System Item# 333182 www.kotulas.com
"Easily expands to work with up to 4 transmitters, or run two or more complete systems to monitor 8 or more areas at once.
Set includes one receiver and one transmitter. Runs up to 12 months on one set of 4 AA batteries"

Medical Alert Telephone with Motion Sensor

Telephone with Motion Sensor

Calls telephone number (after programming) of caregiver, family member or neighbor.

Locate telephone with motion sensor in telephone base aiming where motion sensor picks up movement.

---

You are strongly encouraged to read user product reviews and comments when evaluating your needs and the product under consideration.

Mary's Corner: Failure to Thrive is a Reality - Concierge Care Advisors

Mary's Corner: Failure to Thrive is a Reality - Concierge Care Advisors: The National Institute of Aging describes failure to thrive (FTT) as a “syndrome of weight loss, decreased appetite and poor nutrition, and inactivity, often accompanied by dehydration, depressive symptoms, impaired immune function, and low cholesterol”.

 Many of these features of FTT are actually defined as features of frailty including weight loss, malnutrition, and inactivity. In geriatric practice, FTT describes a syndrome of global decline that occurs in older adults as a worsening of physical frailty that is frequently compounded by cognitive impairment and/or functional disability. FTT describes a point further along a geriatric functional continuum that is closer to full dependence and death, with “frailty as a mid-point between independence and pre-death”

When FTT sets in, it is time for you to get step in with our professional Senior Advisors to reach good decisions based on the medical, mental and emotional care needs of your loved one. This is no time to guess what you think your loved one needs; you may not get a second chance to set things right. As noted by the clinical description above, symptoms of FTT will result in quick death if not addressed swiftly.

Shopping for the Right In-home Help By Eileen Beal, MA

Shopping for the Right In-home Help: Shopping for the Right In-home Help

By Eileen Beal, MA





Home care vs. home health aide

Home care aides provide assistance with housekeeping and chores (meal preparation, shopping, errands, etc); socialization and companionship; and may also provide some personal care (bathing and grooming).  In some areas, they are called personal care assistants.

Home health aides – increasingly certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and/or state tested nursing assistants (STNA) – provide medically-related care (check blood pressure and glucose levels, dress dry wounds, empty colostomy bags, etc.); assist with therapeutic treatments prescribed by a physician; supervise medication administration; etc.

 “The client’s needs and the aide’s skill-level determine what the aide’s [hourly] fee will be.  The more skills the aide has, the higher the cost,” says Debbie Adams, RN, the Director of  the Cleveland, Ohio-based Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging’s Community Services and Support Program.

Write a job description

 Using the information you’ve gathered from discussing and assessing your loved ones’ needs, write a detailed job description.  “Care expectations vary from client to client, so having everything in writing means everyone knows, and meets, expectations,” says Lucy Andrews, the nurse/CEO at Santa Rosa, California-based At Your Service Home Care.

Renting a Stairlift for short periods

Renting a Stairlift for the Holidays | The Intentional Caregiver: Renting a Stairlift for the Holidays



courtesy of depositphotos.com



Christmas is an exciting time, filled with giving presents and simply being together as a family. You want to be able to enjoy the time spent with family and friends and not spend valuable family time worrying about mobility issues.



If you have become less able in recent years, or if you are caregiving for someone who has, it is understandable that you may not have the same holiday cheer you once had. You may find going to visit family and friends a chore as you or your care recipient struggle to climb up their staircase. You may feel like you will be a burden if you or your loved one cannot move freely around their home. You do not want your family to have to work their Christmas plans around any lack of mobility so you may suggest you will stay at home.



What most people do not realise is that if you can rent a stairlift for the holidays! A mobility lift is the perfect answer to all your mobility needs during the busy Christmas period. Perhaps your children live far away and you would like to stay with them before Christmas until the New Year.

==



Features of typical rental lifts include:

• Brand new rail and fully reconditioned seat


• Comfortable padded seating and back rest


• Fold up seat, arms and foot rest


• Remote controls


• Battery powered


• Directional paddle switches


• Digital diagnostic display


• Safety sensors

The MedCottage, also nicknamed "the Granny pod",

Where to put elderly parents - National Green Living | Examiner.com: The MedCottage, also nicknamed "the Granny pod", is similar to a three-room apartment but it is equipped like a hospital room. Its water, electric and sewage systems work off the caregiver's home. It has a kitchenette and laundry facilities and comes in three sizes, 288 square feet, 299 square feet, or 605 square feet. The kitchen has a small refrigerator, microwave, and medication dispenser. One wall has a first-aid kit and even a defibrillator machine. There are safety rails, the bathroom is handicapped accessible, and there are three built-in cameras with one in the ceiling over the kitchen area and one in the floor to provide alerts of falls in the unit. Read the Washington Post article for more pictures of the unit and the story of the first occupant of one.



Smart robotic features monitor vital signs, filter air contaminants, and communicate with the outside world. Computers prompt with medication reminders and sensors alert caregivers of problems like the occupant falling and needing help. There are entertainment options for music, literature and watching movies. The state law in Virginia, where they originated, classified them a few years ago as “temporary family health-care structures.” They may not be legal in some states, so get them pre-approved first before buying one.

A Family Caregiver’s Elevator Speech

A Family Caregiver’s Elevator Speech: 
“I am Elizabeth Chomsky’s daughter. She is a person living with dementia, but loved to paint, ice skate and still can have a wicked sense of humor. 

I want to be informed of any change in her condition, medications or situation since I am her primary caregiver, loving daughter and fearless caregiver.” (Or something like that.)

 Gary Barg

Editor-in-Chief

gary@caregiver.com  



 Sign up for our FREE Fearless Caregiver Weekly Newsletter, your guide for the best caregiver support.

States With Filial Responsibility Laws | You May Have to Pay for Your Parents' Care

30states.pdf (application/pdf Object)

You May Have to Pay for Your Parents' Care

States with filial responsibility laws are: Alaska, Arkansas,

California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa,

Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana,

Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota,

Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota,

Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

RFID-equipped feeder keeps unauthorized pets out | DVICE

RFID-equipped feeder keeps unauthorized pets out | DVICE: RFID-equipped feeder keeps unauthorized pets out
RFID-equipped feeder keeps unauthorized pets out

Do you have a greedy fat cat who likes to steal the food from all your other pets' bowls? This feeder could be the answer, with a locked door that only opens when the right cat steps up for some chow.

Using the same RFID technology as those electronic pet doors, the Gatefeeder cat feeding system has a flap door that only opens when the cat wearing the right RFID tag collar approaches the feeder.

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospitalization Wristband | Senior Holistic Living

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Hospitalization Wristband | Senior Holistic Living

The Collaboration Trap – The Wrong Way to Innovate | Senior Housing Forum

The Collaboration Trap – The Wrong Way to Innovate | Senior Housing Forum: Two Big Collaboration Problems

Collaboration is a good way to solve well defined problems where there is already a set of possible solutions. It is a terrible way to innovate. There are two reasons why collaboration is an ineffective . . . even impossible path to innovation:



1. Unequal Power – Good collaborative efforts put considerable time and effort into making sure all stakeholders have a voice. The process may even include a framework that allows the minor stakeholders have a disproportionately strong voice. Yet for all of that, some participants will have much more influence than others. In some cases it is strength that comes from position and in other cases, it comes from having a strong charismatic or forceful personality.



2. Accommodation – The word collaboration suggests that everyone has a voice and every voice has value. This means that as solutions begin to emerge there is an innate tendency to make sure everyone has contributed to the solution. That each person can say about some part of the solution “That was my idea” or “my contribution.” This means that ultimately, the solution(s) will regress to the mean, in other words regress to something that accommodates everyone even if not optimal.

--

 author: Steve Moran

smoran@seniorhousingforum.net

seniorhousingforum.net

916-390-2238



If you like this story  subscribe to his email list.

++++++++++++++

Don’t miss a single issue of Senior Housing Forum, subscribe today. It is free! We do not sell or share your contact information. The posts are practical and never too long.



Go to the main page of Senior Housing Forum and on the top you will see a link to our subscription sign-up page. You will receive notification when a new article is posted. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Caregiver Cards

Communication Is Important

Communication is considered a shared responsibility. However, in dealing with persons affected with Alzheimer’s and dementias, the responsibility for understanding and being understood lies squarely with the caregiver.

Communication is quite simply the act of conveying or sharing information. Alzheimer’s and related dementias eventually create a barrier to effective communication, mostly dealing with the language part of communication.





 Caregiver Cards was founded off of the idea that not only are persons living with Alzheimer’s entitled to supportive and the best possible care, so are the caregivers. We understand so well, because we have cared for our loved ones too.



žCommunication is considered a shared responsibility. However, in dealing with persons affected with Alzheimer’s and similar dementias, the responsibility for understanding and being understood lies squarely with YOU the caregiver.



žYou, the caregiver, will be in charge of handling Caregiver Cards, and helping your loved one find their voice with a new style of communicating.

 Barbara Worthington is the founder and owner of Caregiver Cards. Barbara  with over 13 years of experience and knowledge related to care giving and Alzheimer’s.

How to Interact with a Person with Dementia in Distress |

How to Interact with a Person with Dementia in Distress

Dementia &
Alzheimer's Weekly

Support & Insight for the Autumn of
Life

Tips for Families & Volunteers on Visiting the Person with Dementia

MindStart - Puzzles, Games, and More for Persons with Memory Loss

Tips for Having a Good Visit





Individuals with dementia can have difficulty with recent memories and with communicating, making it harder to maintain relationships with others on their own. Often, their friends, neighbors, and extended family members do not know how to handle this, so stop visiting or calling. Offer these tips to decrease the fear and make the visit successful.



Choose a quiet calm location

Introduce yourself, as needed

Keep focus on the person, using eye contact and patience

Avoid correcting; instead offer reassurance and praise

Avoid open-ended questions; instead use yes/no questions or questions where 2 choices are given

Monitor body language and facial expressions of the person

Enter their world. Talk about what they are thinking about at the time.

Reminiscence is a wonderful tool. Talk about past interests or significant life events.

Use adapted Alzheimer activities to form a connection and have fun together.

  

MindStart Visting Kit

Don't know what to do when visiting with the person with dementia?

This is the perfect 'kit' to have a variety of activities that work for different stages of dementia. 

 Includes your choice of one 26 piece puzzle, various level re-usable word searches, and lacing card in a handy  binder. 

Official Site of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, LLC

Official Site of the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, LLC: The newest component of the NCCDP is the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week Tool Kit.



The Tool Kit is available at www.nccdp.org. The Tool Kit and the declaration by the NCCDP Alzheimer's and Dementia Staff Education Week February 14th to the 21st was developed and implemented to bring awareness to the importance of staff educators being trained and certified in dementia care and to provide education by means of face to face interactive classroom environment and to provide comprehensive dementia education to all healthcare professionals and line staff. NCCDP recognizes the important contribution that Nurse Educators and Staff Educators provide to health care professionals and line staff and in honor of this week the NCCDP is seeking nominations for Nurse Educator and Staff Educator of the Year.



Currently there are no national standards for dementia education. The regulations are different from state to state. The NCCDP recommends at minimum an initial 8 hours of dementia education to all staff. Through out the year, additional dementia education should be provided that incorporates new advances, culture change and innovative ideas.

The tool kit includes:

• Free Power Point / Over Head In-services for Health Care Staff, Tests and Answers, Seminar Evaluation and Seminar Certificates.


• 97 Ways To Recognize Alzheimer’s and dementia Staff Education Week


• 20 Reasons Why You Should Provide Comprehensive Alzheimer’s and Dementia Training to Your Staff by A Live Instructor


• Dementia Word Search Games & Interactive Exercises


• Movies and Books About Alzheimer’s You Don’t Want To Miss


• Proclamation & Sample Agenda for Opening Ceremony & Sample Letter to Editor


• Contest Entry Forms- Staff Education week


• Alzheimer’s Bill of Rights & Alzheimer’s Patient Prayer


• Nurse Educator / In-service Director of The Year Nomination F

In addition to facilitating the Train the Trainer programs, The NCCDP promotes dementia education and certification of all staff as Certified Dementia Practitioners (CDP®).

--

from: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com..What NOT To Do When Decluttering Your Home |

Pro Organizer Tips: What NOT To Do When Decluttering Your Home

As a follow up to our recent post 5 Strategies for Decluttering a Small Space, we asked Washington DC's organizing and de-cluttering guru Nicole Anzia of Neatnik for some more words of organizing wisdom. Instead of giving us additional organizing and decluttering tips and strategies, Nicole though it would most helpful to tell us what NOT to do when trying to harness chaos in our homes.

Some of this advice is hardly new or shocking. But Nicole says these five missteps are the most common in her line of work — and most likely to derail even the best efforts to conquer clutter. Here's what she had to say:

 Pro Organizer Tips: What NOT To Do When Decluttering Your Home | Apartment Therapy:

Incontinence: Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed

Incontinence: Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed:



It’s a topic most people don’t want to talk about, but it’s too important to avoid: incontinence. As we continue to educate our readers throughout Alzheimer's Awareness Month, it's important to shed light on the tie between dementia and incontinence.



Unfortunately, many people faced with worsening dementia are dealt a second, unexpected blow when incontinence begins to happen regularly. It may be an uncomfortable topic, but it’s incredibly common; as dementia progresses, incontinence becomes almost inevitable, according to a 2006 study. Another reason to deal with this care issue head-on is that it is the most common reason a person with dementia is institutionalized.



>>>>

It is also a reason many must stop attending Day Care



DLMifm

Assistive Technology for Seniors at Home - ABC News

Assistive Technology for Seniors at Home - ABC News: By Sonia Stinson Bankrate.com
Nov. 11, 2012

Technology to help seniors age in place has gone far beyond grab bars and fall-alert buttons worn around the neck. Today, there's a host of sophisticated products on the market, from medication dispensers that can report to a family member when their loved one forgets to take a pill to shoes embedded with GPS trackers to find cognitively impaired wanderers.

Attachment to __ Health Care Proxy documents

Possible ideas for:

Attachment to __ Health Care Proxy documents
I, ______________________________________being of sound
mind, hereby make the following declaration of my carefully
deliberated wishes and intentions for the purpose of
offering health care proxy, my physician, family and
friends guidance. All end-of-life decisions should respect
my values and wishes while maintaining comfort and dignity.
I want to be pain free and comfortable at the end of life.

It is not my intent to authorize affirmative or deliberate
acts or omissions to shorten my life, rather only to permit
the natural process of dying.

I want to avoid life-prolonging interventions such as
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), kidney dialysis, or
breathing machines. My health care proxy is to direct my
physician or hospitalist to sign a do not resuscitate (DNR)
order and place it in my medical chart.

The following are my six (6) wishes:
IF:

[1] If I have a terminal condition as determined by my
attending physician and confirmed by a second qualified
physician it is my desire that my dying not be prolonged by
administration of death-prolonging procedures. My attending
physician is to withhold or withdraw medical procedures
that merely prolong the dying process

[2] If my terminal condition is, an incurable and
irreversible condition that even with the administration of
life-sustaining treatment will, in the opinion of the
attending physician and another physician, result in death
within six (6) months. Or I am persistently unconscious in
which thought and awareness of self and environment are
absent:

[3] If I have an end-stage condition, that is, a condition
caused by injury, disease, or illness, which results in
severe and permanent deterioration indicated by
incompetency and complete physical dependency for which
treatment of the irreversible condition would be medically
ineffective:

[4] If I am permanently unconscious and there is no
reasonable possibility that I will return to a cognitive or
sapient life, and shall include, but not be limited to, a
persistent vegetative state), as determined by my attending
physician and confirmed by a second qualified physician:

[5]If I have a serious irreversible illness or condition,
and the likely risks and burdens associated with the
medical intervention to be withheld or withdrawn may
reasonably be judged to outweigh likely benefits to me from
such intervention,

[6] If my quality of life is unacceptable to me because of
the following conditions {a, b, & c}.
{a} Permanent unconscious condition: I become totally
unaware of people or surroundings with little chance of
ever waking up from the coma.
{b} Permanent confusion: I become unable to remember,
understand, or make decisions. I don't recognize loved ones
or can't have a clear conversation with them.
[c} Dependent in all activities of daily living: I am no
longer able to talk clearly or move by myself, feed, bath,
dress, and walk and Rehabilitation or any other restorative
treatment will not help.

I DO NOT want treatment of new conditions including
resulting in unacceptable quality of life.
---
Then:
I direct that I be given health care treatment to relieve
pain or provide comfort even if such treatment might
shorten my life, suppress my appetite or my breathing, or
be habit forming.

I direct that all medical treatment be limited to measures
to provide comfort and to relieve pain and authorize the
administration of pain relieving drugs, even if their
administration may hasten the moment of my death.

I direct if the Life Sustaining Treatment is experimental
and not a proven therapy, or is likely to be ineffective or
futile in prolonging life, or is likely to merely prolong
an imminent dying process including use of surgery, blood
transfusions, or antibiotics that will deal with a new
condition but will not help the main illness; such therapy
and treatment shall not be used.

I direct that my life NOT be extended by artificially
administered nutrition and hydration. I DO NOT want tube
feedings to be given.
--

I direct my health care proxy person(s) to make health
care decisions for me, including: decisions to accept or
refuse any treatment, service, or procedure; decisions to
provide, withhold, or withdraw life-sustaining treatments
and artificial nutrition and hydration; and decisions
regarding organ donation, burial arrangements, and autopsy:

If any of the above conditions exist my attending
physician is to withhold or withdraw medical procedures
that merely prolong the dying process

This statement is made after careful consideration and is
in accordance with my strong convictions and beliefs. I
want the wishes and directions here expressed carried out
to the fullest extent. If there is a conflict between the
directions contained in this instrument and the
instructions given by my Health Care Proxy, the
instructions given by my Health Care Proxy shall control.

It is my intention this instrument shall amend any prior
Living Will or similar instrument, which I have executed.

I wish to live out my last days at home rather than in a
hospital, if it does not jeopardize the chance of my
recovery to a meaningful and conscious life and does not
impose an undue burden on my family.

Burial arrangements, hospice care, etc.: To my health care
proxy, my family, my physicians, my attorney, any medical
facility in whose care I may hereafter be, any individual
who may become responsible for my health, welfare or
affairs, and to any court having jurisdiction over my
person or property: I hereby direct that, after my death,
may bodily remains be cremated. I further request that no
formal wake or funeral ceremony be held, and that all
matters related to the disposition of my body at my death
be dealt with as simply and economically as possible.
--


MY HEALTH CARE AGENT (aka Health Care Proxy) HAS ALL OF
THE FOLLOWING POWERS SUBJECT TO THIS DIRECTIVE
1. To authorize, withhold or withdraw medical care and
surgical procedures.
2. To authorize, withhold or withdraw nutrition (food) or
hydration (water) medically supplied by tube through my
nose, stomach, intestines, arteries or veins.
3. To authorize my admission to or discharge from a
medical, nursing, residential or similar facility and to
make agreements for my care and health insurance for my
care, including hospice and/or palliative care.
4. To hire and fire medical, social service and other
support personnel responsible for my care.
5. To take any legal action necessary to do what I have
requested.
6. To request that a physician responsible for my care
issue a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order, including an out-of-
hospital DNR order, and sign any required documents and
consents.

I direct my health care agent(aka Health Care Proxy) to
follow ALZ brain autopsy instructions if practical: Arrange
for a brain autopsy A brain autopsy involves a researcher
or physician to examine the brain after death to look for
the plaques and tangles found in Alzheimer's-affected
brains. It is the definitive way to confirm a diagnosis of
Alzheimer's. And, it may provide information researchers
can use to better understand the disease. A brain autopsy
may involve cost and special arrangements. To learn more
about getting a brain autopsy, contact the Alzheimer's
Association.

It is my intention that this directive shall be honored by
my family, physicians, health care proxy as the final
expression of my right to refuse medical or surgical
treatment and accept the consequences from such refusal.

My Health Care Agent (Health Care Proxy ) shall have
authority to act on my behalf only if, when and for so long
as a determination has been made that I lack the capacity
to make or to communicate health care decisions for myself.
This determination shall be made in writing by my attending
physician according to accepted standards of medical
judgment and the requirements of Chapter 201D of the
General Laws of Massachusetts.

My Health Care Agent (Health Care Proxy ) shall make
health care decisions for me only after consultation with
my health care providers and after full consideration of
acceptable medical alternatives regarding diagnosis,
prognosis, treatments and their side effects.

My Health Care Agent (Health Care Proxy ) shall make
health care decisions for me only in accordance with my
Health Care Proxy 's assessment of my wishes in accordance
with my Health Care Proxy's assessment of my best interests.

My Health Care Agent (Health Care Proxy ) shall have the
right to receive any and all medical information necessary
to make informed decisions regarding my health care,
including any and all confidential medical information that
I would be entitled to receive. I intend for my Health Care
Proxy to be treated as I would be with respect to my rights
regarding the use and disclosure of my individually
identifiable health information or other medical records.
This release authority applies to any information governed
by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
of 1996 (HIPAA), 42 USC 1320d and 45 CFR 160-164.

I execute this directive with the understanding that any
person, hospital, or medical institution which acts or
refrains from acting in reliance on and in compliance with
this directive shall be immune from liability otherwise
arising out of such failure to use or apply artificial,
extraordinary, extreme or radical medical or surgical means
or procedures calculated to prolong my life.

I understand the full impact of this directive and I am
emotionally and mentally competent to make this ....

----

This posting and any articles referred to in this posting
are not legal advice and are not intended as legal advice.
This posting and any articles referred to in this posting
are intended to provide only general information for
discussion of advance care planning.

Please remember This a copy of a personal health care
proxy prepared by an individual who is NOT a lawyer.

The contents of this posting have not been reviewed by any
attorney and may or may not be filled with errors. It is
contributed to this forum for members to discuss and
debate. You should discuss contents with your attorney
before adapting to your own requirements.

--
definitions:
------------------
Health care proxy: An advance medical directive in the
form of a legal document that designates another person (a
proxy) to make health care decisions in case a person is
rendered incapable of making his or her wishes known. The
health care proxy has, in essence, the same rights to
request or refuse treatment that the person would have if
he or she were capable of making and communicating decisions.
-----

While it is possible to download generic forms from the
internet, you have to be very careful that what you get is
in a current and acceptable for your particular state. Each
state has its own laws concerning acceptable language on a
POA.


I was more comfortable using hte services of an Elder Law
attorney. In addition to ensuring I had the correct
documents properly completed, she was also very helpful in
advising on how best to handle my parent's financial
affairs to ensure I did not jeopardize qualifying for
Medicaid assistance in the future, should it become
necessary.

There are acutally four documents you should have completed:
Durable Power of Attorney - Gives you authority to handle
financial and legal affairs. Do NOT get a general POA -
this becomes invalid if your LO is delcared incompetent.
Make sure it is Durable. There are also two types of DPOA.
One type takes effect as soon as it is signed. The other
(called a "springing" DPOA) does not become effective until
the LO is officially declared incompetent. Avoid the
springing type if at all possible. If you have to act
quickly, trying to get two doctors and/or the court system
to declare incompetency is a nuisance. Having the type that
is immediately effective does not mean the LO must give
over control immediately, but it does allow you to step in
immediately when the need arises.


Medical Power of Attorney ( aka Health Care Proxy)- Gives
you the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of
your LO.

Living Will (aka Health Care Directive) - States your LO's
wishes concerning end-of-life medical decisions and care.
Guides the POA in making medical decisions in a manner that
is in agreement with LO's wishes.


Last Will and Testament - Appoints someone to handle
affairs after LO is deceased. The POAs become invalid at
the moment of death, so you need the will to appoint an
Executor, no matter how much or little is left in the form
of an estate.
Many Elder Law Attorneys will give an initial consultation
free of charge. I called several and spoke over the phone
with them to discuss my needs and their fees. I then
selected the one I had the most confidence in to proceed to
do futher business with.
--
The grantor (your ./... ) must have the requisite mental
capacity to sign a POA. If after signing the grantor
becomes incompacitated the document becomes void UNLESS
there are provisions in said document which makes the
document a Durable Power of Attorney. A DPOA continues to
be legal.

The document must be witnessed and notorized. The notory,
by signing, says that the grantor had the capacity to sign
said document.

seniorszen.com is a free resource for finding local senior housing in Canada & Alzheimer's Care-- by Province

seniorszen.com is a free resource for finding local senior housing in Canada. They provide comprehensive information on Independent Living, Home Care, Residential Care Homes, Assisted Living, Alzheimer's Care, and Nursing Homes in all Canadian provinces.  SeniorsZen's Mailing Address:

Suite 400 - 601 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2 Canada



Alzheimer's Care-- by Province



Alberta   http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/alberta

British Columbia   http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/british-columbia

Manitoba  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/manitoba

Nunavut  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/nunavut

New Brunswick http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/new-brunswick

Newfoundland - labrador http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/newfoundland-labrador

Northwest Territories http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/northwest-territories

Nova Scotia http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/nova-scotia

Ontario  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/ontario

Prince Edward Island  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/prince-edward-island

Quebec  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/quebec

Saskatchewan http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/saskatchewan

Yukon Territory  http://www.seniorszen.com/care/alzheimers-care/yukon-territory

Dr. Bruce A. Chernof, MD: Synergy for Senior Care: Improving Partnerships Between Medical Services and Community-Based Care

"

Federal and state governments now place increased pressure on the health care sector to provide better quality care while reducing costs, such as readmission penalties and quality ratings on Medicare Advantage plans. However, many of the issues that emerge in the chasm between a hospital discharge and full re-entry at home are things that are beyond the hospital walls. For example, could the person navigate the three steps to get inside the home? If medications need to be taken with food, is there food in the refrigerator? Did the prescriptions get filled within 24 hours in the first place? Does the daughter know how to safely help mom get from the recliner to the bathroom?

These and other key issues are commonplace for a whole range of community-based organizations that answer the calls from frustrated family members and help make arrangements to smooth the transitions. Organizations such as aging and disability resource centers, faith-based groups and many others have much to offer health care systems that can no longer operate only inside the medical walls. Developing, fostering and managing partnerships between community-based organizations and the health care sector is a key step towards addressing the total needs of older adults and people with disabilities as critical junctures in their health. This is particularly true for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.



While efforts are underway at the national level to improve care transitions, the dearth of information on how best to build partnerships between the community-based long-term services and supports and the medical sector is staggering. Both the health care sector and community-based services sector have been working on tackling the issue of care coordination, but have been doing so from their own perspectives and biases. Beyond anecdotes, there are few models on how to create, formalize and maintain these partnerships, or how to define and delineate what a joint approach to care transitions and care

BBC News - Elderly people 'staying at home for fear of falling'

BBC News - Elderly people 'staying at home for fear of falling': Elderly people 'staying at home for fear of falling'
elderly lady who has fallen A third of adults over 65 will suffer a fall each year, but falls are not inevitable, says Age

A fear of falling is making many elderly people prisoners in their own homes, a survey has suggested.

Falls advice

• Try not to panic if you have a fall. It is likely that you will feel shocked and a bit shaken, but staying calm will help you to gather your thoughts and remember what to do
• Do not get up quickly. Roll onto your hands and knees and find a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair or bed, to support you as you slowly get up
• Rest for a while before carrying on with your daily activities
• If you are injured or cannot get up, call for help

Making small changes at home, such as using non-slip rugs and mats and ensuring that rooms are clutter-free and well lit, can help prevent falls.

Michelle Mitchell, of the charity Age UK, said: "At their worst falls can be the cause of death, but falls are not an inevitable part of ageing - many falls can be prevented and there is much that can be done to help people who have fallen not to fall again."
 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20138731

Pensioners set up lunch clubs after new council charges imposed | Carers Chill4us

Pensioners set up lunch clubs after new council charges imposed | Carers Chill4us: PENSIONERS have formed their own lunch clubs which helps carers

Tuesday, October 30, 2012



Isle of Thanet Gazette



Minnis Day Centre in Birchington is the sole remaining publicly run centre in Thanet. Some people have stopped attending after being hit by charges of up to £45 per day.



Carer Barry Hardy, 85, set up a club because he cannot afford the new charges to take his wife Kay to the centre.



Following talks between users and KCC, Mr Hardy decided to organise a club to give carers and pensioners a place to gather that did not break the bank.

Treatments for Behavior | Alzheimer's Association

Treatments for Behavior | Alzheimer's Association: Treatments for Behavior

Common changes in behavior

Many people find the changes in behavior caused by Alzheimer's to be the most challenging and distressing effect of the disease. The chief cause of behavioral symptoms is the progressive deterioration of brain cells. However, medication, environmental influences and some medical conditions also can cause symptoms or make them worse.

Overnight Dementia 'Camp' Allows Caregivers Rest : NPR

Overnight Dementia 'Camp' Allows Caregivers Rest : NPR: Overnight Dementia 'Camp' Allows Caregivers Rest



by The Associated Press

text size A A A

NEW YORK October 1, 2012, 05:53 pm ET



NEW YORK (AP) — Just after 10 p.m., when most people their age are going to sleep, a group of elderly folks suffering from dementia are just getting started, dancing and shaking tambourines and maracas in a raucous version of "La Bamba."



"It's a party," says an 81-year-old woman, among dozens of patients brought to a Bronx nursing home every night for a structured series of singalongs, crafts and therapy sessions that lasts until dawn.



The program, which appears to be rare, is kind of a "night camp" for dementia victims who don't sleep at night or tend to wake up agitated or become frightened or disoriented by the fall of darkness.



It's meant to provide care and activity — lots of activity — to fill the wee hours for people with Alzheimer's and similar diseases who live at home. And it's meant to provide their caregivers — usually a son or daughter — with a treasured night's sleep.

The Carers newspaper UK

The Carers newspaper

The Carers newspaper

Health and news for Family Carers in the UK

Can you clone: The "Elder Serve Program at Night

The "Elder Serve Program at Night -- provides a supportive environment from early evening to early morning from 7pm-7am.

Sleep disturbances, confusion and wandering can put those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia at risk at if not monitored at night.

During the night family caregivers are able to have caregiving relief in the form of a full nights rest.

During the daytime those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia are able to return home. In some cases the program can be an alternative to full time placement in a nursing home.

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Google for : "Elder Serve Program at Night " for details and reviews

Family Value: Men at Work—As Caregivers - WSJ.com

Family Value: Men at Work—As Caregivers - WSJ.com: Agencies and private firms are rolling out new tools and services to help the growing number of men taking on the role of family caregiver—many of whom are still trying to hold down their day jobs.



Although the traditional stereotype of a family member taking care of an elderly relative is a wife, daughter or daughter-in-law, 45% of Americans in that role are men, according to a Pew Research Center report published in July. It was based on interviews with more than 3,000 adults in 2010.

Help for a 'hidden population' of caregiving kids - CNN.com

Help for a 'hidden population' of caregiving kids - CNN.com: According to a 2006 study conducted by Civic Enterprises for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 22% of high school dropouts in the United States leave school to care for a family member (PDF).

 ==



 

09:00 AM ET

Young caregivers put life on hold

By Jacque Wilson, CNN

(CNN) - Kim Shifren came home from school one day to find her world turned upside down. Her mom had suffered a massive heart attack; doctors said she would need weeks to recover.

In a matter of minutes, the 14-year-old went from child to child caregiver.

Shifren spent the next month bathing, dressing and feeding her mom before school. When she got home, she cleaned the house and made dinner. Her dad helped when he could, but he worked long hours to support the family.

Two years later, Shifren had to do it all again when her mom had another heart attack. And then again when a third heart attack hit two years after that.

How in the World Will We Care for All the Elderly? - NYTimes.com

How in the World Will We Care for All the Elderly? - NYTimes.com

It’s no surprise that the United Nations Population Fund reiterates the need for greater support for caregivers of the elderly. Progress is being made, it notes, with some countries (the Russian Federation, the Slovak Republic, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Canada) introducing paid “allowances” for caregivers, others passing laws supporting caregivers (Japan, Finland and Sweden) and still others developing national strategies relating to caregiving (Australia, New Zealand and Britain)