Senior Living Information Blog

Alzheimer's Association Action Summit 2010

Yesterday, more than 600 advocates from around the country marched on Capitol Hill to advocate for vital Alzheimer issues. Amplify their VOICE by e-mailing your members of Congress to urge them to make the disease a national priority.

Will you help them? Write Congress now!

Tell them to pass:

The Alzheimer's Breakthrough Act of 2009 (S. 1492/H.R. 3286), authorizing $2 billion in research funding for Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Detection, Diagnosis, Care and Planning (ADD-CAP) Act, which will provide Medicare reimbursement to increase detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

The National Alzheimer's Project Act (S. 3036/H.R. 4689) that calls for an integrated federal campaign to overcome Alzheimer's disease.

Now is the time to act. Contact your members of Congress today, then forward this message onto others concerned about Alzheimer's.

Iconic Chicago Architect Dies of Alzheimer's Disease

Luckily his beautiful buildings live on making our skyline so recognizable. 

Bruce Graham, 84, the architect behind the Sears (OK Willis) Tower and the John Hancock died in his home due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.  You can read the article about him and his accomplishments in the Chicago Tribune.

Nursing home reform bill - Senate bill #685

Urge Your State Legislators to Protect Frail Seniors and Reform Nursing Homes in Illinois!

Thousands of seniors live in unsafe environments at many nursing homes in Illinois. They have to share space with dangerous individuals. They have suffered physical, mental, or even sexual abuse. They often are given the wrong medications, including dangerous anti-psychotic drugs.

This is wrong, and it must be stopped.

AARP is working with legislators and dozens of organizations to reform the way in which Illinois nursing homes operate. We believe nursing home residents should live in safe environments and get the care and treatment they need. And the State must be able to protect residents, and punish violators.

You can help them make nursing home reforms a reality – but your voice must be heard.

Call your State Legislators today at 1-888-616-3322 and urge them to support Senate Bill 685 so nursing home residents get the care they need, and are safe from danger!

Assisted Living Centers Cut Costs, Negotiate Fees - NYTimes.com

Assisted living isn't exactly recession-proof, but it has a solid customer base because it's need-driven business. If an adult has health problems that make independent living untenable, then a move must be made, despite the cost or current economic conditions.

via www.nytimes.com

We have seen some of the negotiations going on in the communities here in Chicago as well. Contact us if you are searching for senior living or assisted living in Chicago. We can help clarify some of the specials that the properties are offering!

How to Deal with a Difficult Sibling in Decision-making for an Aging Parent

It seems that every day I have a similar conversation with friends and colleagues.  “I can’t get our family on the same page about our elderly parent.  It’s like my brother came in from another planet.”  I laughed the first time I heard that statement but realize that’s exactly how I felt about my brother!

via www.transitionagingparents.com

Another great post on Dale's Blog.  Thanks for sharing so much of your personal story Dale, it helps us all!

Three Observations on Senior Living | Blog | Healthcare Design

We’re seeing more diversity in senior housing developments. Smaller developments – some with as few as six, eight or ten units – can easily come into single-family neighborhoods because they don’t have to change zoning requirements. On the other end of the spectrum, we’re also tracking larger senior housing facilities that are able to offer a wide range of services and amenities for residents. The larger developments are having difficulty finding financing in this market but the midsized developments – 40 to 80 units – are seeing some success.

via www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com

Senior Living Experts helps son find senior living for isolated mother

Recently we were contacted by a son regarding his lonely and isolated mother.  She was living along and was not able to care for her home as she had done in the past.  Her son took notice and contacted us right away.  Kerry answered all of his questions and helped him select a few places that would be the best fit for his mother.

Although she was skeptical, his mom agreed to look into senior living.  They toured a few communities and fell in love with one that recently opened in the western suburbs.

The staff understood that the transition was going to be difficult as this was such a big change in her life. They helped support her and she is now thriving in her new environment.  Because she had been depressed and alone for so long, there was a lot of concern that she would not adjust which is not uncommon. 

After two months we are happy to report that she is active and participating in all the events at the community and is happy about her decision.

And her son?  He is at ease knowing his mom is safe and happy.

Follow Senior Living Experts on Facebook and get to know how we can help you or one of your friends who may be going through a similar situation.

Photo of Kerry Quirin, Senior Living Advisor taken by John Cox - Downer's Grove Reporter

Alzheimer's Association 2010 Family Forum - April 10

Please consider joining the great people at the Alzheimer's Association for a half day event for those affected by memory loss.

This great event includes a session that will update you on today's current research in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.  The second session is a presentation focused on providing caregivers with a framework for negotiating difficult circumstances in order to relive stress and maintain important relationships with those with memory loss.  The final session of the day will look at different personality types and their impact on our everyday lives.  Effective communication to compliment personality types within the family (to prevent caregiver burnout!!) will be explained and discussed.

In addition there will be Breakfast included and a resource fair going on through the day.  I have participated in this event in the past and the feed back from those who have attended is so positive.

Please consider attending if you are a caregiver of someone with the disease.

Date: Saturday April 10, 2010

Location: Harper College, Wojcik Conference Center, 1200 Algonquin Rd, Palatine IL 60047

Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 om

Registration:  To register call 847-933-2413 or visit http://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/comm_education/prog_sign_up.asp?ProgramID=425

There is a $25 registration fee and I believe it is worth every penny and more.

Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible?

I am doing my taxes this week so it reminded me to post this.  I am not an accountant, I have to hire one because I could not even begin to figure out my taxes even if I used an EZ form.  So, I am not qualified to give you any advice on this subject.  But I can give you the link for the IRS form 502.

You should consult the form and your tax professional because in some cases the entire monthly fee might be deductible, while for other just the fees for specific personal care services would quality.

What if your parents need money? Great article from Cincinnati.com

An estimated 38 million Americans provide care to an aging relative. The president's proposed budget for 2011 adds $103 million for programs that help elderly adults stay in their homes through in-home services, transportation and other support programs.

via news.cincinnati.com