Senior Living Information Blog

Free event on safety at St. Pauls House with the Chicago Police Department

The 16th & 17th District CAPS Offices of the Chicago Police Department, in conjunction with St. Pauls House are proud to host….
 
“TOGETHER WE CAN”
 
Presented by
 
Dr. Ron Rufo - Chicago Police Department – Preventative Programs
 
Don’t be a victim…
 
Everything you should know about burglary prevention, theft, pick-pocketing, robbery, scams and identity theft.
 
Cost:                   Free!
 
When:                 Friday, April 9th, 2010
                          from 2pm to 3pm
 
Where:                St. Pauls House, 3800 N. California Ave ,
                           Chicago, IL 60618    (773) 478-4222
 
Who is invited?   YOU and YOUR Friends!
 
For questions and info, please call Dale Tippett – (773) 259-4300
 

Social Security Administration adds Young-Onset Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter applauds the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) landmark decision to add Young-Onset Alzheimer’s to the Compassionate Care Initiative. The initiative identifies debilitating diseases and medical conditions that meet the SSA’s disability standards for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Inclusion in the initiative allows for faster payment of Social Security benefits to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue and the SSA are to be highly praised for understanding that the cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease leaves individuals unable to maintain gainful employment and deserving of an expedited disability determination.

The July 2009 Compassionate Allowance Hearing on Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, held in Chicago, included testimony from Harry Johns, President and CEO of the National Alzheimer’s Association, and several of the nation’s top Alzheimer researchers, and caregivers and individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s who discussed the challenges they faced during the disability application process. During the day-long hearing, SSA officials heard about the terminal nature of Alzheimer’s, the disabilities that often prohibit work in even the earliest stages of the disease, and the lack of effective treatments to modify or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s. Advocates from Illinois were paramount in getting young-onset Alzheimer’s disease added to the initiative.

“Until the SSA’s decision, individuals with early-onset (younger-onset) Alzheimer’s disease faced a number of challenges when applying for SSDI or SSI, include a long decision process, initial denials and multiple appeals,” said Nicole Batsch, director of early stage and support services for the Greater Illinois Chapter. “So many of our clients will benefit from this decision. Due to their early-onset diagnosis, no longer being able to work has an overwhelming impact on their family’s financial situation.

“ In addition to participation in the hearing, as many as 600 people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their caregivers responded to the Association’s request to submit written comments to SSA about their experiences applying for disability benefits. A sample of these comments are posted on SSA’s Compassionate Allowances website.

Click here to learn more about this exciting development.

via www.alzheimers-illinois.org

Senior Living Seminar to be held in Milwaukee area on April 13, 2010

Berghammer Construction Corporation and Eppstein Uhen Architects are set to host a Senior Living seminar, “Senior Living at a Crossroad: A Bold Look Into the Next Decade” to be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha. 

The day-long seminar begins at 9:00a.m., concludes around 3:30p.m., and features a panel of knowledgeable industry leaders from around the country, including internationally recognized author and speaker, Jim Moore. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone involved with the Senior Living industry; the seminar provides practical and strategic ideas for operations of a Senior Living facility.

The Senior Living Seminar will feature a keynote speech from Jim Moore titled, “High Cost-Benefit Growth Strategies in 2010 and Beyond,” and a wrap-up visionary session called, “Thinking Outside the Box for the Next Generation of Senior Care.”  It will also include several other expert presentations.

Registration and payment can be done via phone at (262) 790-8135 or visit their website above for details.  Earlybird registration ends Monday March 22.

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