Senior Living Information Blog

Free professional photos for WWII vets at Belmont Village - Glenview

Belmont Village of Glenview is providing WWII Veterans the opportunity to have a complimentary professional photo portrait created in honor of their service and in celebration of Independence Day. Call Ron at 847-657-7100 to reserve a complimentary photo session on Thursday, June 25.

Today is Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Go to the National Center on Elder Abuse's website to learn more and to find out ways that you can help prevent or stop elder abuse.

Local Assisted Living Community sings with Toddlers

One of our partners, Sunrise of Naperville is currently partnering with a toddler music class.  It would be hard to tell who benefits from this more, the seniors or the children.  Music is something that can bring us all together and is something that we share.  The seniors help the children and the children bring them joy.

One resident was said, "I love coming here; there's hope for the future,"  

You can read the entire article in the Naperville Sun.

*photo by Danielle Gardner, news staff photographer

4 things you need to keep your mind sharp as you age.

Just read an article based on a study that tested the cognitive ability of 2,500 people aged 70 to 79 over eight years.

They found that 30% of them not only did not see a decline, in some instances they actually improved on tests.  To find out what made this 30% special they had to find out what they did and what they had in common.  Here is what they found:

1. Exercise
2. Education
3. Not Smoking
4. Socializing

Read the full article on LiveScience.com

Top 5 tips on talking to your parents about assisted living

Every family is different and everyone is going to have their way of approaching uncomfortable conversations.  Here a 5 things to remember when having this discussion.

1. Do not wait for a crisis to occur to have the talk.  By then it may be too late
2. Do not try to tackle everything at once.  Do it over multiple conversations
3. Get the support of other family members or a professional if necessary
4. Ask open ended questions
5. Be factual.  Do your research before you have the conversation.

Of course these tips can be used for other conversations such as living wills, trusts, home care, 5 wishes, etc.

GPS shoes that could help with 'wandering' Alzheimer's patients

They are currently developing shoes with GPS in them for Alzheimer's patients that wander.  This technology will help families and authorities locate someone who has wandered away, a condition of the disease that many experience. 

It is easier than putting a device on them such as a necklace or a bracelet as they are usually taken off.  Because these are embedded in the shoes, they are always on.

The shoes are being developed by GTX Corp., which makes miniaturized Global Positioning Satellite tracking and location-transmitting technology, and Aetrex Worldwide, a footwear manufacturer.

I can imagine that this would help save someone's life someday, maybe more.  For more information check out GPS shoes for Alzheimer's patients.

Swine Flu Not having as Much Affect on Elderly

According to a recent article in the New York Times, the elderly are not as vulnerable to the swine flu as previously thought.  The regular flu is a major concern for the elderly especially in long term care facilities but they have not seen much of an outbreak.

In the article they state: Of 538 confirmed cases of AH1N1 in New York City, only six have occurred among people ages 65 and over.

It goes on to say that "preliminary evidence suggests that many older people may have residual immunity to the new flu virus because they were exposed to similar H1N1 viruses that circulated decades ago, before 1957. If so, that’s great news for both the elderly and their caregivers."

While this is great news, everyone should continue to follow precautions and wash their hands.

Illinois Residents Deserve Real Options for Services - Stop the Budget Cuts!

I received this bulletin last week and knew I had to share it with my fellow Illinois residents who care about seniors.

AARP and the Alliance for Home and Community Care oppose the devastating cuts passed by the General Assembly.  We are calling on the Governor, Legislative Leadership and all legislators to get back to Springfield and fix this budget before these cuts take effect.  These cuts will affect your neighbors, friends, family and maybe even you.

COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM

•    Without additional funds, nearly 26,000 older Illinoisans will be cut off from services that allow them to remain independent.  Without these services, many, if not all of them, will be forced to turn to more costly nursing homes for the care they need.

ELDER ABUSE

•    The Elder Abuse Program will be eliminated under the Doomsday Budget.
•    Thousands of cases are investigated each year.  Without someone to help victims of abuse connect to the services they need many will remain in their abusive situation.  Elder Abuse workers protect seniors from financial, physical and sexual abuse.  All too often, victims die as a result of abuse and neglect if they do not get the assistance they need.

CIRCUIT BREAKER PROGRAM

•    270,000 older Illinoisans will no longer receive prescription drug and property tax assistance through the circuit breaker program.

VETERANS HOMES

•    Over 1,000 veterans will be kicked out of veterans homes losing critical health care services.

DISABILITY SERVICES

•    5,000 people with disability services will lose their option to receive services in the community where they remain independent.  These services are also much cheaper for the taxpayers of Illinois.

STOP THESE CUTS NOW

The people receiving these services along with their family, friends and caregivers are devastated by the budget that passed the General Assembly.  It’s time to go back to work and put together a budget that truly serves the people of this State.  The people of Illinois deserve more from their elected leaders from both parties.

You can make a difference.  Contact the Governor at 312-814-2121 and your State Representatives and Senators today at 1-888-616-3322 and tell them to return to the Capitol and pass a budget that truly serves the people of Illinois, especially older adults and persons with disabilities.

Alzheimer's triples health care costs

In a March, the Alzheimer's Association put out their newest "2009 Facts & Figures."  One of the most startling points was that total healthcare costs are more than three times higher for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias than for other people age 65 and older.  There is an increased need and usage of hospitals, nursing homes and other health and long-term care services. Families caring for people with Alzheimer's struggle to survive the recession as states deal with budget shortfalls. 

With family members providing care at home for about 70 percent of people with Alzheimer's, the ripple effects of the disease can be felt throughout the entire family.

To read the article and report : New report says Alzheimer's disease and dementia triple healthcare costs for Americans age 65 and older

Alzheimer's Association Family Forums coming up!

Be sure to reserve your space for the very informative family forums that the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Illinois put on.

The first one is Saturday, June 6 at the Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville
The second one is Saturday, June 13 at the Harper College Wojcik Conference Center in Palatine.

Each half day event costs $25, with breakfast included.  Participants will receive up to date information & resources for families affected by memory loss.

To register by phone, call 847.933.2413

To register on their website go to the Alzheimer's Association Family Forums page.  Details such as times, session and round table discussions can be found on this page as well.