Senior Living Information Blog

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

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

55+ Housing a study of builders & buyers

Metlife has released the second phase to Housing for the 55+ Market: Trends and Insights on Boomers and Beyond.  The study includes two surveys: one that examines current consumer preferences and home buying decisions and a second of National Association of Home Builder (NAHB) members involved in 55+ housing in 2008 and 2009.

Key findings include:

• 63% plan to age in their current homes, 12% plan to buy another home, and 26% are unsure.

• The majority prefer the suburbs (32% close-in suburbs and 31% outlying suburbs). A rural community is preferred by 28%, and 9% want to live in a central city.

• About one-quarter of respondents do not care about the impact building a home has on the environment. While 23% said they are concerned, it does not drive their decision. Only 12% said they are willing to pay an average of $6,732  for an environment-friendly home if it would save $1,000 annually in utility costs.

• Most respondents listed proximity to a shopping center and proximity to a hospital/doctor’s office as influencing their choice for a new community.

• Technology features, home security systems, and structured wiring  are important to consumers.

• Builders indicated their customers’ motivations for relocating. Sixty-three percent reported a desire for a maintenance-free lifestyle, 46% want to move closer to children/family, and 32% desire lower living costs.

Senior Living Advocates Assemble on Captiol Hill

More than 120 ALFA members and senior living advocates from across the nation --from New York to California --left an impressive footprint on Capitol Hill last week with the largest single advocacy event ever held by the Assisted Living Federation of America. 

Participants raised awareness of assisted living as a great  long term care option for seniors in more than 470 one-on-one meetings at 150 offices of Senators, House members and key committee staffers. The turnout was more than twice the size of last year’s fly-in.

``This federal fly-in marked a turning point for the senior living industry’s outreach to the U.S. Congress,’’ said Richard Grimes, ALFA’s President and CEO. ``This show of strength established a platform for the philosophy of care we provide to America’s seniors: a philosophy that embraces independence, respect, dignity, choice and quality care.’’

In its sweep of Capitol Hill, ALFA members explained the differences between the philosophy of assisted living and other long term care options. A number of ALFA Board members noted that a significant number of key lawmakers and staff still did not fully appreciate the differences between assisted living and skilled nursing care.

ALFA members advocated for consumer-friendly and potentially life-saving measures such as the National Silver Alert Act which would create a national system for locating missing seniors who wander because of complications from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The measure is similar to the Amber Alert system for locating missing children.

They also engaged in frank discussions on the so-called Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA)which would eliminate the secret ballot for employees in deciding whether or not to join a labor union and the so-called Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act that would bar America’s seniors from engaging in voluntary pre-dispute arbitration agreements with senior living providers.

Attendees at the fly-in included executives from Emeritus Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living, Sunrise Senior Living, Assisted Living Concepts, Five Star Senior Living, BMA Management, New Perspective Senior Living, Bell Senior Living, Benchmark Assisted Living, Brightview Senior Living, Chancellor Health Care, Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Direct Supply, Inc.,  Somerford Corp., Integral Senior Living, Senior Care, Inc., Silverado Senior Living, Signature Senior Living and Horizon Bay Retirement Living.

``Education is the key,’’ said Loren Shook, the founder and CEO of Silverado Senior Living. ``If our legislators understand what we do, they will support us because it is the quality of life they wish for themselves and their loved ones.  

ALFA also encourages executives to invite lawmakers from every level of government to visit communities so they can fully appreciate the impact of abstract policies discussed in hearing rooms on the seniors they represent.   By exposing lawmakers and policy makers to a variety of communities, they can see firsthand the wide variety of options available to seniors and the great work performed by the senior living industry.  `

via www.alfa.org

Central Baptist Village to offer free showings of popular movies

Coming up at Central Baptist Village their "at the movies" events!  Refreshments and snacks will be available.

All movies will be viewed at 1:30 pm

Friday Feb 12 - "August Rush"

Friday March 12 - "The Man Who Knew Too Much"

4747 N. Canfield Ave., Norridge, Ill 

For additional questions call 708-583-8500

Renowned Concert Pianist and Chicago Cultural Icon Turns 90

I know that Irene not only plays for the residents of the senior living community where she lives, she also plays at a lot of the local communities so I wanted to share this story about her!

Uses Music to Inspire Others with Disabilities

 
With an impressive career spanning three fourths of a century, renowned concert pianist and long-time contributor to Chicago’s cultural scene, Irene Alexander, turned 90 this week.
 
Irene began playing the piano at age three, and her natural talent was soon noticed by Chicago’s artistic community. At age six, Irene performed for Queen Marie of Romania, and later for Rachmaninoff.
 
Among her more recent accomplishments, Irene served as a Deputy for Chicago Cultural Affairs under Mayor Richard M. Daley, appeared frequently on the TV show “Artists’ Showcase,” and recently performed for Chicago Archbishop Francis Cardinal George.
 
Though her sight began failing her sixteen years ago, Irene was no stranger to adversity. As a child, she overcame a rare form of polio, and as an adult she battled breast cancer. “I wasn’t frightened when I learned I had macular degeneration, says Irene, “I knew it would be just one more challenge to overcome.” Irene began practicing the piano with her eyes closed, and by volunteering her musical talent, served as an inspiration to others with vision loss. Now a resident of Friedman Place, a non-profit community for adults with vision loss, Irene has the independence to continue her volunteer activities throughout the city.
 
Irene currently plays for residents of Friedman Place and Chicago-area nursing homes. “From the time I was a little girl, making other people happy through music has been my greatest joy. To this day it’s what keeps me going,” says Irene. “I’m celebrating turning 90, and I feel like my life is just beginning.”

Jilted bride throws 'reception' for senior living community near Chicago

I was reading a copy of last months AARP Bulletin on our drive home from Florida and came across this article.  As I read it again out loud to my husband Jason who was driving, tears came to my eyes so I ripped it out so I could remember to share it on my blog.  I don't know who you are Teanne Harris, but I think you are the bomb.

Jilted Bride Throws Bash Anyways - When Teanne Harris' fiance got cold feet six days before their late October wedding, a retirement community in Des Plaines, Ill., got a special treat.

After finding out it was too late for a refund for the reception, Harris decided to turn her Halloween-themed wedding celebration into a holiday party for the 340 residents of Asbury Court Retirement Community.

"She didn't know anyone here," says marketing director Jean Higgason. "But she offered to move everything - food, flowers, table decorations and the DJ" - to the seniors.

"I worked really hard on planning for the perfect party, and it would have broken my heart even more to have it go to waste," says Harris, 34 of Bensenville, Ill.  The residents "helped me out by giving me some joy watching them enjoy it." - reported by Cathie Gandel.