Thursday, October 21, 2010
Good News for the Elder Care Industry
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment
Why is this significant? There is only one enrollment period per year when you can change coverage. Different Part D plans offer varying coverage for certain medications, so you may wish to change Part D plans if you have experienced any health problems over the past year which have resulted in medication changes. Or, if you have added up your medication expenses and feel you may be able to get better coverage under a different Part D plan, you may wish to "shop around."
You can use the formulary finder on the Medicare website to search for the Part D plans in your area that cover most or all of the medications you are taking. You will be prompted to enter a list of your medications and dosages, and then you will be provided with a list of Part D plans, their monthly premiums, and customer ratings of each plan.
Generally you can only switch Part D plans during the annual enrollment period, though there are certain exceptions, called Special Election Periods (SEPs). You may have an SEP if you experience a special circumstance such as moving into a nursing home, or losing your Medi-Cal benefits. If you are currently covered under a union or retiree plan and this plan stops offering prescription drug coverage in the future, you can join a Medicare Part D plan without a penalty as long as you do so within 63 days of the end of your existing coverage.
Medicare Part D coverage can be confusing, but there are resources out there to help. Great information on Part D coverage, as well as Medicare and other health insurance options for seniors, is available at the website of California Health Advocates. You can also call the San Diego Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) office at (858) 565-8772.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Quality of Life
Quality of Life is tied to perception of 'meaning'. The quest for meaning is central to the human condition, and we are brought in touch with a sense of meaning when we reflect on that which we have created, loved, believed in or left as a legacy.
- Frankl VE. 'Man's search for meaning.' New York: Pocket Books, 1963.
I have had the pleasure to work with a wonderful and talented woman whose art has brought joy to many, and most importantly herself. She has patented a particular style of batik and created and sold her work but has not been able in past years to express her artistic talents.
Elder Care Guides holds as one of its main beliefs the importance of helping our clients achieve "quality of life." Knowing my client's passion for her art, I set out to discover a means to help her create again and with much luck, discovered a great resource by the name of Kat Kirby.
Ms. Kirby is an Art Therapist who believes in the "healing power of the arts" and that one should have a "good time during the process." Her studio, 2KatStudios, offers workshops in collage, mosaics and other creative pursuits. To find out more about Kat, check out her websites here and here.
Kat's patience, expertise and own excitement in creating has brought my client the opportunity to express herself, to hope and to create a legacy once again.
Monday, August 16, 2010
We Love Carrots!
"When employees know that their strengths and potential will be praised and recognized, they are significantly more likely to produce value."So how does this relate to employees that care for elders for a living? The demographic that makes up the majority of caregivers, are those that live paycheck to paycheck. Don't those employees just want more money? Nope. At least, that's not what Elton and Gostick reported. One-third of people you give a cash award to will use that money to pay bills, and one in five won't remember in a few months how much they received or where they spent the money. But they will remember receiving a hand-written note from their direct supervisor, or better yet, the President of the company, thanking them specifically and timely for something they did that was above and beyond. If those appreciative notes and phone calls keep coming, employees will keep going above and beyond, because rewarded behavior gets repeated.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
The spaces between my fingers
"Any time you want to find me, you don’t have to look far. Just look down at the spaces between your fingers—where my hand used to be—and instead of thinking of all that’s keeping us apart, remember this great force that’s holding us together, and always will."Through some facilitated questions and discussion, participants are guided through memories from their childhoods, think back to lessons learned throughout their lives, and conjure up a piece of wisdom that they've gained and would like to pass on to the next generation. On a postcard, they trace an outline of their own hand, and then fill it in with their advice. Mr. Smith is collecting thousands of these postcards from individuals of all ages around the country, and will eventually combine them into a physical art installation and book, which will be used to promote awareness about Alzheimer's disease.
I am a volunteer co-facilitator of a support group for individuals living with early-stage memory loss that is held on Wednesdays mornings at the San Diego/Imperial County chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, who was contacted by Mr. Smith with a request to provide this free workshop to a group of individuals living with memory loss. The idea of the project was met with enthusiasm by our support group members, and we've been looking forward to his arrival on the west coast. The workshop this week was a great experience for the participants, sharing stories from their childhoods and early careers (a few of which I had heard over the seven years I've been facilitating the group, but most of which I had not). The telling of old stories by an individual who is progressively losing their memory is always a profound experience, and it's an honor to be there to receive these fleeting treasures. Wednesday mornings are always a highlight in my week.
Naturally, my mind wandered away from the table a few times and I got to thinking about my own childhood, the people who have influenced me, and some important lessons I've already learned in my short 35 years. Not many days go by that I don't think about my maternal grandmother Phyllis, who was - and is - a central figure in my life, and died in 2005. The summer that I was fourteen, my grandma undertook the task of teaching me to sew. She was an amazing seamstress, and had passed her skills along to her own talented daughters as well. My mom had not yet had an opportunity to teach me to sew; she was raising her three kids in a different era that required her to work full time and manage a busy household. But this is the gift of grandparents! They have time and space in their days that the rest of us simply don't have, and Grandma had decided that it was time that I learned. My first project was a black calico print dress that I'll never forget. I remember selecting a pattern in the shop, browsing for fabrics, and the afternoons of learning to cut, pin, and press, and getting familiar with the feel of the sewing machine on countless scraps in my grandma's sunny sewing room. It frustrated me to spend days practicing before I could even make the first cut into that pretty black fabric, but Grandma was adamant. That summer she taught me the importance of not just "doing things," but doing them right. She taught me that anything I make should look as good from the inside as it does from the outside. Straight stitching and clean seams (even if other people will never see them) not only make your clothes fit better, but they make you feel good about your work when you put them on. The things that I do in life need to not just look good to other people from the outside; they need to look good to me from the inside as well. I hope that Grandma Phyllis knew how important that time that summer with her was, and I suspect that she did. Today whenever the spaces between my fingers are filled with pins and crinkly tissue paper, or are guiding a piece fabric through a sewing machine, I think back to that sunny room and all of the love and laughter there, and that little bit of becoming who I am.
What a gift my grandmother was to me -- and that all members of an older generation are to those who follow them. Those of us who spend our days engaged in service to our elders are constant recipients of these gifts, and every day I know I chose the right path. I thank Matthew Smith and everyone who is supporting him in his project for this opportunity to spend some time in personal reflection, and for providing the members of our support group who live day in and day out with the frustration of a failing short-term memory with this valuable opportunity to tell stories and teach lessons. To answer Dr. William Thomas' important question: this is what old people are for.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Aging Caregiver Workforce
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
We Have A Winner!
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Great Time to Be A Caregiver
Caregivers provide a greatly needed relief to family caregivers, a consistant source of companionship to elders, and expert skills assisting with activities of daily living, all combined with a warm, friendly touch. These factors and more make staying at home the most appealing option to elders, vs. relocating to an assisted or skilled nursing facility. These labor statistics further prove that not only is professional caregiving an honored occupation, it is in great need and promises to be a wise career choice for years to come.
You can read more about professional caregiving and the nations employment outlook in the March issue of Caring Magazine.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Quality of Life Programs
The Out and About Program is a series of eight weekly outings, including lunches, that offer opportunities for socialization, learning and a feeling of independence for those with early stage Alzheimer's. The groups have various meet-up spots throughout San Diego county. They offer a variety of experiences for example; touring a museum, attending IMAX movies or even visiting the Chula Vista Nature Center.
All outings have a docent who knows how to conduct the group by providing information in an informative yet understandable way . The camaraderie that develops among the participants is probably the most beneficial aspect of these outings, knowing that they can share some of their fears and concerns in a safe and welcoming environment.
For the participant's safety, Outing Coordinators drive the them to all destinations. There is a cost which covers all entrance fees, lunches and mileage.
Another Quality of Life Program is called Memories at the Museums. This program allows the person with Alzheimer's and an accompanying family member or friend to tour one of four participating museums in Balboa Park and then discuss their experiences. This stimulates both the visual and verbal abilities of the of the participants and allows for cultural expressions.
Memories at the Museum is on the second Friday of each month from 2:00-3:00. Admission and tours are free of charge but registration is required.
For more information on either of these Quality Programs please call Lisa Snyder at the Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at (858)622-5800.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The Power of Purpose
Elder Care Guides is proud of our mission statement, which centers on bringing purpose to our clients and employees:
- by cultivating every client’s unique sense of purpose, we help them develop a meaningful elderhood with a high quality of life.
- by identifying and reinforcing the strengths of our clients, we promote the development of healthy relationships of interdependence amongst the elder, their family, and other supports.
- our employees are fundamental to our success, and their full engagement enhances the services we provide.
- professional caregivers who are employed by an agency and work as a team with a geriatric care manager deliver the best outcomes for our clients.
- the standards and ethics of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers provide a solid foundation for our clinical and business practices.
Defining a company culture begins with the company's purpose. Key questions the Rushing article posed include:
- Why does the organization exist?
- What difference is the organization making in people's lives?
- What do the employees strive for, and do their goals match the organizations goals?
Employees are an organization's most important clients. Guiding employees to define their own sense of purpose, then showing them how their desires align with the companies mission and vision is the central component of a successful business. Master that connection, and the revenue will follow.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Elder Abuse and Insurance Fraud
There is so much information being provided for the protection of the general public but so many times it is ignored or missed altogether. We at Elder Care Guides try to provide this forum as another way to share information and in doing so we can enlighten and hopefully protect someone from becoming a victim.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Working with Registered Dietitians
A registered dietitian (RD) is an individual who has at minimum earned a bachelor's degree with coursework that has been approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Specific areas of study include: food and nutrition sciences; sociology; biochemistry; and physiology. An RD student must also complete an approved practice program at a health care facility, community agency or food service company. To become a registered dietitian, one must also pass an examination and seek continuing education credits. According to the ADA, over 50% of Registered Dietitians hold advanced degrees. They may also earn specialized certification in areas such as pediatric nutrition or diabetic care.
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian? Different states have varying requirements regarding who can call themselves a "nutritionist," however, the "RD" credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by practitioners who are authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.
I recently became aware of the benefits of working with registered dietitians through personal experience as well as with one of my clients. I worked with an RD to obtain and analyze lab results that revealed vitamin deficiencies; determine my Body Mass Index (a reliable indicator of body fat); and create a meal plan to help me reach my nutrition goals. I referred one of my clients to an RD to help address gastrointestinal symptoms including constipation, gas and upset stomach. The dietitian recommended specific foods, as well as nutritional supplements and digestive enzymes to help ease my client's symptoms. She has also provided ongoing education and support to my client and her care team.
To find a registered dietitian near you, and to read more about nutrition and disease prevention, you can go to the website of the American Dietetic Association.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Elder Abuse and Insurance
Many elderly have savings that they wish to safely invest for their future needs but they can be swayed by those they trust to give over their savings for investment purposes created by their "friendly" insurance agent.
There is an article that was brought to my attention, written by Elizabeth Furnari, Deputy District Attorney - Insurance Fraud Division of the San Diego District Attorney's Office. She points out that being aware of the different types of insurance and annuity scams is the first step in protecting yourself. http://www.sdcda.org/files/conartists.pdf. Also the The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has created a "Senior Insurance Bill of Rights" which provides a list of precautions to take when purchasing any type of insurance policy and the regulations that protect those rights. http://www.insurance.ca.gov/
There is so much information being provided for the protection of the general public but so many times it is ignored or missed altogether. We at Elder Care Guides try to provide this forum as another way to share information and in doing so we can enlighten and hopefully protect someone from becoming a victim.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Elder Care: An Employee Benefit
Federal law mandates a leave to care for an ill family member, known as the Family Medical Leave Act, and employers are now looking at elder care benefits as a retention tool, in preparation for economic recovery and the accompanying employee turnover expected over the next few years. Many companies have employee assistance programs, which now include more elder care friendly options, such as help with legal and financial issues related to elder care, medical decision support, and even geriatric care management assistance.
Other retention strategies that encompass elder care are those more commonly thought of for child care, but make the transition easily. These strategies include flexible scheduling, paid personal leave days, telecommuting, and job sharing. So, if you find yourself struggling to balance work and elder care, suggest some of these options to your employer, and stress the benefits to the business they will bring. If your employer values retention and high employee morale, these options should be strongly considered.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Caregiver Retention and Turnover: Are You Ready for the Recession Rebound?
The economy is going to recover though. Economists predict a slow, steady recovery, and we have already seen signs of hope. The last piece to regain strength will be employment, but employers need to get ready. Two-thirds of U.S. employees are expected to turnover as the recession deminishes, and that number is even greater for professional caregivers. All those caregivers who have been faithfully sticking by their employers, will start looking elsewhere if they can't get a steady case. Do you want to keep your key employees? What can you be doing to ensure good caregivers don't seek employment at the agency down the street?
We have spoken in this blog before about employee engagement and satisfaction. It's time to start developing a company culture that makes caregivers want to stay, because the economic impact of losing solid, top employee is too great. The most successful retention strategies encompass many factors, including employee engagement, high employer communication, and decentralized management involvement. When employees hear consistent and constant feedback from all levels of the organization, it creates a high sense of belonging and in turn, reduces the desire to seek employment elsewhere. Do your employees know what the company mission and vision is? Are you soliciting ideas from your caregivers on how they can help the growth of the company? We have all heard of exit interviews, but how about STAY interviews?
Employee retention and turnover is a process, not an event. Making sure employees know how essential they are in the success of the business will undoubtedly make them feel valued. Caregivers who are treated as professionals and feel valued and a senses of belonging are the ones that will stay.
Monday, January 11, 2010
National Flu Vaccination Week
- 47 million cases of H1N1
- 200,000 hospitalizations
- nearly 10,000 deaths
Thankfully, the number of flu cases has declined in recent weeks, however experts warn we should get ready for a third wave of H1N1. National Flu Vaccination Week was named to remind Americans to get vaccinated. Vaccinations are now open to everyone in most parts of the country. You can find more information here.
In San Diego county, US Healthworks Medical Group clinics are now offering flu vaccinations for $15. We encourage you to use the link above to learn more about patient eligibility and find the clinic nearest you. If you have your own doctor and insurance, inquire about a special rate for flu vaccinations this week and take charge of your health!