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Well, summer is here and we are busy! Families are enjoying vacations, kids are out of school, and the schedule is anything but normal! Did you know summer is our busiest season at Stay At Home? It’s true! We make more home visits in August than any other month of the year. Our caregivers and office staff have been working very hard to accommodate our seniors’ busy lifestyles! Family reunions, vacations, weekend getaways . . . you name it; we have been blessed to be a part of it with our seniors. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve. In July, we were happy to add The Woodlands at Wakefield Plantation to our list of independent living communities at which we offer free weekly blood pressure checks. Our own Margie Thomas, LPN, currently visits the Lodge at Wake Forest and The Gardens at Wakefield Plantation every Wednesday offering her services courtesy of Stay at Home Senior Care. Thank you Margie! Also, in July, the mayor of Wake Forest, Vivian Jones congratulated us for being in business ten years and part of the Wake Forest community. You can look for the article in Wake Forest’s 919 Magazine in their September issue. Thank you Mayor! The Wake Weekly is seeking nominations for the Best of the Best awards again this year. We have won first place in the Home Health Care category for the last two years! Let’s go for three! The only way we can win is if you vote for us before September 6th! Go to wakeweekly.com to vote for Stay at Home. If you need a paper ballot, call the office and we will get one to you.
In recognition of our AMAZING CAREGIVERS , we have named Wednesday, October 9th as Caregiver Appreciation Day! Our caregivers will be honored at a very special Afternoon Tea. You can contribute on this special day by mailing us some kind words (what we refer to as ʺlove notesʺ) about your caregiver. I promise to read each love note aloud at the event, publicly recognizing each one for the wonderful work they do! I also want to remind our clients to take advantage of our free ancillary services, such as our online Client Portal, where families can check their loved one’s care plan, schedule, and daily visit logs. If you need a refresher on this site, give us a call at the office. We also offer paperless billing. If you prefer to receive invoices via email, we can do that! And lastly, we offer free EFT services, where invoice payments can automatically be drafted from your checking account every two weeks, freeing up the need to write a check and send it in the mail. Give me a call at the office about any of these awesome services! Thank you for your friendship, your business and the opportunity to serve you and your family. We treat every contact as a friend, every client as family, and complete every task with honor. Best wishes, Deborah Bordeaux President, Certified Senior Advisor
Silver Connections
SUMMER 2013
2014 S. Main Street, Suite 610, Wake Forest, NC 27587 556-3706
Welcome to the Summer 2013 Issue of Silver Connections
CAREGIVER OF THE SEASON
Delores Owens, CNA Delores grew up around her grandparents and has always had compassion for seniors. She knows the importance of caregiving from her own life experiences. Her Father suffered from a stroke and heart attack, and the family cared for him. After her Father passed, her Mom had a stroke. “Caregiving became a part of my life.”
She joined Stay at Home Senior Care more than three years ago because she felt a sense of family among the team. “The environment is so unique, and I love it!” Delores enjoys making our clients’ days better, doing whatever she can to make things easier and bring them joy. She also appreciates the wisdom they share. “They inspire me to keep going. It does so much for me at the end of my visit to see their smiles.”
Delores was raised in Vance County. She is married with one son, a lovely daughter‐in‐law, and three grandchildren. She is proud that her son is also her pastor. Delores loves to sing, attend Church, and participate in family gatherings. She also enjoys going new places and meeting new people!
Kim says, “Delores spreads sunshine wherever she goes! Her faith and that endless smile light up a room. When it comes to receiving client compliments, Delores is at the top of the list!” Delores is our lead Short and Sweet caregiver at The Gardens and as one client expressed, “Her visits may be short, but she sure does make them sweet!”
IN THIS ISSUE:
President’s Welcome 1 Caregiver of the Season 1 Finance/Consumer: 10 Tips for Financial Security 2 Rotating Topic: Getting Outdoors with Limited Mobility 2‐3 Health & Lifestyles: Bathroom Dangers to Guard Against 3 Spotlight on Caregivers: Pick‐Me‐Ups for Caregiver Stress 4 Above & Beyond; Calendar of Events 4
Enjoying the outdoors during the summer provides many benefits to seniors, and is worth a bit of extra time and planning for those experiencing mobility problems. A main advantage of heading outdoors, even for a short period of time, is being able to soak up the sunlight, which generates Vitamin D, essential for the brain, bones and for muscle function. It also often gives seniors an opportunity to socialize with other people, children and animals. Additionally, experiencing a fresh breeze and being surrounded by nature—even if that is just your backyard garden—can be rejuvenating and offer a much‐needed change for seniors who are often cooped up indoors for the majority of their time. How can you begin the process of getting your loved one outdoors? If he or she is resistant to the idea of going outside, you might need to look for ways to develop a desire for fresh air.
• Set up a window box or bird feeder outside a window and serve meals at the window.
• If you have the space, consider planting a small garden. Not only will it bring some nature close to home, but new seedlings are exciting to watch as they grow and change each day. With a garden in the yard, the elder doesn’t have to go far, and a reward awaits them—seeing the blooms.
• If your loved one is bedridden and getting outdoors is not an option, bring the outside in. A plant or vase of flowers on a nightstand can help.
• If your loved one’s home has a private patio or porch, he or she may feel more comfortable about being alone outside, without being in view of neighbors or strangers.
• Even going to the mailbox daily (either walking or in a wheelchair, if needed) can let the elder get a few minutes of fresh air. Routine is often comforting and this small daily task can do your loved one a world of good.
Continued on page 3
PAGE 2 SUMMER 2013 NEWSLETTER
10 Tips for Financial Security
If you observe the following good financial habits, you are paving the way to financial success and a comfortable, financially secure retirement:
1. Set Goals Too often people have no plan for their financial future—they simply spend their money as they get it. The first rule to wealth accumulation is to have a plan for what you want, and how you will get there. It may help to work with a financial planner to set these goals—both short‐term and long‐term—and develop a strategy for how to attain them.
2. Create a Budget Setting financial goals and developing a plan is a great start, but you will not be very successful if you don’t know where your money is actually going. Develop‐ing a budget gives you control over your finances and allows you to make choices about where you are allocating your resources.
3. Track Your Expenses As part of the process of budgeting, it is important to know where you are spending your money. It is a good idea to track all your receipts for at least three months to accurately identify where your money is really going. For example, you may be surprised how much you are spending on cups of coffee every month!
4. Pay Off Credit Card Debt Credit card debt is the number one obstacle to getting ahead financially. Despite our resolve to pay the balance off quickly, the reality is that we often donʹt. Develop a plan to pay off your credit cards, starting with the highest interest card first. Once you have paid them off, use them only when you know you can pay the balances off quickly.
5. Contribute to a Retirement Plan If you are still employed, find out if your company has a 401k plan and sign up today. If you are not employed, consider opening an IRA. Having a retirement account offers both tax incentives and a high yield return on your investment. It’s a critical part of a successful financial plan.
6. Have a Savings Plan Resolve to set aside a minimum of 5% to 10% of your salary for savings BEFORE you start paying your bills. Better yet, have money automatically deducted from your paycheck and deposited into a separate account.
7. 15‐Year vs. 30‐Year Fixed Mortgage If you own your own home and are paying for a 30‐Year Fixed Mortgage, you are paying thousands of dollars more in interest over the life of your loan. With interest rates at an all‐time low, revisit your mortgage and consider refinancing—you may pay a slightly higher monthly payment that will save you huge money in the long‐run.
8. Review Your Insurance Coverages Too many people pay too much for life and disability insurance policies. On the other hand, itʹs important that you have enough insurance to protect your dependents and your income in the case of death or disability. Check your coverage and see if it makes sense for your situation.
9. Update Your Will 70% of Americans donʹt have a will. If you have dependents, no matter how little or how much you own, you need a will. Without one, your heirs face the cost and complications of probate. If your situation isnʹt too complicated you can even make your own with software like WillMaker from Nolo Press.
10. Keep Good Records If you donʹt keep good records, youʹre probably not claiming all your allowable income tax deductions and credits. Set up a system now and use it all year. Itʹs much easier than scrambling to find everything at tax time, only to miss items that might have saved you money. Reality Check How well are you doing? If you have not adopted many of these tips, consider choosing one area at a time and aim to eventually incorporate all of them to ensure a healthy financial future. By Caren Parnes, For the Senior’s Choice
Getting Outdoors with Limited Mobility
SUMMER 2013 NEWSLETTER PAGE 3
Bathroom Dangers to Guard Against
According to a research report by the Home Safety Council, preventable home injuries are the fifth largest cause of death in the U.S., and safety researchers point to the bathroom as one of the most dangerous zones in the house. Here are five threats that often trip up (sometimes literally) the unwary:
1. Water, water everywhere It’s the water—in the sink, tub, and shower —that is the number‐one danger in the bathroom. Trouble is, water doesnʹt always stay where it should. Poorly fitting shower curtains and simple wet feet are two of the biggest causes of water winding up on the bathroom floor. The ideal shower has a shatterproof glass door, rather than a curtain. Failing that, you can minimize leaks by hanging a curtain liner that falls inside the tub and a second, decorative curtain that falls outside. To stop slips place strips of adhesive nonslip decals on the shower or bathtub floor. Keep a nonskid rug on the floor next to the shower/bath exit and in front of the sink. Basic scatter rugs are themselves a tripping hazard; look for ones made to absorb moisture and stay in place on the floor.
2. Slick tub or shower bed We use lots of products in the shower and bath. Trouble is, all bath products collect as residue on the sides and floor, making them slippery. Soapy buildup should be cleaned off regu‐larly. Giving the shower or tub a quick wipe down with a washcloth after each use helps minimize slickness. A strong adult may be able to withstand the residue, but someone with balance problems, such as a frail older adult, can slip just enough to lead to a fall. Be sure, too, to install well‐anchored grab bars wherever slips are likely. 3. Bright white surfaces A pristine white bathroom might look great, but the combination of lights, white surfaces, and reflective surfaces (such as mirrors and chrome) can be disorienting. The glare can even be
blinding to someone with less‐than‐perfect vision, as is the case with many older adults. Whatʹs more, all that brightness can mask standing water on the floor, increasing the risk of slipping. 4. A space heater People trying to save on heating bills or attempting to keep a bathroom warm for an older adult often use an electric space heater in this room. Like any electric appliance in a room where there is so much water, space heaters are a potential risk for electrocution. An additional danger is someone slipping into the device and burning themselves. If keeping warm is a problem, install a permanently wired heating system just in the bathroom. Another tip is to fluff towels and a cotton robe in the dryer during the bath, so theyʹre warm and ready when the person comes out of the water. 5. Shattered shower door Glass shower doors became popular in the 1980s as an alternative to vinyl shower curtains. Most of the time, they
• Once the elder has become accustomed to getting outside, take it a step further. Suggest a short trip around the neighborhood or take them to a nearby park.
Although caregivers may be aware of the benefits, sometimes it seems as if the obstacles, such as wheelchair access, bathroom access, frailty and fatigue, are too great to overcome the great outdoors.
Caregivers can start to prepare elders with mobility problems to take the steps to head outside. Your physician can suggest chair exercises to make them more stable and build their muscles, for example.
Ensuring your loved ones’ safety while outdoors is key. If they are unstable
when they walk, consider a cane or a walker. Or if your loved one is wheel‐chair bound, consider a portable wheelchair that you can get in and out of your car relatively easily. Dress your loved one appropriately for the weather. Being too hot or too cold will make the experience uncomfortable and discourage the elder from going out. Make sure they have a hat in the sun and bring water so that they stay well‐hydrated.
It’s the perfect time of year to get your loved one outdoors. You may be surprised at what a difference it can make to their well‐being—and yours.
By Caren Parnes, For the Senior’s Choice
work fine. But theyʹve been known to shatter if someone falls hard into the door because of a slip. Because most doors are made of tempered glass, they tend to instantly break into many small pieces rather than larger jagged ones. This is less likely to cause a bad cut, but it can nevertheless seriously injure a frail older adult who then falls onto the glass bits. You donʹt have to give up on glass. Just let family members know not to use the towel racks sometimes installed along such doors for support, which can stress them. Instead, install well‐anchored shower grab bars into the walls of the shower. Regularly check older shower doors for cracks, chips, or the glass rubbing against metal. Some repairmen say frosted glass shatters more often than clear, although thereʹs no safety data on this. If a glass door or even a mirror does break, the safe thing to do is throw a large towel over the shards so you can more safely exit. Excerpted from http://www.caring.com/articles/killers‐lurking‐in‐bathroom
Getting Outdoors, cont. from page 2
PAGE 4 SUMMER 2013 NEWSLETTER
This seasonʹs Above and Beyond recognition goes out to our veteran team of caregivers who serve at The Gardens at Wakefield Plantation. This fabulous troop truly epitomize what teamwork means. Brenda, Kim, Delores, Bridget, the Pattis and Pat, Margie, Emily, Paul, Pam, Judy, the Cindys and Cyndi, Niya, Beverly, Beth, Doretta, Sharon, Joann, Jeanne, Elaine, Gus, and Michele. WOW!!! As I look at this list, I once again realize how fortunate I am to be in their midst! I have called on each and every one of these amazing caregivers to lend a helping hand in a pinch. Whether it is assisting another caregiver in an emergency, filling in for a Short and Sweetie, jumping in for a last minute visit, or even checking in on a client who has been under the weather, they have all come through with shining colors! They leap to the plate cheerfully, compassionately, and with tremendous grace. I cannot thank all of you enough for always being there for our wonderful clients at The Gardens, for me, and especially for each other. I am deeply grateful for you all, my darling ducks, and have never been more proud to be called ʺMama Duck!!!!ʺ Love,
Five 10-Minute Pick-Me-Ups for Caregiver Stress
Having one of those days? The best antidote to stress and fatigue is to treat yourself well—even if it is in small doses. Try these pick‐me‐ups: 10 minutes to yourself that reverberate much further into your day. 1. Read or Watch Something Funny Laughter has been shown to trigger the relaxation response, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and even boost the immune system and ease pain. Identify a favorite resource that will brighten your mood and make you laugh, whether that be a favorite comic or the latest YouTube viral video. Not finding the funnies very funny today? Try forcing a smile. The simple act of turning your facial muscles into a smile triggers the brain to initiate a relaxation response. Bonus: Smiling tends to inspire others to smile (not unlike yawns inspiring yawns). So your smile might make your loved one a little easier to live with. 2. Mood Music Music therapy can calm or stimulate. Playing music with a strong beat has an energizing effect. Melodic orchestral or acoustic tunes can improve thinking and focus. To get the full pick‐me‐up effect, raise the volume so that the music fills the room. Really listen. Create a few special playlists that you label by mood so you can match the tunes to your needs: “Happy music,” “Energy kick‐start,” “Dance favorites.” 3. Take a Power Nap Ten minutes of shut‐eye might not sound like much, but it can be a restorative. Mid‐afternoon rest, when the body clock is at a natural lull, is thought to be especially productive. A longer, 30‐ to 60‐minute nap allows you to fall into the deep stage of sleep that’s even more restorative, but it’s harder to wake from. If you only have a short break, set a timer or alarm clock, so you don’t oversleep. 4. Get a Little Exercise Some quick exercise can provide an energy and mood boost (as well as being good for you): Run through a few yoga poses, stretch, walk around the block if you can get out of the house, lift some weights, or even go up and down the stairs a few times.
5. Write a Letter Simmering resentment, anger, or frustration can sap energy. Psychologists sometimes use this tool to help people let go of energy‐blocking ruminations: Write a letter to yourself or your loved one. Put in everything you’re feeling. Describe specific incidents. Imagine what you wish had happened instead, or what you wish for in general. (More “thank‐you’s” and appreciation? More free time? Your old pre‐caregiving life back?) The act of putting your true emotions down on paper (or in an e‐mail you don’t send) helps your body release them, just the way you feel better after confiding in a friend. Then, when you’re done, rip up the pages or delete that e‐mail. By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor Excerpted from http://www.caring.com/articles/ 10‐minute‐pick‐me‐ups/
Calendar of Events
Caregiver Appreciation Day—Wednesday, October 9th Blood Pressure Checks—The Gardens at Wakefield Plantation Every Wednesday from 9:00—10:00 am Blood Pressure Checks—The Lodge at Wake Forest Every Wednesday from 10:30—11:30 am Blood Pressure Checks—The Woodlands at Wakefield Every Wednesday from 1:00—2:00 pm
With offices in Raleigh & Morrisville www.CarolinaEstateCounsel.com
SUMMER 2013 NEWSLETTER SPECIAL INSERT
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? CALL 556-3706.
Are your legal documents 40+ years old? Then it’s time for a review! Let us help . . .
FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
Rick Messemer Certified Senior Advisor Client Relationship Manager 919-656-2959 [email protected] Kevin Huston, VA Accredited Attorney
We make “house calls” to your home or senior community!
Legal documents are not the same when you are 80 as they were when you were 40! In addition to a will, every senior should have Health/General Powers of Attorney and Advanced Directives! We can also assist with all of your estate planning questions. One of our specialties is the Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefit. We can help determine eligibility for you or a loved one. Call 919-656-2959 to get started! We are available for group presentations on numerous topics.
Proper Direction to Professional Estate Planning Huston Law Firm
SUMMER 2013 NEWSLETTER SPECIAL INSERT
INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? CALL 556-3706.
August 2013 News
Northern Wake Senior Center “A Center of Excellence”
Senior Center Yard Sale and Bake Sale
Friday, Aug 23 ‐ 8:00 ‐ 4 pm Saturday, Aug 24 ‐ 7:30 ‐ noon Accepting donations Aug 22 & 23. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up at front desk. **********************
Legal Aid One on One Counseling See Back ‐ call for appointment
Getting Ready for the 2014 Wake County & NC Senior Games Thursday. Aug 8 at 10:00 am
“PASSPORT” Presentation by Brookdale Senior Living Tues. Aug 20 at 10:00 am
Coming In September: Caregiver Support Group ‐ 3rd Tuesday each month at 10:00. Open to the public . Call center for more information
Everyday 8:00-5:00 Body Shop 8:30-12:30 Craft Room AND Community Outreach 8:00-4:30 Computer Lab
(closed during scheduled class times) Monday 8:30 Low-Impact Aerobics– Level 2 10:00 Low-Impact Aerobics– Level 1 10:00 Decorative Painting - Open Studio 10:30 Blood Pressure Checks (4th Monday) 10:30 Basic Exercise/Strength Training 11:30 Bingo 1:00 Zumba Gold 2:00 Theatre Group (2nd & 4th Monday) 2:00 Open Painting Workshop 2:00 Ping Pong (call to schedule room) 2:00 Shag Lessons w/ Gaylord Picard 3:00 Ballroom Dance Lessons w/Gaylord Picard 3:30 Chair Yoga Tuesday 8:30 Core & Flex Training 9:30 Intermediate Line Dance - Linda 10:00 Presentation (see Special Events) 10:30 Presentation (see Special Events) 10:30 Relaxation and Meditation (NEW August) 12:00 Acrylic Painting– John Duzs 12:30 Mahjongg 1:00 Wood Carving 1:00 Bobbin Lacing Group (NEW 4th Monday) Wednesday 8:30 Low-Impact Aerobics– Level 2 9:00 Ceramics & Clay Class 9:45 Low Impact Aerobics — Level 1 10:00 Newcomers Social & Laughter (2nd Wed) 10:15 Basic Exercise/Strength Training 10:45 Sing Along 11:00 Bridge
Wednesday (continued) 12:00 Ping Pong (call to schedule room) 1:00 Quilt! Quilt! Stitch and Gab 1:00 Quilts of Valor Sewing Group 1:00 Pinochle 1:00 Pottery and Clay Class 2:00 Zumba Gold 2:00 Open Painting Workshop Thursday: 8:30 I Move Freely Fitness 9:00 Blood Pressure Checks (2nd Thur) 9:30 Presentation (see Special Events) 9:30 Beg. /Inter. Line Dance by Ronnie Pignataro 10:30 Cinema (check lobby board for titles)(1st Thur) 10:30 Musical & Dance Film 10:30 Bingo 12:30 Watercolor Open Studio 1-3 Computer Tutor (available by appt.) 1:00 Canasta / Hand & Foot / Pinochle 1:00 Wood Carving Friday 8:30 Zumba Gold 10:00 Acrylic Painting—Alma Burke 10:00 Low Impact Aerobics– Level 1 10:30 Balance Training (no class Aug. 23) 11:30 Chess, Checkers, Mexican Train Dominoes 12:00 Bridge
235 E Holding Ave, Wake Forest 919-554-4111
WAKE TECH CLASSES AT SENIOR CENTER CALL CENTER for upcoming classes
Pre-registration is Required with Limited Space Computer w/ Jerry Glenn
Qi Gong Tai Chi Spanish 1
SPECIAL EVENTS: MORE INFO ON LOBBY INFORMATION BOARD August
By appointment SHIIP One on One Counseling (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Limited appointment space. Call center to sign up for an appointment.
8/1 Thurs, 10:30 am Cinema: “The Producers” with Zero Mostel and Mel Brooks. Popcorn and drinks provided.
8/6 Thurs. 10:30 am Meditation and Relaxation Class with Patsy Voyler. Come and enjoy connecting with your inner feelings. Continues 8/13, 8/20, 8/27. Different topics each class.
8/8 Thurs, 10:00 am Getting Ready for the 2014 Wake County and North Carolina Senior Games. If you are 50 and over, there are many Athletic and Silver Arts (Heritage Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts) categories you can enter. Join us to find out what it’s all about!
8/8 Thurs, 9:00 am Blood Pressure checks by Corina Albert from Amedysis. (Free Screening).
8/13 Tues, 10:30 am Vegetable of the Month: Zucchini and Squash Jessica Holman, Meals on Wheels Manager, will be discussing the health benefits of Zucchini and Squash.
8/14 Wed, 10:00 am Newcomer’s Social & Laughter. Orientation for new members. Great opportunity to meet other new members, staff and class instructors.
8/20 Tues, 10:00 am PASSPORT: Person‐Centered Approaches Supporting Successful Patient Outcomes for Recovery and Transitions. Hospital admission can be very stressful, but there are things you and your family can do to feel more confident, ease your stress, be a more effective advocate, and be a respected member of the healthcare team while you are hospitalized. Presented by Brookdale Senior Living. Refreshments provided.
8/22‐24: SENIOR CENTER YARD SALE and BAKE SALE 8/22‐23 Thurs‐Fri, 8 ‐ 4 Donations accepted all day for yard sale. NO CLOTHING PLEASE!
NEED VOLUNTEERS! Sign up at front desk.
8/23 Fri, 8 ‐ 4pm YARD SALE and BAKE SALE: (open to the public). All proceeds benefit the Northern Wake Senior Center. Come and find good food and hidden treasures.
8/24 Sat, 7:30 ‐noon Yard Sale and Bake Sale continues.
8/26 Mon, 10:30 am BP (Blood Pressure) Checks by Dr. Casey Baldwin, RFS Pharmacist. (Free Screening).
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE UP-COMING CALENDAR EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER AND DESCRIPTIONS
www.resourcesforseniors.com Coming in September: Sept. 16 and 30 - SHIIP one on one counseling. (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) Call center to make an appointment Sept. 16 & 17 Digital Photography 1 with Don Carrick—class limited to 5 Call center to register Sept. 17 (New )Caregiver Support Group, 10-12 provided by Brookdale Living of Wake Forest Sept. 19 Presentation: Power You Have Today with George Fuller. 9:30 - 10:30 Come learn how to maximize the power you have to shape your future. Sept. 26 Presentation: Multigenerational Living with George Fuller 9:30 - 10:30 When two generations share life it will have its challenges Coming in October: Oct. 1 Medicare 101 with Mitch Hellie, 10:00 - 11:00 Oct. 3 Home Care vs Health Care. Learn what are the differences.. Synergy Homecare 10 - 10:30 OCTOBER 10 HEALTH FAIR AND FLU SHOOTS. Event is free and open to the public. 9 - 1 Oct 14 & 28 SHIIP one on one counseling. Call center to sign up Oct. 24 Sitting Tai Chi Instructors Training. Training limited call center for more information and cost. MORE ON OUR WEBSITE.
