Assisting Angels
CARING ConnectionsOctober 2010

In This Issue

Elder Orphans Find Family as Grandparents

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

Alzheimer's Impact on the U.S. Population is Staggering 

 

Kudos

Preventing Falls Over Time



Some incredible resources on fall prevention are available from the official website of the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, whose mission is to identify best practices in fall prevention and to help communities offer fall prevention programs to older people who are at risk of falling.

Learn more here.
After 62 Years Apart, High School Sweethearts Reunite



Click here to watch this adorable video.
Brenda's Recipe Corner

Corn Salsa
Fresh Corn Salsa
Around here, corn and tomatoes are still in season and very inexpensive. I have a tasty recipe that my daughter says she just can't get enough of. I hope you try it and enjoy.

 

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh blanched corn (cut off the cob)
  • 4 very ripe tomatoes, cored and diced
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
  • 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 red onion , finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup lime juice
  • 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or to taste
  • salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Combine all ingredients; gently mix in the lime juice and avocado. Drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper to taste. Serve with corn chips or tacos, or anything else you would put salsa on.

It may seem like a lot of salsa, but believe me, it will go quickly. It tastes wonderful!

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Greetings!

In the constant pursuit of medical and technological advancements for an aging society, sometimes the very human aspects of getting older are overlooked. What is it like to maintain a healthy, active mind while struggling with the setbacks of a body that is wearing out?  How does it feel to have outlived most of your friends and family, and what is it like living in an age of technology when you were born in an age of industry? Empathizing and discovering the amazing life stories of the seniors in our lives can create a better understanding between the generations. We trust you will find the following articles in this month's newsletter informative and beneficial.

Thank you,
The Team at Assisting Angels Home Care
oneElder Orphans Find Family as Grandparents

The phenomena of the approximately 10 million seniors in the U.S. who live alone has generated the term "Elder Orphans". Most still have family members, but it is estimated that about 15% of these seniors who need care have no family support. One model that could be copied is the Hope Meadows Community program that has created an intergenerational program for foster children and seniors. The seniors serve as honorary grandparents and volunteer each week serving as mentors, tutors, companions and "grandparents" for the children.

Read the article on which this is based here.
 
Explore more on the intergenerational program offerings here.
twoWalk a Mile in My Shoes

MIT's AgeLab has designed a suit for researchers and developers to better understand what it feels like to actually live with the effects of aging. AGNES (Age Gain Now Empathy System) is designed to give its wearers the physical limitations of older age, allowing the wearer to actually empathize with the aging process.

Read more about the suit and its implications for designing products for aging here.

Listen to the segment on NPR's All Things Considered here.
threeAlzheimer's Impact on the U.S. Population is Staggering

A recent report from HBO and Harris Interactive demonstrates the cost, in terms of money, time and emotional support for those who support someone with Alzheimer's disease. Of the 31% who provide some level of support for the person with Alzheimer's, most (88%) provide emotional support. However more than half who provide support are providing caregiving assistance. Financial support at an average of more than $400 a month is provided by almost 10%.

Read more here.

Download the full report here.

four Kudos...

 Red & Pink Hearts

October, 2010

AA: Do you feel confident with our agency?

Rose:  Certainly.The confidence was first built up by having the interview and evaluation done. I believe it was Brenda's husband, Skip. I was really impressed that he took it upon himself to actually come to our home, rather than send someone else. I just feel that it is a really good team of people, and the caregivers that work for them.

AA: What recommended improvements would you suggest that might help improve Assisting Angels Home Care as a whole?

Rose: I don't really see an area that requires improvement at this time. At least not for my needs, I just really like the call-ins, the follow ups. I like the charting. I do read the charts before I sign them when the caregiver is here. I'm just really impressed with the quality of keeping up with the patient. That way there can be continuity of care, in case my caregiver can't be here and someone else must be sent out to cover our care.

AA: Would you recommend our agency to others?

Rose: I already have.  I go to counseling at the VA with my husband who is a Disabled Veteran.  I spoke very highly to our social worker, to our counselor, and also to my husband's doctor about Assisting Angels. So, yes they are all very aware of how I feel and how comfortable we are with Assisting Angels.

Rose Lore,

Meridian, Idaho

 



Brenda Critell, President / CEO
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)�, A native of Boise, Idaho and a 4th generation Idahoan.





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Skip Critell, Executive Vice President
Provides outreach and education to the community regarding our services. He presents educational seminars; conducts free memory screening for Dementia/Alzheimer's and related diseases, and in-home assessments.

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Diana Drake, Outreach Coordinator
Provides home assessments and information to guarantee quality care for our clients and provides outreach and education to the community regarding our services.

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Joy Kelly, Client Care Coordinator
Provides quality client care and supervision of direct care services for the Treasure Valley.