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HOME CARE today
E-News from Alternative Home Care for Seniors
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Dear Friend:
As I was thinking how 2010 is almost here, a certain song came to mind. As it turns out, this anthem of Scottish origin was first written as a poem by Robert Burns in 1788. Can you guess what the song is?
Of course, it's "Auld Lang Syne," which means "old long since." (In modern day, it translates "to days or times gone by."
So as 2009 comes to a close, we want to acknowledge you, who have been part of our days -- whether as a client, caregiver, colleague or associate. Thank you for contributing to our mission at AHCS. For it's you who bring purpose and meaning to our days.
Since our mission is to enhance quality of life for seniors and their families, we thought some resolutions were in order. Who better to provide these helpful tips than some of our friends who are experts in their own field? We hope you enjoy their ideas below.
Speaking of experts, I hope you'll take a minute to read my interview this month with Gary Galloway, the Volunteer Coordinator for Gwinnett County Senior Services. We worked with Gary in 2008 & 2009 on our "Sweaters For Seniors" program. Gary is not only incredibly committed to helping seniors, but is also a tremendous wealth of information on the subject.
One more exciting piece of news for 2010 is regarding Derrick Merchant, co-owner and administrator of Alternative Home Care for Seniors. With more than 20 years experience in working with seniors and caregivers, Derrick was recruited by Examiner.com. He is the new reporter for Senior Issues in Atlanta. I invite you to read and provide feedback to his articles. We've reprinted one of them here entitled "Five Things We Can Learn From Caregivers."
Well, the clock is ticking near the end of 2009, so I'll leave you with this:
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
Happy New Year,
Sharna Fulton
Marketing Director
Alternative Home Care for Seniors (AHCS)
(770) 736-7977
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A few new year's resolution ideas from our friends:
To have better, younger looking skin, says Lisa Washington of B'Tyli Natural Skin Therapies:
To fight the main causes of aging such as tissue damage and enzyme depletion, increase your intake of orange and yellow fruits and veggies, which will help with immunity. Eating omega rich foods, like fish and nuts will increase the elasticity and tone of your skin naturally. Finally, drink plenty of pure water, such as Penta with anti aging proprieties. And as a bonus, laugh more. Laughter always makes us feel and look beautiful.
To protect your assets, says Joel Beck of The Beck Law Firm, LLC:
Review your will. If you don't have one, get one. Review your advance directive for healthcare. If you don't have one, get one. Review all investment account statements. Make sure you understand how your money is invested and the risks associated with those investments. Make sure you are aware of, and authorize all activity in your account. And, make sure that you understand why each investment is appropriate, or suitable, for you.
To stay young at heart, reminds Joan Curtis, the Total Communications Coach:
"I just heard about an 83 year old lady who began flying lessons at age 80. She completed her first solo flight at 83. Her view on life is to keep stretching your mind. How wonderful is that? She said, "It's never too late to do what you want to do."
To afford home care in your elderly years, says Derrick Merchant of Alternative Home Care for Seniors: Consider long term care insurance.
To prevent unnecessary falls, says Jamie Miner, Physical Therapist, Meadows Physical Therapy:
- Take care of your medical problems as needed. See a primary care doctor yearly.
- Keep a list of all your medicines with you. Give a copy to each doctor to avoid medication interactions which may affect your balance or cause dizziness.
- Take medicines only as prescribed.
- Exercise regularly. A physical therapist can prescribe an exercise program tailored to meet your needs.
- Take care of your feet. Wear supportive shoes with rubber soled shoes. Do not wear heels.
- Install proper lighting throughout your home. Use 100 watt light bulbs if possible. Use night lights in the bathroom or bedroom.
- Remove clutter and loose rugs from walk ways. Keep cords out of walkways.
- Don't rush to answer the phone. Use a portable phone, *69, or an answering phone.
- Use a cane or a walker if recommended. Consult a physical therapist to check the correct size and use of assistive devices.
To be more stylish, says boutique owner/fashion designer, Christine Peters, Peters Path Store:
Update an older outfit by adding a vintage pin to your collar or colorful scarf. And voila, your outfit looks new & cheery. Add a little lipstick to ur cheeks and rub in to make that Christmas glow last a little longer. Plus, an extra squirt of your favorite perfume will make you feel good, too
To help preserve your memories -- for "auld lang syne," says portrait artist, Darla Dixon:
Pencil portraits can be used as a restoration
technique when irreplaceable photos get old or damaged. They also make a nice keepsake gift. I
do have a lot of grandparents, who order pencil portraits of their
grandchildren as a gift for their grown children.
But
I'd say the most important thing is for people to write their memories
down. If it's hard to start writing about your life, looking at old
family photos is a great way to get the memories flowing. If your
photos are in those old 'magnetic' albums, then you remove
them and put in new and better albums. The sticky stuff in those old albums
goes through a chemical change that damages the photos.
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An interview with Gary Galloway, Volunteer Coordinator for Gwinnett County Senior Services
Q: What is your background?
A: I grew up on the west coast, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Korea and came to Atlanta long long ago. I've worked as a hospital marketing director and for an assisted living developer.
Q: How long have you been the Volunteer Coordinator for Gwinnett County Senior Services? Describe your job.
A: I've worked for Gwinnett County for almost nine years and with seniors and volunteers for most of the time Every day is a new challenge to attempt to match known resources with senior needs.
Q: You seem to really love what you do.
A: Seniors are very humble and appreciative. We are serving predominantly mid-80's seniors who have plenty of daily living challenges, but are resistant to giving up independent living.
Q: Have the needs of the county and seniors changed in recent years?
A: Yes. There are more seniors with greater needs. If we deliver Meals On Wheels, that might provide nutrition and overcome their inability to reliably prepare meals for themselves, but that doesn't change the burnt out light bulbs that create dark spaces and fall hazards.
Q: Are the needs of homebound seniors in Gwinnett County the same as seniors living in other parts of Georgia, other states? If not, how are they different?
A: America is getting older, so there are more older people with challenges to their daily living activities. In Gwinnett, getting to the grocery store or to doctor is difficult because it requires driving. Many do not drive or have a caregiver. Public tranpsortation is limited.
Q: How does Gwinnett County "stack up" in the way it serves seniors versus other counties in Georgia and the United States?
A: We think that we do a decent job, but we are only as good as our ability to stretch the limited funding in a period of much greater demand for services. Every agency is tightening its belt and trying to minimize the effectiveness of its programming.
Q: What are the challenges Gwinnett faces in serving seniors and how is Gwinnett meeting those challenges?
A: Doing more with less or doing things more creatively. We remain committed to never compromising the quality of our programming, but seek to leverage our effectiveness with volunteers however and whenever possible in order to reach more senior needs.
Q: Though our "Sweaters For Seniors" program, we've seen people donate hundreds of sweaters and blankets to warm-up Gwinnett County's seniors. What other ways can citizens get involved, reach out and help seniors?
A: This large senior population has needs and faces challenges year- round. The sweaters and blankets are valued even in July, because many medications seniors take leave them chilly even during the hot summer. Groups can always help with yard work or repair projects. We can always use help with health fairs or screenings or to visit "at-home seniors" who don't have much outside contact.
Q: Describe an average senior that uses Gwinnett County Senior Services?
A: Age 85+, 75% female, do not drive. 30%+ have no caregiver or family support to meet daily living challenges, yet still living independently. Many have grown old in place, while others relocated to be near their children, good doctors, etc. Our senior population is expected to have a huge increase as people seek greater public safety and move from the city of Atlanta. We're the most culturally-diverse county which extends to our senior population. Finally, there's a huge "grandparents raising grandchildren" population.
Q: What needs do Gwinnett County Senior Services address?
A: The basics such as food, shelter, companionship, assistance with little things that they can no longer handle, and transportation. It's amazing that they are no longer caught up in the need for "stuff." They would rather have shampoo or skin lotion than a new appliance.
Q: How does Gwinnett County receive funding to take care of these seniors?
A: The Older Americans Act provides federal funding that is supplemented by Georgia and Gwinnett County. State and local cutbacks have threatened to reduce meals service for seniors, and monthly meals waiting lists are near 200. The non-profit partner, Friends of Gwinnett Senior Services, provided more than $30,000 to offset increased food costs and paid for numerous senior emergencies.
Q: How did "Sweaters For Seniors" help Gwinnett's Seniors?
A: The sweaters and blankets went fast at the Lawrenceville Senior Center before they could even be separated into portions for Norcross and Buford Senior Centers. The added delivery was distributed and they went "like hotcakes."
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Thank you for your generous and heartfelt support. Without great partners, we would consistently come up short of serving our seniors. |
Need a speaker for your next event? 
Think B.I.G. (Boomer Information Group) B.I.G. is an alliance of professionals who specialize in products and services to help baby boomers and seniors prepare and protect their nest egg. The panel speaking group includes Derrick Merchant of Alternative Home Care for Seniors, Joel Beck of The Beck Law Firm, LLC and Damon Ladd-Thomas, an investment advisor. Please contact sharna.fulton@att.net for more information.
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Home Care Today is an e-news publication of Alternative Home Care for Seniors. Each monthly issue features quick-read information pertaining to seniors, caregivers, our community involvement, etc. In addition, we proudly feature a story on a senior service other than home care in each issue. If you have an idea that benefits seniors, we'd like to know about it for a possible future issue. To see archived e-newsletters for Home Care Today, click here. All articles copyright Alternative Home Care for Seniors 2009. To request permission to reprint articles or content from past issues, please contact sharna.fulton@att.net
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