|
Kristin Kopp
Owner/Founder
At Home Solutions, LLC | |
Dear Friends of At Home Solutions:
I hope that this Fall newsletter finds each of you eagerly awaiting the beautiful colors that are just beginning to pop out around the cities. As we continue to grow and reach out to those who are in need, we are continually learning new aspects of the senior industry.
When we begin service with a new family, I personally meet with each of them to welcome them on board with us. I feel honored that they choose us to work with them as we begin our walk along side our clients through some of their more difficult times.
I was fortunate to be a part of a luncheon this past week with a group of "senior" women who are embracing their aging journey and all the challenges, surprises and joys that come with it. They shared their frustrations as their bodies are making more changes than they would like; their anxiety of what this difficult economy means to the next generations; questions about alternate transportation as they drive less, and, of course, we shared many laughs including a few jokes they had about nuns and breweries - this might be a good story for another newsletter!
Often, we make many difficult decisions in this business - how and when to encourage our clients to limit their driving, find alternative housing when they aren't feeling safe at home or finding our client's families just the right Caregiver support group to attend. Walking the fine line between keeping our clients safe, our families happy and doing the right thing in every situation can be very challenging.
We are here to ensure that anyone who needs assistance at home, whether recovering from surgery, Caregivers needing respite time, stressed out mothers, older adults or people with disabilities have the services they need. It is possible to age safely in place with compassionate Caregivers.
Please contact me personally if I can be of any assistance to you or a loved one.
We are here to help.
In Gratitude,
Kristin Kopp
Owner / Founder
At Home Solutions, LLC
"I slept and dreamt that life was pleasure; I woke and saw that life was service; I served and discovered that service was pleasure."
- Rabindranath Tagore (contributed from our Caregiver, Molly Bird) |
|
Plan Ahead - Be Aware
Who Will Act On Your Behalf If You Are No Longer Able?
By Joan Aasve
What if you suddenly incurred a disability, needed assistance, or became incapacitated? It seems safe to say that you would want your wishes carried out regarding the management of your finances and health care. There are "informal" documents that you can put in place which can meet that objective.
INFORMAL DOCUMENTS
Power of Attorney (POA) - Finances
This is a document created which allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf in financial matters. It must clearly state the powers that you are granting to this person. It must be dated, signed by you, and acknowledged before a notary public or other official. The authorization can be limited to specific areas or it can be a general authorization allowing the person you appoint to handle a wide range of matters. Legally, the person you appoint is called an "attorney-in-fact." The person doesn't need to be an attorney, but the person should be someone you trust. (Minnesota Statutes, section 523.24)
Health Care Directive - Care
This is a document created which allows you to appoint someone to make health care decisions for you, in the event you are not able to decide or speak for yourself. This person would make health care decisions based on the instructions you put in your "Health Care Directive" document. (Minnesota Statute §145C).
Who should get copies? You should give a copy to your doctor, the hospital upon admission, health care agent, attorney, the person appointed in your POA, and others who might need access to the information.
This is a brief overview. If you would like more information you can call ElderCare Rights Alliance at 952.854.7304.
Note: This is NOT legal advice and is for informational purposes only. Each individual situation is unique and should be treated as such.
For more information on how to help your aging loved one live independently with memory loss or for referrals to further aid with memory issues, contact us at 952.292.5801.
|
|
Upcoming Events
There are several upcoming events in the Greater Twin Cities Area that may be of interest to you.
October 2nd- Photography Show Opening-
"I'm Still Here- The Alzheimer's Story," an exhibit by photographer Laura Crosby. Aslan Institute, 4104 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan. Opening reception 6:00-8:00pm. Exhibit runs through October 31st
October 8th - Hopkins Community Education- My Aging Parents Need Help: presented by Kristin Kopp, Owner/founder At Home Solutions 6:00-8:00pm www.hopkinscommunityed.org
October 8th - Eldercare Rights Alliance First Annual Film Festival- Five films will be shown including the first public showing of the documentary "Mary's Story".
The event includes lunch and is open to the public. St. Mary's Greek Orthadox Church, Minneapolis 8:30-4:00
October 30th - MASWA Fall Aging Conference- Minnesota Area Senior Workers Association and Senior Workers Association of St. Paul present: The Invisible Elder. This event will include several speakers, lunch and an awards ceremony. All senior industry professionals are invited, and it is open to the public. Earle Brown Heritage Center Brooklyn Center, MN 8:00am - 5:00pm
November 3rd - Edina Community Education -Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One
Presented by Joyce Konczyk, Jeanne McGill, Terrie Lewis, Joy Hanson, and Kristin Kopp
November 21-23 - M.S. Society Convention - Hyatt Regency Downtown Minneapolis
For more information on any of these events, please call At Home Solutions at 952.292.5801 |
| Featured Caregiver
Nikki Byeres has been with At Home Solutions, LLC since June of 2008. She works with several of our clients around the entire Twin Cities area. Nikki uses her outgoing and bubbly personality to bring joy to the seniors she works with. Ms. Byers says,"I like to make a difference in peoples lives, I hope my energy and attitude helps them feel more alive". When she is not working Nikki likes to go to the gym and spend time with friends and family.
Thank you Nikki for all of your hard work and dedication to At Home Solutions and to helping the Twin Cities' Seniors maintain their dignity and independence! |
Helpful Hint:
Are you ready for the deadline on digital TV? By February 2009 all TV will be digital TV. If you don't have cable or a digital converter box you will get no TV at all. Even the rabbit ears and other antennas won't help. If you need a digital converter box there are coupons available at two different websites:
Don't let your TV go dark...contact them today. | |
|
What's New at AHS?
- New Addition to the AHS Team
Andrea Kelly is the full time Program Assistant for AHS. As the newest addition to the AHS office, joining our team in August 2008, she will assist AHS managers and also fill in as a caregiver. Andrea's passion is working with seniors - she has 12 years experience working with seniors in the home care setting. Andrea is a Minnesota native and just moved back here two months ago after living in Virginia for 3 years. She is very happy about being back in Minnesota. And very excited to be a part of the AHS team!
- AHS Gift Certificates for the Holidays
Need a great gift idea for the holidays or any special occasion? How about the gift of a home visit to help your loved one? AHS is now offering gift certificates that can be used for home visits for your family, friends or neighbors. Please call 952-292-5801 today to give the gift of a pesonalized home visit to someone you care about.
-AHS Now Offers Health Benefits
Starting in October, 2008 AHS is proud to announce that we will offer a discounted health plan for our employees. AHS is one of the very few homecare companies that offer any benefits to their caregivers. We are very excited to start this new program!
|
|
At Home Solutions, LLC was proud to accept the 2007 Super Service Award by Angie's List for our excptional services to seniors in the Twin Cities area. This prestigious award is given to companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating on Angie's List for the previous year.
At Home Solutions, LLC is a locally owned and operated company that provides caregivers to older adults and adults with diabilities in the Twin Cities area. We are registered, insured, and bonded, and provide quality non-medical in home care to help seniors maintain their independence.
We provide services such as, but not limited to, incidental transportation, meal preparation, companionship, light cleaning, errands, organizing, medication reminders, and laundry assistance. We provide caregiver services 7 days a week, 2-24 hours a day, throughout the entire Twin Cities area. Call us today for a free, no obligation, in home consultation.
Sincerely,
At Home Solutions Staff
Kristin, Heather, and Andrea |
At Home Solutions, LLC.
|
|
|
