At Home Solutions, LLC. 
"One call connects you to a world of solutions

 

The Latest from At Home Solutions, LLC
 
E-Newsletter Fall 2009

"When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things - not the great occasions - that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness". ~ Bob Hope

Fall 2009 Issue
Medical Alert Cordess Phone
Upcoming Events
Featured Caregiver
Employment Opportunities
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List

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Kristin Kopp
President/Founder
 
At Home Solutions, LLC
Quick Links
Hello friends of At Home Solutions:
 
Hope you are enjoying these last, warm days of summer!
 
Many families come to us severely burnt out from providing personal hands on care for their family members. The Department of Human Service estimates that 85%-95% of direct Caregiving is currently being given by a family member. And just a 1% drop in that Caregiving will result in Minnesota picking up another $30 million from public funding each year.
 
We work closely with family members who need a break from taking care of their loved ones. One of the benefits of having a home care company provide services is that "hands on" tasks can be tax deductible. This may include giving medications, changing wound dressings, bathing and grooming services.
 
If you are interested in learning more about this 502 Medical Deduction expense, please refer to this link through the IRS:
 
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf
 
As always, we appreciate your support as we continue to grow and move forward. Please keep us in mind or refer us to your friends and coworkers who may need some Caregiver support services for an adult to stay safe and independent at home longer.
                
 Kristin Kopp
President / Founder
At Home Solutions, LLC
 
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead -
Medical Alert Cordless Phone
 
   Since 1982, local seniors have put their trust in Fairview Lifeline for better ways to stay connected with friends, family and emergency assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now Fairview Lifeline is proud to offer the only medical alert service integrated into a cordless phone.
  
   This new cordless phone communicator's design addresses many of the challenges seniors face, such as loss of dexterity, vision and hearing. It has large buttons, easy-to-read displays, and clearer sound with a louder volume range, making it easier for seniors to hear their conversations.
   
 
   The Lifeline Cordless Phone also boasts several state-of-the-art safety features. It allows help calls even if it is left off the hook. And it even works for a limited time during a power outage.
 
   "Fairview Lifeline is very excited to offer this innovative new phone. Now our subscribers can have the peace of mind that comes with our leading
medical alert service along with the convenience of an attractive cordless phone designed specifically
around their needs," says Deb Jensen of Fairview Lifeline.
 
  To learn more about Fairview Lifeline and the new cordless phone Lifeline unit, contact Deb Jensen or her staff at 952-885-6185 or go to the Fairview  Lifeline Website: www.fairview.lifeline/org to send  in an inquiry.
 
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Disposing of Old Medications


   Mix medications with coffee grounds and toss them in the trash. It turns out that the common practice of flushing pills down the toilet has a harmful effect on waterways and their ecosystems. Instead, mix most expired pills with coffee grounds, cat litter, or sawdust in a zippered plastic bag and throw it out with the garbage. This will keep them away from kids and pets and prevent harm to fish and other wildlife habitats.

   The exception? Highly addictive drugs, such as Percocet and OxyContin, which the Food and Drug Administration classifies as controlled substances. (Visit http://www.smarxtdisposal.net for a full list.) These should be flushed, to eliminate any chance of accidental ingestion. Another option is to participate in a medication take-back program.   
 
   To find out if your area has one and which medications it accepts, contact the local waste-management office at your city hall. (Kristin Appenbrink)
Source: http://www.realsimple.com/
 
 
 

    Upcoming Events !

~ Ongoing ~
 Challenge Negative Stereotypes About Aging
 
   The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) program in the Twin Cities has organized The Pretty Good Players, a performing group that gives honest, upbeat presentations about aging. They want to lessen the public's fear of aging and dispel negative stereotypes about older adults.
 
   The goal of the program, according to Jyni Koschak, East Metro Program Coordinator for RSVP, is to use performances to educate the public about aging issues, using true stories and entertaining skits to sensitively and accurately reflect the diversity of older Minnesotans and promote understanding and support of vital aging.
 
   The group is already in high demand for performances at community centers, schools, churches, and other community venues.
 
RSVP is looking for people who would like to:
 
* Create and perform short skits about aging
* Act/Perform
* Write
* Public Speak
* Share Personal Experiences
* Help support/coordinate the group
* Promote, Schedule
* Phone, Office Help
* Provide transportation
 
For more information, call: 612-617-7820, or email Jyni at jkoschak@voamn.org  
 
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   September 26th
 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk
 
  Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington
The Memory Walk raises money to help those coping with Alzheimer's and related diseases.The event has raised more than $260 million since 1989. Every dollar moves the world closer to being free of Alzheimer's.
More Information: 
http://www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=294554
 
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September 26th
 River Rendezvous - Public Day
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pond-Dakota Mission Park
 401 East 104th Street
Bloomington
Participate in this fascinating living history event at the Pond-Dakota Mission Park in Bloomington, Minnesota. Experience the lifestyles of people living in Minnesota between 1800 and 1870 through story-telling and interactive, hands-on demonstrations!

Cost: $5
No registration necessary!
 
Contact: PH: 952-563-8877
TTY: 952-563-8740
E-mail: riverrendezvous@ci.bloomington.mn.us
 
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September 30, 2009
        
Elder Care Consultants' Class Offering
       Alzheimer's as Invitation:
                        "Pain Management for the Family"

   Ellen Swanson, of Elder Care Consultants, has developed a new class for families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's. The class, invites families and caregivers to think of the disease from a new perspective.
 If you are interested in hosting this class, contact Mike Justin by phone at 612-805-5672 or by email at mjustin@eldercc.us
More Information: 
www.eldercareconsultants.us/index.php
 
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October 9th,2009
MnCAAN's Acting for Life: A Theatre Workshop and Conference for Seniors

Guthrie Theater
Try out your acting skills and learn about exciting types of senior theatre such as reader's theatre, storytelling, old-time radio theatre, and improv acting.

The event will encourage the development of theatre programs for seniors throughout Minnesota.    Bonnie Vorenberg, founder and President of ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, will lead this half-day workship at the Guthrie.
More Information: http://www.mncaan.net
 
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  35th Annual
       Fall Aging Conference
 
Thursday, October 29
 
WHERE: Earle Brown Heritage Center
6155 Earle Brown Drive
Brooklyn Center MN 55430

For directions from your location
visit
http://www.earlebrown.com
QUESTIONS?
For more conference info, contact:
Deb Jensen 952-885-6186
djensen1@fairview.org

7:15am to 8:00am Registration
8:00am to 8:15am Welcome
 
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE CONFERENCE
Shelley Joseph-Kordell Reception and Ceremony
complimentary refreshments will be served.
 

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October 27th
 Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One
10/27:  6:30-8:30
Deephaven Education Center Room 220
5621 County Road 101
Minnetonka, 55345
(952) 401-5000 
This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn from these senior worker professionals: Joyce Konczyk, Geriatric Care Manager; Terrie Lewis, Elder Law Attorney; Kristin Kopp, Home Health Care Advisor; Joy Hansen, Housing Specialist; and Jeanne McGill, Funeral Pre-Planner about planning before a crisis, questions to ask a care facility, "all inclusive" versus "ala carte" facilities, using geriatric care managers, medical and non-medical home care, the most important legal document, avoiding medical assistance problems, and funeral pre-planning. Time will also be provided to ask questions.
 

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November 2nd

Senior Oil Painting
Lenox Community Center
6715 Minnetonka Blvd
St. Louis Park
COST = $34.00 
 
Beginners ~ Monday 1PM to 3:30PM
Advanced ~ 9:30AM to Noon
Call  #952-928-6444 
 
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November 10th
Suddenly in Charge of a Loved One
11/10:  Edina Community Center: 
 6:00PM - 8:00PM
5701 Normandale Rd
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 848-3950
This workshop will give you the opportunity to learn from these senior worker professionals: Joyce Konczyk, Geriatric Care Manager; Terrie Lewis, Elder Law Attorney; Kristin Kopp, Home Health Care Advisor; Joy Hansen, Housing Specialist; and Jeanne McGill, Funeral Pre-Planner about planning before a crisis, questions to ask a care facility, "all inclusive" versus "ala carte" facilities, using geriatric care managers, medical and non-medical home care, the most important legal document, avoiding medical assistance problems, and funeral pre-planning. Time will also be provided to ask questions. 
 

~ Featured Caregiver ~

 

John


   John B. from Roseville, Minnesota is our featured caregiver in this issue. He is an accomplished author and artist who enjoys sharing his talents & experiences with others. 
  
 
   After coming onboard with us in May 2009, John says; "Caregiving gives me a way to contribute in a direct, hands-on way in the immediacy of the present moment. I also value working in the open and caring environment that
At Home Solutions fosters". 
 
   Seeing the joy and enthusiasm in the client's eyes through the relationship they share is one of the best things that he likes about his job.
Thank you John for all that you give, we're very happy to have you on board !  
  

 

Employment Opportunities
We are looking for: 
 
Registered Nurse ~ Full Time
 
Caregivers ~ Part Time
 
Please email:
kristin@athomesolutionsllc.com or call for more information #952-292-8501 
 
               What's New at AHS?
  
             Cargiver Kudos
 
We appreciate all the hard work our caregivers do! Congratulations to the following caregivers for reaching these milestones: 
 
Two years ~ Janet 

One year ~ Jenelle, Kerry, Judy, and Sondra
 
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 New Pricing Program for Phone Check In's
 
 
We are pleased to announce a new pricing scale for our personal phone check in program. If you know of a loved one who would like a call from our Management team to see how they are doing during the week, please contact us and we can tell you more about this exciting opportunity! 
 
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        At Home Solutions Presents!   
 
Kristin Kopp, President / Founder of AHS has been presenting around the Twin Cities at various churches, organizations, and community education opportunities.
 
Here is a list of some of the presentation topics
 
Home Care services
 
Community Based Services
 
How to find, pay and screen for home/community based services
 
Transportation questions
 
Alternate Housing search - guides and differences between all that are available
 
Hospice what to expect and how to pay for it
 
Dementia 10 types and how they are diagnosed
 
Moving - how to prepare your parents for it - downsizing, decluttering, etc
 
What paperwork is needed as we age to ensure we are prepared legally
 
When to start looking for help for an older loved one
 
How to care and find support services for the primary caregiver in the family
 
What modifications are needed to keep our homes safe as we age
  
If you are interested in having At Home Solutions present a topic at your church, workplace, school, book club, Rotary, Chamber, social group, community education, family gathering, or any organization please contact us:
#952-292-5801 

 
  
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, bonded, and provide high quality non-medical in home care to help individuals 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, Margie & Caregivers 
#952-292-5801 


 
"One call connects you to a world of solutions"