The Savvy Senior

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Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail
Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

A recent theme for Older Americans Month in May was “Blazing a Trail”. The focus is on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to blaze trails of our own.

Every day I walk around our community I see our residents debunking stereotypes about older adults. I see people in their 80s and 90s in the gym, others are working hard to better our community while many residents are still working either in paid jobs or volunteering. The people participating in the annual resident’s show are certainly an inspiration to us all. All of these residents are blazing a trail for future generations of older adults.

Many retirees are finding new inspiration in second careers, helping others, discovering new interests, and pursuing dreams.

Reinventing yourself can be fun and rewarding.

It is never too late to get more active or revamp your diet. It

Securing your financial future and improving your health and diet are also part of the “Blazing the Trail” theme.

Getting involved in your community means working to make a difference in the lives of community members through volunteering. Older Americans are volunteering in higher numbers than ever before.

Beyond helping and the people around you, being involved in your community benefits you. From preventing mental health issues by engaging in meaningful work to the physical benefits of being active and social, civic engagement is a win-win. It is never too late to give back!

Another way to spend your time and give back to the community is by volunteering. There are many volunteer opportunities available. You can start by volunteering in your own community.

I have recently been involved with SCORE, the Service Corp of Retired Executives. They are a wonderful organization with dedicated volunteers who make themselves available to help up and coming entrepreneurs. SCORE offers information and assistance for a business or business idea. Every month SCORE provides FREE counseling to hundreds of budding entrepreneurs in the South Florida area. They also offer a variety of workshops. If you have at least 10 years of business experience as an owner, officer of your own business, or served at mid-level management or higher in the corporate world, and would enjoy helping men and women seeking to start or grow their own businesses, call SCORE at 561-981-5180.

The local hospitals use volunteers for a variety of patient related duties, like answering phones, transporting patients, and delivering flowers.

Other volunteer opportunities include organization such as the American Red Cross, agencies working with seniors, literacy coalitions and hospice.

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A Neighbor Needs Help
A Neighbor Needs Help 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

A Neighbor Needs Help

 

Perhaps you know of someone who can no longer take care of him/herself and has no one to help. Or perhaps you know of someone who is getting inadequate help. The question you need to ask is, does this person pose a danger to him/herself (or others)?

We all want to live independently for as long as we can. The idea of going into a nursing home is a horrible thought. Even assisted living is not considered a viable option by many. Families don’t want to institutionalize their loved ones. An aide 24/7 may not always be the best answer. So, what do we do?

First, we are our neighbor’s keeper. If you suspect a neighbor is having difficulty taking care of him/herself you may want to voice your concern to a friend or member of the family. If no one is taking responsibility and that person is in need of help you can call a local social service agency or call your state abuse hotline (1.877-Elder80). You can call anonymously. The Elder Protection Center www.elderprotectioncenter.com lists the elder abuse hotlines for each state.

Here are some indicators that there may be a need for intervention:

1. APARTMENT:

· Garbage piling up in the apartment.

· Hazardous living conditions due to lack of repairs, utilities and/or equipment

· Human excrement on floors and furniture

· Evidence of obvious fire hazards, such as piles of boxes, newspapers, old clothes, blocked exits

2. FOOD AND CLOTHING:

· Little or no food in the house

· Food is spoiled or lying around

· Insufficient/inappropriate clothing for the weather

When calling the Florida Abuse Hotline to report personal neglect (or abuse or exploitation), be prepared to provide the following information:

1. Person’s name, address or location, approximate age, race and sex;

2. Physical, mental or behavioral indications that the person is infirm or disabled;

3. Signs or indication of harm or injury or potential harm or injury (physical description or behavioral changes);

4. Relationship of the person responsible for the senior’s care, if known. If the relationship is unknown, a report will still be taken if other reporting criteria are met.

The state agency assigned to investigate elder abuse will conduct an investigation of all reports received that alleges self-neglect by a vulnerable adult. The purpose of the investigation is to determine if there is evidence that a person is a danger to him/herself, and if assistance is necessary to protect the individual’s health and safety.

A protective investigator from the department will make face-to-face contact with the vulnerable adult within 24 hours of receiving an abuse, neglect or exploitation report. The protective investigator will interview all people who may have knowledge of the victim’s situation, evaluate the information obtained, and make a decision as to whether the reported allegations did or did not occur. The investigator then refers the case to an agency for

follow up so the victim can get the services s/he needs to be safe. This may include placement in a more suitable living environment.

Remember to report abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation call your state Abuse Hotline. Help your neighbors who cannot help themselves.

Many 211 services have a telephone reassurance program for those who are homebound.

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Aging is Not for the Faint Hearted
Aging is Not for the Faint Hearted 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Aging is Not for the Faint Hearted

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

You’ve heard the expression “aging is not for sissies”. It’s true. It takes a lot of energy to successfully age. Everyone ages differently. Our bodies go through many modifications as we age. These include changes in memory, bone health, hearing, vision, taste and smell. Our skin also can be affected by too much sun. It is important to stay out of the sun as much as possible and keep covered.

Changes in memory are a normal part of aging. As we get older, we may become more forgetful and feat that we are getting Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia. However, scientists now know that people can remain both alert and able as they age, although it may take them longer to remember things. Engaging in new activities or doing crossword puzzles are ways to keep your mind alert and active.

The weight-bearing bones and the movable joints undergo much wear and tear as the body ages. The most common age-related conditions are osteoporosis and arthritis.

The question is how to cope and adjust to these changes. Here are some suggestions.

Regular physical, dental and eye exams are important to catch any problems early. Following doctor’s orders and treatment regimens are crucial to staying healthy.

It is important to stay active. Exercise is important to keep your body in good condition. Exercises can be vigorous or non-strenuous, like chair exercises. Exercise is also important to prevent falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults.

Volunteering your time to help others is another way of staying active. There are many volunteer opportunities in your community.

One of the hardest things to adjust to is giving up driving. People feel they are giving up their independence. No one wants to be dependent. However, many larger communities offer public transportation and special transportation services (paratransit) for people with disabilities who cannot use regular public transportation.

As we age, one of our biggest fears is becoming dependent on others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed. There are many social services available to provide assistance. Family members and friends may be available to help but you need to let them know what your needs are. If you find yourself in a situation where you need assistance, make a list of the types of assistance you need, who might be available to help and ask them when and how often they can help.

Depression can result when we feel we are losing control over the changes in our lives. It is okay to ask for help. Many services are available in the community to help older adults cope with loss and grief and other changes. These agencies offer individual and group counseling. Support groups can also be of help. Sharing your thoughts with others can be cathartic. There are support groups for people who are experiencing a loss. Depression can be treated.

There are many services in the community to help us age gracefully. Call 211 or the Elder Helpline at 800-677-1116. There are some very good websites on this topic. Do a search for coping with age-related changes and you will find many resources on aging. Two excellent websites on coping with changes as we age are www.familycaregiversonline.net and www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/winter07/articles/winter07pg10-13.html

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Make Your Mark
Make Your Mark 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

Make Your Mark

 

May is designated as Older Americans Month. The theme for this year is Make Your Mark. The Administration for Community Living selected this theme to encourage and celebrate countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. “Their time, experience, and talents benefit family, peers, and neighbors every day. Communities, organizations, and individuals of all ages are also making their marks. This year’s theme highlights the difference everyone can make in the lives of older adults, in support of caregivers, and to strengthen communities.”

Residents of Century Village make their mark on the community every day. We have many residents who have accomplished great things in their lives. Our residents volunteer their time and energy to help coordinate activities and events. Whether as an association president, director, COBRUA delegate or a building social president. They run classes, work at the clubhouse, or volunteer at their houses of worship or local hospitals. Many institutions could not survive without volunteers, whether it be food pantries, cultural institutions or museums.

We have people in their 80s and 90s who are active adults. They go the gym, work in the community and continue to make their mark each day. Volunteers help run my health fairs and the CarFit program. Some of my 90 year-old plus volunteers have more energy than residents in their 60s and 70s. We Care was staffed by volunteers for over 30 years.

We must applaud our caregivers who tirelessly and patiently take care of a loved one. Family caregivers and employed caregivers make their mark every day in helping to maintain the independence of so many seniors and their spouses.

One thing I like to remind people of during Older Americans Month is the need to improve their independent living skills. As a social worker, I have noticed too often how many men and women are ill prepared to lead a single life after many years of marriage.

It is important for men and women to be able to take care of family finances in the event of the death of a spouse. I have noticed over the years that many men do not know how to cook, shop, do laundry or clean house. It is easy to say that you can hire someone to do some of these tasks, but that gets expensive. I remember running a cooking class for men at my senior center in New York.

Being able to do these tasks shows your children your ability to be independent and it also improves your self-esteem. It is not easy to adjust to the death of a loved one after so many years of marriage, but having the skills to be independent can make the adjustment a little easier.

Let us take time in May to celebrate the volunteers, caregivers and independent older adults who are active and make their mark by improving their community every day.

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Things to Know as We Plan to Retire
Things to Know as We Plan to Retire 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

Things to Know as We Plan to Retire

 

May is Older Americans Month. This is a good time to discuss some important things to keep in mind when we retire and as we age.

I used to tell my clients “All you need to know when you retire is how to sign your name and know your Social Security number”. The world has changed a lot since those days. Now you have to be informed about health care, available social services, advocacy, legislation, Medicare fraud, scams against the elderly, and your rights and benefits.

Independence is very important to all of us. Many of us have grown up in a society that assigned certain roles to men and women. Those roles may change when one is alone after divorce or losing a loved one. In today’s world it is important for both men and women to know how to shop, cook, plan a menu, clean and maintain a home, manage finances and make small repairs. It is important to learn them before you need them.

It is also important to learn about nutrition. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) health.gov website explains that many older adults don’t eat enough foods that contain calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Fruits and vegetables contain many of these nutrients. Vitamin E is found in many ready-to-eat cereals, nuts, and vegetable oils. Calcium and vitamin D are found in fat-free and low-fat milk. At the same time, many older adults eat too many foods high in calories, saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, and salt.

Getting the nutrients you need through a healthy diet is essential for overall health. HHS recommends selecting foods that are enriched with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients, but lower in calories. (Sources: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines and www.healthfinder.gov/prevention).

Your health is also important as you age. Make a list of your health conditions, medications, surgical history, and allergies. Include the phone numbers and addresses of all your doctors and pharmacies and bring it with you when visiting a new doctor. In addition, carry with you a list of medicines and supplements that you are currently taking. Request and keep copies of important test results and your latest lab reports.

Medicare now provides for an annual wellness visit. Take advantage of this to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, hearing, and osteoporosis. Also, remember to get screened for colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer.

One issue that is often overlooked is one’s mental health. It is important to learn the signs of depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors (I have written on these topics in earlier columns). There is nothing wrong with asking for help.

If you are a caregiver, remember to take care of yourself first so that you can better care for your loved one. It is imperative that caregivers learn about services in the community. There are services that provide care in the home, facilities that can care for a loved one, support groups for caregivers, and organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association. For information on services in Palm Beach County you can call 211 or the Elder Helpline: 1-866-684-5885.

It is important to understand your rights and benefits as you get older. You may be entitled to services under the Older Americans Act, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and or Food

Stamps. If you are employed or looking for a job you are covered against job discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. (www.eeoc.gov/laws)

An important step to take before retirement is formulating a plan. Review your interests. Make a list of activities or hobbies which you hope to. Have a financial plan that includes savings. Learn about maintenance fees and local taxes. Determine where you plan to live, whether independently or in a senior community. Learn about services for seniors in the community where you plan to live.

If you are planning to live in a senior community, check activity, such as clubs and entertainment, and transportation. If possible, check sidewalks and lighting. Also check community amenities. Familiarize yourself with health facilities and availability of medical care.

Finally, one of the most important things to learn as we get older is about advocacy and how to be an effective self-advocate. Legislation is being proposed on the federal, state, and county level that affects your everyday life. Keep track of these issues and contact your elected officials and express your opinion. Register to vote! Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself when it comes to the services you need, whether medical or retail.

Talking Books Library 1-888-780-5151

Caregiver Action Network 1-855-227-3640

Well Spouse Association (732) 577-8899

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The Aging Network
The Aging Network 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Aging Network

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

The Aging Network is made up of agencies that provide services for seniors. Some of these agencies are government run and some are private. Eligibility, services provided, and costs vary from one agency to another.

To meet the diverse needs of the growing numbers of older persons in the United States, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Older Americans Act (OAA) in 1965. The OAA created the state units on aging and the local area agencies on aging to fund local services. The OAA established the Administration on Aging (AoA) (www.aoa.gov) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The AoA is the federal agency that administers programs at the federal level. These programs provide assistance to older adults and their caregivers, as well as critical support services, such as nutrition and transportation for older adults at risk of being prematurely or unnecessarily institutionalized.

Many states and local governments sponsor programs that serve the aging community. These local services can include counseling, information and referral and other age-related services.

Area Agencies on Aging are the local agencies that provides information on aging issues, advocacy, and one-on-one assistance. Services include: · Foster Grandparent Program provides one-on-one teaching support for children. · SHINE Health Insurance Counseling Services. · Senior Advocacy Program delivering support to seniors in need. · Abuse Registry offers helpful information on how to identify and prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors.

Palm Beach County Division of Senior and Veteran Services

 

Other services:

Other community-based services include home health care, senior centers, and adult day care centers. Senior centers offer programs and services in five main categories: health (including mental health), social, nutritional, educational and recreational. In a protective, non-institutional environment, Adult Day Care Centers provide daily therapeutic programs of social and health services as well as activities for adults who have functional impairments.

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Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail
Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Older Americans Month: Blazing a Trail

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

A recent theme for Older Americans Month in May was “Blazing a Trail”. The focus is on how older adults in our community are leading and inspiring others, how we can support and learn from them, and how we might follow their examples to blaze trails of our own.

Every day I walk around our community I see our residents debunking stereotypes about older adults. I see people in their 80s and 90s in the gym, others are working hard to better our community while many residents are still working either in paid jobs or volunteering. The people participating in the annual resident’s show are certainly an inspiration to us all. All of these residents are blazing a trail for future generations of older adults.

Many retirees are finding new inspiration in second careers, helping others, discovering new interests, and pursuing dreams.

Reinventing yourself can be fun and rewarding.

It is never too late to get more active or revamp your diet. It

Securing your financial future and improving your health and diet are also part of the “Blazing the Trail” theme.

Getting involved in your community means working to make a difference in the lives of community members through volunteering. Older Americans are volunteering in higher numbers than ever before.

Beyond helping and the people around you, being involved in your community benefits you. From preventing mental health issues by engaging in meaningful work to the physical benefits of being active and social, civic engagement is a win-win. It is never too late to give back!

Another way to spend your time and give back to the community is by volunteering. There are many volunteer opportunities available. You can start by volunteering in your own community.

I have recently been involved with SCORE, the Service Corp of Retired Executives. They are a wonderful organization with dedicated volunteers who make themselves available to help up and coming entrepreneurs. SCORE offers information and assistance for a business or business idea. Every month SCORE provides FREE counseling to hundreds of budding entrepreneurs in the South Florida area. They also offer a variety of workshops. If you have at least 10 years of business experience as an owner, officer of your own business, or served at mid-level management or higher in the corporate world, and would enjoy helping men and  women seeking to start or grow their own businesses, call SCORE at 561-981-5180.

The local hospitals use volunteers for a variety of patient related duties, like answering phones, transporting patients, and delivering flowers.

Other volunteer opportunities include organization such as the American Red Cross, agencies working with seniors, literacy coalitions and hospice.

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A Rewarding Retirement
A Rewarding Retirement 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

A Rewarding Retirement
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Geriatric Social Worker

 

Retirement is a major life changing event. One has to plan for retirement. More and more “younger” people are retiring to South Florida (and Century Village). Many decisions have to be made about how to spend your retirement.

Do you have a plan? What will you do after you retire? Will you move to South Florida as a snowbird, snowflake, or snowdrop or full time? What activities are you going to participate in? Will you continue to work?

Hopefully you have put away money for your retirement and can now live comfortably in this stage of your life. There is a lot to learn about being retired. You have financial, health and use of leisure time concerns. I always say you have to be healthy, wealthy, and wise to retire to Florida. You need your health to enjoy retirement, money to spend, and wise enough to make the right choices on how to utilize your time.

There are many activities to choose from in your community. There are all kinds of classes, clubs, gyms and first-rate local entertainment. There are theaters, educational opportunities, and other kinds of activities in your area. You can’t get bored!

Another way to spend your time and give back to the community is by volunteering. There are many volunteer opportunities available in your own community.

SCORE, the Service Corp of Retired Executives is a wonderful organization with dedicated volunteers who make themselves available to help up and coming entrepreneurs. SCORE offers information and assistance for a business or business idea. Every month SCORE provides FREE counseling to hundreds of budding entrepreneurs. They also offer a variety of workshops. If you have at least 10 years of business experience as an owner, officer of your own business, or served at mid-level management or higher in the corporate world, and would enjoy helping men and women seeking to start or grow their own businesses, Call SCORE at 1-800-634-0245 For to find a location near you. You can also contact the National Executive Service Corps via email at info@nesc.org. Their websites are www.score.org and www.nesc.org.

Local hospitals and social service agencies always need volunteers. Hospitals use volunteers for a variety of patient related duties, like answering phones, transporting patients, and delivering flowers. Volunteers are also needed by the American Red Cross, local area agency on aging, hospices, senior centers and literacy coalitions.

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The Caregiving Role
The Caregiving Role 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

THE CAREGIVING ROLE:

A MEANINGFUL QUALITY OF LIFE

 

By Robert Goodman

 

What is it like to be a Caregiver?  Your clients and their loved ones probably never expected to be caring for a person who is sick or has a disability.  As  professional caregivers we need to ensure meaningful quality of life for our clients, the care recipient, and ourselves.  Just as the care recipient has special needs, so does the professional.  Job security with appropriate pay and benefits contribute to a positive professional self image.  People who are appropriately compensated and trained are better workers. 

Respect by clients is another aspect of this issue.  Too often people who need our services      do not realize that we are trying to help them do   what is necessary to help them to maintain or achieve independence.  It is our responsibility to help our clients understand our roles and empower them to be good consumers of our services. 

Human service professionals must also serve as advocates for our clients.  We must work together (with our clients) to get public and private agencies to be more responsive to the needs and concerns of people who need our services. The caregiver and care recipient need to work  with each other in a respectful relationship.   The  care recipient and their families need  to  understand the role of the professional intruding into their lives. 

How do we accomplish this goal?  First, we must advocate for better conditions for ourselves and our clients.  Secondly, schools need to teach human service workers how to effectively work with people who have special needs.  Agencies need to reinforce this training with in-services and ongoing supervision.  Workers and clients need to learn to work with people of different cultures.   Thirdly, the government needs to be responsive to the concerns of people who have special needs or may be homebound, and their caregivers.  This includes providing better benefits and not cutting home care and other human services.

May is “Older Americans Month”.

The Theme  this year is “CAREGIVING”.  As we reflect on the role of the professional caregiver,  this month and in the future, let us appreciate the stress and abilities of all those involved in caregiving.

358 words and 39 lines in 11 point type.

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Patient and Disability Rights in the Health Care Setting
Patient and Disability Rights in the Health Care Setting 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Patient and Disability Rights in the Health Care Setting

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

Patient’s rights cover such topics as access to care, patient dignity, confidentiality, and consent to treatment. Patients with disabilities have  some additional rights under three different laws: The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Florida Civil Rights Law. These laws guarantee that people with disabilities will have the same access to health care and other services as people without disabilities.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications

To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability or have a relationship or association with an individual with a disability. An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.

ADA Title III: Public Accommodations

Title III covers businesses and nonprofit service providers that are used by the public. These include hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, nursing homes and home health agencies.

Health care services must provide equal treatment in the way they serve patients with disabilities. This means removing barriers in existing buildings where it is easy to do so without much difficulty or expense.

Patients who are deaf or hearing impaired have the right to a sign language interpreter. If one cannot be provided the health care professional needs to find another way to communicate with the patient. A family member cannot be required to assist in the communication process.

Patients with visual disabilities have the right to have any written materials either read to them to given to them in an alternate format such as large print, Braille or on tape. This includes assistance with filling out paper work, having hospital admission booklets, home health agency information, doctor’s orders, and discharge plans available in a format that is accessible to the patient.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

This law has similar protections for patients with disabilities. This law applies to Federal, state and local government and to any non-profit organization or health care provider that received federal funds such as Medicare and Medicaid.

The Florida Civil Rights Law

Florida has a law that also protects its residents against discrimination in public accommodations. It is against Florida law to refuse accommodations or services to any person on the basis of physical disability. It is also unlawful for an individual to be denied access or to receive poor service or lesser quality accommodations because of his or her disability.

The Architectural Barriers Act

The Architectural Barriers Act mandates that new or newly renovated public buildings be accessible. For other buildings it depends when they were built. Accessible features include restrooms, examination rooms, water fountains, etc.

There are other laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing. The Air Carrier Act protects people with disabilities against discrimination by airlines. They must provide assistance to customers with disabilities.  There are two voting rights laws, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act and National Voter Registration Act that ensure assistance at the polls if requested.

To file a complaint under these laws make note of the date, time and location of the discriminatory act, the name of the person spoken to and their response upon requesting a reasonable accommodation. For more information on a person’s rights under these laws or to file a complaint log onto www.ada.gov and www.americanswithdisabilitiesact.net. For information on Florida’s Civil Rights Law log onto http://fchr.state.fl.us.

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