The Savvy Senior

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Mental Health Issues for Older Adults
Mental Health Issues for Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Mental Health Issues for Older Adults

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

Mental Health Issues for Older Adults

 

  1. Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. The American Psychological Association estimates that around 20% of adults age 55 and above face mental health issues. Yet, less than 3 percent of older adults report seeing a mental health professional for their problems. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults. Mental health professionals have found that as a result of coronavirus restrictions the risk for social isolation and loneliness, anxiety and depression increases among seniors. Virtual communication does not replace in-person contact. The use of Facetime and WhatsApp are ways to see others in person.

The Medicare Advantage.com website lists several ideas for coping with these mental health issues:

  1. Use telemedicine as a way to contact your health care
  2. Use computers and smartphones to stay connected.

4.    Make lifestyle improvements such as physical activities, improved nutrition and getting involved with hobbies and other activities to manage physical and mental health.

There are many symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  1. Hopelessness
  2. Sleep problems
  3. Social withdrawal
  4. Eating more or less than usual
  5. Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  6. Frequent crying
  7. Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  8. Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.

The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.

 

Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  1. “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  2. “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  3. “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  4. “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

 

A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problem is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.

(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)

According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

1.     Preoccupation with gambling

2.     Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling

3.     Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling

4.     Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill

5.     Betting more than planned

6.     Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling

7.     Communicating a sudden need for money or loans

8.     Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits

9.     Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression

10.  Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 

11.  Pawning or selling personal items

12.  Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling

13.  Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble

14.  Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.

There is no shame asking for help if you have one of these problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient management of symptoms, medication.

Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.

Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. The American Psychological Association estimates that around 20% of adults age 55 and above face mental health issues. Yet, less than 3 percent of older adults report seeing a mental health professional for their problems.  Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults. Mental health professionals have found that as a result of coronavirus restrictions the risk for social isolation and loneliness, anxiety and depression increases among seniors. Virtual communication does not replace in-person contact. The use of Facetime and WhatsApp are ways to see others in person.

The Medicare Advantage.com website lists several ideas for coping with these mental health issues:

  1. Use telemedicine as a way to contact your health care
  2. Use computers and smartphones to stay connected.

3.     Make lifestyle improvements such as physical activities, improved nutrition and getting involved with hobbies and other activities to manage physical and mental health.

There are many symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  1. Hopelessness
  2. Sleep problems
  3. Social withdrawal
  4. Eating more or less than usual
  5. Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  6. Frequent crying
  7. Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  8. Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.

The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.

 

Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  1. “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  2. “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  3. “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  4. “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

 

A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problem is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.

(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)

According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

15.  Preoccupation with gambling

16.  Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling

17.  Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling

18.  Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill

19.  Betting more than planned

20.  Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling

21.  Communicating a sudden need for money or loans

22.  Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits

23.  Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression

24.  Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 

25.  Pawning or selling personal items

26.  Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling

27.  Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble

28.  Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.

There is no shame in asking for help if you have one of the above problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, support groups, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient care for management of symptoms and medication.

Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.

  • jmilano2u
  • No Comments

Medicare 2022
Medicare 2022 150 150 jmilano2u

Senior Savvy
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 Medicare 2022
Updated July 2021

 

The time has come to evaluate your Medicare coverage for 2022. From October 15 to December 7, you will have the option of joining or changing your Medicare Advantage Plan. You have several choices.

You can stay with original Medicare and/or buy a supplemental (Medigap) policy. If you want prescription drug coverage, you must also join with a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D).

You can choose to join a Medicare Advantage Plan  Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare to provide you with all your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer prescription drug coverage. You must take the drug coverage that comes with the Medicare Advantage Plan. Some plans offer additional benefits, such as vision and hearing screenings, disease management, and other services not covered under Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans must offer emergency coverage outside of the plan’s service area (but not outside the U.S.).

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan is a health care plan in which you generally must get your care and services from doctors or hospitals in the plan’s network, and you may need a referral to see a specialist.

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan you can generally obtain health care from any doctor or hospital you want within their network. You have the flexibility to go to any doctors, specialists, or hospitals that aren’t in the network, but it will usually cost more. Monthly premiums and how much you pay for services vary depending on the plan.

 

Questions to ask Medicare Advantage Providers

  1. Is there a monthly premium and how much is it?
  2. What doctors can I see and how much it will cost me to see a doctor.
  3. What hospitals can I use and how much it will cost me to use a

hospital (either as inpatient or in an emergency).

  1. What happens if I am traveling and need to see a doctor?
  2. How much it will cost me for outpatient procedures.
  3. Is there a monthly drug premium and how much is it?
  4. How much it will cost me for your medicines over the course of a year.
  5. Are there any changes in my plan from last year?

 

For help in selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan go to the Medicare Plan helper at www.medicare.gov. The website has been revised and updated.

Medicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth about $4,000 per year. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be receiving Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 States. For information go to http://ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp.

The source for much of the information in this article is from www.Medicare.gov. You can find information on Medicare; look for a Medicare plan in your area, or compare Medicare Advantage Plans. Another good resource on Medicare policy and information is www.medicarerights.org.

Florida Navigator in cooperation with Temple Beth Shalom will be sponsoring a health fair and Medicare forum on Thursday, November 18  from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon where you can meet representatives of various Medicare advantage plans.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Lessons Learned from COVID 19
Lessons Learned from COVID 19 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Lessons Learned from COVID 19
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW

In 1620 the Pilgrims were exploring a new world. In 2020 the coronavirus is creating a new world for us to navigate. We have had to adapt to a lot of adjustments in our changed environment.

We have faced many challenges during this pandemic. Loneliness and isolation caused by the COVID19 virus has brought to the surface underlying depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. People have had to deal with fear of the unknown.

I was trying to think of some positive things that have come out of our experience during this COVID 19 pandemic. The creativity of children who could not leave their homes for months was incredible. The way our residents have adapted is also amazing. But it has not been easy for everyone.

Helping each other through this crisis became a goal of neighbors who shopped for someone who could not get out. More people attended classes online than before. They were uplifted by the many interesting lectures via Zoom.

We have learned new ways to interact with each other. Communication became communal since you could not speak one on one. Residents spoke to each other from their catwalk. We have participated in holidays, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals via Zoom.

People who were homebound or lived alone faced a number of challenges. Interacting meaningfully with family and friends was a big concern. We all had to learn about new ways to communicate using newer technologies, whether through email, texting, Zoom, WhatsApp or facetime. We learned to have meetings and therapy sessions via Zoom. The telephone never had so much use.

We have learned new ways of coping with life’s challenges. We have begun to exercise more, including taking long walks in the neighborhood. Virtual communication and working from home have become a natural phenomenon. Hopefully we have also learned to listen to health experts instead of politicians.

To survive these troubling times emotionally and physically experts advise people to stop dwelling on the news, try to get more sunshine, exercise regularly, eat healthy, sleep regular hours and maintain social contacts.

Let’s hope we can take the positive lessons learnt from coping during the pandemic as we move forward with our lives.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Is Your Agency Vision Friendly
Is Your Agency Vision Friendly 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Is Your Agency Vision Friendly
Senior Savvy
By Robert Goodman, MSW

This may sound like a strange question to ask agencies that serve people with visual disabilities, but my experiences indicate that even agencies serving the blind and visually impaired need to learn how the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 affect their services.

In July we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that any printed materials shared with clients of government agencies or social service agencies must be available in alternate format such as braille, large print, or audio. The Rehabilitation Act has the same requirement if you receive federal funds.

This also applies to websites and other means of communicating with clients. For example, the use of PDFs.

Assistive technology software cannot read or extract the words in a scanned, or graphical representation, of a text. Furthermore, users cannot select or edit the text or manipulate the PDF for accessibility. Scanned images of text must be converted into to searchable text using optical character recognition (OCR) before addressing accessibility in the document.

Many client contacts today are done via zoom. It is difficult for many of us to learn long passwords to get into a zoom meeting. The best method is to establish a waiting room and have the client wait to be invited into the meeting. If you need to use a password, make it short and simple.

If agencies for the blind and visually impaired don’t comply with the law how can we expect the business world to comply?

Many people with visual impairments are not aware of their rights under the ADA or Rehab Act. We need to educate our clients about this aspect of the law. Most people with visual impairments, particularly the elderly, are not aware of their rights to request written materials in alternate formats. We must educate the visually impaired community about their rights.

To be considered a vision friendly agency you must:

Provide documents and publications in large print, braille, or audio. Large print is considered to be 18 point with a non-seraph typeface such as Arial. An agency or organization may have a large print version available, which would meet the ADA expectations, but that doesn’t mean that the consumer will be able to see it, depending on the degree of vision loss. It can be appropriate to use different typefaces for some applications, like an Excel spreadsheet, posters or displays. Very thin, light, or bizarre typefaces make legibility difficult for people with vision impairment.
Be willing to assist consumers in filling out applications or other forms
Be willing to read any documents to persons with visual impairments.
Have an accessible website
Have these policies in writing.

Celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by being vision friendly.

     For help with ADA compliance or for staff training please contact Robert Goodman, MSW at rgoodlobby@aol.com or 954-806-7321. Visit my website at www.flnavigator.com.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior
Neighbor Watch
By Robert Goodman, MSW

Recently another Century Village resident was found deceased in her apartment. She apparently passed away several weeds earlier. I have been told that this is not an uncommon occurrence in our community.
We are our neighbor’s keeper. We need to create a buddy system in all our buildings. If you don’t see someone for a few days or can’t contact him/her, knowing the person should be home, you need to call Security or ask 911 to check on the person. Building and Association Floor Captains should know the neighbors on their floor, who is ill, who may need help, and be aware of potential problems. Residents of our community have a responsibility to be sure that their Director has a current working key or code and an emergency contact number.
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 their family. If no one is taking responsibility and that person is in need of help you can call a local social service agency or notify the state abuse hotline (1.800.96.ABUSE). This can be done anonymously.
Here are some indicators that there may be a need for intervention:
A person not answering the door or phone when he/she is obviously home.
Newspapers or mail piling up.
Unanswered delivery notices.
A foul odor coming from the apartment.
There are services available to help monitor the daily activities of seniors who may have health issues, who live alone, or may be homebound.
Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance is a free telephone reassurance program operated by 211 Palm Beach County to check on the well-being of seniors, the homebound or disabled.
Sunshine service is provided seven days a week between the 7:30AM-5:00PM. To register for this service just dial 2-1-1 and say that you would like to start receiving Sunshine calls.
We Care has a telephone reassurance and friendly visitor program for those who are homebound. To volunteer or to refer someone call 487.2827.

Another option is to get a personal emergency response service (PERS) or Medical Alert. There are several types of medical alert systems.

1.Self dialing, non-monitored systems
2. Basic home systems, with or without 2-way voice
3. Cell systems for homes with no telephone line
4. Mobile systems

Many of these services provide devices in the home that connect older adults to a 24-hour call center with the push of a button. The transmitter is typically worn on a neck pendant or wristband, and it sends a signal to a receiver that’s connected to the home telephone line. When the button is pushed, the staff at the call center evaluates the situation, deciding whether to call an ambulance or a designated friend or family member. With most PERS setups, your loved one can talk with the call center staff from anywhere in the house. 1
There are many of these services available. If you’re looking for a personal emergency response system, AARP and other professionals suggest keeping this checklist in mind:

1. Look at several systems before making a decision.

2. Compare costs. Charges for equipment and services typically include a setup fee ranging from $50 to $200 and a monthly fee ranging from $30 to $60. Most companies lease their equipment; a few require purchase. Private insurance or Medicare generally does not cover the devices.

3. Read through the contract carefully and understand the cancellation process.

4. Make sure the provider offers 24/7 customer care (preferably a call center) and technical support. (Ed. Note: Ask if they make daily contact with the customer.)

5. Ask how often and by what procedures they test their system.

Ask if a 30-day free or money back trial period is available2.

It is helpful if the company has local support personnel. Otherwise equipment must be shipped back, if there is a problem.

Ask if any special discount offers are available.

Make sure the company has been in business for a number of years.Ask if the system includes a key holder and lock box. Fire/Rescue explains that these are essential parts of such services.

1source: www.caring.com
2source: www.aarp.org

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Advocacy
Advocacy 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Advocacy

The Savvy Senior

By Robert Goodman, MSW

         

          The word advocacy has been in the news a lot lately. You have the #MeToo movement, the Parkland students fighting for tighter gun controls and people fighting for legislation that impacts their lives.
Some people find that advocacy helps when they feel they are not being heard, or are not getting what they need.  They would like some support. Anyone may need advocacy at some time in his or her life, but it becomes especially relevant where:

  • People are being treated unfairly as a result of other people’s prejudices, or their own vulnerability, or both.
  • People feel they have no family, friends or anyone in the wider community to whom they can turn for support.
  • People may have professional paid workers involved in their lives who are not providing services which take into account their needs…

Think back to one experience where you either had witnessed or participated in where a social justice issue was effectively addressed by working on influencing public policy. How effective were your efforts?

There are two types of advocacy, self-advocacy and cause advocacy. Self-advocacy is speaking for, representing the interests of, or defending the rights of oneself. Cause or Public advocacy is speaking for, representing the interests of, or defending the rights of a particular group of people, or the general public. This includes legislative advocacy or advocating for a change in a policy or program.

Being a good advocate also includes letting your elected officials know of your concerns. Write and visit with your elected officials. Greet them when they come to Century Village. If you have an issue of concern prepare a statement describing the issue, how it impacts on your life, and what you would like your elected official to do about it. When the Florida legislature meets, they will be considering many laws that impact your life as a condo owner, renter, or senior. Your elected officials need to know how what they do in Tallahassee or Washington impacts your life.

As we enter the campaign season, here is a great opportunity to get involved and influence policies that will affect your future. Issues like Social Security, health care and Medicare are important federal issues that the U.S. Senate candidates will be addressing. State issues include Medicaid, health care, senior services and condominium legislation.

Here are a few pointers to help you be an effective self-advocate and better navigate the health care and social service systems.

You must be able to make your needs known and stand up for your rights as a patient in the hospital, a doctor’s office, or trying to procure services,

Before you go to the doctor’s office or call an agency, have a list of questions to ask and make sure you understand the answers you are given. Keep a list on the refrigerator of your medications and special needs in case of an emergency or pending hospitalization.

When speaking to a doctor you want to be sure you understand your diagnosis and what impact it will have on your life and family. You want to be aware of what medications he/she is prescribing and what effect they will have, how they interact with your other medications, vitamins, and supplements, and any of its side effects. Also, ask about any community resources that may relate to your diagnosis. An example would be someone who is diagnosed with macular degeneration may need information on the Lighthouse for the Blind or low vision aids.

If you end up in the emergency room you should be able to clearly describe your situation at home. Are you living alone? Is there anyone at home who is capable of assisting you when you are discharged from the hospital? What medical equipment do you have at home, such as grab bars, a hospital bed, a walker, or a shower chair?

When calling an agency, be prepared with a list of questions. You should include information on what you or the person you are calling for needs and who, if anyone is available to meet those needs.

Here are ten steps to help you become an effective self-advocate:

  1. Believe in yourself.
  2. Realize you have rights.
  3. Discuss your concerns with your service provider.
  4. Get the facts in writing.
  5. Use the chain of command to solve a problem-ask to speak to a supervisor if an issue isn’t resolved to your satisfaction.
  6. Know your appeal rights if services are denied.
  7. Be assertive and persistent, not aggressive.
  8. Outline your concerns and be a good listener.
  9. Ask for help from other agencies.
  10. Follow-up. Be sure you’re getting the service that meets your needs…and say thank you.

 

 

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

What is the Difference Between Adult Day Care and a Senior Center?
What is the Difference Between Adult Day Care and a Senior Center? 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

What is the Difference Between Adult Day Care and a Senior Center?

Adult Day Care

Adult Day Care Centers provides a structured program of therapeutic, rehabilitative, social, and leisure activities in a monitored setting for seniors. It offers supportive services to the participant, as well as to the family, by providing care and supervision in a protective environment during the day and needed respite for the caregiver.

 

The goal of Adult Day Care is to delay or prevent institutionalism by providing alternative care, to enhance self-esteem, and to encourage socialization.

There are two types of Adult Day Care:

Adult Social Day Care provides social activities, meals, recreation, and some health-related services. Adult Day Health Care offers more intensive health, therapeutic, and social services for individuals with severe medical problems and those at risk of nursing home care.

 

Participants attend the program on a scheduled basis and services may include the following: counseling, education, exercise,  health screening, meals, medication management, physical therapy, recreation, respite care, socialization, transportation.

 

Senior Centers

Senior Centers offers a communal setting for seniors to participate in social activities, recreation, and classes in an environment that is less structured and less supervised than Adult Day Care. Participants tend to be healthier, more mobile, and more independent than those who attend Adult Day Care.

How Much Does it Cost?

Many of the adult day care (see page 63) and senior centers (see page 44) listed in this book are free or charge on a sliding scale. Contact the various centers for further information.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

How is Your Mental Health
How is Your Mental Health 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

How is Your Mental Health
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. It is estimated that around 20% of older adults face mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults.
There are many symptoms associated with depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Hopelessness
  • Sleep problems
  • Social withdrawal
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  • Frequent crying
  • Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.
The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.
Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  • “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problems is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.
(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

  • Preoccupation with gambling
  • Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling
  • Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling
  • Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill
  • Betting more than planned
  • Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling
  • Communicating a sudden need for money or loans
  • Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits
  • Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression
  • Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 
  • Pawning or selling personal items
  • Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling
  • Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble
  • Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.
There is no shame asking for help if you have one of these problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient management of symptoms, medication.
Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.
Take action today! If you or if you know of someone who may have an alcohol or gambling problem get help. There are several state and Palm Beach County resources for help with these issues. They include:
Gamblers Anonymous 855-222-5542
Alcoholics Anonymous 561-994-5000
Crossroads Club 561-278-8004
Jewish Recovery Center 561-450-5503

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Cell Phone Etiquette
Cell Phone Etiquette 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Cell Phone Etiquette

By Robert Goodman

 

Each day I ride the buses I hear cell phones going off and people having loud conversations about private health and personal matters, arguments over personal things, or what they are cooking for dinner. I remember on several occasions sitting in restaurants and the person next to me taking a call. First of all some of the ring tones are really annoying. But this patron was talking so loud that the manager had to ask her to step outside and not disturb his customers. I have heard some of the most intimate conversation that I have no interest in knowing about.

 

These are topics unwilling eavesdroppers can do without. Sometimes we need to take calls to confirm appointments or to discuss an urgent situation. There are some rules of etiquette that many cell phone users may not be aware of so I thought I would share a few.

 

  1. Private conversations should be private.
  2. Speak quietly when taking calls in public.
  3. Keep calls brief when they are necessary to take in a public place. Let the other party know that you are in a public place and will call them back.
  4. Identify yourself when texting
  5. Always turn off your cell phone or put it on vibrate when on line in the supermarket, on buses, in restaurants, in offices, etc. Store clerks find it annoying and difficult to help a customer or ring up an order while the person is holding their cell phone and having a conversation on it.
  6. Don’t light up your phone’s screen in a dark theatre.
  7. Don’t talk and hold your cell phone while driving.
  8. You should stay about 10 feet away others when talking on your cell.
  9. In the company of others excuse yourself when taking a call.

 

I hope these tips will make your cell phone use less intrusive to others.

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
  • No Comments

Grandparenting with a Disability
Grandparenting with a Disability 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Grandparenting with a Disability
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Grandparenting, in general, can be fun and also exhausting. Adding a disability into the mix raises a number of issues. Having a disability gives you the opportunity to teach your grandchildren how to interact with people with disabilities.
The question of grandparenting with a disability was raised at our visually impaired support group last year. Many members were concerned that they could no longer care for their grandchildren. Grandparents with disabilities can still enjoy their grandchildren.
Young children are curious and notice changes in your health. They are eager to be helpful. The best approach is to explain your visual, hearing or physical disability in a way they can understand. Explain your abilities and limitations and how the grandchild can be of help. For example, if you have a visual disability you can explain that you cannot see small print but ask if they have any books with big print. Many children’s books are written in larger print. You can explain the proper etiquette in meeting a blind person such as not leaving a room without telling the person with a visual impairment. Teach about color contrast and use it when interacting with them. There are many games that are available in large print such as cards, Scrabble, and more.
Teaching your grandchildren about disability and people with disabilities can make them more compassionate toward others as they grow up. It also teaches them the best way to interact with someone with a disability. Another lesson you teach them is about overcoming obstacles in their lives. You have to have a positive attitude about your disability so that your grandchildren will better understand you and learn not to fear people with disabilities.
Babysitting was raised as a concern for someone who has a visual disability. My experience has taught me to be sure the grandchildren are in a safe place where you can see them or know where they are. Interact with them with games while they are awake. Putting them to bed should not be too difficult if they cooperate. Perhaps an older child can be of assistance. A monitor could help you keep an “eye” on the sleeping child.
There are two websites that offer suggestions on how to interact with grandchildren when you have a disability: www.karmanhealthcare.com/learning-from-grandparents-with-disabilities and
http://grandparents.about.com/od/grandparentingtoday/a/DisabledGPs.htm.
Some of their suggestion include the following:

  • Eat right and get plenty of rest. This will help with your interaction with your grandchildren.
  • If you are in a wheelchair ask someone to place a young baby in your lap so you can hold him or her
  • Tell stories about your life and family history
  • Use technology to communicate with your grandchildren. They can probably help you with your tech concerns. There are computer programs and games that can make it easier to interact with grandchildren.
  • Be a good listener. Discuss with them their concerns about their lives
  • Use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs to travel with your grandchildren.
  • You can do art and crafts projects with your grandchildren. If you can help them visually you can explain how to make things that you may have done in your life.
Florida Navigator
Americans with Disabilities Act
Robert Goodman, MSW

Location:

4037 Wolverton B
Boca Raton, FL 33434

Phone:

954-806-7321

Navigate
Subscribe


    I Agree to Recieve Subscription

    © 2010 - 2026 - FLNavigator.com - Powered by JMilanoDesigns.com

    Enter your
    text here