2010 October

Living Alone at 90 and Having Life my Way!

Posted in Age Related Issues, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, home care on October 26, 2010

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

A client of ours, who is a little past the age of 90, called recently thanking us for being there and allowing him to have life his way. He made a comment that went something like, “I know that no matter what happens to me, you will be there with answers, care or advocacy. My life is really my own because of your professional back-up plan!”

He had fallen during an exercise routine (yes this 90 year-old has a personal trainer and goes to the gym 3 times a week). Since his hand had swollen and caused him pain, he took himself to the ER. He called us so we would follow up, and advocate for him should he need surgery. Most of all, he knew he would not be alone if he needed any help. He also knew he would not be overly managed by bossy professionals or family members.

The good news is he went home with a sprain and he truly didn’t need any more help at home than he currently receives. He said that money can’t pay for what our services actually provide for him and he couldn’t thank us enough for being the professional service we are.

Finding the right balance between care and peace of mind is up to the individual. At Eldercare Services, I am proud to say our Geriatric Care Managers always put the client’s values first in any interventions, suggestions or options.

It is our honor to serve our clients and allow them to have “life their way”!

Linda Fodrini-Johnson – Hometown Hero!

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, Elder Abuse and Fraud, Relationships on October 5, 2010

A widowed man in his 90s recently called Linda Fodrini-Johnson with a message that not only warmed her heart, but reaffirmed why she chose to become a professional geriatric care manager more than 20 years ago.

“He said, ‘Linda, I want you to know I have the best quality of life and I think I’m healthier now than I’ve ever been, especially since my wife died five years ago. I attribute that to your advocacy,’ ” said Fodrini-Johnson, 65, executive director and founder of Eldercare Services in Walnut Creek. “We met him when he was in the ER and got him the treatment he needed, a caregiver who cooks his meals for the week and a personal trainer, since he goes to the gym. He knows we’re here in case there’s a crisis.”

That senior is one of hundreds Fodrini-Johnson has helped maintain independence and fight the challenges that come with getting older, or battle such diseases as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or stroke. She has lived in the Bay Area all her life and has made Walnut Creek her home since 1986.

Pleasing Everyone…

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, Relationships on October 1, 2010

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

…Bill Cosby said, “I don’t have the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone.”

It is so hard to be successful at everything if you please everyone and forget to take care of yourself. If you just can’t say “no” because you truly don’t want to disappoint the person, you will end up failing them and yourself. We all have limits and saying “no” can be the best thing for the person as well as for us.

I know those of you who are caregivers for spouses or aging parents struggle with this concept. You love that person with all your heart and don’t want to cause them unhappiness. However, when you answer with, “I heard your need, but at this time, I need to do this errand or activity to take care of me.” You might be surprised to get a response like, “It is about time”! Remember taking care of yourself can be a gift the dependent person gives you.

When flying on an airplane, remember that the flight attendants tell us to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before we put it on a dependent child or adult traveling with us. We all need the oxygen first. To refill ourselves, to charge our batteries and give calendar space to taking care of our own needs for health, and well being.