Future Trends

Advocacy vs. Complacency

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

Having just returned from Washington D.C., attending and presenting at The American Society on Aging Conference, I realized the importance of those of us aging, caring for frail family members and those with careers in the field of aging to stand up and be heard.

We cannot afford the luxury of denial or being complacent. No matter what side of the political spectrum you find yourself on or if you care about “care”, now is the time to let your representatives, both local and national, know that we cannot reduce discretionary line items in our national budget. These are the funds for services that actually keep elders in their homes and out of the expensive health care and long term care Medicaid settings. It is spending a dime to save $10,000.

Yes, there are ways to reduce the overspending in Medicare but it isn’t reducing payments to physicians. I think if we brought about 25 people with common sense together – good organization skills, some understanding of the levels of medical care and criteria for each level, they could look at what we do spend money on and find ways to cut spending without compromising the health of seniors or to demoralize physicians. We need to remove politicians (sorry) from these decisions.

The proposed budget change and plan to transform Medicare using a voucher system will only add another expensive, cumbersome system of bureaucracy. I don’t have answers; I only seek those of you with common sense to be creative in ensuring a health system that cares when necessary and doesn’t inflate any one pocket in the health care delivery system. Did my mother really need to be seen by 10 different specialists on her last hospitalization? What if the hospital had resident Geriatricians instead of hospitalists who come from a variety of specializations? I think I just saved a few thousand right there…and the story continues.

We also need to revisit the “Class Act”. It sounded to me like a common sense start at getting us to save for our own care (of course we can’t add another burden onto the current deficit – but I trust some creative people to come up with a replacement or another like idea). My–oh-my, doesn’t it make you shake your head.

Our representatives want to hear from us and I found them willing to listen (or at least their staff). So, please for your future and that of our parents, stand up and be heard – be part of the positive change. Fight for good medical care and community services that allow the frailest among us to stay in their own homes and/or the community of their choosing.

Zen Hospice – Volunteer Hospice Program with a Twist

Posted in Blog, End of Life, Future Trends on September 23, 2011

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

Most of us are aware that individuals close to the end of their journey on this earth can have the care and attention of a Hospice service. Generally this is provided for those with a diagnosis of 6 months or less of life. If one is covered by Medicare, the services of the medical providers, comfort medications and some durable medical equipment are covered, given the individual doesn’t want to be taken to a hospital and are in agreement to be given general “comfort measures” only. The Hospice movement has gained ground in the past 30 years after getting its start in England.

I had the privilege to visit the Zen Hospice in San Francisco recently. This is a licensed residential care home and not a “Medicare Hospice”. Families pay a daily rate but the care, philosophy and attention to detail provided to those approaching the end of their lives is filled with dignity, comfort and overseen by a professional staff of nurses, volunteers and under the direction of Dr. BJ Miller, a palliative care specialist at UCSF Medical Center.

The lovely Victorian home is decorated in décor that is soothing and refreshing. The meals are of gourmet level; one was being prepared during our visit as a volunteer sat in the dining room preparing fresh dried herbs to be used for the meals. In one of the bedrooms was a volunteer playing a harp.

The majority of hospice delivery is provided in the home but at times the home is not workable for a variety of reasons and we are seeing more free standing Hospices designed to bring the highest level of human dignity and grace to the final journey.

The Zen Hospice as many other hospice programs across the country offer grief groups and a variety of classes on end of life. More information can be found regarding this service a www.zenhospice.org.

I want to thank all those who volunteer in hospice programs – you bring comfort, love and grace to those about to leave this life. You are “angels” on earth!

The Family Circus II: Walking the Tightrope of Elder Care

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Care Management, Caregiving, Events, Future Trends, home care, Relationships on July 13, 2011

The Family Circus II: “Walking the Tightrope of Elder Care

Community Seminar at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA – Invite your friends & neighbors!

Saturday, October 15, 2011 | 8:30 – 3:00 – no charge, refreshments provided.

RSVP: Eldercare Services 925 937-2018 or Info@EldercareAnswers.com.

Why Attend? Watch the Video! Click Here.

In order to…

Become aware of entitlements and benefits that will help pay for long term care. What legal tools do you need?
Become prepared to be a family caregiver with information that will save you time, stress and resources.
Learn what Alzheimer’s is and isn’t and what can be done.
Gain tools to help with challenging behaviors, resistance and family discord.
Find answers to emotional dilemmas that caregiving presents.

Don’t lose time away from work or extended family – become an empowered family.

This is a day of lectures and breakout sessions presented by professionals focused on positive Aging. We will have an Elder Law Attorney, Certified Geriatric Care Managers, Physicians, Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Family Therapists, who are all local and experienced in working with families present their knowledge to empower you. This knowledge will allow you to find a balance and affirm your need for self-care as well.

Local providers of support to Elders and their families are sponsoring this event and will be available to answer your questions prior to the sessions starting and during our breaks.

It takes village to provide good care and we live in a supportive community.

Caregiving Statistics

Caregiving increases with age: 78% of all caregiving is provided by the family (mostly spouse or adult child). The average age of a caregiver who is caring for someone over 50 is 63. The average length of caregiving is 10 years.

Please contact Info@EldercareAnswers.com for a full program.

Visit The Family Circus Elite Sponsors’ websites:
The Chateaus of Pleasant Hill | Ridgecrest Pharmacy | Aegis of Pleasant Hill | Eldercare Services

E-Mail Made Easy for our Aging Parents

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, Future Trends, Relationships on September 24, 2010

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

I am always surprised and pleased to see that technology is starting to become simple and easier for those who don’t want a computer. My mother is always asking me to research the side effects of a new medication on the Internet or to look for a recipe for all those apples and lemons in her garden. The little printer/mailbox I saw this week might just do the trick for this type of communication.

I attended a conference and met some people who have a product called “Presto”. It is basically a printer connected to your older or non-tech family member’s phone line. When an e-mail is sent, the machine receives a printed message with pictures or whatever it is that was sent. The cost is about $100 plus a monthly service fee of $14.99. Great for us busy professionals that can send messages to our parents via our smart phones or in-between meetings – when we know we don’t have time for a long call! Just remember, technology will never replace visits or calls – this is just an additional way to stay connected.

I am not affiliated with Presto Services, Inc. and receive no compensation for referrals – I just love the idea that individuals, who are busy, can stay connected with mom or dad with technology in a way that isn’t overwhelming or anxiety producing.

If you want the details, look at their website: www.presto.com.

Eldercare & Caregiving in the U.S.

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, End of Life, Future Trends, Relationships on August 5, 2010

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

Watch the video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Bt4HWZRsI

More and more of us are caring for our aging family members at the same time as working, caring for adult children and wondering if we can ever retire. Some of us are even retiring early and reducing our possible pensions and social security benefits to care for a family member.

According to AARP there are an estimated 44.4 million caregivers in the United States, on average that provide 21 hours of care per week. The average length of caregiving is 4.3 years, according to AARP, but in my professional experience most families I work with spend 8 to 10 years providing some element of care. One issue the studies don’t reflect is, once a family member has moved to skilled nursing or assisted living, the care might not be direct but it continues with medical appointments, advocacy and emotional support. So this journey can be as long as 20 years!

The AARP study said the most frequently unmet need of caregivers are finding time for one self, managing emotional and physical stress, balancing work and family responsibilities.

That is one of the reasons that Eldercare Services provides free support groups for family members in both our San Francisco and Walnut Creek offices. Check out our schedule on our “Classes and Support Groups” page on the website. http://eldercareanswers.com/answers-and-news/classes-and-support-groups.php

Don’t try to do this alone – get the support you need.

Senior, Elder or Older Adult: What do you want to be called when you are 55 or 65 years old?

Posted in Age Related Issues, Blog, Future Trends on May 14, 2010

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

We have a tendency to lump age groups together. We name groups “toddlers” or “teens”, which make common sense. Some individuals in our society who are over the age of 55 are annoyed if you call them senior or elder.

I remember leaving a shopping trip at a local store thinking that they didn’t charge me the tax on what I purchased. Once I got home, I looked at my receipt and realized they had given me a senior discount (which started at 55 years of age). I was offended because, number one, I was 54 and two, the 20-something clerk didn’t even ask me if I was a senior – he just assumed I was “old” enough. You would think I should be happy I got the discount but I was taken aback by this person thinking I was a “senior” and that I looked “old”!

In looking back on this episode, I realized that it was more the vanity than the title “senior” that offended me. But, I know many people who are beautiful at 80 or 90 or 100 – so what was it? Perhaps just a passage that I was not quite prepared for at that moment in time. It might have been a bad hair day as well – if you know what I mean!

We named our business “Eldercare” because I like the word “elder”. I think of the esteem that elders hold in native cultures around the world. I am reminded of the statesmen that have reached the highest level in their tenure. The church I belong to addresses the leaders on the board as “Elders”. So to me, this is a term of respect and earned leadership – even if only by age.

Will the baby boomers coin another term for their later years? Are they going to welcome the discounts that can come with a certain age or will they deny them in vanity? What do you want to be called: a senior, an older adult or an elder?

Eldercare: Does your employer support your challenges?

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Future Trends on April 27, 2010

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

Our business is helping families with the challenging issues of aging. Sometimes it is getting siblings to agree on a decision of what is best for mom. Other times it is helping a family get the diagnosis they need so they can plan for the future or take control from someone who is impaired cognitively and at risk for self-abuse or exploitation.

All of a sudden, as an employer, I looked in the mirror and found that out of 43 professional and support staff, I had 8 (almost 20%) of our employees in the depths of “eldercare” experiencing all those dilemmas that our clients families deal with every day. I myself have an 88-year old mother that lives alone and at any juncture, I could be in the same place as my staff. Actually, when the phone rings late at night, I always hold my breath thinking it could be Mom in a health care crisis.

When I realized this and looked at the time these individuals were putting into the caregiving role, I decided we needed to do something. I asked one of our licensed social workers/geriatric care managers to lead a brown bag lunch support group – at least once a month. How easy it is to offer this support to employees, as any employer could hire a professional geriatric care manager to lead these groups at very little cost to the company – but great relief to the stressed employee who sometimes doesn’t know where to turn.

When you realize you are not alone, when you realize creativity is needed in caregiving and when you know how to advocate for your loved one, you are in a better place to care for yourself.

Ask your employer to secure a support group at work because, I bet, most places of employment have 12-15% of their staff in elder caregiving roles that could be affecting their employer’s productivity.

Seniors, Medicare & Health Care Reform

Posted in Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Future Trends, Health Care Reform on April 23, 2010

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

There was recently an online streaming broadcast about Health Care Reform provided by the website www.healthreform.gov where some great information was obtained . Below, I have summarized what was said about the most recent law affecting Health Care Reform:

1. This new bill does not eliminate anything Medicare currently offers.

2. Starting in 2011, Medicare will not charge for preventive care check-ups and regular physicals. No co-pay and no deductible. This includes colonoscopies, which are considered preventive.

3. Seniors who have hit the gap in drug coverage, known as the donut hole, will receive a $250 rebate starting in June or as soon as the donut hole is reached.

4. Senior Medicare Patrol is ramped up to prevent scam artists and fraud to seniors. The Patrol will also be available to educate seniors on their Medicare benefits by helping them to read about their coverage and interpret their benefits.

5. Early retiree insurance pools will begin in 2014. Medicare will be offered to those who are forced to retire early or decide to retire early. New rules will be in place to employers and insurance companies so they do not prevent access to health care upon early retirement.

6. Retiree drug plans will continue to be fully protected.

7. The “high risk pool” are adults or seniors with pre-existing conditions. This group of people will see a cap on their premiums as of 2014.

For more information look at the following credible website: http://healthreform.gov/

The Knock on the Door & Mom’s Purse is gone…Tell your Aging family members not to open the door to strangers!

Posted in Age Related Issues, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Elder Abuse and Fraud, Future Trends, Uncategorized on March 2, 2010

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

Elder abuse is rising. Even though my mother is bright and doing well living alone, which she prefers, she is a target just because of her age! Mom is almost 88 and out and about going to clubs and driving friends around. She lives in a major urban city and has since her birth. The only help I provide for her is a personal assistant who acts as her personal secretary making appointments, reviewing mail and helping her with phone calls – because of her hearing loss she can’t understand accents or phone tree instructions.

A week ago, she had a knock at the door. A woman asked to use a portable phone because she said she was locked out of her home. Mom gave her the phone but of course the number was busy. Then she asked for water and when my mother went to give her a cup the woman followed her inside making comments on how my Mom’s home reminded her of her Grandmother’s. My mother became suspicious at this point and told her she needed to leave. However, the woman saw the candy dish and asked for candy. Again, Mom says, “Take some and get out of my house.”, not knowing Mom’s purse was now under the woman’s coat!

Mom of course had her keys, checkbook and credit cards in that purse. She changed her locks with the help of a grandson, notified all the credit card accounts and the bank. She has received two calls, one to cash a check for under $200 and another to charge $4,000 at an appliance store. Mom stopped those transactions.

This is a lot of stress on an elder. Thank God she has her personal assistant to help with all the paperwork that this event brought to her.

The bottom line is, tell the elders in your life not to open the door for strangers – especially if they live alone. The police officers told my Mom this and I hope she listens. It is hard for her not to always be kind.

Opening Containers

Posted in Age Related Issues, Blog, Future Trends, Uncategorized on February 2, 2010

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

Can’t open the container? Heads up marketing, the Baby Boomers are coming!

As our population ages, with the over 50 crowd growing by 50% this decade, I am hoping that the manufactures of packaging take into consideration the product they are selling and whether or not their target population open it.

I purchased some body wash this past week and was able to open it in the store to smell it but with my hands wet there was no way could I open it. I poured it into the container of another product I used previously and I just will not buy that one again. It has a lovely fragrance but I need to get at it.

I have found frustration with opening other items as well. Like in the middle of the night when you want a Tylenol and you have to line up the arrows – it is dark and I can’t see. Plus, you need to use your thumb to pry it up – hard for those of us with arthritis in our hands.

What each of us can do is send off a letter to the manufacture of a product and tell them we won’t buy it any longer unless they have packaging we can open.

There is power in numbers – become an advocate for all!