baby boomer

Happy Nurses Week! We Appreciate All That You Do!

Posted in Blog on May 7, 2013

In honor of Nurses Week 2013, Eldercare Services has announced a Special Offer to the Medical Partners of Eldercare Services!

How do you know your patient is following your care plan?

One Hour Complimentary Care Plan Review with a Professional Care Manager to ensure compliance with discharge instructions

Complimentary Professional Care Plan Review Includes:

 Review of MD Instructions
 Home Safety Evaluation
 Follow Up Appointments
 Medication Reminders
 Assessment of Physical & Well-Being

Have your patient or their family call Eldercare Services at (866) 760-1808 or email Info@EldercareAnswers.com to schedule a One Hour Complimentary Care Plan Review.

*A Professional Care Manager will provide any follow up with the responsible party.

“I didn’t think my family would be an elder care family!”

Posted in adult children, Blog, Care Management, Relationships on May 3, 2013

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

I heard this statement from one of our long time employees and remembered my recent journey as a caregiver daughter. I thought, every family caring for an aging family member is an “Eldercare” family because we are all faced with challenges not expected with the expansive decisions from medical to housing. The other issue that warrants some intervention is that most of us have other family members that have different views on what should and shouldn’t be done for mom or dad and, without a third party who is objective, it is hard to come to a solution.

We also don’t always share the care equally which might place a burden on one family member either by default or choice.

Everyone starting on the “Eldercare” path would benefit from a consultation with a Professional Care Manager but most of us think we know everything our parents need and it seems that it’s not until there is a conflict or a crisis without a solution that we call in the experts – I think it is just human nature and don’t fault any of us.

However, as supportive of a family you think you have, being an Eldercare Family is the good news – I know my good caregiving journey was positive because of “expert” peers in the office. Getting advice, having a sounding board and supporting my siblings came from my fellow team members – I am glad I had a place to guide me because I was blinded by my own history and needed the wisdom of objectivity.

Aging Families: Dilemmas, Concerns and Solutions

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, home care, Relationships on April 19, 2013

Working adults in the “autumn” of their careers find that they are juggling work and aging family dilemmas — causing loss of pay or employer dissatisfaction with their performance or absence. Baby Boomers facing retirement also face the realities of still having to care for parents or other older relatives — this “care” duty can detour their dreams of the envisioned “retirement”.

Linda will talk about major issues facing families locally or at a distance. She will give Rotarians a list of resources to help them navigate the maze of resources available in order to find help that will respect the dignity of the elder and bring peace to the adult child. Linda will also talk about the realities of living longer lives and statistics that will affect all of us as we age.

Linda Fodrini-Johnson is a Licensed Family Therapist and a certified, Professional Care Manager. She founded Eldercare Services in 1989 — the first full service Geriatric Care Management and Home Care company in the East Bay. She has been guiding, coaching and counseling families in the Bay Area for 30 years. Linda is the recent past President of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM).

Pickled Grapes – A Lesson in “Being in the Moment”

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Dementia and Memory Loss on March 15, 2013

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

Visiting a small group home this past weekend, I arrived when three seniors were just finishing their lunch meal, so I joined the conversation. The first one (a new resident) asked me if this was a “boarding house” and I answered in the affirmative about everyone having their own rooms. One of the ladies answered, “They give us good food, too.” The conversation then went to their memories not being as good as they used to be, but it really didn’t matter now.

The oldest, age 95, asked the youngest, 85, how old she is and the 85 year old, a retired teacher and graduate of a very prestigious university, asked the staff for paperwork that would show her age; she was pleased and surprised to know that she is 85. She was neither embarrassed about having to ask nor did any of the residents question her for not knowing her age.

Somehow the conversation went to growing up on a California ranch. The 95 year old asked the 85 year old what they grew on the ranch and the answer was horses and grapes. She was then asked if she raced horses and she answered, “No” she just rode them, but not in “shows.”

A few minutes later this fractured, yet serious conversation, focused on those grapes, with the eldest asking, what color the grapes were, “Purple, burgundy?” “No”, the 85 year old answered, “Just plain grapes that were tied to wires.” She continued and said that when the grapes were ready to be picked, men would come pick them, put them in a big pot, add sugar and we would have “pickled grapes”.

I joined in some of the conversation and could not keep from smiling and being pleased that they were able to have a

Pickled Grapes

conversation, despite the memory deficits and/or dementia. Even though at times the conversation was disjointed, and sometimes they were not able to find the “correct words,” they were all very respectful, yet curious, with all of them willing to ask questions without questioning the answer. It was actually very uplifting and I was honored with the spirit, authenticity and just being in the moment with this trio of souls.

Being in the moment for the sake of the moment is just something we don’t take the time to do as often as we should. We all get caught up in the “to do” lists of our lives.

Have a glass of “pickled grapes” and savor the moment.

Eldercare Services Announces Caregiver of the Year Award

Posted in Blog on March 12, 2013

Linda Fodrini-Johnson and Eldercare Services Caregiver of the Year

Our caregiver of the year, Adeniyi Williams, has earned this distinction as a result of his devotion to his clients, his exemplary team work and his stellar performance.

Adeniyi has been with Eldercare Services a number of years as he attends school. Adeniyi always communicates clearly and frequently his needs and Home Care Services is able to adjust and modify his schedule so that his clients have the least amount of disruption and Adeniyi is able to obtain the hours he needs. Communication is one of Adeniyi’s strengths.

Adeniyi works with several clients with advanced dementia and very challenging behaviors. Rather than look at the clients or their behaviors as a problem, Adeniyi looks at working with all clients as an opportunity to enhance their quality of life and to improve his skills. Adeniyi is always looking for new information and finds new ways to handle challenging issues in a professional manner. There is not a case we would hesitate to assign him to. Adeniyi is a skilled caregiver in both assisting with physical care and emotional care needs.

Adeniyi works a variety of assignments and always devotes at least one week-end day to the client so that his job share partners also have a day off on a weekend. Adeniyi is a team player and values and respects his co-workers.

Adeniyi has assisted us many times in an emergency, this creates a disruption to his personal plans but ensures that his clients have a familiar face and an experienced care giver at all times. Adeniyi is a reliable employee and Home Care Services can count on his responsiveness. Whether he can or cannot accept assignments or help us in an emergency he always calls us back quickly and is always very polite.

Eldercare Services’ Home Care Services with the Caregiver of the Year

Adeniyi’s team work becomes obvious when he assists his co-workers and the office to ensure the client has consistent care and he communicates his experiences and the clients needs clearly to the office. Adeniyi always ensures, before he leaves his assignments and passes the responsibilities on to his co-workers that he has “left it as he found it” clean and neat. Adeniyi is a great team player.

Seniors Being Discharged from Hospitals

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, home care, Relationships on February 18, 2011

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

When an aging family member is discharged from a hospital it is imperative that a responsible family member or a professional like a Geriatric Care Manager follow up. About 20% of seniors who are discharged from hospitals end up being re-hospitalized because they were confused with the discharge plan or didn’t see their primary physician timely enough post hospitalization.

This is most important with those hospitalized for cardiac events, such as Congestive Heart Disease. But, any trip to the hospital can result in major medication changes made by a hospitalist and not the primary doctor. If the old medications are not tossed and replaced by the new orders, a patient could end up over medicated, which could result in death. Also, it is important for the elder to follow other new instructions that might mean diet changes, exercise, therapies or other changes to the daily activities of life. Without a coach, things can easily go south because the senior didn’t understand the importance of sleeping on two pillows or avoiding sodium (many individuals think only the salt shaker is salt – and don’t read labels).

Families at a distance, with seniors to oversee, should seek out the assistance of a Professional Geriatric Care Manager, even if it is for just a short period, to be sure they are compliant with new orders and that the primary care physician is brought up to date and concurs with the new orders.

My Husband Has Alzheimer’s

Posted in Blog, Uncategorized on January 28, 2011

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

Watch the video blog by clicking here.

“I feel so alone and even though I attend a support group, the feelings of loss, anger and love make my head spin.”

“It is hard for me to articulate my feelings of confusion and it seems like a betrayal to the man I have loved so deeply for over 50 years.”

Being a spouse, wife or husband of someone with a dementia is a trial, not just a journey. The well spouse often feels guilty for their honest feelings – this journey of love and care needs a “professional” guide. It would be a gift to both the well spouse and the person in need of care to consult with a Professional Geriatric Care Manager at least once a month or every 6 weeks.

The well spouse needs to be affirmed, re-directed at times and given permission for self-care. Because, without “self-care”, well spouses can end up in the cardiac or stroke unit of their local hospital and then who cares for that “beloved” husband or wife?

The dementia journey can be 10-20 years. It can be a time of love and moments of joy if the well spouse can find balance and ways in which to affirm themselves. This takes some coaching and guidance often by a professional very aware of dementia behaviors and the interventions to use for each situation.

It also means that well spouses have to share the care with other family members (and ask for specific help), community programs and caregivers trained in dementia care (often these come from agencies with excellent training programs).

All of our caregivers are given training and are exposed to the family journey of “dementia” care. Be sure when you do hire an agency they can tell you they have provided this training and they provide 24/7 assistance with any behavioral issue.

Be a real loving spouse – take care of yourself and check in with a professional to be sure you don’t get off track!

Geriatric Care Managers – Saving Families Money

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, End of Life, home care, Relationships on January 7, 2011

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

Watch the video on YouTube by clicking here.

Families at a distance, families in conflict, families with resistant elders and families at a loss for options for their frail or confused elder often can save hundreds or thousands of dollars using the expertise of a Professional Geriatric Care Manager (one who is certified).

If you are living across the country and have to take time off work and fly on short notice across the country, it could cost you thousands of dollars as opposed to spending a few hundred dollars on a local expert to assess your aging parent and give you direction, counsel, coaching and advice before you fly across the country.

When families are in conflict on what is best for mom or dad it can mean one or many are taking time off of work without pay to care for a parent that might be better served by a local program, an entitlement or skilled caregivers. It can also mean that the energy in arguing with siblings is causing you stress and adding to your own health care costs. The neutral, Geriatric Care Manager, won’t take sides but make recommendations based on the needs of the aging parent.

Not knowing local, State or National benefits costs families thousands of dollars. One client of mine, after a one-hour of consultation, left my office with the knowledge of a benefit that brought $22,800, in one year, to her parents who live across the country. That more than paid for the one hour she paid me.

Get professional help if only for a 2-hour family meeting or a 1-hour consultation. Thinking you can do it alone on the internet can lead you to a good sales pitch but poor information that isn’t client centered and all about what they are selling!

Who is the Expert in Aging Care Choices?

Posted in adult children, Age Related Issues, Alzheimer's, Blog, Care Management, Caregiving, Dementia and Memory Loss, Elder Abuse and Fraud on June 29, 2010

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

There are so many websites leading in different directions, each touting they are the premier, largest, biggest, best option for aging parent home care, assisted living or even financial planning and legal advice.

Where does a family turn? How do families know they are getting someone who is working on behalf of them, with the central goal being quality of life based on client values?

The best way is to ask questions. The venture capital company that has just hit on baby boomer aging might be able to gather some health and human service experts – but do they know mom’s community or your community? It isn’t just expertise that you want guiding your choices, it is knowledge on ALL the local resources, knowledge of benefits, aging, care choices and most of all understanding the emotional toll this can bring to everyone in a family.

So, what questions do you ask? I think these are the most important ones:

1) How long has this company been in my community? Are they local or do they just have a national database?

2) How long have their “experts” been with the company?

3) Are these experts credentialed and certified by a creditable process (not a 30 hour course)? Do they have a license – if so, do they have years in the field doing aging or elder care work?

4) Do they take referral fees from outside agencies, facilities or professionals? If it is a “free” service you can assume so, if it’s not a non-profit or government agency, someone pays.

5) Is this person going to help you make a decision and help you see the pro and cons of each decision as it affects your family members?

6) If you are looking for an Elder Law Attorney, Financial Planner or Geriatric Care Manager, do they belong to a National Association that has standards for membership and certification?

Asking questions will lead you to where you will get the best guidance.

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?