In This Issue
FEATURE ARTICLE: 3 Secrets About Alzheimer's That Everyone Should Know
Kudos From Kelly
Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc.
Scamming Grandma: Financial Abuse of Seniors Hits Record
Senior Citizen Texting Codes
Providers We Love


Photos in top banner:
Have you filed your taxes yet? If not, Bella (Jessica's daughter) is coming to get you!; Jessica and Savannah (Veronica's daughter); Traipsing with Tortilla! Rosemarie, Bonnie's mother takes off with tortilla, her therapy dog, leaving Bonnie and Kelly behind




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Regina McNamara RN, MSN President & Kelly McNamara, Chief Operating Officer



Here at Always There Home Care, we are grateful you are slowing down to read our newsletter full of items that relate to home care, home health care, aging and eldercare, as well as some useful tips for daily living. Please enjoy in the spirit of community and cooperation in which this newsletter was sent.
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Also, see our beautiful new video,  here!!!
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FEATURE ARTICLE:
3 Secrets About Alzheimer's That Everyone Should Know. #1 More There.  
By Bob Demarco  |  Alzheimer's Reading Room

The tendency is to focus in on what Alzheimer's patients can't do.
This focus brings on feelings of hopelessness.

Let me make this simple - Alzheimer's and dementia patients are capable of More Than We Can Imagine

When you ask someone, What is Alzheimer's, they will usually use the word memory. They assume that a person living with dementia can't remember. They honestly believe they can't remember anything.

This is far from the truth.

It is true that Alzheimer's and dementia patients will soon forget the right now, and they will be unable, for the most part, to remember any new information. This does not mean they will forget everything even as the disease progresses.

Alzheimer's patients usually forget how to brush their teeth, and the importance of taking a shower. In fact, the majority of Alzheimer's patients don't want to take a shower they need guidance.

They resist taking a shower for along list of reasons. One of the obscure reasons is because they don't like water. Water is invisible to many dementia patients.

But, the most simple reason they won't take a shower is because it is a task that for them is very confusing.

In order to take a shower there is a long list of things you must do before you are actually taking the shower. Not the least of this long list is getting the water on at the correct temperature.

The tendency is to focus in on what Alzheimer's patients can't do.
This focus brings on feelings of hopelessness. In addition, the general public assumes that the situation for Alzheimer's and dementia is hopeless.


   KUDOS from Kelly     
  By Kelly McNamara  
   
Cliff Logan: Cliff is one of our all-time favorite clients.  His dedicated team of caregivers thoroughly enjoy their time with himwhile they keep him safe and entertained.  Cliff is a 92-year-old mentally disabled man who did not attend school past third grade due to the lack of any programs for children with his condition during that era.  But none of this stopped Cliff.  Active and engaged even at his advanced age, he never misses an opportunity to go out ...Anywhere. The post office, the local diner, doughnut shop, simply driving around... nothing is boring to him.  He is a dog lover and with the nice weather will soon be receiving regular visits from Darcey, our company's certified Pet Therapy dog. Until recently he was in the habit of riding his adult tricycle thorough town and getting to know all the local business people.  Always in the mood for fun, Cliff recently took up singing to entertain his caregivers,  sister and brother in law with whom he shares a house.

Cliff is an avid gardener and soon will be involved in his own backyard plot.  He is an expert at jigsaw puzzles, with patience beyond that of his decades younger caregivers.  He recently completed a huge puzzle of a golden retriever, the spitting image of our company therapy dog, Darcey.  Cliff has had some health issues but "graduated " from hospice several months ago with no signs of recurrence.  Lucky for us, Cliff has no interest in leaving us any time soon. Thanks Cliff, for all the joy you bring to us every day!  And special thanks and appreciation to your hardworking, impressive and creative team of caregivers. They keep up with you very well and always have their eyes on you.   You are a labor of love for them.

All caregivers mentioned in this column will receive a bonus and our sincere gratitude!  Many many thanks to all of you for once again extending yourselves to ensure that we are of course Always There...!! ■

Seniors Have  
Dreams Too, Inc
Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc is based out of Wallingford, CT


It is a 501(c)3 and was incorporated in 2007
President, Sally F. Smith and Vice President Betty Berger
 
This organization grants wishes to seniors living on or below the poverty level. Their  mission is to make a difference in the lives of the elderly who often feel isolated and dis-empowered and to create opportunities for seniors with limited resources to experience a lifelong dream.

Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc. is the brain child of Sally F. Smith of Wallingford, Ct.  Sally was inspired by Shirley, a resident at a local nursing home and talented artist. An offhanded "I always wanted my own art show..." launched a one-woman effort to make that wish come true.

With the help of a local coffee shop, a one-week art show specifically for Shirley was secured, complete with invitations, a fabulous makeover, a new dress and a corsage. Shirley sold two paintings and thanked Sally for many years after. Thus, with the encouragement of this success and the help of current Vice-President, Betty Berger, Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc became a reality!

Their  foundation became a 501(c)3 in 2007 and has granted numerous wishes across the country. ■

SCAMMING GRANDMA: Financial Abuse of Seniors Hits Record By: Yuka Hayashi  
                     
Banks report 12% increase of suspected cases as they step up efforts to detect and stop fraud

A federal law enacted in May allows bank employees to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse to police and adult protective services.

U.S. banks reported a record 24,454 suspected cases of elder financial abuse to the Treasury Department last year, more than double the amount five years earlier, according to government data.

For their part, banks are beefing up training programs for employees on how to detect, stop and report issues without violating a customer's privacy. Employees are even learning to recognize early signs of cognitive decline.

The issue of elder financial abuse is likely to grow even more pronounced. An average of 10,000 Americans turn 65 a day, a pace expected to continue through 2030. In that year, one in every five people will be 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.




Providers We Love We are privileged to have received referrals from and be able to coordinate care with many Assisted Living facilities, rehab facilities, and Medicare Home Care and Hospice agencies. Our growth is in large part due to the trust the staff in these organizations have put in our caregivers. We are likewise impressed with them and we are committed to referring to them on a regular basis
 
Seabury Active Living Retirement Community, & Seabury at Home, Bloomfield One of Connecticut's first retirement communities, Seabury has grown impressively from its original facility.  The sprawling campus now boasts several individual residences, from apartments to substantial single homes.  Their memory care unit is superb.  The surroundings provide lovely views in all seasons. An immense fitness facility, including a large pool promotes continued fitness of older adults. Seabury boasts an impressive participation of its residents in the fitness facility...   
 
McLean Hospice Palliative Care & Hospice, Simsbury McLean Home Care and Hospice enjoy the coveted highest Medicare rating of Five Stars based on outstanding patient outcomes as medication compliance, improved mobility and no hospital re admissions, as well as starting care in a timely manner.
 
McLean Hospice is dedicated to improving patients' comfort and supporting their families. Their team in helps patients you live as fully and comfortably as possible so their last days or months may be spent with dignity and quality. Their goal is to provide satisfying days; fear-free nights and the richness of time with loved ones, surrounded by a supportive team. Hospice nurses are available to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year...
 

 About Always There Home Care

Always There Home Care provides compassionate, dependable and professional one-on-one care for seniors who need assistance in the comfort of their homes or residential care communities.  Services from highly qualified and trained caregivers range from companionship, meal preparation and incidental transportation to personal care, medication management and RN-directed case management. Available 7 days a week, services range from a few hours a day to 24-hour care.

Always There Home Care understands that every situation is unique and creates individualized care plans to help improve a client's quality of life.

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Our Caregivers

Our caregivers are totally committed, highly qualified and carefully selected individuals who are personally and thoroughly screened, bonded and insured. Most are Certified Nurse Assistants or Home Health Aides. Most importantly our caregivers are dependable and extraordinarily caring of others. In addition to their previous experience, our caregivers receive continuous training that includes dementia, hospice care, home safety, nutrition and other topics related to seniors. These highly qualified and trained caregivers are ready to help you and your loved ones with a variety of daily activities such as:

Personal care    /  Meal planning and preparation
Transportation to doctor appointments and other errands
Caring companionship    /  Light housekeeping
Medication reminders  /    Information and referral services

Our personalized, nurse- supervised services are available 7 days a week and
can range from a few hours a day to 24 hours and live in care.

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For more information or service needs, call 24 hours a day at:
800.348.0485
or visit www.AlwaysThereHomeCare-CT.com.  
We are Always There!