In 2011, the Baby Boomer generation, those born in the post WWII period of 1946-1964 turned 65 years old.  CNN’s Madison Park reported that despite radical advances in medical technology and understanding of healthcare, Boomers are less healthy and heavier than their parents were at their age.

“Boomers think of themselves as forever young, but they’re aging physiologically faster than their parents’ generation,” says Jim Bacon author of “Boomergeddon.”

Park’s article, published in May 2011, points out that the average 50-year-old man takes four prescription medications every day, according to the AARP. Many adults over the age of 60 experience symptoms of depression, high-blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive difficulties. To help ensure good physical and mental health for the aging boomer generation, Park suggests simple proactive changes in lifestyle and daily routine.

Staying Active

Baby boomers live a much more sedentary lifestyle than their parent’s generation and on average eat more processed foods. Many older adults are reluctant to engage in serious exercise, but Dr. Sharon Brangman, president of the American Geriatrics Society advises that even 30-40 minutes of exercise a few days a week can significantly reduce depression, lower blood pressure, improve circulation and boost the immune system.

“We as a society are so afraid of aging and we’re in a stage of denial,” says Brangman.

Baby Boomers and Sex

On average, baby boomers show less concerns in regards to sexual health.  According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, only 28% of men in their 50’s use a condom, compared to 53% among men in their 20’s.   Many older adults don’t think a condom is necessary as pregnancy was no longer a concern.

“Lots of times people are concerned about pregnancy, not concerned about infections,” said Debby Herbenick, research scientist at Indiana University.

According to CDC statistics the rates of STD’s such as syphilis and chlamydia among people over the age of 50 are on the rise. Roughly a quarter of those living with HIV/AIDS are 50 years of age or older.

Baby boomers should speak with their healthcare providers about sexual health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and decreases in testosterone. Many of these dysfunctions can be treated effectively through medication.

Relax

Boomers are a “sandwich generation”, simultaneously caring for their parents and their own children.  As the parents of the boomer generation are living longer but often dependent of care, and according to the AARP; 20% of people age 45-64 have care-giving responsibilities to a parent, older family member or adult child. This can cause significant stress, which can have an adverse effect on health.

“It’s a real juggling act that people are engaging in. Many people are not psychologically prepared. Their biggest concerns from surveys of our boomer members are their finances and health”, said Cheryl Matheis, senior vice president for policy at AARP.

Matheis goes on to say that a positive outlook, despite current economic concerns is essential to maintaining good health.  Matheis points out that many older adults find the years after 50 to be rewarding and deeply satisfying as they are able to interact with the older generation while helping the younger.

Healthy body, Healthy Mind

There are three keys to maintaining a healthy and active mind past the age of 50; exercise, socialize and learn.

Exercise helps improve blood flow, carrying more oxygen to the brain.  Keeping mentally active by reading and learning new things has been shown to help fight common forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s.

Bryan James, assistant professor in the department of internal medicine at Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, points out the vital importance of social activity among boomers. Studies have shown that people who do not socialize are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as people who keep an active social life.

“The most socially active people are going to be less likely to develop problems with thinking or to have their cognition decline, as compared to people who are least socially active,” says James.

Arthritis Concerns

According to a 2010 CDC study, approximately 29% of boomers reported arthritis, demonstrating that time is beginning to catch up with the boomer generation.  Increased weight and lack of regular exercise can increase the chances of osteoarthritis, and although some factors of arthritis may be genetic, maintaining good joint strength and flexibility can help boomers stay active.

Regular exercise and a proper diet can help ensure good health for boomers as they enter their 70’s and beyond, allowing them to lead full and healthy lives.

The Aljoya of Mercer Island staff creates an environment for residents that is truly home: a place of peace and serenity, a place where seniors can experience fine dining, cultural and social entertainment, and a variety of experiences to fill each day with happiness and fulfillment.

Aljoya features 114 spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments that feature granite countertops and energy-efficient appliances. The facility itself includes concierge services, a wellness center staffed by a registered nurse, weekly housekeeping services, and a variety of dining options, from the upscale Lilly’s to the lively and informal atmosphere of the Cafe Bistro. There is an on-site salon and massage therapy studio, as well as a library, game room, and fitness and aquatic centers. The Aljoya living experience is rich in experiential living: there are regular art shows, lectures, health classes, garden parties, and active aging programs sponsored by the University of Washington’s School of Nursing.

Aljoya of Mercer Island offers a variety of care levels depending on your need, from independent living to nursing care. They also work with hospice and home health care programs as needed to make sure that dignified and compassionate choices are available for their residents at all stages of life. Their continuing care retirement community provides a full spectrum of choices to enable residents to live their lives with joy, ease, and comfort. Contact our team at Fedelta Care Solutions to find out more about Aljoya and other housing options.

• Difficulty performing normally familiar tasks: People with Alzheimer’s often find it difficult to complete familiar daily tasks such as making dinner, using a home appliance, or driving a car.

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life: The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, particularly forgetting recently learned information or events.

• Difficulty planning or problem solving: Many people experience difficulty working with numbers and following a plan. This can make it very difficult for people with Alzheimer’s to pay monthly bills and manage their finances.

• Difficulty Communicating: While it is normal to forget words or to occasionally have trouble following a conversation, people with Alzheimer’s can frequently struggle to find the right word, stop mid-sentence or repeat themselves without realizing.

• Disorientation: One of the most alarming and potentially dangerous symptoms of Alzheimer’s is a general confusion regarding dates, places and times. People with Alzheimer’s can easily become lost and confused, with no ability to retrace their steps and unable to accurately gauge the passage of time.

• Loss of judgment: People with Alzheimer’s can experience loss of judgment or difficulty making decisions. This commonly takes the form of wearing inappropriate clothing such as wearing a bathrobe and pajamas outside or in giving away large amounts of money.

• Misplacing objects: A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places such as putting food in a clothes closet.  It is common for a person with Alzheimer’s to lose objects and be unable to retrace their steps to find them.

• Mood Swings: The mood and temperament of Alzheimer’s patients can change quickly and without warning. They may become unexpectedly confused, agitated, depressed or paranoid. They can quickly become upset by friends, family members or co-workers.

• Neglecting self-care: Alzheimer’s can literally cause a person to forget to eat or drink, even missing multiple meals in a single day. As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s may forget to brush their teeth, bathe, change their clothes or even use the toilet.

• Loss of initiative and general interest in life: Approximately 40% of people with Alzheimer’s also have some form of depression. Withdrawal from social interests and hobbies and sleeping excessively can be signs that a person is suffering from depression.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you know it is important to schedule an appointment with a trained medical professional as soon as possible. Early detection is vitally important to ensure the patient receives the best treatment possible.

Information Source:

We hear a lot these days about retirement planning but what happens when you actually retire? If you have the financial aspect taken care of then there’s everything else to think about. Do you require senior care? Is senior housing in your future? Senior living is a new phase of life one with new schedules, new structures and new ways of looking at the world. Being a senior today is much better than being a senior twenty or even ten years ago. There are a few ways to make the most of your senior living experience.

Be Prepared for Senior Living

Don’t leave the business of senior living until it’s too late. No-one wants to wake up one day and realize their job is over and years, even decades, stretch before them with no clear plan. Speak with a financial advisor before you retire and make sure things like mortgages, health insurance and daily living expenses are organized for the future. Get your estate planning out of the way before you retire. If you plan, prepare and organize in advance, the transition into retirement will be much smoother.

Senior Housing

In many cases, retirement means moving to a new home to reduce costs and make life a little easier. Visit the senior center or senior advocacy group in your area and get some details on senior housing possibilities. Be sure to share findings with your partner and/or children.

Seniors Retiring Together

Many seniors are lucky enough to have their partners in their lives as they head into retirement. Maybe you and your spouse will retire at the same time; maybe you won’t. Be sure you are on the same page about financials, housing and how you will spend your time after you stop working.

Stay Busy

Retirement doesn’t mean sitting in front of the television all day with nothing to do. Retirement can make you feel isolated and cut off from the everyday so you have to work hard to counteract those feelings. Find things to do that stimulate your mind and keep you social.

Learn a New Skill

It could be knitting, oil painting, learning a new language or fly fishing. Retirement means finding new ways to engage your brain and learning new skills can do just that.

Exercise as a Senior 

For many seniors the idea of exercise during retirement sounds like too much hard work but it will make such a difference to your quality of life. Even if it’s just a gentle stroll around the neighborhood or an hour at the pool, get your heart rate up at least once a day to help keep things ticking over.

Make a to do List

As senior living becomes a reality you may realize there is much you still want to do. Make yourself a list and try to do at least one thing on the list every few months. Crossing items off the list will give you a sense of accomplishment. Consult with your partner and children to see if there is anything you want to do together before there isn’t time.

Create a Legacy

We don’t all have a fortune to leave our children or a museum or hospital built in our name but that doesn’t mean we cannot start planning a legacy to pass on to future generations. Think about starting a garden or planting some trees. Get out all your unfinished projects and distribute them between family members. A half-finished heirloom quilt is always a good idea.

Get out there and Meet Other Seniors 

Don’t shun senior social programs as dull or for ‘old people.’ Card games, bingo, dances, fundraisers, volunteering, social clubs, field trips and group tours abound. There are so many different opportunities out there for folks with a free schedule. Fill up your time with good friends and great memories.

Positive Thinking

Retirement is such a change in circumstance many folks have trouble adjusting and that’s to be expected. Don’t let yourself get down in the dumps. Always remember the opportunity and freedom that retirement brings. If you don’t waste a minute you’ll have no regrets.

In the past senior living was something to worry about, to agonize over, even dread. These days it can be something to look forward to especially with good planning and a positive outlook. You have worked hard all your life and now it’s your time to rest and reevaluate the world. Make the most of your twilight years and take advantage of the many new opportunities around you.

To find out more information, contact our Fedelta team today.

Sources:

Senior Living—http://seniorliving.about.com/od/retirement/a/retirement_livi.htm

Placing a loved one in hospice care does not mean there is no more caring to do. Hospice residents have special needs and need professional care to feel comfortable and secure in their final days. As the adult child and responsible party, it is your job to ensure the hospice is keeping your parent comfortable. Heeding some basic elderly care tips can make all the difference in those final days. There are a number of things to look for and insist upon when leaving a parent in hospice care. 

In Hospice Care, First Things First: Choosing a Facility

In many cases there is more than one hospice facility in your area. There are a number of questions to ask a potential hospice when choosing care for your parent.

• Is 24 hour a day care an option?
• Can your parent have their own nurse or aide?
• Will your parent have their own room?
• What can your parent take with them to the hospice in terms of personal effects?
• Will they have a regular bed or a medical facility bed?
• Is the hospice located close to your home?
• Does the hospice work with vertical services such as local doctors, hospitals and funeral homes?

Always go with a facility that works with Medicare as they must adhere to standards and rules set by the federal government. 

Financial Matters with Hospice Care

It is important to realize that placing an elderly parent into the hospice care system costs money. Be sure the hospice you choose has all of your parent’s medical insurance information. If they are a Medicare based facility, double check they have all of your parent’s information copied down correctly.

Legal Matters with Hospice Care

Although no one ever likes to discuss it, your parent’s estate paperwork should be filled out in full and given over to the hospice before admittance. This means informing them of any Power of Attorney or DNR papers as well as presenting copies of their living Will and Last Testament. Feel free to consult with an estate law attorney to ensure everything that’s needs to be done gets done before there is an issue.

Hospice Care Bed Related Matters

Bedside care is very important to the hospice patient and can make a great difference to their standard of living. There are a number of important daily tasks such as: turning the patient to prevent bed sores, making sure pillows are fluffed and comfortable, checking a patient is warm enough, bed alignment, side rail safety and of course, changing the sheets on a regular basis. If your parent has any specific bed related preferences make sure not only to tell the admittance worker but to have the details written down in your parent’s medical notes.

Patient Disposition

Check your parent’s general disposition on every visit and if they seem agitated you need to consult with their doctor about possible causes and solutions. Ask your parent how they feel, how they are looked after and if they need anything. Be sure to note any major emotional changes to the hospice care staff.

Just because someone is in their final days it doesn’t mean their emotional as well as their physical disposition isn’t important. In fact, in those final days every effort should be made to make a person feel comfortable and comforted. Be sure to ask your parent if this is indeed the case.

Quality of life with End-of-Life Care

Practical matters such as food and elimination must be assessed and discussed with care givers. Ask to look at the menu or visit the hospice kitchens. Provide any information you have on incontinence and be sure bedpans and bathroom assistance are available to your parent when needed.

Look around the room where your aging parent is spending their last days. Is there opportunity to brighten things up? Are fresh flowers allowed? What about bringing in some items from home? Discuss surroundings and entertainment. For those patients still able, reading a book or watching television may help pass some time.

Final wishes

Prepare for the death of your parent in advance of its occurrence. It’s hard to think about losing your parent but it is unfortunately going to happen and both you and your parent should be prepared. Speak with mom and dad about their final wishes, any legal papers they may have signed and any service details they would like to share. Verbalizing these details can go a long way to making final days and final conversations much easier.

Any time you leave a terminal parent in the hands of hospice workers there is always the worry that mom or dad will not receive the type of treatment they deserve. Always go with a reputable hospice full of caring sympathetic workers to give you peace of mind and your parents a dignified final residence.

For more information, speak with one of Fedelta team members today.

Sources:

Hospice Patient’s Alliance—http://www.hospicepatients.org/hospic64.html

Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care—http://www.rainbowhospice.org/how/

American Hospice Foundation—http://www.americanhospice.org/articles-mainmenu-8/about-hospice-mainmenu-7/41-talking-about-hospice-tips-for-professional-geriatric-care-managers

Your parents aren’t ready to move into a care facility but they are getting to a point when their age is becoming a real hindrance to the daily acts and processes of life. A geriatric care manager assists the senior individual and their family in completing day to day tasks as well as making decisions about future care. Geriatric care mangers act as a bridge between the elderly parent and their adult children no longer living at home.

Every child wants to help their parents live a happy healthy life but there comes a point when you need help. It’s hard not to worry about aging parents, especially when you cannot be there for them all the time. You have to live your life and find a smart way to help them live theirs.  By employing a geriatric care manager you gain peace of mind and your parents receive the professional help you simply are not qualified to give them.

When an aging parent lives in another town, the constant worry about their safety can hinder the adult child’s everyday life. Is mom taking her medication right? Did dad leave the oven on again? This constant worry is because you cannot be there. A care manager eases this sense of slow rising panic and gives you tangible ways of making things easier for everyone.

What is Geriatric Care?

Geriatric care is a bridge between independent living in the parent’s own home and life in an assisted living facility or nursing home. Geriatric care is a matter of providing information, making referrals, assisting in daily living activities and communicating needs to an unqualified family member. In many cases, geriatric care is a substitute for the tasks a child would perform for their parent if they still lived at home. These tasks often include legal and financial planning, housing and domestic issues, in home services and community involvement through senior outreach programs.

What to Expect with Geriatric Care

Geriatric care can take many forms. Care managers can hire nurses to help seniors with acts of daily living (ADLs), ensure proper nutrition with Meals on Wheels services, assess and provide the need for medical equipment in the home, accompany the individual to doctor’s appointments and act as their advocate when dealing with the red tape of senior health care and senior living.

Geriatric care includes keeping family members informed. The care manager will provide updates to children and prepare them for upcoming situations such as a change in senior living arrangements. Usually children live out of town and this welfare information is communicated through frequent telephone calls and e-mails.

One of the most important aspects of professional geriatric care is assistance in major life transitions such as hospitalization or the move to a care facility. The care manager can assess the parent’s situation and give real down to earth advice on senior living arrangements.

What Should You Look For When Selecting Geriatric Care

Geriatric care sounds like a great idea but selection of the right individual or organization is a must. There are several things to look for when assessing potential care managers.

→            Documented experience of working with the elderly

→            Training or education in the social sciences, gerontology, psychology and/or social work

→            List of credentials and certifications along with contact information for verification

→            Contact information for professional referrals

→            A personable individual with great communication skills and a passion for their work

It’s always a good idea to perform a background check on any individual you bring into your parent’s home and the care manager is no exception. Individuals unwilling to provide the necessary information to perform such a search are probably not the right folks to look after your mom or dad.

How Can You Find a Geriatric Care Manager in Your Community?

There are a number of different ways to find out about available programs and local geriatric care. Which you choose will depend on the individual and community but may include:

→            Local Council on Aging organization which may be state or city based depending on your location. Your local town hall should have the contact information or you can consult with the national council through their regional offices [http://www.ncoa.org/about-ncoa/locations.html]

→            National Association of Geriatric Care Managers [link: http://www.caremanager.org/] provide a lot of information on how to assess as well as find care management in your community

→            Local hospitals and senior centers may be able to provide a referral

→            Local social services offices can provide some direction

The main drawback with hiring a geriatric care manager is the cost. Currently, care services are not covered under federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. For parents suffering from chronic health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the need for care management is very real. Rates vary by region but start around $60 an hour. Expect to pay an average of $10,000 a year for private geriatric care services. It’s the price tag of semi-independent senior living which provides emotional comfort to the parent and peace of mind to the child.

Not every case requires daily or weekly care. Sometimes a single consultation with a care manager may be enough to help parents and children make some important decisions and create a feasible plan for the future.

We get to the point in our lives when we are no longer able to care for our parents properly. In fact, we often care for them improperly as we try to manage the many issues of the elderly with no prior personal or professional experience. Geriatric care managers have the experience and the qualifications to care for your aging parent. And in the end don’t we want the best for our parents? Sometimes the best means employing a professional.

Sources:

‘Why your aging parent needs a geriatric care manager’— http://blogs.reuters.com/reuters-money/2011/04/26/why-your-aging-parent-needs-a-geriatric-care-manager/

National Council on Aging—http://www.ncoa.org/about-ncoa/locations.html

National Association of Geriatric Care Managers—http://memberfinder.caremanager.org/

http://aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/supportive_services/index.aspx

Aegis of Shoreline, an attractive community overlooking Twin Ponds Park, offers two lifestyle options for seniors. Those with health concerns who need daily assistance may take advantage of their assisted living option. Here, residents will receive resort-quality gourmet meals, and trained staff are on duty 24-hours a day to aid residents, manage their medical needs, and take care of household chores. There is a full schedule of social, cultural, and recreational activities for those who wish to take part, and transportation is available for medical appointments, shopping, or other outings. Musicians and other entertainers are often invited to perform for residents, as well as speakers on a range of topics.

Aegis of Shoreline also offers specialized care, which includes short-term or respite care for those who wish to make sure that their loved one is well-cared for while they are out of town or unable to provide care, or for patients recently discharged from the hospital who need some extra help while they heal. A daycare program is also available, as is hospice care, to provide comfort and dignity for those facing terminal illness.

It is clear to all of us at Fedelta Care Solutions that Aegis is a company built on the highest aspirations of care for seniors. They have created an environment of compassion and respect for their residents that is without compare. Talk to your Fedelta representative today to see if Aegis is the right choice for your loved one.

In February, Alzheimer’s research came to the forefront of the medical care debate as President Obama advocated for a Health Department plan that boosts research funding for Alzheimer’s disease. An additional $50 million is being requested from this year’s budget and Obama hopes to add another $80 million in the 2013 budget.

The number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is going to double by 2050 without an increase in funding from the government, according to Julie Steenhuysen of Reuters. In the latest health care initiative the current administration is hoping to spend $156 million on Alzheimer’s research over the next two years to try and find a cure for this debilitating illness. Obama has pledged to support the development of an effective treatment for the disease.

In Steenhuysen’s article unnamed Alzheimer’s proponents state that $2 billion is the amount of funding necessary to make any significant difference in research. In the current economic climate funding in the billions seems unrealistic. Any boost in funding is certainly a sign of hope for millions of Americans. Five millions Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease every year. That figure does not account for the many family members who are affected emotionally and financially by the disease.

Alzheimer’s and Its Reach

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain wasting illness that lasts an average of 15 to 20 years before resulting in the death of its victim. As it progresses, Alzheimer’s disease destroys the brain cells which results in memory loss, language impediments and behavior changes. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the unpaid cost of Alzheimer’s treatment in 2010 totaled $202.6 billion. The financial burden of Alzheimer’s is only one aspect of the issues facing the family of an Alzheimer’s patient.

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that the burden of Alzheimer’s on the patient’s family is more than just financial. Billions of hours in unpaid care as well as symptoms of depression are just a couple of the issues that Alzheimer’s brings. 14 million families are currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Finding a cure or at least an effective treatment would have a massive impact on thousands of Americans.

Health Department Plan Outline

Although the Health Department’s Plan for tackling Alzheimer’s has yet to be finalized, the Associated Press reports some of the basic elements of the plan.

- Public awareness campaign to educate and inform on early signs of Alzheimer’s

- Additional education for healthcare providers on the disease and current possible treatments

- Improved screening methods through the Medicare wellness program

- Training non-medical care givers (family members) for home based treatment of the disease

- Pay more attention to the health risks associated with caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease

The plan does explain that the need for better research and assistance for home based care givers and doctors nationwide is urgent to say the least. The top priority is meeting the 2025 goal for an effective treatment of the disease.

Is 2025 a Realistic Goal?

Many researchers and Alzheimer’s advocates believe finding an effective treatment by 2025 is very ambitious. It is only in the last few years that medical researchers have begun to understand the ins and outs of the disease. Eric Hall, president of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America stated in an article that progress in research and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease will be a “series of small victories.” The goal may be 2025 but how far along research and effective medicine are seems to depend on money, time and the results of clinical trials. The prediction is that unless an effective treatment is found the cost of treating Alzheimer’s disease will climb to a trillion dollars a year by 2050.

Drug Trials Hold Hope

Although there are some Alzheimer’s treatment drugs already available by prescription they manage but don’t actually treat symptoms of the disease. Currently two research companies are looking at new drugs that may help. Disease modifying drugs are in the last stage of testing by two companies: Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer.

Some criticize the drug research as it conducts testing on late stage Alzheimer’s patients. Others predict it will be three or more years before the new drugs become a realistic possibility. Those currently researching the disease will receive a portion of the $50 million pledged by the Obama administration for this year.

The Department of Health and Human Services stated that it will hold a summit this coming May to decide what research to conduct in order to progress the treatment and possible cure of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources:

Yahoo News— http://news.yahoo.com/obama-administration-spend-50-million-more-alzheimers-152404848.html

Reuters— http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/22/us-usa-alzheimers-plan-idUSTRE81L28A20120222

Alzheimer’s Association— http://www.alz.org/documents_custom/2011_Facts_Figures_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Decision Resources— http://decisionresources.com/Products-and-Services/Report?r=pcorcg0212

Associated Press— http://news.yahoo.com/us-drafts-plan-fight-feared-alzheimers-disease-203626852.html

Contact:            Steven Meyer                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tel:                   206-362-2366

Cell:                  425-922-1938

Email:               smeyer@fedeltacaresolutions.com

LOCAL SENIOR CARE BUSINESS OWNER NAMED TO BOARD OF ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, WESTERN AND CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER

Fedelta Care Solutions Founder and President/CEO sees position as a rewarding opportunity to serve an organization that helped his own family.

Steve Meyer, Founder and President/CEO of Fedelta Care Solutions, a Seattle-based full-service home care, senior housing and care management company, has been named to the board of directors of the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Meyer has already begun his three-year term of service.

“I am honored to serve on the board of directors for the Alzheimer’s Association, Western and Central Washington State Chapter, as it is an organization that has a personal as well as professional meaning to me,” says Meyer. “My grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s which had a profound impact on our family until he passed away in 2004.” Over the years, Meyer has led Fedelta Care Solutions to build a strong, collaborative relationship with the Association.

Today, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – 5.2 million aged 65 and over, and 200,000 under the age of 65. By 2050, up to 16 million will have the disease.  Of Americans aged 65 and over, 1 in 8 has Alzheimer’s, and nearly half of people aged 85 and older have the disease.  Another American develops Alzheimer’s disease every 68 seconds. In 2050, an American will develop the disease every 33 seconds.

“Steve is a valued partner and leader.  He brings energy, passion, and purpose to our Board of Directors.  His commitment to our cause and those we serve is exemplary.”

Bob Le Roy, President & CEO, Alzheimer’s Association Western and Central Washington State Chapter

About Fedelta Care Solutions

Fedelta Care Solutions (www.fedeltacaresolutions.com) is a local, privately-owned company dedicated to helping families navigate difficult decisions with peace of mind. Located throughout the Pacific Northwest, Fedelta is one of the largest providers of senior care services in the Puget Sound region.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Western and Central Washington State Chapter, based in Seattle, serves the 23 counties of western and central Washington. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alzwa.org or call 800.272.3900 for more information.

The purpose of a senior housing referral agency is to help you make an informed choice. It is always wise to check out more than one referral agency in order to choose which one is best for your needs.  Be sure to compare “apples to apples,” for the services they offer may be as different as their fees.

What are some of the things to look for when seeking the services of this type of agency?

• What are the agency’s credentials:  Are the advisors trained, experienced and credentialed in working with seniors? How long have they been operating? Do they have any references or client recommendations? Do they offer personalized, one-on-one service?

• Where do most of their clients come from:  Some agencies work strictly on the Internet and do not sit down one-to-one with clients.  Based on which type you prefer, knowing this well help you make a quick decision on which type of agency to use.

• Does the agency show clients only those residences that are on their own “list,” or do they include all residences so that choosing the right facility for your loved is really the best “fit?”

• How does the agency go about determining what kind of care your loved one will need:  Since there are a variety of housing choices such as assisted living homes, skilled nursing facilities, memory care facility, independent living communities and continuing care retirement communities, how do they go about choosing the one best suited for your loved one?  Not all residences or facilities provide all services and some have specific admission requirements.  What type of evaluation does the agency do to determine what is the best match? You want a residence that will match the needs and preferences of your parent.  Are they bedridden?  Do they need specific medical services?  Are they a dementia patient? Does the agency ask these questions?

• What about income requirements for your parent: Will the agency pick senior residences that you can afford, or just give you some names and telephone numbers?  They should know ahead of time what the income guidelines are for every facility they refer you to so that you are not sent on a “wild goose chase.”

• Does the agency actually do on-site reviews of the residences it recommends:  The differences between residences can be night and day and finding the perfect fit means finding the residence that matches not only the services the parent needs, but the facility environment as well.  It would be hard to know this if an on-site evaluation has not been done for the residences they feel match your parent’s needs.

• Does the agency check for license currency of both the facility and staff, for violations or sanctions or for substandard care.  Are they properly trained for the type of facility they are working in?  Finding this out before you place your parent in a residence can avoid a lot of heartache and even potential elder abuse.

• Will the agency refer you to many residences, or only a select few they deem the best choice? 

• How does the agency get paid or is the service free?  Is their payment on a commission basis for each placement or for the actual services provided to the client?

Although there may be a lot of questions to ask of the referral agency, they ask just as many questions of the facilities so that they can ensure that they are referring you to the most appropriate facility for your loved one.  Referral agencies, like Fedelta Care Solutions, with good reputations are essential for locating the type of care facility best suited to your parent.  This can be a difficult, frustrating and long involved process, but the referral agencies remove a great deal of the burdensome work involved in choosing what is best for your parent and your family.  In a cost versus benefit world, senior residence agencies can deliver a great deal for the cost provided you choose the agency best suited to your needs.

For more information, contact Fedelta Care Solutions to speak with one of our dedicated staff members.