Issuu

SENIOR LIVES

DO M AT T E R MANAGING URINARY INCONTINENCE KEEPING OUR SENIORS SAFE AT HOME SERVING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH LEGISLATIVE ACTION

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

WE BECOME FAMILY MARIJUANA USAGE IN THE SENIOR COMMUNITY THE BRAIN IS AN AMAZING THING… UNTIL IT ISN’T HOME CARE IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGEL

$19.95 SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Table of

Contents 06

Keeping Our Seniors Safe at Home

Managing Urinary Incontinence

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Marybeth Sondergaard, RN

Beth Sholom

Richele Wilkins

20 Serving Our Community Through Legislative Action Howard Stein

We Become Family

Marijuana Usage in the Senior Community

The Brain is An Amazing Thing…Until It Isn’t

Dennis Scharff

Judy Royer

June Rader

28 Home Care in the Hands of an Angel Sophia Weiss

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

WELCOME

Letter Dear Reader,

It is with great honor that I greet you. This publication has been years in the making. I promise to keep this brief, so you can get to the good parts, but I wanted to take a moment and tell you a little about the Institute For Dignity And Grace. For nearly 20 years, I have dedicated my life to serving the elderly, either directly as an owner of a home care agency, or as a consultant working with agencies to grow their business through improving the quality of care they provide. During this time, I encountered an endless number of individuals and their families going through the shock of how quickly someone becomes disabled, the challenges of making difficult and unprepared decisions, and the pains of end of life care. While I was fortunate enough to see many positive outcomes and success stories, I also witnessed far too many negative ones. Ones of neglect, loneliness, and suffering. I knew that being a consultant would only get me so far. I knew something greater had to be done. It was in 2016 when I founded the Institute For Dignity And Grace, along with my partner Nicole Peretti. We founded it with a mission of advocacy for our seniors. To help people with aging parents and grandparents prepare for the unexpected. We wanted to give a voice to those who don’t have a voice and let the world know that “Our Seniors Are Not Forgotten!” They are our elders. They are the people who paved the way on the roads we ride today. They are our teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and ultimately, our inspiration.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

“We wanted to give a voice to those who don’t have a voice...” - Steven

This magazine is only the beginning of our fulfillment of our mission, but it’s a great starting point. I ask that you consider doing the following: 1. SHARE THIS PUBLICATION: The digital version of this magazine has zero cost. You can share this via Email, Social Media, or Text. 2. SUBSCRIBE: So you can receive every issue as they come out. 3. MAKE A DONATION: If you like this magazine, please make a donation to help us in getting the word out that “Senior Lives Do Matter” Please do your best to get the word out about this publication. Let us know if you are in a position to help us get this magazine in the hands of millions. All this to help serve our seniors in an effort so they can age in place with dignity and grace. I hope you enjoy the magazine. God bless you and thank you for your time. Sincerely,

Steven Weiss President The Institute for Dignity and Grace

Editor’s

NOTE I

am absolutely thrilled to be providing all of you with “Senior Lives Do Matter”, a magazine that will be beneficial in providing resources just for you! Our hope is that this magazine will reach the people who truly need it, our seniors and their families or loved ones. Our mission is advocating for our senior population and providing resources and education to help our senior community stay in their homes safely and age in place with dignity and grace. My background as a Director of Nursing for sixteen years in an Assisted Living environment definitely provided me with the background I needed to care and nurture the senior population. This was where I fell in love with the seniors I cared for. I was able to attain a total understanding of what is truly important as we age in place. I learned that the seniors that cared and nurtured all of us will need to be advocated for with empathy and respect. I learned that I had that passion to help in every way possible. I was asked to become the advocacy director for our non-profit “The Institute for Dignity and Grace”, and being able to fulfill a heartfelt purpose in life has been exhilarating. My passion intensified the more work I completed on our website creating a strong educational base for seniors and their families. I began to develop more resources that can be used on a daily basis, in simple terms to help by educating seniors. The concept of staying at home with the things that are dear to your heart is the actual quality of life that we all strive for as we age. It is honestly one of the best vision’s we all share for Dignity and Grace. A magazine that

“I learned that the seniors that cared and nurtured all of us will need to be advocated for with empathy and respect. ” - Marybeth

could potentially be distributed across the country with a special audience of the senior population. Authors in the magazine are for the most part owners of homecare agencies and have selected topics for their articles that could be helpful and useful to others in situations that arise when aging in place. I do invite all of you to view our website www. dignityandgrace.info for advice, education and resources that could be helpful with issues that significantly affect the senior population. Of course donations to this meaningful organization would be welcome with open arms. With your help we can continue our efforts to build resources, and our visions for the future can be attainable. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope you enjoy our magazine.

Marybeth Sondergaard, RN Advocacy Director The Institute for Dignity and Grace

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

KEEPING

Our Seniors SAFE AT HOME Marybeth Sondergaard, RN

am sure the issue of safety of seniors at home is always a concern. Modern-day social media allows an open platform to discuss mental health issues in this country. People are more aware of the tragic events that take place frequently. Caregivers need to be diligent in dealing with the mental health issues of their loved ones as much as the physical health issues they experience. I can assure you that this will take some effort from you regularly. Be sure to frequently talk to your seniors about life. It will take a consistent conversation to pick up any changes with them. Sometimes, untreated depression can lead to very tragic results. If the conversations you are

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

having with them regularly sound hopeless or dark, you must intervene and get them to see their doctor immediately. Depression in the elderly has many signs and symptoms. Seclusion, no appetite, not wanting to perform the tasks they usually do during the day, and decreased personal hygiene. Mental illness in seniors wears many disguises. Sometimes, it may be bipolar disease, which affects the seniors by making them very happy and spending a lot of money and purchasing items they don’t need, then pivoting into a very bad depression. To compare senior care with what we all

www.dignityandgrace.info/

did when raising our children is to watch, look, and listen for the signs of something wrong with them. Things that are said that are out of character, crying, anger, or irritability. Now, let’s talk about the awful disease of Alzheimer’s/ dementia. You must always be aware of the signs of this disease and follow up with the doctor regularly for diagnosis and progression. The main problem is that memory decreases terribly in the short term, making safety a huge concern when alone at home. So now the main issue of this article is to keep the seniors that you love safe in their homes, and we must address gun safety. Uncle Joe may have been military

“Sometimes, untreated depression can lead to very tragic results.” - Marybeth

and have several weapons in the house. If Uncle Joe’s cognition remains unchanged, he will understand gun safety. He will not have his weapon loaded and will keep it safely locked away from others getting hold of it. The first scenario I want to talk about is this senior who may have Alzheimer’s/dementia and will reach a stage where they are afraid and paranoid of people who come around them. Not being able to remember the present day, he may have a memory from the past in his military days and meet his caregiver or even a friend or family member with his loaded gun. If he feels really threatened, he may use the gun. During this disease progression, he will also be very protective of his weapon, and it may be hard to remove it totally. A perfect solution to this may be to find a minute to

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

disarm the weapon so if he picks it up anytime, it will no longer be a potential risk to himself or others. It is extremely important for families to recognize the signs and take action before a tragedy occurs. Work together as a family to be creative with removing hazardous weapons when the time arrives, and don’t wait for something bad to happen. The other scenario is having severe depression and suicidal ideation. Having any harmful weapons in a home could be tragic because they will have a way to carry out their plan. When I worked with seniors in an Assisted Living environment, I was always very cautious when admitting someone with any mental illness. It is not just the guns that are a potential risk; it may be the scissors or knives they may have in the kitchen. My safe practice was to remove any of these items for potential risk out of eye sight of the seniors. With mental illness, the mind is very hard to predict.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Now that we all have a very good understanding of mental illness, please take the necessary precautions to prevent a serious tragedy for your loved one or a caregiver. Bio Marybeth Sondergaard is a registered nurse with 31 years of experience in the state of New Jersey. She has worked in various healthcare settings, including cardiology and community health nursing. She has also served as a Director of Nursing in an Assisted Living facility, where she developed a passion for caring for the senior population. Marybeth has received several accolades for her work, including being named the NCAL Nurse of the Year. Currently, she holds the position of Advocacy Director for the Institute for Dignity and Grace, where she focuses on educating and assisting senior citizens and their families. Her goal is to provide resources and support to help seniors stay at home while maintaining their dignity and grace.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

MANAGING

Urinary Incontinence Beth Sholom

e all know that the elderly are often at risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) both because of incontinence issues and not using the best products to deal with incontinence. A UTI in a senior can bring additional health problems and side effects such as mental changes and confusion, kidney damage, fatigue, fever and chills, and even sepsis. My team and I see this in our clients all the time. We know that seniors and their families and their caregivers struggle with how to manage a UTI, how to prevent a recurrence in these infections, and what they can do on a day-to-day basis to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Of course, one of the best ways to manage both incontinence and a UTI is by having top-of-the-line and healthier incontinence products, and that’s why my partners and I started Adoro Healthcare Supplies so that we can help anyone who needs incontinence products. The Seni incontinence products that Adoro offers are plastic-free and can help whisk urine away from the skin, an important aspect in preventing a UTI. They are also very helpful in mitigating and preventing pressure sores and in helping preserve the fragile skin integrity of the user.

https://adorohealth.com/

“Using Adoro products would mean that you or your family member would never run out of products again...” - Beth

Here are some of the documented benefits to a person using Seni incontinence products:

●● Less sweating thanks to 100% breathable outer layer

●● Less risk of skin irritation and associated dermatitis

●● Lower risk of leaks

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

●● Fewer changes of underpads and bedding

●● Fewer medical appointments mean time and money saved

●● Prevention of bedsores

●● Comfort, dignity, and safety

In addition, Adoro offers many other products that can be delivered to anyone, anywhere:

●● Durable medical equipment

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

●● Personal protective equipment (PPE)

●● And many more (including a pack of gum if that’s what the person wants!) Using Adoro products would mean that you or your family member would never run out of products again and need someone to make a quick trip to a local store or order online to purchase products that may not be top quality as those offered by Adoro. Additionally, Adoro as an option would be particularly beneficial for seniors who either have no family members or their family members do not live nearby. Working with Adoro will make it much easier for your family members to have all their incontinence and other personal care products delivered on a one-time basis or on a regular schedule.

●● Personal bath and body products (like mouthwash, toothpaste, body creams, barrier creams, hydration packs, vitamins, immunity packs, CBD gummies, etc.)

Please get in touch with us at 848-289-2300 or at beth@ adorohealth.com to learn more about how Adoro Healthcare Supplies can help keep you and your family members safe, healthy, and comfortable. Adoro can deliver products to anyone anywhere in the entire country. The mission of Adoro Healthcare Supplies is to take care of those you adore by providing the senior community with the best possible products at the best possible price. We would love to help you with that!

●● Household cleaning essentials (such as laundry detergent, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, etc.)

Bio Beth Sholom is deeply passionate about caring for seniors. With over 30 years of experience, she has a strong commitment to the elderly community. Beth’s dedication led her to establish Adoro Healthcare Supplies, a company that aims to “take care of those we adoro” by offering high-quality products and expert guidance with every purchase. In addition to owning multiple senior-oriented businesses, Beth also runs her own Alzheimer’s 501(c)(3) charity. Her true entrepreneurial spirit is matched by her desire to give back to her community.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Prevention

IS BETTER THAN CURE

Richele Wilkins

he simple purpose of this article is to reach, teach, and inspire whoever comes to read it to think of prevention now. When it comes to healthcare, most people act re-actively instead of proactively. They won’t go to the doctor until they’re sick and won’t take care of their body until problems arise. People don’t want to spend money on healthcare until they feel it’s completely necessary. But the problem with that is you’ll be spending a whole lot more on fixing a problem than preventing it in the first place. That’s why people need to understand the importance of preventive health care. Keep reading to

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

learn more about the benefits of preventive care and how you can start practicing it now. Preventive care is the term used for any medical service that does not treat a medical illness or injury. This includes processes like vaccines, blood work, and annual checkups. They exist for the purpose of detecting or preventing diseases and serious medical problems. I take this topic of preventive health to be of the utmost importance because it touches our lives both directly and indirectly every day. I am a nurse of almost 30 years, and 25 years have been dedicated

www.caringhandshhc.com/

to caring for the elderly and disabled. Words I hear very frequently are “poor quality of life,” and “I wish I would have known sooner,” and “I never thought I’d end up like this.” It’s especially important for seniors to practice health care...not sick care. That means visiting your doctor even when you’re feeling good. Even as a nurse, I found myself caring for my father after finding out that he had chronic illnesses that had gone on for far too long without diagnosis and treatment. If we don’t heed the call for ourselves and spread the word to others, it’s not a matter of if…but when our negligence will catch up to our health.

“The theme of preventive care is catching something early.” - Richele

values, beliefs, and preferences. The explosion of medical knowledge and treatment alternatives makes it important to have a generalist to interpret and advise on the best course of action. Make sure you’re scheduling annual physicals and necessary screening tests. These age-appropriate tests will give you a good sense of your health every step of the way.

I’ve seen first-hand how delaying and/or denying preventive health tends to snowball into a costly decrease in one’s quality of life. Here’s James Fraser’s story. “My life changed forever on June 1, 2021— the day I endured an ischemic stroke in my left carotid It is a fact preventive care is the most important artery. Let’s rewind time 2 years—I was a 45-yearstep you can take to manage your health. Many top old living in Wrightsville by the beach. I was a very risk factors leading to illness and premature death active and healthy man with a rewarding career as an are preventable. I promise not to fill this article with Engineer. I was social and outgoing with my closeboring statistics, but these stats paint a picture that knit group of family and friends. My life was complete cannot be denied. In 2014, 60% of adult Americans bliss. But that day, my optimistic spirit quickly had at least one chronic disease or condition, and 42% vanished into complete darkness, depression, and had multiple diseases. (1) Chronic diseases, including hopelessness. The stroke left me with this disability… heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, aphasia, a communication disorder that made it Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and extremely challenging for me to speak. I have to chronic kidney disease, are the leading causes of poor admit I had been having some headaches and heart health, long-term disability, and death in the United palpitations in the months prior but I didn’t take it States. Chronic diseases can profoundly reduce the seriously and I wasn’t one to go to the doctor. Now, quality of life for patients and their families, affecting unemployed, on disability, and with my family having enjoyment of life, family relationships, and finances. to assist me daily, I wish I had taken my health way We all want to live a healthy and long life. The benefits more seriously way sooner.” of preventive health care start with extending your life. The more proactive you are, the better prepared Take measures into your own hands today. A simple you’ll be. physical can help you understand your body. The longer you put off your feelings regarding your body, One of the first and most important steps in the more likely you could find yourself with a story like preventive care is to find a primary care physician or James. PCP. Your PCP is your personal healthcare expert. They can address the entire person, considering your Preventive health care can save you money. It does

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

so in two ways. It will lower the long-term cost of disease management by catching them early. If you wait to fix a health issue, medical bills skyrocket. The second way preventative health care saves you money is through full coverage, thanks to insurance. Most insurance will cover your preventive services, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Take advantage of no deductibles, copay, coinsurance, or other out-ofpocket expenses. The theme of preventive care is catching something early. Say you do have an underlying health issue. Controlling the risk factors of different causes of death can’t happen without preventative care. This could be avoiding tobacco, maintaining weight, and

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

proper exercise routines. All these things can be developed and built upon after a preventive care visit. There are strategies to help you control a problem that leads to health risks. Millions of Americans suffer from addiction and other health-related issues. Control yours early in the process. Serious trips to the hospital can be avoided by responsibly managing your life. Know your baselines. In other words, go find out where you are right now. No matter how old you are or your current known or unknown health conditions, it’s never too late to start down the road of prevention. Why am I so passionate about preventive care? My father was a God-fearing, football-loving, self-

made man. He was large in stature and greatly loved and respected in his community. He was a general contractor who was very active and always appeared healthy, never complaining of much. Until that day in September of 2018 when he called me and said, “Daughter, I can’t pee.” The test showed that my father’s prostate was so large that it had totally occluded his urethra, making urination impossible. Three short months later, on December 29th, after endless nights in the hospital, painful bladder issues, and catheterizations, my father passed away. My daddy was a country boy who didn’t trust doctors. During my father’s 69 years on this earth, he had maybe a handful of doctor’s visits and no preemptive prostate exam. Unfortunately, I am left with the

thoughts of if only we had known sooner, and it didn’t have to end like this. I pray that this article will reach, teach, and inspire you to think about prevention because prevention is certainly better than cure. Take control of your health today. Sources: 1. Buttorff C, Ruder T, Bauman M. Multiple chronic conditions in the United States. Santa Monica (CA): Rand Corp; 2017. https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/ TL221.html. Accessed October 18, 2018. 2. https://www.thebalancemoney.com/preventive-carehow-it-lowers-aca-costs-3306074 Richele Wilkins is a registered nurse and the owner of Caring Hands Home Health, Inc. located in Greensboro, NC. With over 26 years of experience working with the elderly and disabled and business ownership, she is a powerful force in the healthcare community. Richele uses her love to educate, positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to strive for a happy, healthy lifestyle. She is inspired daily by her family and staff and is driven by her passion to keep her clients safe and independent in the comfort of their own home. https://www.caringhandshhc.com/

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Serving OUR COMMUNITY

Through

LEGISLATIVE

Action

Howard Stein

s the owner of Home Helpers Home Care of Monmouth County, the community as a whole is who we serve. This includes taking action to support seniors and caregivers by advocating for legislation that addresses the growing demand for home care services. On March 29th, organized by the Home Care Association of America (HCAOA), I went to Washington, D.C., with other agency owners to meet with lawmakers and deliver a critical message about the importance of home care services for seniors and caregivers. Through this effort, Home Helpers Home Care of Monmouth County is part of a team of agencies making a strong case for legislation that can improve access to resources and increase access to funding for home care services.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Home care services are essential for seniors and caregivers, and it is crucial that lawmakers provide support and resources to address the growing demand. With the aging population on the rise and an increasing number of seniors requiring care, the need for home care services is more pressing than ever. Seniors and caregivers face a range of challenges when it comes to accessing home care services. Financial and emotional burdens are common, and the lack of resources and support can be overwhelming. This is where legislation supporting home care services comes in - it can improve access to resources, increase funding for home care services, and reduce the burden on caregivers.

www.homehelpershomecare.com/

Home Helpers Home Care with the HCAOA is making a call to action for lawmakers to support specific legislation that addresses the growing demand for home care services. Together, we are advocating for the following legislation: Build the Workforce: HCBS Access Act, S.762/H.R.547, sponsored by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), would: ●● Increase Medicaid funding for home and community-based services ●● Classify private duty nursing (PDN) as an HCBS benefit and make these services eligible for additional funding ●● Provide grant funding for states to expand services for those who prefer HCBS ●● Improve the stability, availability, and quality of direct care providers to address the workforce shortage ●● Provide states with more resources so that caregivers have stable, high-quality jobs ●● Provide training and support for family caregivers ●● Create better evaluation measures to assess the quality of HCBS being provided ●● Better Care Better Jobs Act, S.100, sponsored by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), would: ●● Enhance funding for HCBS by making states eligible for a permanent 10% increase in federal Medicaid match ●● Strengthen and expand access to HCBS by broadening financial eligibility criteria for HCBS to federal limits and requiring coverage for personal care services ●● Expand support for family caregivers Finance Care for American Families: Credit for Caring Act, to be reintroduced shortly, would: ●● Allow an eligible caregiver a tax credit of up to $5,000 for 30% of the cost of long-term care expenses that exceed $2,000 in a taxable year

●● Homecare for Seniors Act, to be reintroduced shortly, would: ●● Allow tax-exempt distributions from health savings accounts Full Access for Veterans Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (S.141, H.R.542) to expand, accelerate, and supplement the department’s ability to meet the rapidly growing needs of veterans, their families, and caregivers. ●● Currently, the VA can only spend up to 65% of the cost of institutional care for the home care services needed by these veterans ●● For many catastrophically disabled veterans, the cost of their care can quickly exceed the 65% limit, although still costing the VA less than other care settings By supporting this legislation, lawmakers can improve access to resources, increase funding for home care services, and improve opportunities for caregivers. Home care services are crucial for our aging population, and it is essential that lawmakers provide the necessary resources and legislation to address the growing demand. Home Helpers Home Care will continue to advocate for specific legislation that can make a difference in the lives of seniors and caregivers. Together, we can improve the lives of those who need home care services in Monmouth County, NJ, and beyond. Bio Howard Stein is the President and Owner of Home Helpers Home Care in Freehold, NJ. Before opening Home Helpers, Howard was a healthcare executive at Aetna, managing their care management and communication platforms. Howard advocates for seniors and veterans and focuses his time on ensuring his clients receive the best possible care. Howard and his Home Helpers team have received several awards, including a franchise brand champion award, Caring.com Caring Star, and Best of Home Care Provider and Home Care Employer awards from Home Care Pulse.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Become Family

Dennis Scharff

o my journey begins...About 22 years ago, my daughter and I worked in insurance, which she didn’t like. On a visit to her grandparents in another state, she was completely overwhelmed by what she had discovered. Grandma and Grandpa were in their eighties and required assistance to be safe at home performing their activities of daily living. The problem was that the caregivers were not showing up, and reaching someone to replace a caregiver was another obstacle that had to be dealt with very frequently. I can still remember when my daughter

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

returned home and told me what she had discovered during her short visit with them. She said to me, “What can we do about this?” We continued with a lengthy conversation about how to change this situation, and my daughter stood up and said, “I think we could run a better agency. Let’s look into it.” We began our research on what exactly we had to complete to accomplish starting our own homecare agency. We completed the necessary education and research, received our homecare license, and started

www.theresnoplacelikehomeseniorcare.com/

our agency called Scharff and Daughters No Place Like Home Senior Care. Walking In the Shoes of Others There is definitely truth to this saying. You never quite understand what another is going through unless you have experienced the same thing. It will make you more passionate about your venture. You will be able to troubleshoot some of the issues that were disturbing to you as a family that hired an agency to care for your loved one. Developing Relationships When we open a case for a family, we always do our best to find out exactly what needs to be done but, more importantly, find out what is important to the client we will be helping. When relationships are established, the family will begin to trust us. Keeping the communication open and taking care of the issues they may have in an expedient manner lets them know that we do really care. We also place our companions matched with the appropriate skill level that may be needed in the home, by matching our companions with similar personalities, language spoken, and, at times, even a shared culture really helps when building relationships. Our agency makes sure that when a client or family member has an issue to report that they can reach someone by phone. Someone from the agency is available by telephone 24/day and seven days a week. Points of Reference Our criteria is and always will be to treat our clients with respect. We hire people who share our passion for helping people. The companions need to be trustworthy and dependable, which is very important. They must also show respect to others, patience, and compassion. In the past, many family members lived together, and the times permitted someone to stay home and care

for their aging parents. At that time, agency caregivers were not needed. Now, our society has both parents out in the workforce and the growing population of seniors who are still in their own homes and just need supervision. In all these situations, families need to have someone in their homes that can be trusted to take care of their loved ones. Our companions work on relationship-building daily. What could be better than having mom look forward to her caregiver’s daily visits? Relationships Form Most of you know that spending time with a companion outside your family daily forms very strong bonds. The clients will look forward to the visits and no longer experience anxiety when the family needs to be at work. Their questions can be answered, performing difficult tasks will be completed just having that person listen to you or sit with you when you watch your favorite show on the television. Being able to stay in your own home with a companion will improve the quality of life and become a positive experience for your clients. In Conclusion At present, I have all three of my daughters working with me every day at our agency. The clients we care for become our family, and the support and care we provide make us feel accomplished when we all reflect on the reasons we got into homecare to begin with. Bio Dennis was born and raised in Colonia, NJ, 5th of 6 children. He is a loving husband to his wife of 42 years, dad of 4, and grandpa of 7. He enjoys working with his daughters and is a great, caring boss involved in the family business 24/7. He loves spending his weekends being with his family, going out to eat, or playing golf.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Marijuana Usage IN THE SENIOR COMMUNITY

Judy Royer

ou’ve heard about it but are reluctant to look into it because, for years, marijuana was illegal. Many of us were raised with the word marijuana connected to bad behavior, negative images, and arrests. As erasing those connotations is difficult, we generally refer to its alternative name, cannabis. Unfortunately, its usage still raises eyebrows among some people even though both medical and recreational cannabis are now legal in many states. Because of the reduced stigma associated with it, there is increased interest in medical marijuana and a significant increase in its usage across all walks of life regardless of race, gender, socioeconomics, marital status, age, and education.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

It is certainly recognized that marijuana use has a positive impact on the quality of life, and its therapeutic use in the elderly is considered safe and effective. It is especially helpful in dealing with long-term health issues, including anxiety, depression, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disturbances, migraines, and post-traumatic stress. It can help reduce dependence on pharmaceutical drugs such as opioids in treating chronic pain. There have been incidences of reduced seizure activity in epilepsy patients and increased comfort in terminal cancer patients. Therefore, older adults are more vulnerable to potential adverse effects of any medication and should fully

“How you choose to employ cannabis is more likely than not an experiment to determine your personal choice” - Judy understand the benefits and risks of all medicines, including cannabis. It’s important to know that there can be adverse interactions when multiple medications are being used. This is especially important to evaluate when there are cardiac issues or cognitive impairment. Your physician or pharmacist can determine that possibility. How you choose to employ cannabis is more likely than not an experiment to determine your personal choice. Cannabis can be purchased in many forms: it can be smoked like cigarettes or through a vape pen with inserted cartridges, tinctures can be added to your food or placed under your tongue, there are pleasantly scented salves for topical use, and the concentrate is available in capsules. It figures (of course!) that the most enjoyable are the edibles. There are many yummy varieties of candies and baked goods available. If you love sweets, it could be difficult to limit their intake!! Cannabis is a flowering plant of several types that produces different strains of product. The two most common are Indica and Sativa. Each strain has its own characteristics, and the effects on people are different. Indica is soothing and known to produce feelings of calm, relaxation, and sedation. It is effective in treating anxiety, pain, and sleep issues. It improves sleep quality by decreasing the REM cycle with the distractions involved therein and increasing the length of a deep, rejuvenating sleep. Possible negatives in Indica usage are increased hunger and psychoactive effects. Sativa is the strain thought to be more energizing as it tends to stimulate the mind. It creates periods of increased creativity and concentration, enabling the individual to focus on the tasks at hand. It tends to elevate moods and is, therefore, helpful with depression and anxiety. There have been reports that it is helpful in

aiding concentration in those struggling with ADHD. Hybrid cannabis is a combination of both Sativa and Indica, which provides a balance of the effects of both strains. Some potential side effects of cannabis use are dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, increased heart rate, slowed reaction time, coordination issues, paranoia, insomnia, anxiety, drowsiness, and increased appetite. Symptoms, of course, depend upon the strain consumed and a person’s individual responses. It is strongly suggested to first-time users that you start with a very small dosage, evaluate your reactions, and increase the dosage as needed with no negative response. It’s important to know that individual states have legislation that regulates cannabis use. Check your state’s laws and be aware of other state laws when traveling. The decision to employ cannabis is personal and should include an in-depth discussion with your primary physician. Your doctor will give you the documentation necessary to obtain a medical marijuana certification card, enabling you to purchase the product in your local cannabis dispensary. Bio Judy Royer is a highly qualified senior citizen with an impressive background. She has completed her nursing education and worked as a ship’s nurse in the U.S. Coast Guard. She later became a teacher of Psychiatry and taught the Lamaze method of childbirth. In 1982, she started and owned a successful home care agency, which she sold in 2007. Judy is also involved in various organizations and enjoys playing bridge at a competitive level.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

The Brain is An Amazing Thing … UNTIL IT ISN’T.

June Rader

years ago, at the ripe old age of 14, I started caring for my grandmother. She would put her mail in the freezer, her keys in the laundry basket, and eat “candy” from a tissue box. I had never heard the word dementia! I continued to care for my family and their ailments for many years. Being a caregiver is just what I was supposed to do! Years later, my most memorable dementia moment was while caring for a sweet lady in the late stages of this horrible disease. She would laugh and smile 24 hours a day. Never speak, just giggle! I would often remind her to swallow the food in her mouth. One day,

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

I saw a flashing twinkle break through her dark wall of dementia. She was tapping her foot with rhythm and smiling. Not knowing what kind of music she may have been remembering, I chose Christmas Carols and started singing to her. She instantly sang along with me. She knew every word of every song and pulled me toward her to dance. She had the voice of an angel. Her husband ran into the room and yelled, “June, she doesn’t talk!” My face wet with tears, I said, “She Sings!” I can’t get enough information on dementia and its 100+ Alzheimer’s titles. As one part of the brain fades away, others aren’t far behind. Maybe. Maybe not. We never know when or which part will fade next.

“Dementia is creating a strange new world where everything is changing...” - June I have met the most fascinating man leading the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Center in Modesto, CA. Carlos Silva, Educator, Facilitator, IT Admin, BOD. His endless energy to teach awareness is riveting and contagious. He reaches out to family caregivers, dementia patients, and anyone looking for guidance. He has explained that drugs for dementia don’t really help much unless possibly in the beginning stages of the diagnosis. Most drugs work on the brain, telling the brain that the problem is solved, the pain is gone, or you’re getting sleepy. What happens if the part of the brain in charge of that prescription medication response has faded away? Total opposite reactions to that drug may occur. If anything! What if another part of the brain tried to compensate for the prescription? More confusion? Depression? Aggression? He has also demonstrated that if you look at a water bottle, you see one bottle. Your brain, however, controls all of your senses and knows that bottle in many ways. Different parts of your brain control vision, taste, touch, etc. Maybe the part of your brain that controls your memory can’t recognize the bottle, but another part may know the taste. A dementia person may be unable to come up with the word “bottle.” It frustrates me just to wonder how confusing and frightening it must be to know it’s a bottle but unable to communicate. Dementia is creating a strange new world where everything is changing, and we can’t comprehend the frustration and fear it must cause. Our most powerful organ is the three-pound brain. The adult brain has 100 billion nerve cells. Little branches that connect these nerve cells number more than 100 trillion. As nerve cells are destroyed, the brain is shrinking. The first photo below shows an image of an adult’s normal brain. Alzheimer’s disease may begin 20 years or more before diagnosis. The second photo shows the brain of the same-age adult with Alzheimer’s. Loss of function generally lasts from 2 to 10 years. Severe Alzheimer’s

may last from 1 to 5 years, and there will be no improvement. The last photo is the brain of an immature infant just starting to thrive. This picture is worth a thousand words, and best describes dementia. Adults fear Alzheimer’s diagnosis more than cancer, stroke, and heart disease combined. The human brain is one of the most complex organs in our universe. All the research in the world still leaves caregivers with the same problem. We need to know how to help. We need to educate ourselves and adjust our expectations. We need to focus on our client’s remaining strengths. A caregiver trying to encourage past hobbies may cause more frustration because that part of the brain may be gone. I have found that family and medical professionals appreciate a journal as the client’s bright light fades into darkness. From the early signs of mild memory loss, finding the right words and remembering names, to the later signs of incontinence, suspicions, delusions, and hallucinations, and then to the inability to speak, eat, and even walk. I was amazed to learn that 50% of family dementia caregivers die before their loved ones suffering with the disease. 60 years ago. I couldn’t understand how people could die from dementia. They were just memory-challenged, weren’t they? But now I know that at some point, enough of the brain dies, and can’t tell the heart to continue beating. THE BRAIN IS AN AMAZING THING … until it isn’t. Bio June Rader grew up on her family’s turkey farm in Iowa. She started caregiving as a young teen and has been helping people ever since. Now a Care Coordinator with Home Helpers of Manteca, California, she enjoys interviewing clients and coordinating their needs with the proper caregiver. She goes home tired every night, but she says it’s satisfying and rewarding tired!

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

HOME CARE IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGEL

Sophia Weiss

i, my name is Sophia. I’m Steve’s mom, you know, from “Home Care Evolution” fame! I would like to share a little story about a very special lady in my life. Firstly, a little of my background, so you can understand just how this special lady got to be part of my life. I owned a small school in Sayreville, NJ, where I was everyone! I was the owner and principal, a teacher, a tutor, you name it, and that was my job. I loved it, and I was living my “best life.” I did this for several years, but slowly the stress involved in running the school and keeping ahead of the declining economy began to take a toll, and unfortunately, in 2015, I suffered my first stroke.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Suffering a stroke was devastating! I lost everything: my home, school, and income source. It would be a year before I could partially recover, and that time was spent in a nursing home. I thought my life was over. I thank God for my family, who saw I got only the “best” care. When I finally got to go home and live on my own again, I was fortunate enough to be placed with a wonderful caregiver. She was a lovely young lady but was not with me very long. In 2017, I suffered another stroke. This one was not as terrible, but nonetheless, a setback. During this time, there were many caregivers who went in and out, and sad to say, some not so good. But in 2019, I met Andrea, and my whole life changed. This sweet lady came to me from a local agency in my

“God could not have sent me a brighter angel.” - Sophia area, they highly recommended her, and they were sure we would be a good fit. Andrea Benedict was originally from Philadelphia, where she worked as a clerk typist for 18 years for the city of “Brotherly Love.” Andrea was a no-nonsense gal with plenty of common sense and an intelligent demeanor that won me right over! She was fun and comical, yet cool and serious all at the same time. She knew her craft and was amazing at it. You see, even though she worked for law enforcement, Andrea was a natural caregiver long before. She raised her niece and nephew from a young age, helping her sister. Then later, to take on her mother’s declining health until the end of her life, all while single-handedly raising the children and working full time. She committed to all of them tirelessly. After the children were grown and on their own, she met the love of her life, Mr. Donald Benedict. She and Don moved to Toms River (his home) and began life together. Andrea, although happy, still missed working, and after much thought, took a few courses to become a CNA; she was a natural at it. Why? She believes this line of work must come from the heart and the soul. You must always be learning from your patients and their families. “Treat people like you want to be treated”; “be a comfort to them, as well as a companion “; “be caring and protective, but not enabling “; “encourage growth and progression, without being impatient “; and “always set the example”!

This lady is truly an undiscovered gem. From her lessons, I grow stronger every day. I have learned always to do my best but know my limitations. To be happy and confident with this new chapter of my life, living to the best of my abilities. Andrea is a confidant, nurse, friend, sister through Christ in faith, and daughter, all at once. I love this lady and know she’s heaven-sent, even though she always tells me she is just doing what she hopes someone may do for her someday. My family and I are beyond grateful for Andrea’s care and incredible generosity. There isn’t enough money that I could ever hope to pay her for all the good she has done for me. God could not have sent me a brighter angel. I love cooking for her and sharing stories about our lives. She is so amazing and wise. While I know she is fond of her job, I know the day will come when she must leave, as she wants to travel, spend time with family and the grandnieces and nephews, and of course, “Mr. Don.” If I’m still around at that time, I will be sad, but even though I will miss her terribly, it is for the greater good, hers and mine. For now, I will love this special lady with a heart and soul of gold. Thank you, Andrea, my special caregiver and my friend. Bio - Sophia Weiss Is a Child of God. She is a mother of 3 and grandmother of 6. She is the matriarch of her family and has spent her life taking care of others. Now in her greatest time of need, an “Angel” named Andrea came to answer the call to service.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Meet the

Board of Directors Steve Weiss President Steve “The Hurricane” Weiss is a dynamic and entertaining public speaker, known for his expert knowledge in all things Senior Care. Steve’s passion is to lead business owners on the path to find people in need of their services and help them provide the best quality care, allowing patients to remain safely in their homes. In 2016, he co-founded and is currently the President of the Institute for Dignity and Grace with Nicole Peretti. Steve continues his mission of advocacy for the senior population by providing education and resources. His passion is always helping the senior population stay in their homes safely and age in place with dignity and grace.

Krista Gaul Vice-President Krista Gaul is the passionate founder and owner of Macklyn Home Care, a leading home care agency dedicated to providing compassionate personalized care to seniors and individuals in need. With a heart full of empathy and a vision for improving the lives of those who require assistance, Krista embarked on a journey to make a difference in the world of home care. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Krista possesses a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs of clients and their families. Her commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to ensuring the highest standards of care have set Macklyn Home Care apart as a trusted and respected resource in the community. Outside of her professional pursuits, Krista is a firm believer in giving back to the community and is actively involved in various charitable endeavors. She finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves is driven by a genuine desire to enhance the quality of life of those around her. Krista is one of the founding members of the non-profit organization, Dignity and Grace, and currently serves on the board as the Vice President.

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

Nicole Peretti Treasurer/Secretary Nicole Peretti is the Executive Director of at Home Care Evolution, and co-founder of the nonprofit The Institute for Dignity and Grace. She graduated from Rowan University with a degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Marketing. She oversees all day-today operations of both businesses, ensuring they are run properly. Nicole is also a business coach, and has worked one-on-one with many clients, who are typically home care business owners, all over the country. She works closely with them to ensure they are using best practices and operating their companies with integrity and a focus on proper patient care. Nicole lives in New Jersey with her two cats and enjoys drinking her morning coffee outside in her beautiful back yard. She loves reading, watching crime dramas on TV, spending time with family, and taking naps on weekends. She is a member of the Elks, where she focuses her energy on doing charitable work for veterans and seniors in the community. She has personal experience with home care, home health, and hospice services for her own family, and loves to take her mother on weekend "girls trips." She truly cares about helping others, and that shows in all she does.

DEDICATION PAGE When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. This page symbolizes our loved ones who are gone from sight but never gone from our hearts.

Samuel & Louise Floyd

David & Mary

Crabiel

Romano Peretti

Marybeth Sondergaard

Nicole Peretti

Anthony

& Violet

Nicola & Helen Peretti

Donald & Phyllis Weiss

Hector & Madie Smith

Nicole Peretti

Steve & Scott Weiss

Audrey Price

David M. Lettice

Douglas C. Reilly

Helen R. Tucker

Steve & Scott Weiss

Jill Lettice

Cavanna

Joseph & Adeline DeStephen

Janice & Harry Prosceno

Cynthia ProscenoMitchell

Dee DeStephen

Krista Gaul

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER

“Why We Care – Choosing the Right Home Care Agency”

his book, which already reached bestseller status on Amazon, is designed to help the millions of individuals and their families who must navigate the challenges of caring for aging parents and outline their options.

“Why We Care” provides essential insight into choosing a home healthcare agency from those in the industry, along with stories from real people who found solutions to help their parents age in place with the dignity and grace they deserve. “This book was written so that we could tell the story about home healthcare for people who need it and the families who have to make that decision,” said Steve “The Hurricane”™ Weiss, co-author of the book, co-founder of the Institute of Dignity and Grace, and CEO of Hurricane Marketing Enterprises. The book was co-written with home care agency owners and professionals, Haytham Najjar; Lynn Marie Houghton; Sandra Dougherty; Vikki Kalitsi; Judy Loubier, PT, CSA CDP; Nicole Peretti; Krista Gaul; and Kunu Kaushal, CSA. Published by the Institute for Dignity and Grace, “Why We Care – Choosing the Right Home Care Agency” is available on Amazon ($17.99 and Kindle version for $4.99). Everyone will eventually need some type of home healthcare services and choosing what form that care will take can be overwhelming. “Why We Care – Choosing the Right Home Care Agency,” provides readers with essential information in a positive way on aging parents, aging at home, and aging with dignity and grace. Proceeds of the book go towards The Institute for Dignity and Grace.

Buy your copy from Amazon here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075SJ99P3/ To buy wholesale as gifts to your clients and industry partners, call us at 732-414-6155

SENIOR LIVES DO MATTER