SYNERGYHomeCare.com Fall/Winter 2016
THE GIFT OF HOLIDAY CHEER T
he holiday season is when our caregivers can put on their elf hats to help with everything on your holiday to-do list. We can assist with shopping, gift wrapping, cooking and even decorating. Our Elder Elves are heading out for the holidays to assist local seniors who need a little extra help to boost their holiday spirit and deck the halls. In many cases, seniors don’t have family members who live close enough to help them with holiday preparations. The SYNERGY HomeCare Elder Elves can help seniors with everything on their list, and they are a lot closer to home than the North Pole! An Elder Elf would make a great gift for your parent or grandparent. Our Elder Elves are efficient, practical and can make the holidays more exciting for your loved ones.
CALL US TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIRING AN ELDER ELF. THERE IS NO OBLIGATION; CALL (877) 432-2692.
SENIOR SELFIES RAISE MONEY AND SPIRITS A s a national team partner for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, SYNERGY HomeCare created a promotion to celebrate the smiles of senior citizens and to raise money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. We were thrilled by the pictures flooding our Facebook page from all over the United States. Thank you to all who participated in our program.
Our Senior Selfie campaign received 355 selfies. SYNERGY HomeCare will donate $1,775.00 to the Alzheimer’s Association. If Alzheimer’s has touched your life and you would like to make a donation, please post your donation to our national team page at www.alz.org/synergyhomecare
BELOW ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE SENIOR SELFIES
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VETERAN SALUTE - MR. WOODLEY - CONROE TX A t 97, former Army Sgt. Clinton Ayer Woodley, is one of the oldest surviving members of the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.
Mr. Woodley enlisted in the army in 1940 and was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas where he patrolled the Texas-Mexico border on horseback. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he was sent to the Pacific Theater where he participated in four campaigns during the war before being honorably discharged in 1945. Last year, seventy years after his service, Mr. Woodley was awarded four medals for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the American
daughter, Shari Bankston. “He is truly my hero.” It has been an honor for the SYNERGY HomeCare staff of Conroe, Texas to serve Mr. Woodley. We all thank him for the many years of service he provided to protecting our country.
Mr. Woodley CAW Calvary Picture
Campaign Medal, the AsiaticPacific Service Medal with four bronze service stars and the World War II Victory Medal. “My daddy is a wonderful representation of the greatest generation,” said Woodley’s
Mr. Woodley Medal Ceremony
RAY FITZGIBBON – VETERAN SEATTLE OWNER We are all part of a greater good.
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his is a lesson Fitzgibbon learned in the Navy and one he lives by. The former Navy Lieutenant says the military stresses the importance of serving others – something he started doing when he enlisted in the service back in 1975 and continues to do with SYNERGY HomeCare today. During Fitzgibbon’s time in the Navy, he was deployed to the Persian Gulf where he helped maneuver his ship safely through mine filled waters off the coast of Iraq. These are the same waters where Saddam Hussein started the Kuwaiti oil fires.
For his bravery, he was awarded the Commendation Medal which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Ray Fitzgibbon now serves as a hero to his senior clients. Ray Fitzgibbon on back of the USS Daniel Boone.
Thank you, Ray Fitzgibbon, we are proud of your service.
BRIAN WALKER – VETERAN MEMPHIS OWNER B
rian Walker is the owner of SYNERGY HomeCare of Memphis. Before entering the home care industry, Brian served 12 years in the United States Air Force. During his service, Brian was deployed to a classified location where he provided direct combat support during the Battle of Kamdesh, one of the bloodiest battles in the region. The attack resulted in the loss of eight American soldiers. Several years later, Brian realized that most people go through life never knowing their purpose. Brian recognized most of the medals he earned were not for the things he did, but because of his dedication to helping others. Brian now puts his passion for serving others into his SYNERGY HomeCare of Memphis franchise, by improving the quality of life for his clients and by giving back to his community.
Brian Walker Air Force Portrait
Brian’s connection to the military continues to play a role in his life and his business. Through Brian’s dedication, his office was recognized by the Military Order of the Purple Heart as a Purple Heart business. This is the first Purple Heart designation of any office in the Home Care industry. Mr. Walker currently serves as the Post Commander for the local VFW and has been named both AKK State and All-American Commander. Thank you for your service, Brian Walker. You are a hero in our hearts.
VETERAN SALUTE – KERRY BARKLEY – MILWAUKEE, WI K
erry Barkley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is proud to be part of an elite group. She wasn’t a member of a special forces team, or involved in a clandestine military operations, she represented the small percentage of women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, only 1.4 percent of all female Americans have ever served in the armed services, compared to 13.4 percent of all male Americans. Kerry Barkley joined the Army in 1982 — first as a reservist, then as an active-duty member.
Kerry Barkley in Uniform
Barkley has the distinct honor of being named the first female Chaplain Assistant of the Jewish Chapel at the West Point Military Academy. Although she did not serve during wartime, Barkley was involved with many conflicts occurring in the 80s. She provided spiritual support to the thousands of soldiers.
SYNERGY HomeCare is proud to have Kerry Barkley as one of our clients. Thank you, for your blessings, Specialist Barkley! Fall/Winter 2016 | SYNERGYHomeCare.com
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THE SEASON OF GIVING A SENIOR GIFT GUIDE
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t never fails. The holidays roll around and you are faced with one of the hardest decisions of the year: What do I buy Grandma and Grandpa?
While there is never a shortage of what your younger family members want, it may be harder to find something for the seniors in your life. Selecting the right present for a senior requires a little extra thought. Here are a few ideas that may make the season brighter for the seniors in your life.
GET WARMED UP
PERSONAL PERK
CHECK OFF BUCKET LIST ITEMS
A comfy robe, a soft throw blanket, and fluffy socks make great gifts for seniors. Seniors sometimes have a hard time keeping warm because as they age they become less active, eat less, and lose body fat. Items designed to keep them warm are a welcome and useful gift. If you are able, craft a quilt or crochet socks or a blanket. The extra effort will be much appreciated. The website Collage.com also allows you to create a blanket adorned with favorite family photos. A great way to keep them warm, and warm their heart, too!
Single-serve coffee makers are all the rage. They make sense for seniors who no longer have the need to make a whole pot of coffee. These systems are easy to use and can also brew tea or hot chocolate. The coffee pods are easily found at grocery stores.
Ask your loved one about something they always wanted to try. In some cases, it could be a hobby such as painting or learning to play the piano. Or, it may be something more daring such as driving a high-end sports car. Whichever the case, you will give a gift that will fulfill a long-held dream.
RUB IT IN Lotions and oils can make an excellent and practical present. Skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age. Dry, itchy skin is common in the elderly.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX? Subscription boxes are the gift that keeps on giving. You can find a box for just about anything these days. Mygrandbox.com creates boxes just for seniors. Subscription options are available. This idea can really give a senior something to look forward to every month. Want to order a grandbox? Use the promo code SYNERGY and receive 10% off your order plus free shipping.
TIME WELL SPENT Give the gift of your time. Promise to visit with your loved one monthly. If you can’t commit the time, you can contact SYNERGY HomeCare to give the gift of companionship from one of our caregivers.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS THE BEST TIME TO SPOT THE SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
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etween baking pies and buying gifts, it is a good idea to take a step back this holiday season and pay close attention to your aging loved ones.
It was last Thanksgiving, during a visit home, when Dot noticed something was off with her mother. Eighty-three-year-old Mary was having trouble remembering names and finding the right words. For decades Mary always cooked the turkey, so it was a red flag to Dot when she learned that Mary had not even purchased a turkey. This red flag, confirmed that her mother’s memory troubles were serious. The Alzheimer’s Association says Dot is not alone in her experience. In fact, the organization says it sees an increase in calls to its 24-hour helpline during and after the holiday season. Family members who aren’t around someone all the time tend to pick up on behavior changes faster. Experts say it is important to speak up and not ignore it. More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease; it is the most common form of dementia and the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S.
ACCORDING TO THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, HERE ARE THE TEN SIGNS OF TROUBLE: • Memory changes that disrupt daily life • Challenges in planning or solving problems • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships • New problems with speaking or writing • Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
By recognizing these signs early, you can give your loved one an important gift this holiday season — the gift of help and the opportunity to take advantage of treatment and resources currently available to them.
• Decreased or poor judgment • Withdrawal from work or social activities • Changes in mood and personality
Request our FREE eBook, “Where Do We Begin? A Guide To Elder Caregiving”. contactus@synergyhomecare.com 1-877-325-6049
24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900
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