Sundowner’s Syndrome – A Caregiver Guide is a comprehensive compilation of strategies of how to effectively approach individuals experiencing Sundowner’s Syndrome, a name given to an ailment that causes symptoms of confusion after “sundown.” These symptoms appear in some people who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia and can create tremendous challenges for family, friends and professional caregivers.

“The book is in essence written from the perspective of the frontline-caregivers dealing with the daily challenges Sundowner’s Syndrome presents.” Explains Liz Barlowe, MA, CMC, a geriatric care manager with over 25 years of experience who teaches Lifelines Academy’s Geriatric Care Management classes and wrote the forward to this new book. “The entries are creative and compassionate, often giving hope to readers who might have thought the situation hopeless.  This is a practical guide which illustrates the importance of sharing information with others in an effort to relieve those suffering the effects of Sundowner’s Syndrome.”

Using current research and excerpts from the comments section of www.sundownerfacts.com,  the book addresses issues such as medication, family dynamics, caregiver well-being, and many others.

You can order this book at http://www.amazon.com/Sundowners-Syndrome-A-Caregiver-Guide/dp/0985947403

In today’s fast paced world of technology and social media it is hard to know the most effective ways to grow and advertise your business.  In some cases getting back to basics can be a great first step.  One of the most common ways to get customers is through referrals.  Most people go to friends and family, but business colleagues can be ideal sources for recommendations and referrals.

Many times as professionals we join networking groups that are made up of other people that offer a similar product or service; for example, a networking groups of all realtors, all attorneys, all senior move managers, all home health care providers or all geriatric care managers. This can be a great way to stay up on matters relevant to your industry, exchange ideas on what is working and what is not or gain insights on new ways to manage your business and your offerings. However, for the most part, this type of networking leads to very few referrals. Occasionally, you will find someone that needs a specific service that you offer that others in your field do not but the fact remains that you are competitors.

But, what about networking with people who are in fields totally different from you? Better yet, fields that are good complements to the product or services you offer.  At Lifelines Academy we encourage our students and network members to build their professional circle with people that can serve as great sources of business referrals and can offer a complementary service to their customers. These are people that can learn about what you do, get to know you and become part of your professional circle.  You can help each other grow your businesses.

For those of you serving seniors, your professional circle could include geriatric care managers, realtors focused on the senior market, senior move managers, elder law attorneys, home health providers, Medicare and Medicaid insurance consultants, end of life planners, professional organizers, investment planners and more.  Don’t be afraid to reach out to several professions.  Your networking can be done locally at face to face events and you can also utilize online options like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites.  Start building your professional circle today and make it a goal to expand it each year.

A recent New York Times article (“Possession Paralysis Revisited”) by author Paula Span describes the difficulty of the elder population downsizing personal possessions. Downsizing personal possessions is a core service provided by Senior Move Managers who can be a trusted partner in helping those who are overwhelmed with “what do I do with all of my stuff?” The article is not about senior hoarding, but rather “normal clutter.”

The challenge of clearing through personal possessions accumulated over many years is what I often encounter with my clients. Once they see what resources are available to liquidate, donate to charity, or gift to family and friends, the overwhelming feelings become less overwhelming. The care taken by Senior Move Managers during this process shows respect for the life of our clients and the things they own that represent that life.

Read the full NYT article here: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/22/possession-paralysis-revisited/

Many of us feel a passion to be of service to a specific cause. For those of you visiting Lifelines Academy, that cause has to do with family caregivers and the elderly and infirm. Being called to do something…to do something special, important and memorable… is a message to act on! Does this sound like you?  I applaud your passion and desire to serve.

When you consider how best to help others, you may wonder whether to set up a for-profit or a not-for-profit.  While there are many considerations that come into play, here are some preliminary questions to ask yourself before you embark on forming a new 501(c)(3). If after considering these questions you remain ready to champion your cause with 501(c)(3) status, make sure you fully understand how to properly form and administer a company with a not-for-profit status. And we hope too that you will find educational and other tools on this website to help you achieve your vision for a better world. 

1. Does the World Need What You Want to Offer?

There are numerous nonprofits already championing causes all over the world. What will make your nonprofit unique?  Is there truly a need for a new nonprofit, or should you use your talents to assist an existing nonprofit instead?  Make sure that you educate yourself about the other nonprofits that are already serving the cause you envision serving.  How will you compete with these nonprofits for grants and donations?  What will attract volunteers to serve your new organization? Should you narrow your mission to make it more unique and easier to differentiate?

2. Know Yourself

Are you more than an idea person? Can you execute your vision for your non-profit, and stick with it? Do you recognize the importance of hiring an experienced Executive Director and amassing a qualified Board of Directors?  What role will you play? Fundraiser? Visionary leader? Administrator or grass roots worker, in the trenches? Be sure to be honest with yourself and know which hats you will wear and which positions you need to fill.

3. Commit to Transparency and Ethics

Above all else, people who found 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations must understand that they are stewards of money donated in good faith. You must account for how each penny is spent.  On any given day, you should be able and willing to tell your volunteers and funding sources what you have done with the fruits of their labor and generosity. You must inspire a culture within your organization of maximizing the percentage of income that is spent to achieve the mission of the nonprofit. This requires a commitment to vigorous oversight.

4. Be Realistic About Reeling in the Money

I believe in the generosity of people and the evidence is boundless. Yet dollars are not boundless and nonprofits are in competition for limited funds, every day.  For many non-profits their survival is as hand-to-mouth as the people they serve. It is dangerous to assume “if I build it, they will come.” You have to have a strategy of financial support that includes multiple sources, both short and long term. Until you know what your sources will be and how to secure those funds, do not begin your journey. One great way to learn how to successfully launch and run a nonprofit is to volunteer on committees or boards of other nonprofits. Are you educated on the dollars and sense of running a non-profit?

Innovate Today, LLC

Collaboration is defined by Wikipedia as working together to achieve a goal.  On behalf of our clients, we often collaborate with families and providers to help our clients succeed.  To be successful business owners/managers we must find ways to be as efficient as possible.  Collaborating with fellow professionals allows us to reach our goals efficiently.  Innovative collaborations occur when we think outside the box on ways to educate, market, and provide better services.

Collaborative Education

Three innovative care management executives in Boston: Emily Saltz of Elder Resources; Kate Granigan of Overlook C.A.R.E.; and Karen Wasserman of Your Elder Experts collaborated on training for their care management staff. They agreed on a topic, and I developed and presented the training. The most exciting part of this was bringing together in the same room their staff who had cautiously viewed one another as competitors. They quickly recognized their common goal of helping clients and began freely talking about their experiences. In fact we had so much interaction during the training I didn’t get through the material.  The training evaluations confirmed their desire for more time. The collaborative training was a cost-effective, efficient way of educating with far more benefit than traditional methods.

Collaborative Marketing

Collaborative marketing provides opportunities to promote goods and services. For most care management companies designating marketing dollars may be difficult. Margins are tight and traditional marketing efforts can be expensive. One innovative way our local care management companies pooled marketing dollars was to approach the publishers of the Senior Resource Guide to request a “Care Management Page” which not only defines care management but lists the company’s telephone numbers and websites for a monthly nominal fee. A full advertisement would be prohibitive in the magazine but by combining resources, those who want to be included can.

Recognizing today’s small business economic challenges, companies have been created to help develop innovative marketing collaborations. One of the companies I have partnered with, Lifelines Academy & Network, provides small businesses focused on serving the senior market with opportunities to collaborate to reach more consumers at a discounted rate. Some of these opportunities have included collaborative advertisements in senior magazines, sponsorships and exhibits at professional conferences, and educational services. Companies like Lifelines Academy & Network are a great way to market while spending little time and money.

Collaborative Services

One of the most challenging aspects of being a sole practitioner is trying to take time off while ensuring the needs of your clients. One innovative way to address this challenge is to partner with another care management company and agree to cover each other’s caseloads when necessary. I recommend you schedule a meeting with a few of your respected competitors and discuss the benefits and challenges to partnering during absences. Agreements should be developed by an attorney to ensure you protect everyone involved. Furthermore clients must be notified and agree to allow another provider temporarily. Don’t be afraid the covering company will take your clients.  By taking the necessary precautions you and your clients will be protected. Companies such as Innovate Today can assist with identifying and negotiating terms between companies to develop the best plan.

Innovative Collaborations serve our businesses and staff. Collaborative efforts are cost-effective and efficient. Innovative collaborations ultimately help us reach ours goals so start thinking outside the box on ways you can develop these opportunities.

To learn more from Liz Barlowe, check out our collaborative Geriatric Care Management training webinars! 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2012

Contact: Sheryl Hunter, Esquire

CEO, Lifelines Academy & Network

866-307-0827 or Sheryl@lifelinesacademy.com

Tampa Bay Grief Education Conference is June 28th

Tampa, FL- Bridge Builder’s Network is hosting the First Annual Tampa Bay Grief Education Conference to educate professionals as well as lay people about the realities of the grief experience and effective interventions. Continuing education units are available for social workers, nurses, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselors.

The conference will feature internationally recognized grief educator Dr. Darcie Sims, Ph.D., CHT, CT, GMS who will present “New Language, New Interventions for Grief.” Attendees will also learn from Grace Terry, MSW, of the Center for Grief Education, presenting “Is it Normal Grief or is it Clinical Depression?” and the staff of Suncoast Kids Place, presenting “Effective Grief Support for Children, Teens, and Families.” Grace Terry, who organized and chairs the conference, explains, “This conference provides essential education on a universal aspect of human life. It’s designed to educate, inspire and validate. We appreciate our sponsors and exhibitors who are making it possible to offer a full day of quality education for only $22.50 in advance and $35.00 at the door.”

In addition to the presentations, sponsors will be displaying information and resources at the conference. Sponsors include Lifelines Academy & Network, Veterans Funeral Care, Montefu Consulting, Inc., Your Celebrated Life, Arcadia Home Care & Staffing, The Caregiver Hour, Isis Institute, Rocky Creek Retirement Village, Bereaved Parents USA, Perinatal ComfortCare Tampa, Suncoast Hospice, Creative Memories, Bereavement Coalition of Tampa Bay and the Pinellas Grief Education Network. “We’re honored to support this event,” said Sheryl Hunter, CEO of Lifelines Academy & Network, a company that provides education and marketing services to businesses serving seniors nationwide. “Local professionals and organizations are getting together to grow and develop in their knowledge of grief while networking so that they can collaborate to help clients.”

The Bridge Builder’s Network provides grief education and grief support to individuals, families, work places, houses of worship, professionals, and community organizations.

The First Annual Tampa Bay Grief Education Conference takes place Thursday, June 28, 2012 in the Wyndham Hotel Ballroom, located at 700 N. Westshore Blvd., from 8:00am-4:30pm.   Pre-registrations are encouraged and walk-ins are welcome. For more information, please contact Grace Terry at 727-487-3207 or graceterry727@aol.com or visit www.lifelinesacademy.com.

]]> http://lifelinesacademy.com/2012/06/27/tampa-bay-grief-education-conference-is-june-28th/feed/ 0 http://lifelinesacademy.com/2012/05/29/6300/ http://lifelinesacademy.com/2012/05/29/6300/#comments Tue, 29 May 2012 12:16:06 +0000 Beth Zaski http://lifelinesacademy.com/?p=6300

Barbara Roberts, R.N. and Certified LifeDocuments Organizer and Certified Health Information Organizer is a featured speaker on hurricane preparedness on Tuesday, May 29 in Sun City Center, Florida. The Greater Sun City Center Chamber is hosting the free hurricane readiness symposium called Riding the Storm from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Community Hall, 1910 S. Pebble Beach Blvd.  Barb Roberts earned her certifications through Lifelines Academy and was also an instructor in the Health Information Organizing webinar series.  Read the article to learn more about the event. Learn more about these certifications.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Lifelines Academy & Network provides online education and business support to companies that offer products or services to the aging market. “By updating their site, we’ve been able to improve navigation, connect visitors with the services and information they seek, and provide enhanced integrated features to communicate with popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn,” said Matthew Haber, owner of Real Sparks LLC. “Lifelines is a progressive company designed as a one-stop shop for senior-focused small businesses. The company is growing every day, along with the aging population their clients serve. They needed an easy-to-update site in order to offer a content-rich and current online community for elder care business owners.”

Designed for enhanced functionality and usability, the revamped site delivers access to the expansive portfolio of education and training, professional association and conference information, as well as marketing and business consulting services. “We have been so impressed with Real Sparks that we furthered our partnership with them for the delivery of our company’s marketing services tailored to businesses serving seniors,” said Sheryl Hunter, CEO and co-founder. “Lifelines marketing clients have the combined benefit of our expertise in the aging market and Real Sparks’ talent with website design, social networking and search engine optimization.”

About Real Sparks LLC
Real Sparks LLC is a full service design, marketing and consulting agency based out of Saint Petersburg, Florida. Formed in 2011, Real Sparks LLC is founded on the principles of providing excellent service and accessible technology to businesses. Visit realsparks.net for more information.

On April 11, 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) released a report calling upon policymakers and other stakeholders to make dementia a global public health priority. With statistics, science and case studies, the report provides a wakeup call to the global community about the public health crisis the world is facing and urges all countries to develop a comprehensive national dementia plan. “Alzheimer’s, among all non-communicable diseases, demands our urgent and serious focus. We must find the political will and accompanying funding for more effective treatments, earlier detection and diagnosis, and most critically prevention and cures. Absent this level and scope of attention, Alzheimer’s will surely become the fiscal nightmare of the 21^st century, quite apart from the personal, family and community devastation it causes in its wake.”

Right at Home Tampa sees the toll dementia is already taking on families and community resources since most of our clients have some type of dementia, from earliest stages to advanced late stage. Safety is a huge concern with most because they tend to “fight” the reality of the diagnosis and continue to drive, cook, try to manage their medicines, etc. long past their abilities in these areas. Quality in-home care is extremely effective with dementia clients by assisting them in these areas and can be a cost-effective alternative well into the mid-stages of the diseases. Right at Home creates schedules and individualized care plans targeted to the unique circumstances of each client and takes into account the needs of the primary caregiver as well.

Particularly with Alzheimer’s, the journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and everyone involved must look at how to make all resources last to the end – not just monetary ones, but emotional and physical health as well. As a home care business owner and facilitator of two support groups, I’ve seen the power of people sharing resources, struggles, fears, and many successes.  Alzheimer’s is a tsunami of global proportions and everyone involved in this already occurring crisis needs to educate the communities they are in to address the soon to be overwhelming needs.

To read the full report (and pass along to legislators in your area) go to: Dementia: A Public Health Priority  at www.alz.co.uk/WHO-dementia-report

The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) has declared May 13-19, 2012, National Senior Move Managers Week. The theme of this 6th annual celebration is “It’s so much more than moving…” During this recognition week, NASMM and NASMM members around the US, Canada and abroad are promoting the value of Senior Move Management and Senior Move Managers’ commitment to assisting older adults and their families, not only the actual moving experience, but with the emotional and physical aspects of sorting through and downsizing a lifetime of memories in the relocation process.

Making a major move at any age is difficult and stressful. Recognizing and managing the stress of relocating older adults is the hallmark of the National Association of Senior Move Managers. “When older adults making a transition have not moved in 30, 40 or 50 years they need to downsize considerably,” said Mary Kay Buysse, NASMM’s Executive Director. “It’s so much more than moving when you are helping older adults transition to a new home. The organizational and physical tasks coupled with the safety and ethical issues associated with implementing such a move can be overwhelming.” NASMM members work with their older adult clients and families to reduce the stress and trauma that can accompany this type of move.

Adults aged 85 and above are the fastest growing segment of the US population. At the same time, social changes such as more women working full time have made it increasingly difficult for family caregivers to provide all of the support needed for these transitions. Senior Move Managers assist older-adults and their families in all aspects of downsizing and relocation.

Founded in 2002, The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is a not-for-profit, professional association of organizations dedicated to assisting older adults and families with the physical and emotional demands of downsizing, relocating, or modifying their homes. As the only professional association in North America devoted to helping the rapidly increasing 55+ population with middle and later lifestyle issues, NASMM’s 700-plus members are committed to maximizing the dignity and autonomy of all older adults.

NASMM is nationally recognized for its innovative programs, leadership and expertise on issues related to Senior Move Management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults. Before achieving full general membership, NASMM members must sign a Code of Ethics, are screened for experience and insurance and must pass certificate classes in Senior Move Management Ethics and Accountability and Senior Move Management Safety.  See the courses Lifelines Academy offers required for all new NASMM members.