Lessons Learned: Lecture Series Offers Solutions to Seniors’ Biggest Dilemmas
(PRWEB) July 11, 2013 -- Certified Geriatric Care Manager Andrea Donovan and Lexington Squares Director of Community Outreach Jerri Copple have recently partnered to provide solutions to some of the toughest decisions confronting seniors and their families today. They have developed a series of lectures called “Aging: Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Too Afraid to Ask,” featuring such topics as “When Is It Time to Make a Move?” and “When to Ask for the Keys and What Do I Do Now That I Can’t Drive?” which gets straight to the heart of the issues that so many don’t want to face—and don’t face—until a crisis occurs. “Seniors and their adult children make serious decisions in a rush and wish they’d taken more time when they find themselves in a situation that they’re not happy with,” said Donovan.
Donovan launched her own consulting business, Senior Living Advisors, after 10 years of countless requests for solutions to senior-related problems during her tenure as admissions director at St. Andrew Life Center in Niles, IL. Donovan’s business now serves seniors and their families in the entire Chicago metropolitan area.
Copple, active leader in the Chicago Senior Resource Alliance with 17 years of experience in the senior housing industry, tapped the trusted association she has had with Donovan for the past five years when she realized that they could reach out to more people as a team.
Together, the two women conceive and present the monthly seminars, open to the public and offered in a non-threatening group setting that includes a light dinner and takes no more than an hour of busy people’s time. “Seniors and families know they’re going to encounter issues, but they have a hesitancy to be proactive; we wanted to have solutions for them in a comfortable environment—ahead of time,” said Copple.
According to Copple, the biggest dilemma seniors face is what to do when they realize they can no longer properly maintain their own homes, or they desire a level of socialization they no longer get at home. Interestingly, she noted, it is often adult children who resist the prospect of a move to a senior residence community. “They think their parents are invincible and, many times, they don’t see how they are struggling every day.” Donovan, who refers many of her clients to the Lexington Square communities in Lombard and Elmhurst, IL added, “In trying to avoid moving to a housing community, in-home help is often sought, and the cost proves to be prohibitive and there is very little socialization. Assisted living can be much more economical, not to mention the benefits of a professional nursing staff and many social opportunities.”
The lectures series, which is currently presented at Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove, IL and the Oak Brook, IL Park District facility, avoids no topic that is a potential or current reality to seniors and their loved ones. “These programs are a way of resolving the stress and anxiety surrounding the aging process,” said Copple. “People need to know there are choices—choices that they can make proactively, not reactively.”
Upcoming Dates for the 2013 Lecture Series:
Senior Living Options
July 24, 6-7 pm
Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, IL
Americans 85 years and older are the fastest growing segment of the population. What are the housing options? What are the options to continue to live independently? What’s the difference between Independent living, assisted Living, memory, rental and CCRC housing? Which choice is the right one? The thing that people have the most difficulty with when they get older is deciding whether or not to move from their current home.
Safety in the Home for the Elderly
July 25, 6-7 pm
Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL
Evaluation of an elderly person’s functional status is important in allowing him/her to maintain autonomy. Learn how to screen a loved one’s home environment for safety factors as they relate to their disabilities and cognitive impairments.
New Help for Hoarders and Loved ones that Hoard
August 20, 2013 6-7 pm
Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, IL
Does a loved one collect and fail to discard large numbers of items that don’t have any value and impede his/her performance of basic activities like cleaning, cooking, and even sleeping? Come and participate in a discussion that will suggest potential solutions for clearing the clutter.
Recognizing Signs of Early Onset Dementia
August 29, 6-7 pm
Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL
This discussion will focus on such topics as how to recognize early symptoms, other types of dementia, what to do if you suspect a person has it, and what to expect in the future. Most importantly, the focus is on how to take care of your self.
Senior living Myths Unmasked Separating Fact From Fiction
September 4, 2013 6-7 pm
Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, IL
This presentation will give senior living options including costs and methods of payment, levels of care, quality of care, staffing, and the facts about moving to a community versus staying at home. This presentation analyzes a daunting task - how to choose the right option for a senior loved one.
Managing Big Life Changes
September 17, 6-7 pm
Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL
Has a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Stroke or any one of life’s unplanned events? It is never too early to pre-plan for the unforeseen, life-changing events experienced by the elderly and their loved ones. By participating in this discussion, you will learn to put a plan in place to deal immediately with the situation at hand, rather than pushing the panic button.
Safety in the Home for the Elderly
October 1, 2013 6-7 pm
Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, IL
Evaluation of an elderly person’s functional status is important in allowing him/her to maintain autonomy. Learn how to screen your loved one’s home environment for safety factors as they relate to their disabilities and cognitive impairments.
How to sell a house in 75 days
October 24, 6-7 pm
Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL
Is dad and mom’s house too much for them? What about the current real estate market? What options are there? What makes good financial sense? Find out here.
When to Ask for the Keys and What do I do Now that I Can’t Drive?
November 6, 2013 6-7 pm
Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, IL
Many elderly people continue to drive when illness, age, or even the revoking of his/her driver’s license determines that s/he should not. This discussion will address problems, concerns, intervention and assistance to help the older person maintain freedom and independence.
Senior living Myths Unmasked Separating Fact From Fiction
November 14, 6-7 pm
Good Samaritan Health & Wellness Center, 3551 Highland Ave, Downers Grove, IL
This presentation will give senior living options including costs and methods of payment, levels of care, quality of care, staffing, and the facts about moving to a community versus staying at home. This presentation analyzes a daunting task - how to choose the right option for a senior loved one.
Recognizing Signs of Early Onset Dementia
December 3, 2013 6-7 pm
Oak Brook Park District 1450 Forest Gate Road Oak Brook, IL
The discussion will focus on such topics as how to recognize early symptoms, other types of dementia, what to do if you suspect a person has it, and what to expect in the future.
Lexington Square is a premier independent and licensed assisted living community that offers memory support and a lifestyle rich with experiences that make life worth living. For more information, contact 630-576-4800 or visit their website at http://www.lexingtonsquares.com.
Jessica Sheridan, Ivy Marketing Group, http://www.ivymarketing.com, 6307902531 103, [email protected]
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