Wells Fargo Elder Services Program Extends Service to Chicago
CHICAGO, Dec 09, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — –Offers Peace of Mind to Entire Family
WFC 31.88, -0.78, -2.4%) announced the expansion into Chicago of its Wells Fargo Private Bank Elder Services program, which offers a comprehensive set of financial, personal and life management services to help clients maintain their independence and quality of life.
The program combines wealth management and estate services with life management assistance to help seniors with everything from loss of a spouse to mobility and health challenges.
“By helping with everything from paying bills or finding home help to managing commercial real estate and monitoring health issues, our specialists take a holistic and proactive approach to working with clients as they navigate the complexities of life management and aging,” said Keith Klovee-Smith, national manager of Wells Fargo Elder Services. “Seniors often live far from relatives, and even when they’re close by, relatives may find personal and financial management challenging. This all-encompassing service can put everyone’s mind at ease.”
Unique Benefits of Elder Services
Elder Services specialists serve as the key coordinator for their client’s financial and life management needs. Staff members work closely with that client’s outside attorney, accountant, insurance specialist, and healthcare company to coordinate a complete offering of financial and life management services from estate settlement and investment monitoring to processing healthcare expenses and buying groceries.
The Elder Services relationship team also works with the client to establish a schedule for regular check-ins to address their changing needs. Aging adults are often targets for physical, emotional and financial abuse, making the team’s regular check-in calls and visits a significant benefit to clients, according to Allison Getz, who will lead the Elder Services program in Chicago. “We provide an extra set of eyes and ears to protect our clients from abusive situations.”
The program benefits clients’ children, offering continuous, in-person support and keeping distant family updated according to the client’s wishes. Wells Fargo also helps clients and family members resolve sensitive issues, such as giving up drivers’ licenses, moving into retirement homes, or planning funerals.
Chip Flannagan, head of Wells Fargo Private Bank in Chicago, said client interest was a primary factor in introducing Elder Services there. “Clients do not want someone to take over their lives, but they do require a different type of help as they age,” Flannagan said. “Our integrated service can address these changing requirements, helping to achieve peace of mind to our clients and their families.”
Flannagan said Elder Services’ partnerships with health and service organizations give the program a structure that is unmatched in Chicago. “We’re committed to providing exceptional service at every stage of our clients’ lives. Traditional trust groups, financial institutions, and law firms are not structured to support the depth and variety of services we offer,” he said.
Allison Getz joined Wells Fargo Private Bank as an Elder Services Trust Specialist in September. Getz is well known to professionals who serve the aging population in the greater Chicago area. She founded Chicagoland Caregivers, a non-medical care giving company based in Chicago, and ran the company for over six years until it was purchased by a national care management company in 2007. Before that she was an executive for 15 years in the technology industry. Getz is the Vice President of Chicago Continuity of Care, and is a member of the American Society of Aging and the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. She has a B.A. from the University of Michigan; an MBA from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; and is currently pursuing a Masters in Gerontology.
Launched in 1999, Wells Fargo Private Bank’s Elder Services program has locations in 15 states nationwide. The Elder Services program has been recognized with an Honorable Distinction for outstanding contributions by the American Society on Aging, and has been featured in The Economist.
About Wells Fargo & Company
Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $622 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance through almost 6,000 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the U.S., and one of only two banks worldwide, to have the highest possible credit rating from both Moody’s Investors Service, “Aaa,” and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, “AAA” (10/08).
Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group offers a full range of financial services and products to help individuals and families build, manage, preserve and transfer their wealth. Wells Fargo Private Bank and Private Client Services provide teams of experienced local professionals who advise clients on complex financial issues, and provide them with investment management, private banking, trust and estate, insurance and brokerage services provided through Wells Fargo Investments, LLC. Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group oversees more than $247 billion in assets (9/08).
Investment Products:
– NOT FDIC Insured
– NO Bank Guarantee
– MAY Lose Value
Wells Fargo Private Bank provides financial products and services through various banking and brokerage affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company including Wells Fargo Investments, LLC (member SIPC). Wells Fargo does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your professional tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Member FDIC
SOURCE: Wells Fargo & Company
Wells Fargo & Company
Kathleen Golden, 415-396-4024
Copyright Business Wire 2008
Valerie VanBooven RN BSNLTC Expert Publications LLCvalerie@theltcexpert.comhttp://www.MySeniorService.com877-529-0550 office800-661-0675 fax
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
A Place for Mom Ranks 18th in 2008 Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 50 Program
A Place for Mom Ranks 18th in 2008 Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 50 Program
Nation’s Largest Senior Housing Referral Service Attributes Outstanding Service to Families for its 430% Revenue Growth
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) December 8, 2008 — A Place for Mom, a nationwide senior care referral service for healthcare options such as assisted living (http://assisted-living.aplaceformom.com)and nursing homes (http://nursing-homes.aplaceformom.com), has been named to Deloitte & Touche USA LLP’s prestigious Technology Fast 50 program for Washington State, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, and life sciences companies in the area by Deloitte, one of the nation’s leading professional services organizations. Rankings are based on the percentage revenue growth over five years from “2003-2007.”
A Place for Mom’s President and Founder Pamala Temple credits the employees’ hard work and dedication to families for the growth and success of the company. A Place for Mom uses proprietary technology to provide personal, professional assistance to families searching for elder care. Temple said, “We are honored to be recognized by Deloitte & Touche for our innovative technology which allows us to help millions of families find the right senior care option for an aging loved one. This ranking is validation of our commitment to seniors and acknowledgement that we are on the road to continued success.”
To qualify for the Technology Fast 50, companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 2003 and $5,000,000 in 2007, be headquartered in North America, and be a company that owns proprietary technology or proprietary intellectual property that contributes to a significant portion of the company’s operating revenues; or devotes a significant proportion of revenues to the research and development of technology. Using other companies’ technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not qualify.
Companies from the regional Technology Fast 50 programs in the United States and Canada are automatically entered in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 program, which ranks North America’s top 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies. For more information on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 or Technology Fast 500 programs, visit http://www.fast500.com.
About A Place for Mom:
A Place for Mom is the nation’s largest elder care referral network serving families who are searching for care options for elderly loved ones. A Place for Mom has over 14,000 long-term care communities in its referral network such as assisted living, nursing homes, Alzheimer’s care, residential care homes, retirement communities, and home care providers. Families can review detailed information about their local senior care providers online, and get free personal, professional assistance by telephone from one of 300 local Eldercare Advisors. A Place for Mom’s referral network of senior care providers covers more than 3,000 cities in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.aplaceformom.com or call 1-866-333-3110. With over 3,000 users, the company also produces the senior housing industry’s most widely used lead tracking system, You’ve Got Leads! For more information, visit http://www.youvegotleads.com.
About Deloitte:
As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see http://www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
###
Valerie VanBooven RN BSNLTC Expert Publications LLCvalerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.MySeniorService.com
877-529-0550 office
800-661-0675 fax
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vvanbooven
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626343385&ref=profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vvanbooven
Nation’s Largest Senior Housing Referral Service Attributes Outstanding Service to Families for its 430% Revenue Growth
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) December 8, 2008 — A Place for Mom, a nationwide senior care referral service for healthcare options such as assisted living (http://assisted-living.aplaceformom.com)and nursing homes (http://nursing-homes.aplaceformom.com), has been named to Deloitte & Touche USA LLP’s prestigious Technology Fast 50 program for Washington State, a ranking of the 50 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, and life sciences companies in the area by Deloitte, one of the nation’s leading professional services organizations. Rankings are based on the percentage revenue growth over five years from “2003-2007.”
A Place for Mom’s President and Founder Pamala Temple credits the employees’ hard work and dedication to families for the growth and success of the company. A Place for Mom uses proprietary technology to provide personal, professional assistance to families searching for elder care. Temple said, “We are honored to be recognized by Deloitte & Touche for our innovative technology which allows us to help millions of families find the right senior care option for an aging loved one. This ranking is validation of our commitment to seniors and acknowledgement that we are on the road to continued success.”
To qualify for the Technology Fast 50, companies must have had operating revenues of at least $50,000 in 2003 and $5,000,000 in 2007, be headquartered in North America, and be a company that owns proprietary technology or proprietary intellectual property that contributes to a significant portion of the company’s operating revenues; or devotes a significant proportion of revenues to the research and development of technology. Using other companies’ technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not qualify.
Companies from the regional Technology Fast 50 programs in the United States and Canada are automatically entered in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500 program, which ranks North America’s top 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies. For more information on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 or Technology Fast 500 programs, visit http://www.fast500.com.
About A Place for Mom:
A Place for Mom is the nation’s largest elder care referral network serving families who are searching for care options for elderly loved ones. A Place for Mom has over 14,000 long-term care communities in its referral network such as assisted living, nursing homes, Alzheimer’s care, residential care homes, retirement communities, and home care providers. Families can review detailed information about their local senior care providers online, and get free personal, professional assistance by telephone from one of 300 local Eldercare Advisors. A Place for Mom’s referral network of senior care providers covers more than 3,000 cities in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.aplaceformom.com or call 1-866-333-3110. With over 3,000 users, the company also produces the senior housing industry’s most widely used lead tracking system, You’ve Got Leads! For more information, visit http://www.youvegotleads.com.
About Deloitte:
As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see http://www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
###
Valerie VanBooven RN BSNLTC Expert Publications LLCvalerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.MySeniorService.com
877-529-0550 office
800-661-0675 fax
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vvanbooven
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626343385&ref=profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vvanbooven
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Senior Source to use expertise for moneymaking venture
Senior Source to use expertise for moneymaking venture
10:46 PM CST on Monday, December 1, 2008
By BOB MOOS / The Dallas Morning News bmoos@dallasnews.com
Until last year, Peggy Glenn-Summitt's experience with profit-making ventures had consisted mostly of selling Girl Scout cookies and running a pet-sitting service as a youngster.
But the director of programs at the Senior Source, a nonprofit agency in Dallas, recently completed what she describes as a "mini-MBA course" on how to start a business and turn a profit.
Over the past year, she and co-workers attended workshops on everything from market research to financial analysis and sat down with management coaches who helped them write and hone a business plan.
"I had never considered myself an entrepreneur, but here I am," she said.
Ms. Glenn-Summitt and her colleagues are about to put their new knowledge to good use.
The Senior Source, which has been the go-to place for free advice on caring for older adults, intends to launch a fee-based service called Platinum Care Solutions for seniors and their caregivers next year.
Besides continuing all of its free counseling services, the agency will offer a premium senior-care service at a charge.
A team of certified geriatric care managers will do thorough assessments of frail seniors' needs and draft written plans for their care. Then, if requested, the managers will monitor and coordinate that care.
The Senior Source is one of a small but growing number of nonprofit agencies that are creating moneymaking ventures to meet the demand for their services and stabilize their long-term funding.
"Social enterprise," as the revenue-raising practice is called, dates back decades. The YMCA has long been known for its gyms, as has Goodwill Industries for its thrift shops.
But the idea has been gaining currency with more nonprofit agencies, particularly as the economy worsens.
Many nonprofit agency executives are grappling with how to provide more services as the government cuts back its funding and as foundations, corporations and individuals rein in their giving.
Meltdown's effects
"The market meltdown has cost some donors a quarter to a half of their assets," said Cynthia Nunn, president of the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas. "They can't afford to give out as much."
The tough times are compelling nonprofit groups to become more self-sufficient, she said.
Ms. Nunn's center is working with the Community Wealth Ventures consulting firm in Washington to teach nonprofits such as the Senior Source how to launch enterprises that will supplement their charitable income.
"Agencies can do this without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status by pursuing ventures that are in synch with their social mission," said Charlotte Keany, director of consulting at the Center for Nonprofit Management.
Social enterprises should appeal to nonprofit agencies because the earned income comes with no strings attached, Ms. Nunn said.
The Senior Source intends to use its earned income to prepare for what experts call "the silver tsunami" – the 76 million baby boomers who are beginning to require senior-related social services.
The agency projects that its number of clients will more than double over the next 25 years, from 30,000 today to 70,000 annually, and severely strain its budget.
Ms. Glenn-Summitt sees the new Platinum Care Solutions program as one way to make ends meet.
Every day, the Senior Source's elder-support counselors field dozens of calls from people running into problems with Medicare, shopping for a nursing home or looking for free drugs from pharmaceutical companies.
All of the counselors' advice comes at no charge, but the agency lacks the staff to do more comprehensive assessments of frail seniors' personal needs and make detailed recommendations for care, let alone monitor that care.
"We can't do as many home visits as families would like because our resources are limited," Ms. Glenn-Summitt said.
Beginning next year, however, families will be able to contract for that more intensive help through Platinum Care Solutions, she said. A complete care plan will cost $600, and care coordination will run $105 an hour.
The geriatric care managers might, for example, help families hire and supervise in-home caregivers or check out a senior-living community.
"Our elder-support team will continue as always, but we'll offer this separate service for those who wish to buy it," Ms. Glenn-Summitt said.
The agency will launch the venture as soon as it secures the funding to hire additional staff and cover other start-up costs.
About a dozen independent geriatric care managers already operate in the area, but the Senior Source says its market research found enough need to support its new enterprise.
High prospects
Dallas entrepreneur Lea Ellermeier Nesbit gave Platinum Care Solutions' business plan high marks when she recently reviewed it for the Center for Nonprofit Management and Community Wealth Ventures.
"It's a service that people are willing to pay for," she said. "The Senior Source is playing to its strengths. It focused on something it already does well and then figured out how to build on that. It's right on the money."
The Senior Source is one of eight agencies that participated in the first year of a three-year partnership between the Center for Nonprofit Management and Community Wealth Ventures to foster social enterprises in North Texas.
The others were the Autism Treatment Center, Big Thought, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, the ChildCare Group, the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, Metroport Meals on Wheels and Safe Haven of Tarrant County.
Nationally, Community Wealth Ventures has counseled 86 nonprofit agencies in nine cities. Three-quarters have begun ventures, and half of those at least a year old are profitable, said senior consultant Diana Peacock.
"Social enterprises may not be right for every nonprofit since they require an entrepreneurial spirit and a tolerance of risk," she said. "But they can bring greater self-sufficiency to agencies willing to do the homework."
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN
LTC Expert Publications LLC
valerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.MySeniorService.com
877-529-0550 office
800-661-0675 fax
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vvanbooven
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626343385&ref=profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vvanbooven
10:46 PM CST on Monday, December 1, 2008
By BOB MOOS / The Dallas Morning News bmoos@dallasnews.com
Until last year, Peggy Glenn-Summitt's experience with profit-making ventures had consisted mostly of selling Girl Scout cookies and running a pet-sitting service as a youngster.
But the director of programs at the Senior Source, a nonprofit agency in Dallas, recently completed what she describes as a "mini-MBA course" on how to start a business and turn a profit.
Over the past year, she and co-workers attended workshops on everything from market research to financial analysis and sat down with management coaches who helped them write and hone a business plan.
"I had never considered myself an entrepreneur, but here I am," she said.
Ms. Glenn-Summitt and her colleagues are about to put their new knowledge to good use.
The Senior Source, which has been the go-to place for free advice on caring for older adults, intends to launch a fee-based service called Platinum Care Solutions for seniors and their caregivers next year.
Besides continuing all of its free counseling services, the agency will offer a premium senior-care service at a charge.
A team of certified geriatric care managers will do thorough assessments of frail seniors' needs and draft written plans for their care. Then, if requested, the managers will monitor and coordinate that care.
The Senior Source is one of a small but growing number of nonprofit agencies that are creating moneymaking ventures to meet the demand for their services and stabilize their long-term funding.
"Social enterprise," as the revenue-raising practice is called, dates back decades. The YMCA has long been known for its gyms, as has Goodwill Industries for its thrift shops.
But the idea has been gaining currency with more nonprofit agencies, particularly as the economy worsens.
Many nonprofit agency executives are grappling with how to provide more services as the government cuts back its funding and as foundations, corporations and individuals rein in their giving.
Meltdown's effects
"The market meltdown has cost some donors a quarter to a half of their assets," said Cynthia Nunn, president of the Center for Nonprofit Management in Dallas. "They can't afford to give out as much."
The tough times are compelling nonprofit groups to become more self-sufficient, she said.
Ms. Nunn's center is working with the Community Wealth Ventures consulting firm in Washington to teach nonprofits such as the Senior Source how to launch enterprises that will supplement their charitable income.
"Agencies can do this without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status by pursuing ventures that are in synch with their social mission," said Charlotte Keany, director of consulting at the Center for Nonprofit Management.
Social enterprises should appeal to nonprofit agencies because the earned income comes with no strings attached, Ms. Nunn said.
The Senior Source intends to use its earned income to prepare for what experts call "the silver tsunami" – the 76 million baby boomers who are beginning to require senior-related social services.
The agency projects that its number of clients will more than double over the next 25 years, from 30,000 today to 70,000 annually, and severely strain its budget.
Ms. Glenn-Summitt sees the new Platinum Care Solutions program as one way to make ends meet.
Every day, the Senior Source's elder-support counselors field dozens of calls from people running into problems with Medicare, shopping for a nursing home or looking for free drugs from pharmaceutical companies.
All of the counselors' advice comes at no charge, but the agency lacks the staff to do more comprehensive assessments of frail seniors' personal needs and make detailed recommendations for care, let alone monitor that care.
"We can't do as many home visits as families would like because our resources are limited," Ms. Glenn-Summitt said.
Beginning next year, however, families will be able to contract for that more intensive help through Platinum Care Solutions, she said. A complete care plan will cost $600, and care coordination will run $105 an hour.
The geriatric care managers might, for example, help families hire and supervise in-home caregivers or check out a senior-living community.
"Our elder-support team will continue as always, but we'll offer this separate service for those who wish to buy it," Ms. Glenn-Summitt said.
The agency will launch the venture as soon as it secures the funding to hire additional staff and cover other start-up costs.
About a dozen independent geriatric care managers already operate in the area, but the Senior Source says its market research found enough need to support its new enterprise.
High prospects
Dallas entrepreneur Lea Ellermeier Nesbit gave Platinum Care Solutions' business plan high marks when she recently reviewed it for the Center for Nonprofit Management and Community Wealth Ventures.
"It's a service that people are willing to pay for," she said. "The Senior Source is playing to its strengths. It focused on something it already does well and then figured out how to build on that. It's right on the money."
The Senior Source is one of eight agencies that participated in the first year of a three-year partnership between the Center for Nonprofit Management and Community Wealth Ventures to foster social enterprises in North Texas.
The others were the Autism Treatment Center, Big Thought, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, the ChildCare Group, the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, Metroport Meals on Wheels and Safe Haven of Tarrant County.
Nationally, Community Wealth Ventures has counseled 86 nonprofit agencies in nine cities. Three-quarters have begun ventures, and half of those at least a year old are profitable, said senior consultant Diana Peacock.
"Social enterprises may not be right for every nonprofit since they require an entrepreneurial spirit and a tolerance of risk," she said. "But they can bring greater self-sufficiency to agencies willing to do the homework."
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN
LTC Expert Publications LLC
valerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.MySeniorService.com
877-529-0550 office
800-661-0675 fax
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vvanbooven
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626343385&ref=profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vvanbooven
Monday, December 1, 2008
2009 Elder Care, Home Care, Senior Service Marketing Kick-Start CD Audio Can be Heard HERE!
2009 Elder Care, Home Care, Senior Service Marketing Kick-Start CD Audio Can be Heard HERE!
Thanks to all of you who have sent such positive feedback about your 2009 Marketing Kick Start CDs! You can always listen to the exact same audio online
at:http://www.screencast.com/t/hqXLBl5o
You can even download the file onto your own computer from that URL, or listen to it from iTunes. Be sure to leave us some comments!
I am very flattered that you are all enjoying the content so much. We are planning lots of cool free surprises in the next few months, so hang around and absorb as much as you can! Happy weekend!
Valerie and Staff Valerie VanBooven RN BSN
LTC Expert Publications LLC
valerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.myseniorservice.com/
877-529-0550 office
800-661-0675 fax
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vvanbooven
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626343385&ref=profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vvanbooven
Thanks to all of you who have sent such positive feedback about your 2009 Marketing Kick Start CDs! You can always listen to the exact same audio online
at:http://www.screencast.com/t/hqXLBl5o
You can even download the file onto your own computer from that URL, or listen to it from iTunes. Be sure to leave us some comments!
I am very flattered that you are all enjoying the content so much. We are planning lots of cool free surprises in the next few months, so hang around and absorb as much as you can! Happy weekend!
Valerie and Staff Valerie VanBooven RN BSN
LTC Expert Publications LLC
valerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.myseniorservice.com/
877-529-0550 office
800-661-0675 fax
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vvanbooven
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626343385&ref=profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vvanbooven
One-stop website for all elder care needs
One-stop website for all elder care needs
Elderpost.com is a kind of seniors-meet-Craigslist
Gillian Shaw, Vancouver Sun Published: Monday, December 01, 2008
Seniors are getting their own online free ad website where they can find everything from specialized equipment to home help.
A kind of seniors-meet-Craigslist, the new site at www.elderpost.com was the brainchild of Vancouver's Peter Silin, whose company Diamond Geriatrics specializes in elder care management, counselling and consulting for the elderly, their caregivers and businesses.
"What happened is I saw so many people needing equipment they couldn't afford and if you go to nursing homes or care facilities you find lots of equipment that's no longer needed," said Silin. "I wanted a way to put together the people who wanted to sell with people who want to buy.
"The other thing I saw was people who needed caregivers and they wanted to hire somebody part-time or just by the hour. Their choice was to go through an agency or just put an ad somewhere.
"I know a lot of people who are looking for that kind of service. That was the genesis of it and it just grew from there."
The site was only launched in recent weeks and Silin said he expects it will take some time for the listings to grow as people discover the service.
"I don't have a million bucks or investors," he said. "I just wanted a site where there would be everything for care providers, for product providers and where older people themselves could find what they are looking for."
The site also lists resources such as support groups and services for seniors, their families and caregivers. It also has caregiver circles, exchanges and groups in which people can get together to share their time and talent.
Caregiver circles are groups of people who help each other out, perhaps driving someone to an appointment, visiting or other sharing and exchanging responsibilities. Caregiver exchanges are similar to circles except they are less formal and involve just two or three people.
"The idea of it is to have a very grassroots way for people to find mutual support," Silin said. "I wanted a place where maybe five, 10 people could get together and provide each other with mutual support."
So far, he said, he has no plans to make money doing it; it's an adjunct to his geriatric business.
"It's a Craigslist for eldercare and providers, with a targeted focus," he said. "At some point I'll sell some banner ads and if people want some kind of enhanced listing, there could be a fee. Aside from that, hopefully it will remain free or as low cost as I can keep it."
Silin acknowledges that with seniors often a target for scam artists, the site could attract some ill-intentioned users. He said he has added a warning about safety and users can call on elderpost review, an added service that could check out people they are considering hiring through ads on the site.
He said that could be helpful for people who are helping an elderly relative who lives a distance away.
"If somebody is looking for a caregiver or somebody is looking for work, we will charge for those reviews, so if you want somebody to interview and screen for you, we will do that for an hourly fee."
gshaw@vancouversun.com
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN
LTC Expert Publications LLC
valerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.MySeniorService.com
877-529-0550 office800-661-0675 fax
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vvanbooven
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626343385&ref=profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/vvanbooven
Elderpost.com is a kind of seniors-meet-Craigslist
Gillian Shaw, Vancouver Sun Published: Monday, December 01, 2008
Seniors are getting their own online free ad website where they can find everything from specialized equipment to home help.
A kind of seniors-meet-Craigslist, the new site at www.elderpost.com was the brainchild of Vancouver's Peter Silin, whose company Diamond Geriatrics specializes in elder care management, counselling and consulting for the elderly, their caregivers and businesses.
"What happened is I saw so many people needing equipment they couldn't afford and if you go to nursing homes or care facilities you find lots of equipment that's no longer needed," said Silin. "I wanted a way to put together the people who wanted to sell with people who want to buy.
"The other thing I saw was people who needed caregivers and they wanted to hire somebody part-time or just by the hour. Their choice was to go through an agency or just put an ad somewhere.
"I know a lot of people who are looking for that kind of service. That was the genesis of it and it just grew from there."
The site was only launched in recent weeks and Silin said he expects it will take some time for the listings to grow as people discover the service.
"I don't have a million bucks or investors," he said. "I just wanted a site where there would be everything for care providers, for product providers and where older people themselves could find what they are looking for."
The site also lists resources such as support groups and services for seniors, their families and caregivers. It also has caregiver circles, exchanges and groups in which people can get together to share their time and talent.
Caregiver circles are groups of people who help each other out, perhaps driving someone to an appointment, visiting or other sharing and exchanging responsibilities. Caregiver exchanges are similar to circles except they are less formal and involve just two or three people.
"The idea of it is to have a very grassroots way for people to find mutual support," Silin said. "I wanted a place where maybe five, 10 people could get together and provide each other with mutual support."
So far, he said, he has no plans to make money doing it; it's an adjunct to his geriatric business.
"It's a Craigslist for eldercare and providers, with a targeted focus," he said. "At some point I'll sell some banner ads and if people want some kind of enhanced listing, there could be a fee. Aside from that, hopefully it will remain free or as low cost as I can keep it."
Silin acknowledges that with seniors often a target for scam artists, the site could attract some ill-intentioned users. He said he has added a warning about safety and users can call on elderpost review, an added service that could check out people they are considering hiring through ads on the site.
He said that could be helpful for people who are helping an elderly relative who lives a distance away.
"If somebody is looking for a caregiver or somebody is looking for work, we will charge for those reviews, so if you want somebody to interview and screen for you, we will do that for an hourly fee."
gshaw@vancouversun.com
Valerie VanBooven RN BSN
LTC Expert Publications LLC
valerie@theltcexpert.com
http://www.MySeniorService.com
877-529-0550 office800-661-0675 fax
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New kinds of high-tech homes for the elderly
New kinds of high-tech homes for the elderly
By Jim Wasserman
McClatchy Newspapers
Posted: 12/01/2008 12:00:00 AM PST
SACRAMENTO — The time is here when can you live 3,000 miles from your mom and get a text message if she's not out of bed by noon.
And if your aging dad forgets to open the medicine box to take his heart pills, that's another digital alert on your cell phone, BlackBerry or laptop.
If this sounds far-fetched, you haven't seen the newest real estate phenomenon in Roseville. It's a national demonstration home for advances in housing elder generations. The single-story house opened Oct. 23 and is a glimpse of what might happen when 70 million baby boomers hit their 70s and 80s.
"Three hundred-some people have toured this house," said Sheri Peifer, vice president with Carmichael-based Eskaton Senior Residences and Services. It's a daily pilgrimage of architects, home builders, technology insiders and elder-care professionals. Visitors came one recent week from Florida, Georgia and Oregon. The 1,850-square-foot house is a joint venture with Roseville builder Lakemont Homes.
Most people associate 40-year-old Eskaton with assisted living. But its demonstration house is a pitch to the design and building industry for what's possible now in standard senior housing. The new in-home technology on display helps seniors with what they want most: to stay in their own house as long as possible.
So think fitness centers for the brain instead of biceps. (A special computer designed with help from the UCLA Center on Aging offers memory exercises to ward off dementia.) Or picture in-home blood pressure checks on a wireless device that sends results to nurses. Webcams offer personal medical consultations without an office visit. (Intel's new touch-screen Health Guide device asks: "How are you feeling today?" If not so good, it suggests what to do before it turns into trouble.)
The remote monitoring, however, is most interesting to children of aging parents. A "Grand Care" digital system "allows seniors to live at home and offers family members peace of mind they're doing fine," said Kathy Hatten, an Eskaton guide who takes people on tours through the house.
Sensors that look like computer mice and detect motion can be placed throughout the home. If motion falls to an unusually low level — suggesting a fall or medical problem — alerts are sent to children or others who may be down the street or across the country.
This two-bedroom, two-bath house, however, is not just about technology. It also contains small touches you never think about when you're younger. The air filter is near the floor instead of in the ceiling. Doors are 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs. There are no steps to trip on. Shelves are low and electrical sockets are high.
The demonstration house is intended to attract builder interest in an "Eskaton Certified" home program.
One thing is for sure about baby boomers. They don't like to think about life after their current status as "active adults." But if Roseville's new demonstration house is any indicator, that stage, too, will have its perks. Information: www.eskaton.org.
By Jim Wasserman
McClatchy Newspapers
Posted: 12/01/2008 12:00:00 AM PST
SACRAMENTO — The time is here when can you live 3,000 miles from your mom and get a text message if she's not out of bed by noon.
And if your aging dad forgets to open the medicine box to take his heart pills, that's another digital alert on your cell phone, BlackBerry or laptop.
If this sounds far-fetched, you haven't seen the newest real estate phenomenon in Roseville. It's a national demonstration home for advances in housing elder generations. The single-story house opened Oct. 23 and is a glimpse of what might happen when 70 million baby boomers hit their 70s and 80s.
"Three hundred-some people have toured this house," said Sheri Peifer, vice president with Carmichael-based Eskaton Senior Residences and Services. It's a daily pilgrimage of architects, home builders, technology insiders and elder-care professionals. Visitors came one recent week from Florida, Georgia and Oregon. The 1,850-square-foot house is a joint venture with Roseville builder Lakemont Homes.
Most people associate 40-year-old Eskaton with assisted living. But its demonstration house is a pitch to the design and building industry for what's possible now in standard senior housing. The new in-home technology on display helps seniors with what they want most: to stay in their own house as long as possible.
So think fitness centers for the brain instead of biceps. (A special computer designed with help from the UCLA Center on Aging offers memory exercises to ward off dementia.) Or picture in-home blood pressure checks on a wireless device that sends results to nurses. Webcams offer personal medical consultations without an office visit. (Intel's new touch-screen Health Guide device asks: "How are you feeling today?" If not so good, it suggests what to do before it turns into trouble.)
The remote monitoring, however, is most interesting to children of aging parents. A "Grand Care" digital system "allows seniors to live at home and offers family members peace of mind they're doing fine," said Kathy Hatten, an Eskaton guide who takes people on tours through the house.
Sensors that look like computer mice and detect motion can be placed throughout the home. If motion falls to an unusually low level — suggesting a fall or medical problem — alerts are sent to children or others who may be down the street or across the country.
This two-bedroom, two-bath house, however, is not just about technology. It also contains small touches you never think about when you're younger. The air filter is near the floor instead of in the ceiling. Doors are 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs. There are no steps to trip on. Shelves are low and electrical sockets are high.
The demonstration house is intended to attract builder interest in an "Eskaton Certified" home program.
One thing is for sure about baby boomers. They don't like to think about life after their current status as "active adults." But if Roseville's new demonstration house is any indicator, that stage, too, will have its perks. Information: www.eskaton.org.
Seniors Encouraged to Review Their Health Care Coverage
Seniors Encouraged to Review Their Health Care Coverage
With just one month left in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE program is reminding Florida Medicare beneficiaries to carefully evaluate their health care needs.
Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage Plans during the enrollment period, which ends December 31.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) encourages Medicare beneficiaries to review their benefits for a variety of reasons. Individuals often experience subtle changes in their health over the course of the year, which may change the kind of care they need.
This could directly affect their need for more or less health insurance, the types of prescription drugs they require or their access to particular doctors or pharmacies.
Such health changes can also increase costs for beneficiaries, which can be particularly critical for Medicare beneficiaries on fixed incomes.
SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased one-on-one insurance counseling and community education regarding Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their family and caregivers.
“With our changing economic climate it's more important than ever for Medicare beneficiaries to make the most of their benefits, enroll in any savings programs for which they qualify, and review their current coverage,” said SHINE Director Alexandra Kruse. “Our volunteer counselors throughout the state can help seniors assess their eligibility for prescription savings programs and whether or not changes to coverage or benefits would lower their costs.”
When beneficiaries review their Medicare coverage, they should remember to Prepare, Compare and Decide.
PREPARE: Medicare enrollees should gather all the information they need to compare and make decisions about health and prescription drug coverage. For instance, they should gather a list of medications, a list of providers (including doctors and pharmacies), and any notices they have received from Social Security or Medicare about changes for next year. This can make comparing plans a simpler and effective process.
COMPARE: Seniors should compare their plans against others available locally to be sure their current coverage is still providing them with essential benefits. As beneficiaries review and compare plans, they should consider whether they are satisfied with the cost, coverage and customer service they currently receive. Seniors can compare all options and search for plans in their area by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. Those who need assistance are encouraged to contact the SHINE program by calling Florida’s toll-free Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and asking for a SHINE volunteer counselor.
DECIDE: The final step for each individual is deciding which plan is right. To switch plans, beneficiaries should contact the plans they want to join. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly so they may have a smooth transition into the 2009 benefit year. People with Medicare can receive help reviewing and enrolling in a plan by attending a Medicare Annual Enrollment event or contacting Medicare’s trained customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). SHINE also provides enrollment assistance via one-on-one counseling over the phone or in person at designated counseling sites and at enrollment events in
With just one month left in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE program is reminding Florida Medicare beneficiaries to carefully evaluate their health care needs.
Every year, Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their Medicare Prescription Drug or Medicare Advantage Plans during the enrollment period, which ends December 31.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) encourages Medicare beneficiaries to review their benefits for a variety of reasons. Individuals often experience subtle changes in their health over the course of the year, which may change the kind of care they need.
This could directly affect their need for more or less health insurance, the types of prescription drugs they require or their access to particular doctors or pharmacies.
Such health changes can also increase costs for beneficiaries, which can be particularly critical for Medicare beneficiaries on fixed incomes.
SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased one-on-one insurance counseling and community education regarding Medicare options and prescription drug assistance for elders, their family and caregivers.
“With our changing economic climate it's more important than ever for Medicare beneficiaries to make the most of their benefits, enroll in any savings programs for which they qualify, and review their current coverage,” said SHINE Director Alexandra Kruse. “Our volunteer counselors throughout the state can help seniors assess their eligibility for prescription savings programs and whether or not changes to coverage or benefits would lower their costs.”
When beneficiaries review their Medicare coverage, they should remember to Prepare, Compare and Decide.
PREPARE: Medicare enrollees should gather all the information they need to compare and make decisions about health and prescription drug coverage. For instance, they should gather a list of medications, a list of providers (including doctors and pharmacies), and any notices they have received from Social Security or Medicare about changes for next year. This can make comparing plans a simpler and effective process.
COMPARE: Seniors should compare their plans against others available locally to be sure their current coverage is still providing them with essential benefits. As beneficiaries review and compare plans, they should consider whether they are satisfied with the cost, coverage and customer service they currently receive. Seniors can compare all options and search for plans in their area by visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. Those who need assistance are encouraged to contact the SHINE program by calling Florida’s toll-free Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and asking for a SHINE volunteer counselor.
DECIDE: The final step for each individual is deciding which plan is right. To switch plans, beneficiaries should contact the plans they want to join. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly so they may have a smooth transition into the 2009 benefit year. People with Medicare can receive help reviewing and enrolling in a plan by attending a Medicare Annual Enrollment event or contacting Medicare’s trained customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). SHINE also provides enrollment assistance via one-on-one counseling over the phone or in person at designated counseling sites and at enrollment events in
Senior Couple Saved From $2 Foreclosure
Senior Couple Saved From $2 Foreclosure
by Peter G. MillerDecember 1st, 2008
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that efforts to foreclose on an elderly couple have been stopped. Now you might think that with foreclosures rampant in many areas that big money was at stake, but that was not the situation here: The couple owed all of $2 and the matter was settled with a $4 payment and help from attorneys with the Senior Citizens’ Law Office. Dixie and Paul Williams, says the paper, had obtained an SBA loan in the 1970s and really did owe $1 per year.
When they failed to make the payment to latest owner of the debt, the lender filed for foreclosure. With penalties the amount owed was a whopping $2 and the matter was resolved with a $4 payment. You have to wonder: Is it really a good idea that lenders are allowed to foreclose when so little is owed? This is a case where the mechanics of the law and common sense collide.
Yes, lenders have rights. But the law not only includes words as they are written, it also includes the concept of equity, or fairness. What is fair about a couple in their mid-80s losing their home over $2? You might think that the lender would have grabbed some pocket change to resolve the matter. It would have reduced the lender’s legal fees, eliminated a possible foreclosure from the books and prevented a PR debacle. Hopefully bank regulators will want to review the lender’s books with great care to assure that every nickel and dime are where they should be — and to levy the largest possible penalties if that’s not the case.
Here’s a concept: If the couple’s property has equity, then instead of foreclosing why not suggest a reverse mortgage? The couple could have stayed in place and money would have been available for repairs and living expenses. As to the Senior Citizens’ Law Office, they deserve credit for helping people in need while the Albuquerque Journal should be congratulated for following the old standard of journalism, comforting the afflicted — and afflicting the comfortable.
For the full story, see: Couple Won’t Lose Home Over $2, November 29, 2008.
by Peter G. MillerDecember 1st, 2008
The Albuquerque Journal is reporting that efforts to foreclose on an elderly couple have been stopped. Now you might think that with foreclosures rampant in many areas that big money was at stake, but that was not the situation here: The couple owed all of $2 and the matter was settled with a $4 payment and help from attorneys with the Senior Citizens’ Law Office. Dixie and Paul Williams, says the paper, had obtained an SBA loan in the 1970s and really did owe $1 per year.
When they failed to make the payment to latest owner of the debt, the lender filed for foreclosure. With penalties the amount owed was a whopping $2 and the matter was resolved with a $4 payment. You have to wonder: Is it really a good idea that lenders are allowed to foreclose when so little is owed? This is a case where the mechanics of the law and common sense collide.
Yes, lenders have rights. But the law not only includes words as they are written, it also includes the concept of equity, or fairness. What is fair about a couple in their mid-80s losing their home over $2? You might think that the lender would have grabbed some pocket change to resolve the matter. It would have reduced the lender’s legal fees, eliminated a possible foreclosure from the books and prevented a PR debacle. Hopefully bank regulators will want to review the lender’s books with great care to assure that every nickel and dime are where they should be — and to levy the largest possible penalties if that’s not the case.
Here’s a concept: If the couple’s property has equity, then instead of foreclosing why not suggest a reverse mortgage? The couple could have stayed in place and money would have been available for repairs and living expenses. As to the Senior Citizens’ Law Office, they deserve credit for helping people in need while the Albuquerque Journal should be congratulated for following the old standard of journalism, comforting the afflicted — and afflicting the comfortable.
For the full story, see: Couple Won’t Lose Home Over $2, November 29, 2008.
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