Sometimes it’s so easy to get caught up in materialistic things, well, ’stuff’, really…’stuff’ that we will never be able to hold on to for long or take with us after we are gone.  This couple can not afford the ’stuff’ that the rest of us seem obsessed over some days.  This couple must pay for their medications, food on their table, clothing on their back (which they are certainly not buying at the trendy stores), and other bare necessities of life.  What they can hold on to is each other.  They expressed a love toward the other that was rare, it was unique.  They did not find joy in what the ’stuff’ they had and were not sorrowed by the ’stuff’ they did not have.  This couple found joy in one another and the mutual love they shared and their sorrow came from the fact that they were both ill and would soon have to be separated due to a number of needs factors.

Without getting into too much further detail for privacy reasons, I left their home with tears in my eyes, I called my husband, told him I loved him, and realized that my relationship with others and my personal choice to have a relationship with God was all that mattered.  It’s not the stuff that makes life meaningful…there is SO much more to life than that and for that alone, I am thankful!

If you have a life story to share, please e-mail me at info@pavelko.org

The CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Support) Act Law, which is part of the Health Care Reform, will be set up as a voluntary national insurance program to help pay for long term care at home.  This    Both part-time and full time employees will have the option to take a payroll deductions, which again, will go towards paying for long term care at home.  They will be eligible for an average of $75 per day, should they reach the point where they are not able to perform the basic Activities of Daily Living, which include bathing, dressing, continence, toileting, transferring, and eating.   This money can be used to pay for a wide variety of services from non-medical to home modifications and more.   Keep in mind, an individual must pay into this program for five (5) years before benefits are payable.

Please use the following link as a resource.

http://www.lifecarefunding.com/blog/file.axd?file=2010%2f5%2fCLASS+Act+Summary+-+UNUM+5+10.pdf

1. Take long, slow, deep breaths.
2. Sit in a quiet room and read a book.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask others for help.
4. Set personal goals and work towards them day by day.
5. Take on a new hobby.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Take a walk with a friend.
8. Attend/Visit a local Support Group for Caregivers.  Call United Way LINC at (717) 291-LINC (5462) for more information.
9. Address your own physical, mental, and spiritual needs.
10. Laugh often

You have an idea of what the community looks like and now it is time to listen.  Is what you hear pleasing to the ear?

How are staff members communicating with the residents?  Are they compassionate or demanding?

Do the residents seem to be enjoying themselves or are you hearing a lot of complaints? (Ask a few of the residents about their experiences at the community…they are usually more than willing to share their experiences with you)

Are staff members introducing themselves to you?

Does the community view themselves as a ‘facility’ or a ‘community’?

Not only are pendants being used for fall or other common health concern risks, but there are now devices that will set off an alarm to serve as a reminder for your loved one to take their medications.  This device and many others similar to it are keeping seniors safer in their homes longer.

Using your five senses when touring a community can be a great way to determine whether or not each community fits your idea of “home”.  First, I would ask you how the community looks.  While this is important, please keep in mind that the appearance of a community does not always reflect the quality of care, so stay tuned for using your other senses.

• Do you like the décor?
• Is the community a place that looks like you could call it “home”?
• Do residents appear to be happy and/or content?
• Do residents look like they are receiving quality care?
• Is it apparent that housekeeping takes care of dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning rooms as well as main areas?
• Is the staff interacting with residents or do you see the staff sitting around while time passes by?
• What types of amenities are available for your use (pool, fitness room, therapy room, etc.)?
• Does it look like there are a variety of activities going on?
• Does the community look inviting or more institutional?
• Does the community have outdoor premises or walking trails?