South Carolina Assisted Living Helps Veterans Obtain Benefits

 

South Carolina Agape Senior Assisted Living and Hospice Help Veterans Secure Benefits



On December 8, 1941, the United States of America declared war on the Axis powers, one day after the horrific Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. For the next four years, the brave men and women of our armed services did whatever was needed to preserve our freedom. From the Battle of Midway to storming the beaches of Normandy and every battle in between, our soldiers persevered. On September 2, 1945, the final Japanese surrender was signed aboard the deck of the battleship Missouri, bringing an end to the war.

It is estimated that 16 million American men and women served in the military during World War II and that over 400,000 American personnel lost their lives in combat.

Anyone that was in the armed forces during the time of World War II and survived would today be in their eighties and nineties. This great generation sacrificed everything so that we could have a better life. Many of these same veterans today now need assistance in day-to-day living, but many believe that they cannot afford long-term care. Most of these brave veterans do not realize that they are entitled to a little known VA benefit that helps veterans, and their spouses, make long-term care affordable. Helping secure the VA benefits to which today’s senior veterans are entitled is a commitment that Agapé Senior takes seriously.

Each Assisted living campus has a Senior Solutions Advisor (SSA) assigned that can help facilitate the process. If the veteran is on hospice, the social worker assigned to the patient will be the one helping to secure benefits.

In 2010 Agapé Senior enlisted the help of Aaron D. Cantley, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and United States Marine, to help educate veterans in our local communities about the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Aaron served in Iraq in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and was awarded the Air Medal, signed by President George W. Bush, on four occasions. Aaron is an Accredited Representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs and has a passion for helping to ensure veterans and their spouses are receiving the benefits to which they are entitled.

In 2011 every Agape Senior campus across the state of South Carolina will be hosting VA educational seminars. The seminars and the information presented will be crucial to understanding this important benefit. Jason Taylor, (SSA) for Conway, SC, stated the following about the seminar hosted at the Conway campus in 2010 “There were a significant number of veterans that did not know this benefit even existed and for some, the help could not have come at a better time. All veterans deserve to have someone fighting for them, after all the fighting they have done for us.”

The education of our veterans is an on-going and important process that can make an incredible impact on the quality of life of senior veterans needing assistance. If you or anyone you know would like more information about VA Aid and Attendance Benefit or a schedule of upcoming seminars for your area, please call 1 800-411-2427



Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve.

Garden City SC Assisted Living Receives Grief Training

Finding the Missing Piece

Dealing with grief can be a very fearful event in our lives. The care staff at Agape Senior Assisted Living at Garden City received a brighter outlook on dealing with grief through a puzzle. Linda Jordan, ordained minister and grief counselor, utilized one puzzle to educated our staff on the several complex aspects of a person’s grief. With all staff huddled around the puzzle, each employee utilized their skills to put it together. The leaders instructed others to place matching colors together, the energetic members inspired each others to work faster, the bystanders watched from a distance and when the puzzle was complete the staff realized one thing; it contained a missing piece.

Linda Jordan asked staff how they felt when they realized one piece was missing. Answers such as, “upset, confused, disbelief and let-down” were all shared. “The puzzle represents a picture of what is supposed to be in our daily lives,” she said. “When the puzzle contains a missing piece you all reacted with negativity.” “The missing piece represents a loss of something resulting in grief.” She then asked the staff what are examples of missing pieces? Answers soared through the room: “loss of a loved one, loss of a pet, loss of mobility, loss of a job, loss of your house.” She then asked our staff, “How do you know your resident’s are grieving?” Again answers soared through the room, “isolation, quietness, physical aggression, weight loss.” Linda, with the assistance of staff, separated grief in 5 sections: emotional, behavioral, physical, cognitive and spiritual. While going through each example, staff shared moments on how they have helped resident’s overcome grief.

Some staff members shared stories about resident’s who have lost a loved one while living at our facility. “Losing a loved one is the toughest grief that anyone can experience,” Linda explained. Michelle Grant, Agape Senior staff member, shared with the group about the way she helped one of our resident’s get over the loss of the resident’s significant other. Michelle said, “you have to be patient, which is one of the 9 fruits of the spirit that Agape uses to promote our on-the-job experience.” Michelle explained how she listened to stories about weddings, vacations and grandchildren with the resident which resulted in many laughs and may tears. For that resident, “Michelle has helped that resident overcome grief,” Linda explained.

In closing, Linda shared her enormous gratitude for our staff. Not only is Linda a renowned speaker, grief counselor and minister; her mother is a resident here in Agape Senior Garden City. She left the staff knowing that every person has a way to deal with grief and now that we all know what to look for, we can change people’s lives.

Garden City / Murrells Inlet South Carolina Assisted Living

Assisted Living of Garden City provides senior-focused solutions. In working with seniors and their families, the dedicated staff strives to optimize quality of life by embracing individuality and preserving dignity. Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island, Socastee, Bucksport, Burgess SC. – Call Agape Senior Garden City at

843-357-0200 or 800-411-2427

Conway SC Assisted Living Provider Holds Seminars for Veterans

Conway SC Agape Senior Holds VA Seminars for over 700 Local Veterans

How many people attend your church on Sunday? How many friends do you have on Facebook? How many people were in your high school graduating class?

These questions put into perspective the number of military veterans and their families that Aaron Cantley, a Virginia Military Institute graduate, and retired United States Marine Corp, touched in a single week. Aaron spent one week in Horry County recently and spoke to over 700 veterans and their family members. Aaron's message to those veterans is helping them understand the Aid and Attendance Benefits available to qualifying veterans.

In order to qualify, a veteran must be 65 years of age or disabled, must have served 90 days of active duty—one of which must have been during war time—and must not have been dishonorably discharged. Veterans who meet these criteria and who need assistance may qualify for up to $23,963 in benefits per year.

Aaron has partnered with Agape Senior to help veterans obtain these benefits. Approximately 90% of the attendees did not know these benefits existed. The Veterans' Administration has $22 billion per year in undistributed funds for veterans who qualify but don't claim the benefits.

If you know of a veteran or spouse of a veteran who is in need of assistance, contact a Senior Solutions Advisor at Agape Senior today. Agape Senior provides luxurious assisted living facilities throughout South Carolina. Contact Agape Senior at 1-800-411-AGAPE or http://www.askagape.com/.

Matt Staub



Agape Senior Conway

Agape Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing of Conway provides senior-focused solutions. In working with seniors and their families, the dedicated staff strives to optimize quality of life by embracing individuality and preserving dignity. Conway, Aynor, Loris, Marion, Mulins, Johnsonville, Hemingway, Myrtle Beach, Pawley’s Island, Socastee, Bucksport, Burgess SC. – Call Agape Senior Conway at 843-397-2273 or 800-411-2427

South Carolina Assisted Living

South Carolina Agape Senior CEO Scott Middleton Talks about His New Book Parent Talk



Parent Talk by G. Scott Middleton

Tonight WIS Channel 10 News 7:00 PM

Scott Middleton, CEO Agape Senior, explains motivation and inspiration for writing this important book.

Parent Talk the new book by G. Scott Middleton, is a must read source of expertise and information for any adult child with aging parents. Throughout this book, the author draws on his years of experience in senior healthcare to assist you in anticipating your parent’s decline, understanding the best care options, and making sound decisions. Come gain the invaluable insights revealed through The Nine Conversations as you become your loved one’s keeper.

Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve. Call us at 800-411- 2427

Lexington SC Assisted Living

Lexington SC Agape Assisted Living Uses Innovative Arts program

What is Mneme Therapy® and how can it benefit our senior residents on independent/assisted living campuses?

Art Without Boundaries®, a professional association with a mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism, Alzheimer's disease, and other related disorders of the brain by promoting Mneme Therapy, is a regular program provided at Agape Senior’s Lexington Campus.

Mneme Therapy® uses everyday pleasures such as singing, movement, painting and storytelling in a unique combination to stimulate dramatic changes in the brain. Although the goal is to provide a rewarding experience, documented testimonies show significant improvement in some clients in verbal skills, mobility, level of combativeness, and understanding instructions.



Dana Warwick, a certified therapist from Art Without Boundaries® Association, came to Agape Senior Lexington in late 2010 to work with our seniors on the pleasures of painting. Each painting is a masterpiece and treasure to the resident and applauded by his/her family.

Dana stated, "I try to put each senior at ease and encourage every stroke of the brush; when I walk in the doors of Agape Senior anticipating a creative and enriching time with some new friends, I leave blessed and inspired by their willingness to give it a try.”

Melba Allard, Regional Vice President of Marketing for the Midlands, states, "I am impressed that most, if not all, of the seniors has never painted before and are so surprised when they see how professional the completed painting looks.”

What a precious privilege to be given the opportunity to brighten someone's day and to give them praise for their efforts and applause for the finished product. “The paintings become a tangible keepsake for their loved one,” says Dana.

Agape Senior has these colorful and unique paintings displayed around the Campus. The residents were proud to sign and name their creations. Go by and view them at 5422 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC.



Lexington South Carolina Assisted Living

Assisted Living of Lexington provides senior-focused solutions. In working with seniors and their families, the dedicated staff strives to optimize quality of life by embracing individuality and preserving dignity. Lexington, Gilbert, Batesburg, Red Bank, Gaston, Pelion SC – Call Agape Senior Lexington Assisted Living at (803) 520-5850 or (800) 411-2427

Senior Adults Need to be Accompanied to the Doctor-AgapeSenior South Carolina Provides Solution

Another one of the many pitfalls of sick elderly people living home alone is that they often go to the doctor alone. A recent article in the New York Times talks about the fact that many seniors are not good at communicating their physical issues with the physicians. It is so important that the senior adult is not only accompanied to the doctor but it should be by someone who has knowledge of the person’s daily activities. Many times just the discussion of what the person does each day can be enlightening to the physician.

At AgapeSenior we provide practitioners who come to the assisted living and nursing homes where they can talk with the caregivers and other staff to get a better understanding of the patients overall health.

Scott Middleton

AgapeSenior is a family of companies that provide living settings and health services to seniors in South Carolina. AgapeSenior offers assisted living, skilled rehabilitation, hospice services, physician services, pharmacy, medical equipment, long-term care insurance, ambulance transportation and real estate services. Agape services Rock Hill, Lancaster, Chester, Columbia, Laurens, Sumter, Camden, Cheraw, Chesterfield, Hartsville, Florence, Kingstree, North Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Loris, Garden City, Pawley’s Island, Surfside and Gaffney.

South Carolina Agape Senior CEO Scott Middleton Provides Sound Advice

Scott Middleton, CEO of Agape Senior, writes in his new book “Parent Talk” about the multiple challenges families face dealing with aging parents. The book is now available for purchase through Amazon.com and AskAgape.com. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Agape Foundation. In the introduction Scott talks about one of the major issues confronting our senior adults today, “isolation,” Scott writes:

The truth is our quality of life can suffer dramatically
if we attempt to live in complete isolation. But in the
case of a declining senior adult, especially when the
spouse is no longer living, the lack of interaction with
others poses one of the greatest and most debilitating
threats to their well-being — isolation. The lack of
adequate socialization is the silent enemy of an aging
senior that too many “caretakers” fail to understand
or consider.

Scott’s point is clearly illustrated below in this excerpt from a testimonial that was written about the dramatic improvement a daughter saw in her mother after she was introduced into a social setting at Agape Senior Harbison.

The daughter explains how her mother would refuse to get dressed and usually stayed in her gown all day. She would skip breakfast and just pick at lunch and dinner. She would sit and rock, staring into space and rarely attempting to walk. She would not brush her teeth, bathe or groom herself. She was always difficult about taking her medication. She became weak and unable to walk without assistance and she talked every day about it being her last day.

The daughter goes on to explain the dramatic improvement she saw within five weeks of moving her mom to assisted living. Her mom was now getting up, getting dressed, and going to breakfast. She now eats everything on her plate at every meal. She gets involved with the various activities that are offered daily at the facility, uses her walker to get around, takes her medications when they are given, and does not mention that it is her last day. The daughter said she even asked her to bring her blush and lipstick to her. She has regained strength and has gained eight pounds.

The above results are not uncommon. Caretakers at assisted living facilities often witness dramatic improvement in new residents when they are introduced back into a social setting. The combination of scheduled nutritious meals, proper dosage of prescribed medication, and the stimulation of the social setting all contribute to help the residents to have a positive outlook.

Agapé Senior’s mission is to provide integrated health services to meet the needs of senior adults in a faith-based atmosphere. The company’s philosophy is based upon its commitment to provide the best quality care possible for members of our senior adult community. We are committed to participating actively in and around the communities we serve. Call us at 800-411- 2427