South Carolina Agape Senior Director of Dementia Programs

In other blogs we have talked about how dementia is not a disease but a diagnosis.If you get a diagnosis of dementia: ask what disease, medication, or infection might be causing it.Now that you have a diagnosis of dementia it does not mean you can’t continue to care for yourself depending on what is causing the dementia. Choosing a good geriatric physician that specializes in memory care is a great place to start.

Some of the other items you will want to consider are:

What to do when driving capacities are diminished:

How will you know? Pick someone now to ride with you and check your driving habits at least once a month. You may not know if it is safe or unsafe to drive due to diminished memory.It is difficult to give up driving but the person with dementia puts themselves at risk as well as others.You may be able to live with yourself being hurt but if you hurt someone else it is hard for the person with dementia and both families

Have an open discussion about medical decisions:

It is a difficult discussion to have, but a good one, with someone you want to make decisions for you if you should become incapacitated. For Example: Would you like a feeding tube or not?

Also discuss special requests:

Talk about any request that you may have. Even simple needs, like cream rubbed on your arms.

Identify someone to handle financial requirements:

If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s or a like dementia the ability to handle financial affairs becomes difficult quickly.Families will find junk mail in with the bills, there may be many magazine subscriptions that appear because the person with dementia cannot tell which is a real bill or an ad for a magazine.

Make sure all the legal bases are covered:

While a person with Alzheimer’s or similar dementia can still answer questions and make decisions, a health care power of attorney should be selected and paper work completed.It is also advisable to have financial power of attorney documentation completed at this time.These forms cannot be used by the recognized power of attorney until the person with Alzheimer’s or like dementia is no longer able to make decisions for themselves. You can find this paperwork and additional information on line. If everything is not filled out correctly it will be costly.It is best to locate an Elder law attorney to help with filling this paperwork out.

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. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia

 Ask Agape for Senior Solutions
 

Adelle Stanley

803-730-1220

Director of Dementia Programs

Agape Senior Services

Of all the things in life that matter, Family, Friends and Faith are the most important. Treasure these and you will always be rich.

Advice from South Carolina Agape Senior Director of Dementia Programs, Adelle Stanley

I have decided to forgo my usual information-only blog this week because of what I experienced today.
Today I am sitting waiting for my husband as he has a stress test.  The waiting room is filled with people both patients and those waiting for them.  Each of us waiting for the patient (I dislike that word, it is so impersonal), we all have been told, "You can’t go back with them, that it will take about two hours and then they can come back out for a break".  So they have just told me I can’t go back with my husband of 39 years.  I have followed him around the world in the military, he followed me into the labor and delivery room of our three children, we have seen each other through a lot but they control the threshold of the door.   So I come back and sit down to wait.

There are two reasons this has clutched my spirit this morning.  The first, :we are sometimes keepers of the door or “threshold” for the person with dementia.  That will be my next blog to address next week.  The second: I see a couple that is sitting and waiting, I would assume they have been married even longer than Howard and I.  The wife answers questions and smiles.  She hands the husband a magazine. 

He says “I’m hungry”

She says “we will get something to eat later”

He asks “why are we here?” 

She smiles and says “you have an appointment with the doctor today and this is the doctor’s office”

I have suspected before now that he had dementia but now I am sure. She has been so involved with him since their arrival. She has made sure he is with her, that he doesn’t walk too far away, and keeping an eye on him like she would a child, but being very respectful.  I don’t think she is aware that she will not be able to go back with him.

They have just called his name; she gets up to go with him. 

They look at her and say, “You’ll have to wait out here, it will be about two hours and then he will have a break”. 

She starts to say something and they say, “You have a seat and he’ll be back later” 

I want to step in, but it is not my place at this time.  Maybe he will be ok but two hours without the one person a dementia patient depends on is a very long time, especially if they are put in a situation where they have people “barking orders” at them. I have a feeling the person that just told her that, will be back before the two hours are up.  This day may be more rewarding than I first thought.

The wife goes and sits down with a worried look on her face and her body language is that of someone that has been defeated.  I wonder why sometimes at Dr. Offices, they think they know everything about everyone. Why can’t they simply take the time to listen, or why don’t we know how to be a better advocate for our loved ones?

Twenty minutes go by and yes, there appears the person that gave the order that she could not go back with him. She is now telling the dear woman that the test cannot be completed because he is not able to follow directions.  The husband is upset and agitated, and the wife looks like she could cry.  My heart sinks as once again something that I feel could have gone a lot better…has turned out to be a disaster. 

One of the ways we can be an advocate for our loved ones is to talk with the physician.  Ask the physician making the appointment to make sure that they let the staff know that our loved one has dementia.  Let them know if at all possible to allow you to go back with your loved one.  Our loved ones “speak” a different language and we understand it.  They would not send a child back without the parent, why do they insist on a dementia patient going back without their loved one or caregiver?

Please give me a call if you would like to have a class in your area to know how to better deal with situations like this, or send me an e-mail.  The classes are free and very informative.

I began holding a physician’s conference five years ago to educate all types of physicians about ways to better impact families with Alzheimer’s and like dementia.  The University of South Carolina joined me in the effort two years ago.  The problem I faced is that some, alright a lot, of doctors do not seem to think that there is anything they can do with the dementia patient, so they will not attend the conference…I need your help to change that.

Be advocates for your loved ones.  Tell their physician(s) about the conference and tell them how important it is that they know what they can do.  Let them know how to get in touch with me.  I will go to their office to present an in-service for them and their staff whenever they would like. We need to rally around our loved ones and make this easier for them and also easier for the physicians and staff that help care for them.

Thank you for listening and making a difference in your loved one's life. 

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. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia
Ask Agape for Senior Solutions





Adelle Stanley
803-730-1220
astanley@agapesenior.com
http://www.askagape.com/
Director of Dementia Programs
Agape Senior Services                                                                                  
Of all the things in life that matter, Family, Friends and Faith are the most important. Treasure these and you will always be rich.

An Important Note from Our Agape Senior Director of Dementia Programs, Adelle Stanley

I have decided to forgo my usual information-only blog this week because of what I experienced today.

Today I am sitting waiting for my husband as he has a stress test.  The waiting room is filled with people both patients and those waiting for them.  Each of us waiting for the patient (I dislike that word, it is so impersonal), we all have been told, "You can’t go back with them, that it will take about two (2) hours and then they can come back out for a break".  So they have just told me I can’t go back with my husband of thirty nine (39) years.  I have followed him around the world in the military, he followed me into the labor and delivery room of our three children, we have seen each other through a lot but they control the thresh hold of the door.   So I come back and sit down to wait.

There are two reasons this has clutched my spirit this morning.  The first: we are sometimes keepers of the door or “thresh hold” for the person with dementia.  That will be my next blog to address next week.  The second: I see a couple that is sitting and waiting, I would assume they have been married even longer than Howard and I.  The wife answers questions and smiles.  She hands the husband a magazine. 

He says “I’m hungry”

She says “we will get something to eat later”

He asks “why are we here?” 

She smiles and says “you have an appointment with the doctor today and this is the doctor’s office”

I have suspected before now that he had dementia but now I am sure.  She has been so involved with him since their arrival. She has made sure he is with her, that he doesn’t walk too far away, and keeping an eye on him like she would a child, but being very respectful.  I don’t think she is aware that she will not be able to go back with him.

They have just called his name; she gets up to go with him. 

They look at her and say, “You’ll have to wait out here, it will be about two (2) hours and then he will have a break”. 

She starts to say something and they say, “You have a seat and he’ll be back later” 

I want to step in, but it is not my place at this time.  Maybe he will be ok but two (2) hours with out the one person a dementia patient depends on is a very long time,especially if they are put in a situation where they have people “barking orders” at them. I have a feeling the person that just told her that, will be back before the 2 hours are up.  This day may be more rewarding than I first thought.

The wife goes and sits down with a worried look on her face and her body language is that of someone that has been defeated.  I wonder why sometimes at Dr. Offices, they think they know everything about everyone. Why can’t they simply take the time to listen, or why don’t we know how to be a better advocate for our loved ones?
Twenty minutes go by and yes, there appears the person that gave the order that she could not go back with him. She is now telling the dear woman that the test cannot be completed because he is not able to follow directions.  The husband is upset and agitated, and the wife looks like she could cry.  My heart sinks as once again something that I feel could have gone a lot better…has turned out to be a disaster. 

One of the ways we can be an advocate for our loved ones is to talk with the physician.  Ask the physician making the appointment to make sure that they let the staff know that our loved one has dementia.  Let them know if at all possible to allow you to go back with your loved one.  Our loved ones “speak” a different language and we understand it.  They would not send a child back without the parent, why do they insist on a dementia patient going back without their loved one or caregiver?

Please give me a call if you would like to have a class in your area to know how to better deal with situations like this, or send me an e-mail.  The classes are free and very informative.

I began holding a physician’s conference five (5) years ago to educate all types of physicians about ways to better impact families with Alzheimer’s and like dementias.  The University of South Carolina joined me in the effort two (2) years ago.  The problem I faced is that some, ok a lot, of doctors do not seem to think that there is anything they can do with the dementia patient, so they will not attend the conference…I need your help to change that.

Be advocates for your loved ones.  Tell their physician(s) about the conference and tell them how important it is that they know what they can do.  Let them know how to get in touch with me.  I will go to their office to presentan in-service for them and their staff whenever they would like. We need to rally around our loved ones and make this easier for them and also easier for the physician(s) and staff that help care for them.

Thank you for listening and making a difference in your loved one's life. 

Adelle Stanley
803-730-1220
astanley@agapesenior.com
http/www.askagape.com/
Director of Dementia Programs
Agape Senior Services                                                                                  
Of all the things in life that matter, Family, Friends and Faith are the most important. Treasure these and you will always be rich.

Important Advice from Agape Senior's Director of Dementia Programs

In other blogs we have talked about how dementia is not a disease but a diagnosis. If you get a diagnosis of dementia: ask what disease, medication, or infection might be causing it. Now that you have a diagnosis of dementia it does not mean you can’t continue to care for yourself depending on what is causing the dementia. Choosing a good geriatric physician that specializes in memory care is a great place to start.

Some of the other items you will want to consider are:

What to do when driving capacities are diminished: How will you know? Pick someone now to ride with you and check your driving habits at least once a month. You may not know if it is safe or unsafe to drive due to diminished memory. It is difficult to give up driving but the person with dementia puts themselves at risk as well as others. You may be able to live with yourself being hurt but if you hurt someone else it is hard for the person with dementia and both families

Have an open discussion about medical decisions: It is a difficult discussion to have, but a good one, with someone you want to make decisions for you if you should become incapacitated. For Example: Would you like a feeding tube or not?

Also discuss special requests: Talk about any request that you may have. Even simple needs, like cream rubbed on your arms.

Identify someone to handle financial requirements: If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s or a like dementia the ability to handle financial affairs becomes difficult quickly. Families will find junk mail in with the bills, there may be many magazine subscriptions that appear because the person with dementia cannot tell which is a real bill or an ad for a magazine.

Make sure all the legal bases are covered: While a person with Alzheimer’s or similar dementia can still answer questions and make decisions, a health care power of attorney should be selected and paper work completed. It is also advisable to have financial power of attorney documentation completed at this time. These forms cannot be used by the recognized power of attorney until the person with Alzheimer’s or like dementia is no longer able to make decisions for themselves. You can find this paperwork and additional information on line. If everything is not filled out correctly it will be costly. It is best to locate an Elder law attorney to help with filling this paperwork out.

Adelle Stanley

803-730-1220

Director of Dementia Programs

Agape Senior Services

Of all the things in life that matter, Family, Friends and Faith are the most important. Treasure these and you will always be rich.

South Carolina Senior Care CEO Finds Better Way

     

    "I saw terrible things: people neglected by their families, living in bug-infested homes, suffering from poor care," he said. "I told my wife, 'There's got to be a better way.' That's what inspired me to get into this business."

READ FULL ARTICLE

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. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia
Ask Agape for senior solutions

Downsizing Tips for Columbia Seniors

It has been my experiences that when something goes into a box and then into some sort of storage, it is usually the last time that anyone originally connected with the item will ever see it again.  The person putting the item into the box should stop, take one last look, have a moment of silence, and maybe even hold a small memorial service for the item.

If you think about it logically, it sort of makes sense.  The object is going into the box because it is no longer needed, used or wanted. If the item is right in front of us and we cannot bother to pick it up, use it or get some enjoyment out of looking at it, what are the chances of someone crawling into a dark closet or under a bed with dust bunnies or, God forbid, going into a locked public storage area to open the box and to set the item free?

In the United States there are currently 2.35 billion square feet of storage space in the form of public storage facilities.  Do you ever wonder what people could possibly be storing in all of that space?  I am sure one day a socio-cultural anthropology student will have a field day with our nation’s need to store our over-accumulation of stuff.

If you do not want to be a victim held captive by having too much stuff, the tips below should help you get started on your road to freedom.


Tip 1. Rely on experts to help you sort the diamonds from the rough.        
There are services now that will help you with your downsizing dilemma. http://www.movingseniorsinsc.com is one such service.  Moving and down sizing is an overwhelming and emotional event; bring in a third-party professional who can look objectively at the situation.

Tip 2. Donate,donate, donate.
Most people have closets full of clothes that they have not worn in years.  Donating clothes is probably one of the easiest ways to produce instant results in your home.  There are people in need who could be putting your clothes to good use.  You will create a win-win with your donation by helping your fellow man and by reclaiming your closet space for the clothes you do wear.  Goodwill is an organization that will take clothing donations.  http://www.goodwillsc.org/

Tip 3. Consign.
Consigning household items and furniture is a great way to downsize.  Find a good consignment store, such as Agape Again in West Columbia.   You can make some money on the sale of your items or donate them outright.  Either way you will be contributing to a good cause that supports senior care in the Midlands. See Joe Pinner commercial for store.

Tip 4. Find out what the kids actually want and tag it.
Invite your children to tell you what, if anything, from your household they will want and then tag those items with their names to avoid conflict after you are gone.

Tip 5. Relax andenjoy life.
There is a certain freedom and peace of mind that comes from having fewer material things, especially as we age.  I have had many residents that downsized in to one of our Agape Senior patio homes who have told me what a relief it was to get rid of 50 years worth of accumulation. It is just less to worry about.

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. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia

Ask Agape for senior solutions

South Carolina Health Care Company Hires Senior Vice President of Hospital Relations

From: Theresa Younis, COO Agape Senior
Date: January 3, 2012
Subject: Joseph Seel Joins Agape Senior Management

I am pleased to introduce and to welcome Joe Seel to Agape Senior Management’s team as Senior Vice-President of Hospital Relations. Joe comes to us from Receivables Management Company in Columbia, where he was Director of Business Development.

Joe has over 24 years of experience in hospital acute care; during 12 of those years he served as chief executive officer. His work experience includes Director of Healthcare Business Development for Mashburn Construction Company, CEO of Edgefield County Hospital, and CEO of Swain County Hospital in North Carolina.

Joe holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary studies (1986), both from the University of South Carolina. He has served as an officer for numerous service organizations over the years, including Rotary and Lions Club. Joe currently is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, South Carolina Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, and a board member for the South Carolina Healthcare Managers’ Association for the Midlands.

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. Columbia, Forest Acres, Lexington, Irmo, Rock Hill, Laurens, Conway, Garden City, West Columbia