Resident-to-Resident Deaths In Long-Term Care Homes

2 Comments
old woman

Photo credit: “Old Woman” by Graur Razvan Ionut, Freedigitalphotos.net

Calling for Violence-Free Nursing Homes

I have spent a great deal of my career working in care facilities for older adults. Although the name of this type of institution changes, the purpose for these types of facilities is always the same.

Nursing Homes, Residential Care Facilities, Supportive Housing, Personal Care Homes are terms used to describe facilitates and housing environments where older adults with physical and/or cognitive impairments are housed together in a communal setting. This is the “last resort” for many, as we know most people would prefer to live in their own homes. These “Homes” provide 24-hour care and supervision, and usually includes skilled nursing care.

Many people who live in these facilities have Alzheimer’s or some other related form of dementia (or neurocognitive disorder -that’s the new term now). Behaviour problems can result and sometimes residents who have dementia can cause harm to others, and sometimes it results in death. I have taken a particular interest in this subject and have studied and written on it.

I was thrilled when I saw an editorial written for JAMDA, calling for more research, policy and prevention in this area. Eilon Caspi, BSW, MA, PhD, writes “Deaths as a Result of Resident-to-Resident Altercations in Dementia in Long-Term Care Homes: A Need for Research, Policy and Prevention” in the Journal of the Medical Directors Association (January 2016). I also saw that Dr. Caspi had referenced our work on the “Seeking Action for Safety in Long-Term Care Facilities” advocacy and information website I maintain along with my social work colleagues Eleanor Silverberg and Victoria Brewster.

I invite you to join us in our quest to end violence in long-term care facilities. Please contact me if you have any concerns, questions or ideas.

Regards,

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

http://www.AngelaGGentile.com

 

Blogs and Newsletters I Follow

Leave a comment

BTI-Website-tiles-in-the-know

I have been following a number of great bloggers over the years. These writers have been posting about issues related to aging and I appreciate their positive and proactive take on growing older. Sometimes they are amusing, sometimes they are educational. Usually they are insightful and entertaining.

I also subscribe to a few newsletters related to aging and elder care. This is a great way to keep up with current topics.

I receive their posts and newsletters directly to my email inbox. It’s very convenient.

Please consider signing up to receive these blog posts and newsletters. I am sure they would be thrilled to see new followers. Here are my favourites in no particular order:

Blogs:

Time Goes By: What it’s really like to get old by Ronni Bennett

The Generation Above Me by Karen D. Austin

Lines of Beauty: A blog about aging naturally, one wrinkle at a time by Louise Cady Fernandes

Aging Investors by Dr. Mikol Davis and Carol Rosenblatt, R.N., Attorney

Aging But Dangerous

Points of Life org

Newsletters:

Caregiving Matters

Dementia News and Knowledge by Karen Tyrell, Personalized Dementia Solutions

Comforts Connection by Comforts of Home Care

Senior Living from A Place for Mom

The Caregiver’s Voice by Brenda Avadian

ElderCare Matters

Prime Women

Coming of Age NYC

Help for Dedicated Caregivers by Maria Marley, Ph.D.

My Elder Advocate by Jack Halpern, CEO

AlzLive: For those who care

SMARTLiving365

The Taos Institute – Positive Aging Newsletter

 

Have something to add? Please let me know.

Have a great day!

Angela G. Gentile, MSW RSW

Specialist in Aging

http://www.angelaggentile.com

Aging Well Reading List by Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW (2015)

1 Comment

629427

Here is a collection of books I have found helpful regarding aging well and I would recommend:

Altoonian, Linda (2009). Living Agelessly: Creating a Lifestyle for Midlife and Beyond.

Campbell, Lori (2013). Awaken Your AgePotential: Exploring Chosen Paths of Thrivers.

Fonda, Jane (2011). Prime Time: Love, health, sex, fitness, friendship, spirit. Making the most of all of your life.

Hill, Robert D. (2008). Seven Strategies for Positive Aging.

Karpf, Anne (2014). How to Age.

LaRoche, Loretta (2007). Juicy Living, Juicy Aging: Kick Up Your Heels…Before You’re
Too Short to Wear Them.

Life Planning Network (2013). Live Smart After 50! The Experts’ Guide to Life Planning
for Uncertain Times.

Pfeiffer, Eric, M.D.(2013). Winning Strategies for Successful Aging.

Scarcello, Jaki (2010). Fifty and Fabulous! The Best Years of a Woman’s Life.

Snowdon, David, Ph. D. (2001). Aging with Grace: What the nun study teaches us
about leading longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives.

513AjYwrTQL._SX326_BO1,204,203,200_Townsend Winter, Cheryl, Dr. (2013). The Aging Gracefully Pathway: A Toolkit for the Journey.

Vaillant, George M.D. (2002). Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts to a Happier Life from the Landmark Harvard Study of Adult Development.

Weil, Andrew M.D. (2007). Healthy Aging: A Lifelong Guide to Your Well-Being.

Whyte, John (2011). Is this Normal? The Essential Guide to Middle Age and Beyond.

Wilder, Barbara (2005). Embracing Your Power Woman: Coming of Age in the Second Half of Life.

For more information: www.AngelaGGentile.com
email: CaretoAge@gmail.com phone: (204) 298-1012

50 Plus Living Show – Winnipeg Review

Leave a comment

IMG_2442On Sunday October 18, 2015 I attended the 50 Plus Living Show in Winnipeg. It is “The Show Designed with Baby Boomers and Seniors in Mind.” It was held at the Assiniboia Downs Saturday 10-5pm, and Sunday 11-5pm. Parking for the event was $5.00, but when I presented my parking voucher at the front door, they took it and and that was my entry into the event. I was there for over three hours!

There were many tables on skin care (anti-aging), travel, financial/wealth management, and home health products. There were also a number of other different and interesting services and products such as realtors, health supplements, and jewelry. There were three rows with tables on each side, the length of the building. I estimate about 45 tables. There was also entertainment and speakers.

I picked up many brochures and received many free treats such as chocolate candies and Werther’s. I even got a bottle of water and an apple and some hand sanitizer. Many tables were giving out nice pens, too. I had my back scanned by a chiropractor, and tried samples of skin care products. I even got a sitting shoulder and back massage!

I entered many free draws, there was even a draw for an Apple Watch!

Here are some of the tables (and people) I visited and/or chatted with (in no particular order):

  • Canada One Travel (Evelyn Sinclair, MCC Cruise Specialist). http://canadaone.travel
  • Riverwood Square (Lindsay Girouard, Health and Wellness Director). www.riverwoodsquare.com
  • Edward Jones: Making Sense of Investing (Blake Abbott, Financial Advisor). www.edwardjones.com
  • Dignity Memorial (Robert “Bob” Hughes, Family Services Counselor). Ph: 204-222-3241
  • Rodan & Fields Skincare Solutions (Linda Russell). www.ltrussell.myrandf.com/ca
  • Liberty Athletic and Medical Supplies. www.libertymed.ca
  • We Care Home Health Services (Pam Fox, Regional Manager, Community Relations Manitoba). www.wecare.ca
  • Heat in a Click (Adam Sawyer).  www.heatinaclick.com/ca 
  • Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (I purchased two $5.00 tickets to St. Vital Centre’s Behind Closed Doors Sale on Sat. Nov. 14, 2015 from 7pm – 10:30pm).  www.cbcf.org
  • Nerium International Skincare (Jessica Heathcote). http://jheathcote.nerium.com
  • Dr. Kimberly Barton of Canteenwala Chiropractic (I had a free posture scan done). www.canteenwalachiropractic.com
  • PopRx – A Free Pharmacy/Medication Tool App. They were featured on Dragon’s Den. (I entered to win an Apple Watch!) www.poprx.ca
  • Young Living Essential Oils (Taralyn Eddy).  I entered to win a travel pack! www.essentiallygrowing.com
  • Heritage Massage Health Made by Hand. I had a free shoulder and back massage, sitting in a massage chair! 1297 Jefferson Ave. Ph: 204-632-4080
  • Synergy Elite Health (Ortho-Bionomy – Mary Thiessen). I had a free Wellness Test Report – but my fingers were too cold for it to work. It shows how much plaque is built up in your arteries. I tasted a sample of her Proargi-9+. It was good. www.marbensales.ca  and www.theNOeffect.com
  • Thrive by Le-Vel (Wilma Fuchs, Brand Promoter). http://wfuchs.Le-Vel.com
  • Timeshare Exit Team. timeshareexitteam.com (The representative said if I find someone who wants to sell their timeshare and I refer them, I get $150.00!)
  • Carolyn Menaar, Realty Executives First Choice. She has a Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation. Ph: 204-885-8999
  •      Carolyn gave me a brochure on Top 10 Aging in Place Design Tips from Two30Nine Living Space Solutions by Decor in Morden, Manitoba www.two30nine.com
  • Nucerity International Skincare (Tricia Soucy-Phillips).  www.triciarae.mynucerity.biz/nuca
  • Epicure. www.patmyron.myepicure.com
  • Clarity Over Clutter (Suan Macaulay).  www.clarityoverclutter.ca
  • National Bank Financial Wealth Management (Clinton Orr). www.nbfwm.ca
  • Cardio Screens Lifeline to Health (Rick Drury). www.scoopandsave.com
  • Sell Off Vacations Lowest Price Guaranteed. www.selloffvacations.com
  • Thirty-One Gifts Canada (Rachael MacDonald)
  • WestCare Health Supplies Ltd.; Abena Canadian Distributor. (Sharon Ponton-Ezako, Incontinence Specialist).  www.westcarehealthsupplies.com
  • CARP – A new vision of aging for Canada (Rene Lewis, Co-Chair Winnipeg West Chapter #47) www.carp.ca
  • Manitoba Association of Senior Centres (Connie Newman, Executive Director) www.manitobaseniorcentres.com
  • Kennedy Cognitive Services, Inc. www.kennedycognitive.com
  • Winnipeg Free Press (Julie Klym, Kiosk Manager)

There were a few other tables that I didn’t get to, such as Juenesse (http://www.agelessiq.com/) and Investor’s Group and some other skin care tables. There was also a group promoting a new housing community in Dugald.

I made some great business-to-business connections and learned a lot about what the 50+ crowd is looking forward to (I turn 50 in 5 months). Seems like travelling, financial management and avoiding wrinkles wins the prize. 🙂

I am looking forward to enjoying my new connections and learning more about the above-noted services and products. I will definitely attend and network again next year!

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

“Caring for a Husband with Dementia” Book Now Available In Winnipeg Libraries

Leave a comment
IMG_1977

As seen at J.W. Crane Memorial Library at Deer Lodge Centre

I am pleased to announce that the book, Caring for a Husband with Dementia: The Ultimate Survival Guide (2015) is now available in the Winnipeg Public Library* as well as J. W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg).

(*As of 05 Oct 2015, the book was on order for three Winnipeg libraries: Henderson Library, Louis Riel Library and Millenium Library. Request your copy now!).

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

 

Don’t Let a Hearing Impairment Stop You From Getting Help

2 Comments
81GgA8NyrcL._SL256_

This woman is wearing a Pocketalker and she can hear better!

Don’t let hearing impairment stop you from seeking help!

For counselling or consulting with those who are hearing impaired, I use a “Pocketalker” by Williams Sound with hygienic covers for the earphones (or you can use your own earbuds or earphones). This device can be used with existing hearing aids.

Pocketalker ULws_pkt_d1_ehTRA System

Improve your hearing – improve your life with the new Pocketalker Ultra from Williams Sound! The Pocketalker Ultra amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. The Pocketalker Ultra features a lightweight, ergonomic design for portability and ease of use. Finger tip adjustable volume control allows you to quickly adjust to your listening environment – whether your hearing loss is low frequency or high frequency sounds. The listening accessories jack accommodates for a variety of earphone and headphone options. Use the Pocketalker Ultra with an optional neckloop (NKL 001) to amplify a telecoil-equipped hearing aid.

To purchase a Pocketalker, check out the Williams Sound website.

If you or someone you know has special needs, please let me know and I will accommodate as best as I can.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW
Specialist in Aging
http://www.AngelaGGentile.com

Image credits:

  • Lady in wheelchair: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81GgA8NyrcL._SL256_.jpg
  • Pocketalker: http://www.williamssound.com/catalog/pkt-d1-eh

Today’s Woman: Life Balance Secrets (Book Review)

2 Comments

IMG_2235

When you read “Today’s Woman: Life Balance Secrets” (2014) by Miriam Castilla, it is like having your own motivational life coach right by your side. Self-awareness, life strategies, and self-care are essential to achieving life balance, satisfaction and fulfilment. Castilla gives you a wide variety of tips on how to do it.

Castilla, an entrepreneur and finance advisor, gets you thinking positive starting at chapter one as she has you determine what your definition of success is. She gives you a step-by-step method to help you visualize what it would feel like to be very successful.  She explains her definition goes like this — “Success is doing all you love and loving all you do.” She helps you come up with your own.

Castilla, uses the “Pinwheel Principle” as an analogy to demonstrate your need for a balanced life in order to be efficient. She describes the ideal “life pinwheel” to be balanced in these four areas: Body, Mind, Self, Others. She states keeping these areas in balance helps you take a holistic approach to having a well-balanced, amazingly satisfied and fulfilling life.

Castilla also gets you thinking about your five core values and your three central ones. Momentum is gained as you define goals in chapter seven. Part three was most helpful to me, in that I was able to hone in on all those practical tips that help me focus on my goals.

Throughout the book, Castilla injects her personal stories to help us understand how the strategies apply. She helps you think about concepts in a different way. For example, in terms of a bucket list, she tells you that she “fills up her bucket” versus strokes things off the bucket list. As another example, she advises you to not be so hard on yourself for being efficient at what you do.

I particularly enjoyed the section called, “Run Away to the Circus” and the need to have a “crazy sh#t friend!” As part of the “Feed Your Soul” teachings, she tells you about all her adventures and it is very amusing and thought-provoking.

Any professional woman will find this book comforting and motivating. “Today’s Woman: Life Balance Secrets” is a delightful, inspiring read.

Buy Now on Amazon:

Today’s Woman – Life Balance Secrets: Practical Tips & Tricks for Overcoming Stress, Guilt and Overwhelm

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

http://www.AngelaGGentile.com

New Book, App Promotion and Women’s Group Announced

1 Comment

Angela has been very busy these days and she wanted to make sure all her subscribers don’t miss out on the news. Here are some of the projects she’s been working on.

New Book

agentileebook091015v2

 

Her new book, “A Book About Burnout: One Social Worker’s Tale of Survival“ is now available on Amazon.com. It’s an eBook for Kindle and it’s a personal memoir plus tips on how to recognize and survive job burnout and compassion fatigue.

 

 

FREE APP PROMOTION

Ce1xkPeBp3iH43Lal6Zrbb6b4b0hlJtyNtTo1sIRUbs

 

The mobile app, Dementia Caregiver Solutions for iOS 8 and up, is being offered for FREE from September 13 – 26, 2015 in recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21, 2015). Tell your friends.

 

 

NEW WOMEN’S Group

11226047_10153042578306128_1169184377110265414_n

Aging Well for Women Group on Facebook

A new members-only, CLOSED, Facebook group has been started, Aging Well for Women Group. Angela’s community Facebook page, Aging Well for Women has reached millions of people and she is excited to announce a more personalized and private experience for women. Request to join!

For more information: www.AngelaGGentile.com

 

Are Social Work Counselling Therapy Services Covered?

2 Comments

contract-reimburse1-266x300ato-tax-refund

Angela G. Gentile, MSW RSW

“Are your services covered?”

I get this question asked many times. If you are in Manitoba and would like to claim the expenses for my Social Work services, please take note of the following options:

1. Group Health Insurance Plans (Check to see if your plan covers “Social Worker”)

  • Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan has included social work coverage since 2014. You pay me for the service, then I give you a receipt which will include my name, credentials, and my social worker registration number. You submit to Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan for reimbursement (Johnston Group). 
  • Empire Life – I am a registered provider
  • Great West Life may provide some coverage for the services of a social worker. See Comprehensive Healthcare Plans.
  • Green Shield Canada (GSC) – I am a registered provider
  • Manitoba Blue Cross – I am a registered provider. Check out the Counselling Services information for EAP and IAP. The website states, “Counselling services are available to those who have Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Individual Assistance Program (IAP) coverage with Manitoba Blue Cross. If you are unsure of your coverage, visit your mybluecross online account to confirm.”
  • Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) – I am a registered provider. This service is covered under the “Fatality Claims – Grief Counselling” provision.
  • Manulife – Some plans cover social workers, so check your plan. If your plan does include social worker, then you pay for the service, get a receipt with the social worker’s name, credentials, and registration number and submit to Manulife for reimbursement.
  • Sun Life Financial Health Insurance and coverage – I am registered with the Sun Life Lumino Health Network
  • SSQ Insurance – I am a registered provider

2. Indigenous Services Canada – First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Mental Health Counselling Services

  • First Nations Inuit Health Branch – Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB) Mental Health Counselling Services and the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Programs (IRS RHSP) – I am a registered to provide services (free of charge) to those who qualify. This therapy is provided by funding through Indigenous Services Canada.

3. Manitoba Government Employees Health Spending Account

If you have a Health Spending Account through Manitoba Blue Cross, please see the following from the government website:

“A Health Spending Account can be easily compared to a bank account. The Province
of Manitoba deposits a pre-determined amount of benefit dollars into your account.
These benefit dollars can be used to top-off existing benefit maximums, or to pay for
any medical expenses you incur which meet the requirements for the medical expense
credit as defined by Canada Revenue Agency, for anyone for whom you claim a tax
deduction in accordance with the Income Tax Act (Canada).”

4. Medical Expenses on Income Tax Through Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA)

You may be able to claim the therapy on the CRA Income Tax Form, Line 330 – Medical Expenses for Self, Spouse or Common-Law Partner, and your Dependent Children.  Social workers are on their list of approved qualified medical practitioners for almost all provinces.

Therapy is listed as an eligible medical expense by the CRA. The following is from their website:

“Therapy – the salary and wages paid for the therapy given to a person who is eligible for the disability tax credit (DTC). The person giving the therapy must not be your spouse or common-law partner and must be 18 years of age or older when the amounts are paid.

The therapy has to be prescribed and supervised by one of the following practitioners:

  • a psychologist, a medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner (for expenses incurred after September 7, 2017) for a mental impairment
  • an occupational therapist, a medical doctor, or a nurse practitioner (for expenses incurred after September 7, 2017) for a physical impairment

For more information about the DTC, see Guide RC4064, Disability-Related Information.”

Contact Numbers:

Canada Revenue Agency (for Manitoba): 1-800-267-6999.

Manitoba Blue Cross:  (204) 775-0151

Clarify your eligibility for coverage prior to our first session. If you need any help finding out if you have coverage, please let me know.

References:

Manitoba Blue Cross Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.mb.bluecross.ca/faq

Medical Expenses (2020), Canada Revenue Agency

Social Work Services and Third Party Payments – Canadian Association of Social Workers

How to Boost Your Energy

Leave a comment

iStock_000007339043Large DENTES

Photo credit: iStock_000007339043Large DENTES

 

I have been putting a lot of thought into Life Coaching concepts and I’d like to share my beliefs on the root cause of many peoples’ problems when it comes to feeling depleted or drained.

I often use analogies or metaphors in my work, so here is my take on how we can understand why so many of us say we are “tired” or “have no energy” and what we can do about it.

There are three main concepts when it comes to personal energy:

1. Eliminate the clog

If you have clogged arteries, the blood doesn’t flow. The same is true for clogged drains or pipes. When the blood doesn’t flow or the water doesn’t drain, we may end up with some major catastrophe. Sometimes we need to unclog the pipes. If there is too much accumulation of debris (unwanted waste), we will end up with a blockage. If we imagine that debris is our emotional stress, physical clutter, or other unwanted things we want out of our life, this is what can block our energy flow.

  • Make a list of these unwanted items/situations. Work on eliminating one item at a time to help unclog the energy flow. It’s not easy and sometimes it takes another person to help us with this. This will help the energy flow better.

2. Close the drains and fix the leaks

Imagine trying to fill up a sink with water. In my bathroom, I have one of those stubborn metal levers that you pull on to close the drain. If the drain doesn’t close properly, down the sink goes the water. I try to fill the sink with water as it’s going down the drain. Or imagine you have a big pool, and it springs a leak. You have to keep adding water to the pool until you get the leak fixed.  This is an analogy to trying to boost yourself up with positive and helpful energy, and as fast as you are adding it to your energy pool, it’s going down the drain or leaking out. It’s important to get those stoppers and leaks fixed so that you can reserve that precious energy for when you really need it.

  • Reflect on what your energy drains are. Fix them or eliminate them altogether. When these drains are corrected, the energy you have will be allocated in a positive direction.

3. Keep the positive energy flowing and utilized in the most efficient way possible

I know for myself, I get a boost of mental and physical energy when I exercise. It gets my blood pumping and keeps the positive energy flowing. I have better energy flow when I feel happy, when I am productive and when I have exciting plans (travel, projects, etc.). I feel energized after a great nights’ sleep. Plus, I feel more energy after drinking one of my favourite caffeinated beverages. 🙂

  • Explore where your supply of positive energy comes from. Make sure you get a sufficient dose on a regular basis so that you have enough energy to handle whatever may come your way. Life isn’t always easy, so we need lots of energy in storage to handle those difficult times. This will ensure we have the energy to “get back up again.”

Please share your experiences and thoughts on the subject of energy drains and energy boosts.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW RSW, Specialist in Aging
www.AngelaGGentile.com